As opposed to a cool mist humidifier, a warm mist humidifier uses heated water to provide humidity. It is also sometimes used to dispense medications into the air. A warm mist humidifier is more soothing if you have the chills. A cool mist humidifier might be preferable if you have a cold during warm months, if you don't want more heat in the room. Either will be a great benefit to help open sinuses and soothe dry skin.
A cool mist humidifier agitates the water using ultrasonic vibrations or physical force (as in an impeller type) to get some of it to enter the air and become a "cool mist" of water droplets. Therefore, any minerals or germs that are in the water will also get dispersed along with the mist, and a cool mist humidifier must be disinfected regularly to prevent germs from growing in it and spreading to your home. The minerals can form a white dust that you'll find on surfaces when using this type of humidifier. A warm mist humidifier boils the water, turning it to steam. The steam is then cooled somewhat before it comes out of the humidifier, so it's warm instead of burning hot. Warm mist humidifiers are much less likely to spread germs or minerals, because the minerals don't boil (so they stay in the water tank), and the germs are killed by the heat that boils the water.
JBP Reviews and Consumer Reviews both have an extensive list of humidifier reviews on their website. Reviews for cool mist, warm mist, and ultrasonic humidifiers can be found.
A warm mist humidifier heats up the water causing steam to rise and humidify the air. A cool mist humidifier uses a wick filter which uses either a fan to blow through the filter and blowing the water in a fine mist or a metal diaphragm which vibrates water particles into the air.
One can buy a Warm Mist humidifier in stores or online. For in stores, they can buy them at Sears or Walmart. For online, one can buy them at Amazon or eBay.
A Mist Humidifier - specifically a Holmes Warm Mist Humidifier, can be purchased from Kitchen Stores. They can also be purchased on the internet and at sites such as Amazon and Target. Amazon are doing the Holmes HM5305-UC model for just $29.99.
One could purchase a warm mist humidifier from Amazon, Mayo Clinic online shop, House Wares, Sylvane and Toys R Us. Alternatively one could purchase a warm mist humidifier from a local supermarket in the home appliances section.
A warm humidifier will warm the air and make sure it is moist. A cool humidifier just pumps through cool air that has been enriched with moisture from the internal water store.
The Bemis 4D7-800 Warm Mist Evaporative Console/Whole House Humidifier will humidify an entire 2,700 sq ft home.
The Bemis 5.2 Gallon Warm Mist Evaporative Console/Whole House Humidifier is 29 5/8" x 14 7/8" x 25 3/8" and weighs 29lbs.
Bevis humidifier filters are available for sale in Canada at various stores such as Home Depot, Home Hardware, as well as Lowe's. Each store has a selection for various humidifiers available.
Cold mist humidifiers have quite a few benefits over warm mist humidifiers. One of the best benefits would be if you have small children they won't get burned if they get too close. Another benefit would be the cost. You spend less because you are not paying for the heating element, and energy costs are less as well.