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What Is an Ultrasonic Humidifier?

What Is an Ultrasonic Humidifier?Photo From shutterstock

Originally Posted On: https://www.everlastingcomfort.net/blogs/comfy-reads/what-is-an-ultrasonic-humidifier

 

You love the idea of a humidifier, but you also want to sleep through the night.

In years past, you’d have to choose between arid indoor air or a whirring sound in your bedroom, but thankfully, these machines have evolved.

Today, even cool-mist humidifiers with built-in fans are quieter than ever before. Yet, if you’re looking for a model that’s safe, effective, and especially quiet, an ultrasonic humidifier is the way to go.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at how these devices work and why they’re our top pick in the industry. Read on to learn the details you need to know.

WHAT IS A COOL-MIST HUMIDIFIER?

An ultrasonic humidifier is a type of cool-mist humidifier.

These models work by turning water from its liquid state into water vapor. Then, they emit that vapor into the air to increase the relative humidity level in your room.

There are a few ways they can create this transformation. Let’s review three of the most common types of cool-mist humidifiers available today.

humidifier is on the table

Evaporative Cool-Mist Humidifiers

First, there are evaporative models. These are the most traditional ones on the market, as well as the loudest.

Evaporative cool-mist humidifiers use a built-in fan to draw air into the machine. Then, that air passes over a moist wick filled with water, which creates vapor. The vapor is forced out of the machine as a cool, soothing mist.

Impeller Cool-Mist Humidifiers

Impeller cool-mist humidifiers don’t use a fan, but they include a rotating disc, which can be just as noisy.

After you pour water into your machine’s reservoir, the disc turns on and begins spinning around. As it does, it “slings” the water onto a special diffuser. From there, the diffuser works to break the water into small droplets that enter the air.

Because the technology is simpler, these are often more affordable than evaporative models. Yet, they do create a mechanical noise as a result of all of the mechanical parts.

Ultrasonic Cool-Mist Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers, on the other hand, do not require the use of an integrated fan. Nor do they include a spinning disc.

Rather, these include a special plate that sits at the bottom of the machine, which is normally either metal or ceramic. When you pour water into your machine and turn it humidifier on, the plate begins to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency.

These frequencies are inaudible to humans, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t powerful. In fact, there’s an entire industry built around using ultrasonic power to dislodge dirt and debris from delicate items such as jewelry, medical equipment, and lenses!

Inside of your humidifier, the ultrasonic motion causes the water to break up into tiny droplets, which are then dispersed into the air.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING AN ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER

With so many different kinds of humidifiers on the market, why should you choose an ultrasonic one? Let’s take a look at a few of the top reasons why they’re worth the investment.

Quiet Operation

One word: quiet.

Even if you aren’t an especially light sleeper, you’ll appreciate the fact that ultrasonic humidifiers are among the quietest cool-mist humidifiers on the market today.

That means you can turn it on before bedtime and not think about it again until you wake up in the morning, feeling refreshed.

Safe for the Whole Family

Another benefit of choosing an ultrasonic humidifier, or any cool-mist model in general, is that it’s safe for your entire family to enjoy, including your pets and small children.

father watches TV on the couch, the child plays on the tablet, the dog sits nearby

This is one benefit that sets all cool-mist humidifiers apart from their warm-mist counterparts. Warm-mist humidifiers add moisture into the air using a built-in heating element that boils the water you pour inside. This makes them very dangerous to place in a nursery, child’s room, or anywhere active pets might roam.

Not only does the water inside of the machine pose a burn risk if it’s toppled over, but if anyone lies too close to the humidifier while it’s on, the emitted steam could also cause a burn.

Though there are some warm-mist ultrasonic humidifiers available, most are cool-mist only. This means they’re not only quiet to operate, but they’re safe, too.

Better Air, Better Health

Ideally, the air inside of your home should measure at a relative humidity level of 30% to 60%. Yet, it doesn’t take much to make those levels dip.

When it’s cold outside, the temperature naturally drains the outdoor air of any moisture. Then, as we pump heat into our homes and use space heaters, we cause the same shift indoors.

This is where an ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier can make a major difference.

This machine delivers healthy, moist air back into your room, instantly delivering a host of health benefits. If you’re congested or dealing with seasonal allergies or asthma, a humidifier can help open your nasal passages and allow mucus to travel more easily through your sinuses.

Fights Airborne Illnesses

Studies show that bacteria and viruses thrive best in dry air. This is why the wintertime is often referred to as “flu season”!

While there is no conclusive evidence that running a humidifier can kill the germs in your air or help you keep the flu away, they do make it harder for those microorganisms to survive.

That’s why it’s smart to run a cool-mist humidifier, especially during those colder months. If you do come down with the flu or even just a common cold, this machine can help you recover quicker. You’ll breathe easier and sleep better, helping your immune system fight whatever’s ailing you.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER

Are you ready to invest in an ultrasonic humidifier? If so, it helps to know the features to look for before you begin your shopping journey. Let’s take a look at the top ones to consider.

Programmable Settings

While not a requirement, it’s helpful to find an ultrasonic humidifier that comes with programmable settings so you can customize and manage the way yours operates.

For instance, some machines will allow you to control the amount of humidity that you emit into the air. This way, you can increase the levels during the wintertime and reduce them in the balmy spring and summer months.

In addition, look for one with an automatic shut-off feature so you don’t have to worry or wonder whether yours is still running or not!

If yours doesn’t include automatic settings, it should include a manual dial that lets you adjust the mist intensity.

Filter vs. Filterless

As you shop, you’ll find that there are ultrasonic cool-mist humidifiers that include changeable filters. Then, there are those that are filterless.

Ideally, look for a filterless one. While filters are effective, they can also become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other germs if you go too long without changing them.

Filterless machines are easier and quicker to clean, and you never have to contend with changing or buying a filter. In this way, they’re also easier on the environment and can help lower your carbon footprint.

Noise Levels

As mentioned, all ultrasonic humidifiers are virtually silent while running. Still, there are some that are quieter than others.

If this is a major concern of yours, look for the specific decibel number. The lower the number, the softer the noise will be. At the same time, there might be people who can’t sleep in a totally quiet room and require at least a little background noise to drift into dreamland.

If this is you, look for an ultrasonic humidifier that runs at about 40 decibels. While it will still be audible, the noise level will still be lower than that of a normal conversation which is around 60 decibels.

Humidity Monitor

When you want to measure the humidity level in your room, you can buy a special instrument called a hygrometer from your local hardware store. Yet, these tools are best used by industry professionals who know how to use and read them.

To make the measurement process easier, look for an ultrasonic humidifier that includes a built-in humidistat, or humidity monitor. This way, you can always know where your relative humidity levels are at, and you can adjust your machine’s output accordingly.

When there’s too much moisture in your air, it can encourage mold and mildew to grow in your room. Yet, too little can exacerbate sinus and allergy issues. In addition, it can also cause your nails, hair, skin, and eyes to feel excessively dry.

Humidifiers that include a built-in humidistat will automatically turn off when the relative humidity in your home is within the ideal range.

Size of the Water Tank

You can find ultrasonic cool-mist humidifiers designed to fit almost any space in your house. They can be oversized and big enough to accommodate a living room, or compact and portable to make your bedroom or home office especially comfortable.

Depending on your needs and where you plan to use your humidifier, it’s important to pay close attention to the size of the tank. You’ll need one that’s big enough to run for hours on end without requiring constant fill-ups.

Our six-liter water tank is a little larger than the standard size, appropriate for most spaces. In fact, it can be productive in rooms up to square 500 feet. You also won’t have to worry about constantly refiling it, as it can run continuously for 50 hours!

Safety Testing

It’s important to do your due diligence when purchasing an ultrasonic humidifier. While there are many reputable brands on the market, there are lower-tier products that don’t conform to the same safety and efficiency standards as others.

One way you can distinguish between the two? Look for safety testing designations, such as the Intertek ETL certification included on ours. This symbol alone lets you know that your humidifier was tested against rigorous safety standards to ensure that it’s safe for your family.

Aromatherapy Compatibility

Want to turn your bedroom into the ultimate nighttime oasis? An ultrasonic humidifier can help! There are many that come with a built-in tray designed for dropping in essential oils.

At the end of the day, fill your reservoir with fresh water and add a few drops of your favorite oil to the tray, focusing on scents that are soothing and relaxing, such as:

  • Lavender
  • Chamomille
  • Rose
  • Geranium

As the humidifier releases water vapor into the air, these scents are mixed along with it. You can breathe them in all night long for added comfort!

In addition, these trays can also turn your humidifier into a powerful weapon against sinus blockages and congestion. Most are also built to accommodate medicinal treatments, such as vapor rubs and similar ointments.

If you’ve ever tried an at-home steam facial, you know the power of water alone to open up your sinuses. A cool-mist humidifier is the safer, more effective version of that approach, and adding a menthol solution to the tray elevates its healing power even higher.

CLEANING YOUR HUMIDIFIER

It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your ultrasonic humidifier. In general, a deep clean once a week is enough to keep yours in good condition.

You should also remember to change the water every time you use your humidifier and if possible, stick to distilled or demineralized water over tap water.

FIND THE PERFECT ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER TODAY

You don’t have to spend hours searching for the best ultrasonic humidifier on the market. We can take you straight to the source.

Our model is filterless, economical, and quiet. It also looks as good as it runs.

Recommended by doctors and patients alike for combating viruses, improving respiratory function, and fighting insomnia, it’s the go-to machine you’ve been searching for. It also comes with a two-year replacement warranty and a money-back guarantee!

Feel free to check out our full collection of home comfort products on our page. Along the way, contact us with any questions, and let’s connect.

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