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.
2010176
Yes, the two filters that are needed to run the humidifier are included with the unit. There are instructions in the manual as to how to clean the filters and get a little more use out of them.
245833
My humidifier has none of those problems, so you must have a defective unit. The only drawback I've experienced is when I fill the tank and put it back in the unit, and the bottom of the tank snags on the filter. I have to help the tank get into place past the filter, but everything works fine after that.
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.
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.
381443
Yes, unless your humidifier specically says not to add any chemicals to the water. Also, when I used the Best Air treatment, it still produced white dust.
2176708
They do suggest distilled water, but I have been using regular water and I have no problems. I have 8 humidifiers (3 different types that all use a sponge) and I have used regular tap water for a few years. The only potential problem that I can see would be if the tap water has a high mineral content.
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.
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.
2026379
I don't own this, but one of the reviews posted here says no filters are required. Thought that might help you.
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.
1288282
Reading about humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers put quite a bit of white dust into the air. You would have to have naturally very soft water. NOT water softener water. Or use distilled water. Very expensive.
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).
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.
932620
No this does not require a filter. Humidifiers without filters have an option for a filter (ball) in the reservoir/tank, but it's definitely not required for normal operation
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.
1710936
This humidifier does not have a filter. It is ultrasonic. I only use distilled water.