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.
1781448
Nope, Ive now had mine for quite a while and everything is working just fine. No filters needed.
1728220
I suspect the humidifier would run without the wick. Since it does come with one, you could experiment. Regardless of whether your water is pre-filtered, there are almost always minerals that will be left on the filter of a humidifier.
712464
Depends on you humidifier. most will say not to add anything to them unless there is a special area to add the oil to. it ruins them.
1820776
No. You only use salt with a warm air vaporizer if you have the kind of water that doesn't produce much steam on its own. You don't use salt with a cool mist humidifier, ever. I have two of these small personal cool air humidifiers and find them very useful for small rooms, or to use next to the bed while you sleep.
892915
It doesn't "purify" the air in the usual sense of processing it internally via a filter to remove impurities. It's probably marketing-speak for "humid air is good for you". All it does is produce a fine mist with all the benefits of such action. For all I know this could have some sort of a minor "purifying" effect (maybe large particles can be trapped by droplets and fall to the ground?) but if you're looking for an air purifier per se, there is probably a better choice than this.
2226473
Cool mist humidifiers are good for just increasing humidity without increasing the temperature. Warm humidifiers are good decongestants -- the warm moist air helps with this -- but they also really heat up the surrounding area and can be more dangerous because of this (I wouldn't run a warm one when nobody is home).
1803797
I put just a few drops of Clorox in the water every now and then, just to keep it bacteria free. I think you can also purchase anti-bacterial liquid, but why, when you can use Clorox? I love this humidifier and will never buy one with a filter again. Also, I have a problem picking up the bigger ones to refill them, so this size is good for those with weak hands or arms..
1522077
I use in my Vick's cool mist humidifier that is filterless. I drop in the water tank. No problem with dropping in or removing to change.Can always call the manufacturer to check too.
2059201
Not a problem. Happy to help :) I do absolutely love this humidifier tho. Must buy.
1819684
We choose the Honeywell because 1) it's dishwasher safe, 2) break resistant, 3) kills bacteria, mold and fungus, 4)two gallon tank v one gallon, and 5) no white film - even with our extremely hard water. Dishwasher safe and break resistant were important since the first humidifier we owned broke when it slipped in the sink. This one has stood up to my daughter smacking it when I'm filling the tank up. Yes, it requires a filter but I have yet to have to change it and again, no white film. Hope that helps!
2064940
Don't know - have not used this humidifier without filter. Old humidifier had no filter; put out much "white dust", so switched to humidifier with filter and it significantly reduced this problem. Currently use 2 Crane tear-drop humidifiers in 800+ square foot apartment and have no problem keeping humidity at comfortable level.
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.
1203350
Yes, it needs MD1-0002 filters. Here's a link: Vornado MD1-0002 Replacement Humidifier Wick Filters (2-Pack)Contrary to what another responder to your question said, the filters are very easy to replace. And, I've had this humidifier for about two years now and it humidifies my 520 square foot Northeastern US apartment just fine, up to at least 50% humidity.
1276284
The filters are extremely important. I bought one of these filterless ones and the calcified elements in the water spray out into the air and put a cement sludge on everything. I got a scratchy throat, my dry eye syndrome got worse, and then this sludge showed up on my TV and my furniture. Always go for the filtered humidifiers for your health.
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.