Warm Mist Humidifiers for Cold & Flu Season

A warm mist humidifier is useful when you are dealing with the symptoms of a cold or the flu. A warm mist humidifier boils the water and releases steam into the air. The steam is concentrated close to the medicine cup which you fill with camphor medicine.

Camphor is a cough suppressant that temporarily relieves your cough, making sleep much more restful and healing. Typically one tablespoonful of the solution is used for each quart of water. The medicine also increases the action of steam.

Medications which are available are the Vicks Vaposteam, Kaz Inhalant, and the Vicks Vapopads. I've only used the Vicks Vaposteam product before and have been pleased with its potency and performance. These three products will be discussed in further detail below.

With warm mist humidifiers, you have the option of using a Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant medication. Both of these medications are to be used in the machines, and not consumed by mouth. Only add these products to the medicine cup, never put them into the water.

The Vicks Vaposteam contains camphor. The Kaz Inhalant contains camphor, as well, but it also has the following ingredients: mineral oil, eucalyptus oil, menthol crystals, lavender, and others. The Vicks Vaposteam is supposed to be the most potent option of the two choices. However, you will have to use more of this product.

The Kaz Inhalant is not quite is potent but you don't have to use as much of the product. Vapopads are another option to consider if your machine has a place to use them. They are not as potent as the Vaposteam, however, they are cheaper and eliminate the mess of using liquid. (See product below).

Purchase a warm mist humidifier from a reliable source. Here are a few suggestions for your convenience. Click any of the links below to view a searchable list of warm mist humidifiers.

• Warm Mist Humidifiers on Amazon
• Warm Mist Humidifiers on WalMart
• Warm Mist Humidifiers at Best Buy

I just bought my mom one of these Vicks 1.5 Gallon Vaporizers with night-light because my kids were sick while we visited. I'm very impressed with this machine! It was only around $19, but when they are not on sale they run about $41.

The humidifier holds up to 1.5 gallons of water for an impressive 18 to 24 hour operation per filling. A medication cup is included near the steam spout which allows the use of Vicks vaposteam or Kaz inhalant. Some may also include a spot to use Vicks VapoPads, which is demonstrated in the above video.

A triple wall insulation provides that the humidifier remains at a safe temperature. There is a large night-light which enhances safety and convenience. An automatic shut-off feature is also activated when the reservoir of water reaches the minimum level. This product is good for a small room.

I've owned the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier for the longest. This unit typically runs about $49. There is an automatic shut-off which is convenient. The humidifier holds up to one gallon of water per filling and works for up to 12 hours.

This product has a quiet operation and soft glowing nightlight. There are two settings which release the steam slower (warmer) or faster (hotter). A medicine cup is included above the steam spout which allows the use of Vicks Vaposteam or Kaz Inhalant to produce a medicated vapor that sooths. This product is good for a small room.

The Enviracaire EWM-211D Slant Fin Humidifier was recommended by Good Housekeeping. The unit runs about $90. This humidifier uses a UV light to kill nearly all tap-water-bred contaminants; the area in which the unit scored highest.

In fact, the product is independently laboratory tested and proven to kill up to 99.999% of mold, bacteria, and spores. Digital controls are user friendly reaching a 50% humidity level in just over 30 minutes. However, if you're considering energy costs, this product can add up to $7 per month in your energy costs. Good for small to medium sized rooms.

The Holmes HM5305-UC Warm Mist Humidifier came in second place with Good Housekeeping. The cost of this humidifier is about $40. This product was the fastest to raise the humidity, in just 26 minutes, but also used the most electricity. In fact, this humidifier was proven to add up to $9.51 to your monthly electric bill. There are no digital controls, either.

The Holmes Warm Mist Humidifier runs up to an impressive 36 hours per filling. There is a water purification filter & no filters are required to replace. A manual humidistat is available and a microban antimicrobial protection feature. Great for medium-sized rooms.

Another product that we use in conjunction with our warm mist humidifier is the Vicks Vaporub which is an effective cough suppressant for topical use. In my house, we rub this medicine on our chest and back area where the lungs are located.

I also put this on our neck and then under the nose to help clear up congestion. Then, I warm up a towel, either dry or moist, and rap the chest or neck. If you have a sore throat, this treatment is particularly helpful for soothing symptoms, as well.

You may also enjoy reading some of these hubs on this subject:

• Humidifier vs. Vaporizer

Melinda Longoria, MSM writes product buying guides and reviews on Hubpages. She also operates a successful Facebook fanpage where pregnant moms connect, Maternity Clothes Online, which has over 940 followers. She is also a mommy to three little cuties. Please feel free to post your comments and questions about this article in the below comment box.

Do you have a good or bad experience to share with a warm mist humidifier? Can you recommend a warm mist humidifier for our readers? Which medicine do you prefer to use in your warm mist humidifier? (Vicks VapoSteam or Kaz Inhalant?)