No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these, without filters, safe?I would love to be able to forget all about filters... No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these,... » Read More No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these, without filters, safe?I would love to be able to forget all about filters... « Show Less
382837
Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered water. Knock on wood, that has kept it running for many winters! Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered... » Read More Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered water. Knock on wood, that has kept it running for many winters! « Show Less
382838
You can buy a filter for it, but it is not required to make it work. I use distilled water in mine and there is no danger.
1124923
I have had my humidifier for three years now and have never had a problem. I think if it were mine I would clean it very,very well with bleach then use water conditioner they sell for them I use the little blue ball and water conditioner both.
878396
It does not require filters. It does have a cloth piece that is used to collect hard water minerals, but we don't use that either. Weekly we soak the part that collects the mineral deposits in vinegar to remove the calcium. This is our second one of these humidifiers. The first one lasted ~3 years & we live in New Mexico where it is very dry and the humidifier was used many, many months of the year.
2087448
My initial reaction would be to say no. It's really about keeping the insides of your humidifier clean and muck-free. It significantly reduced the amount of slime that accumulates in the water laden areas of the machine. It will also extend the practical use of the wick filter, but dust I is a different matter.
925149
I have the green one and it does have a filter. thought the price reasonable. I do have a complaint. Most of the time not a lot of mist comes out even on High. Only occasionally does it actually look like a High amount of mist is coming out. It hasn't really helped the dryness so unsure if it's working properly. This doesn't really address your question but thought you'd like to know.
266956
Hi, there actually is a small removable/washable filter (Bio Silver Stone) inside the unit. I've been very happy with this humidifier.
2180928
Great Question :) Actually that is the strength of this model. It does not use a filter. In our home we have used the humidifiers with filters and they always end up molding. Then you are running it in your child's room with mold in the air (not good). We use the one instead and my wife got rid of the other models with filters because of that. She loves it :) So it is very popular and does not use a filter. My kids like it so much they even used it as a fog machine on Halloween. As the seller of this item I have to say thats not its intended use though :) Let us know if you have any other questions :) Thanks Dustin GreatVacs (Seller)
872059
No filter is required -- just fill up a bottle of water and attach it to the humidifier. I have used it three times so far and it seems to really help my hotel room stays.
1956324
This filter is PREVENTATIVE only. It can't do anything for mineral build-up that is already on your humidifier (use vinegar and soak it, then scrub at it with an old toothbrush). But it does a great job of preventing further build-up. I have VERY hard water and everything gets crusted over if water sits in it. These filters keep my humidifier from calcification. You do still have to do periodic cleaning, changing out water, etc., just as you would if you didn't have the filter. And if you have very soft water, you probably don't need one of these. Another option is to just use distilled water in your humidifier, and then you wouldn't need a filter, either. I have used a Crane humidifier without a filter, and I found that with my hard water, I had to scrub it with vinegar weekly.
696563
I wouldn't want to tell you to do that since most humidifier manufacturers suggest you don't put oils of ANY kind in them. You may want to read the booklet/instruction manual that came with your particular humidifier to find out if it is safe or not per that manufacturer. Also, since these are not ESSENTIAL oils just FRAGRANCE oils there is no therapeutic benefit to reap from putting them in your humidifier, but I'm sure they would release pleasant scent just the same. I hope I've been of some help.
1781448
Nope, Ive now had mine for quite a while and everything is working just fine. No filters needed.
279441
I only use my humidifier in the winter months because of my high efficiency wood burning fireplace. The humidifier reduces the dust and puts moisture back into the air. Replacing the filter each winter is enough for me. Flip the filter every couple of weeks to keep each end of the filter wet or else it will fall apart. The filter doesn't wick completely and the dryness on one end causes problems.
309958
There is no filter needed on this, and one of the original reason why I pick this model. However, buyer beware. The seller shipped us used and open item, and pass it of as new! Then the humidifier stop working less than 6 months of use! After a long time working with Bionaire, they came thru with warranty
2112315
Yes...and most other humidifiers do not. So they can do damage, especially the ones that use warm-mist and don't turn off their heaters!
384625
Master plumber came and installed my humidifier. I asked him the same question you have for me. He said that you will go through a few more filters a year, but not substantial. He also said that that is a good thing because the dirt the filter is catching would be in your house otherwise. The reason is now that you have a higher humidity % in your house the dirt sticks better to the filter and is cleaning your household air better. I agree after one day. The air just breathes clean. Hope this helps and I am satisfied with my unit.
1904961
Yes, it works without the cartridge, but I did notice that there was more mineral "dust" than with the cartridge. I use my Vornado 24/7 and as of today, am still using the same mineral cartridge after a bit over a month. I did order replacements, but am going to hold off on using them until I notice the mineral "dust" again. Then I think its time for a new cartridge. Hoping to get about 6 weeks out of a cartridge. Definitely the best humidifier I have used.
1315760
There is no filter in SU-2020 Humidifier. The one that has a filter is SU-4010 or SU-4010G. Thanks.