Showing posts with label asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asthma. Show all posts

5/08/2012

Lasko? Natural Cascade Humidifier Review

Lasko? Natural Cascade Humidifier
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I have had several Holmes humidifiers and Lasko humidifiers since getting rid of the last of the old permanent console Sears belt humidifiers that clogged and put mineral dust into the air.

The Laskos just run and run season after season (clean them out at the end of each season) and replace the paper cascade with a metal Honeywell cascade once and forget it.Do not attempt to clean the aluminum cascade (or just replace the polymer cascades every year - they're really not filters, per se).

BTW - You cannot fill these in the sink, they are too tall; you must use the faucet in the bath tub or shower.The flow there is much faster and you can fill it up faster there, anyway!

I used to be able to get both Lasko and Holmes at Wal-Mart, but they seem to only carry the Holmes now.That does increase filter/wick sales since you are supposed to (and HAVE TO because they no longer wick water properly with mineral build up) replace that every month on the Holmes units.

On the other hand I pitched one Holmes whose wick clogged in 1 month and am keeping another in the bedroom as a back-up to the primary living room Lasko when it cannot maintain proper humidity during the coldest weather.The wicks constantly clog with minerals and quit working and the water valves on the containers never seem to open properly. (I have now re-engineered the valve openers so they always work, but why should the customer have to do this?)

I am tired of replacing Holmes filters or having the unit fail to operateand metal Honeywell filters will not "wick" water to keep this type working.I have even added spacers to solve the Holmes valve failure problem, but they have to be centered perfectly or the valves cock to the side and still fail to open!

Winter 2008 ADDENDUM:
After 4 years of operation I finally had to replace the metal cascade.
We also have noticed that these units do a pretty good job of cleaning the dust and cat hair out of the air (we have 3 cats).It does this in two ways, first, the filter catches most of the cat hair and can be backflushed every 2-3 months, secondly, the dust gets knocked down with the waterfall cascade and collected in the bottom of the container where there is a foam filter to prevent these particles from being recycled back to the pump.Wash out the bottom every couple of months and you have a pretty good air filter.
NOTE,: As an engineer, I modified the distribution tray on mine with larger holes so more water goes through the cascade and less is dumped over the overflow dam.Also put an orifice in the visual flow indicator to divert more back to the distribution tray.

ADDENDUM #2:Just had the motor die on another humidifier and just purchased a Lasko 1120.Small, compact, unobtrusive in the living room, lowest initial price and just RUN forever!This may be my last humidifier I'll ever have to purchase!

Winter 2009/10 ADDENDUM: The motor finally died in my last Lasko unit.I removed the dead motor/pump and installed an aquarium pump for the waterfall and a small fan from Rite-Aid Pharmacy, that fits perfectly into the cone and it is running like a champ.
Our humidity is running around 45% at 10 to 20 degrees and we can breathe again without waking up with a sore throat, dry eyes and dried out nose in the AM!!Lasko? Natural Cascade Humidifier

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Product Description:
You won't dry out with the Lasko Natural Cascade Humidifier. SAVE BIG BUCKS! Forced air heating can leave you a little dehydrated. Lasko's Natural Cascade technology produces cool, unseen moisture through a constantly flowing stream of water. Whisper quiet and very clean, without the algae and mold build-up found in standing water systems. Reduce static electricity, keep your pets and plants hydrated and relieve dry and itchy skin, as well as the effects of allergies. Add comfort to your home heating: Constantly moving, high-output water pumping system; Treated, self-cleaning filter lasts the entire season; Adjustable power and humidity settings; Powerful system humidifies up to 1,800 sq. ft.! 120V, UL-listed. Measures 15 3/4 x 11 7/8 x 15" h. Weighs 9 lbs., 10 ozs. Don't wait! Order Today! Lasko Natural Cascade Humidifier

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3/28/2012

Kaz ReliOn Cool Mist Humidifier Help reduce that dry feeling when you work. Keep that moisture in the air. Review

Kaz ReliOn Cool Mist Humidifier Help reduce that dry feeling when you work. Keep that moisture in the air.
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I have owned this humidifier for a little less than a month and have yet to encounter any of the problems of my fellow reviewers.My unit does not leak unless I place it on an uneven surface (which I do not) and it is very quiet.I feel much more comfortable during the day and sleep very well at night.I am extremely satisfied with this unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kaz ReliOn Cool Mist Humidifier Help reduce that dry feeling when you work. Keep that moisture in the air.

Product Description:
HOW DOES IT WORK? Dry air is pulled through the system and a quiet fan blows out invisible, moisture-balanced air. Unwanted minerals and bacteria from the water are trapped inside the filter. When the unit is running you will not see or feel a mist. You will know your humidifier is putting moisture into the air as you watch the water level in your tank decrease throughout the day.

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3/25/2012

Bionaire BCM645-U Digital Cool Mist Humidifier Review

Bionaire BCM645-U Digital Cool Mist Humidifier
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Low ambient humidity (below 30%) is both uncomfortable and unhealthy - it dries out my sinuses, gives me a dry cough, make me more prone to respiratory infections, and it also gives me dermatitis & dander in my beard and scalp (which further exacerbates my cough). For that reason, I prefer to humidify my bedroom in wintertime. Why wintertime and not year round ? Because when the temperature outside drops, it's ability to hold moisture decreases very significantly. Anyway, for optimum comfort, I try to prevent my bedroom's humidity from dropping below 40% ... better still, 45%.

I recently purchased a BCM645.

PROs:

* Digital Hygrometer/Humidistat: This unit has a convenient and easy to read digital LCD display connected to a built-in hygrometer (to detect ambient humidity level), and a hydrostat (that allows you to set a desired minimum humidity for the unit to maintain ... sort of like a dehumidifier only in reverse). The fan can be set to low med or high on manual, or low med or high on automatic; and the target humidity can be set in increments of 1%.

* Humidification Method: This uses the wick (essentially a big filter sponge) + fan method, rather than a mister. The former is superior to the latter, because misters don't fully disperse their water into the air - which can cause the floor below it to become damp (and eventually damaged by) settling/condensing mist.

* Quiet: The fan on this is surprisingly quiet.

* Footprint: It's vertical tower design gives this unit a small footprint. CONS:

* WICKS WITH SHORT LIFESPAN: My model has 2 disposeable wicks. In my case, my first pair has only been in use for less than 2 weeks, and they're already working far less well and are signaling "change", and because they're fragile they can only be partially rinsed - they need to be replaced. Supposedly, the 657 has "permanent" wicks which are sturdier and can be reused more times ... I'll look into whether or not my 645 can use the 657's wicks, otherwise it's going to be a big headache and expense constantly replacing them.

* AWKWARD REFILLING: In order to refill the 1.3 gal tank, you must lift the tank out, carry it to a sink, hold it upside down, unscrew the refill/dispensing port, and hold it at an angle under a faucet until it's full ... then you have to clutch it against your chest with one hand while you use the other to turn off the faucet and reapply the fill cap - and no, it cant stand upside down on it's own, you MUST hold it during refilling, or it'll fall over and break. IMO, this is needlessly awkward, and if your sink lacks a deep basin equipped with a high-top faucet, you have to clutch the thing to your chest with one arm while ladling in water with the other. Two very simple design improvements would solve this problem: (1) recess the dispensing port (located on the bottom of the tank), so that when the tank is lifted out of the base, it can be stood upright on a counter without opening the dispenser valve on the bottom - that'd allow hands-free refilling; obviously the number (2) improvement would then be to relocate the refill port from the bottom of the unit to the top. With both improvements, you could then carry the tank to a sink, put it down where ever's convenient, and refill it ... no need to cradle it like a baby, or lift/support anything heavy. Doing that would also enable the manufacturer to increase the tank capacity (and runtime) and improve ergonomics (especially for older users, children, and amputees) at the same time.

* LACKS A TANK EMPTY SENSOR. Because this model lacks a tank-empty sensor, and because the hydrostat only cycles off the unit when the desired humidity level is reached, this unit FAILS to shut off if the tank runs out when the ambient humidity is below the set point. That's poor design and a waste of power. The manufacturer needs to add a tank empty sensor, and integrate it with the humidistat.

* CAPACITY: The manufacturer overstates this unit's capacity, claiming it can handle a 700sq foot room. It works well in small and mid-sized rooms, but to be realistic, you'd need 2-3 of these units to handle 700 sq feet on a really dry day. Also, 1.3 gals sounds like a lot, but on a really dry day (humidity% in the low/mid 20's), it'll exhaust that in under 10 hours, and because humid air sinks and dry air rises, you'd better keep the door of the room closed or it'll struggle to humidify the entire floor of your house, rather than just the one room you put it in.

* SPEED: This unit would benefit from a slightly larger wick, because on a really dry day, even in a 250 sq ft room, it has trouble maintaining 40% if the door is even a little bit ajar, or if the room is slightly drafty. Having a larger wick would also help to reduce the frequency it must be cleaned. I'm not looking forward to having to dismantle this unit weekly (to clean the wick and chamber), much less daily (as the manual suggests).

* Lacks UV: It'd be nice if the unit had a small UV bulb to kill bacteria in its evaporation reservoir.

Bottom line:Not recommended.I like the digital readout and controls, but this unit has too many ergonomic problems to recommend it - definitely look for the models that list reusable wick/filters. I got the wrong one ... don't make the same mistake.

----------------
TIPS REGARDING WICKS:

* PRICE This unit uses 2 sponge/wicks.The BWF-100 and HWF-100 are identical and interchangeble - when buying replacements, grab whichever brand is cheaper.I've seen prices for a 3pack (3 pairs of wicks) range from $5 to $16.

* RINSING:These wicks are rather fragile - resist the urge to wring them out when rinsing them, or you'll damage them.Instead, fill a sink with body-temperature water, let them soak for 5-10 mins (to let the deposits soften & par-dissolve), then gently press them flat (while submerged) 2-3 times.Then drain them (dont wring them) and reinstall.That should extend their performance by a few more days.Each subsequent rinse will yeild only half the benefit though.Evdentually, as the weave loses integrity, and deposits build, they'll just stop wicking and only get wet at the bottom, and they'll stay dry, shriveled and discolored up top.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bionaire BCM645-U Digital Cool Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
Digital Cool Mist Humidifier * Four Comfort Settings * Dishwasher Safe Tray * Arm & Hammer Enhanced Filter * Runs Up to 36 Hours on One Tank Full

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3/10/2012

Multitec Ion Air Purifier Review

Multitec Ion Air Purifier
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Bought three of these based on reviews from their own website. Should have known better. My air conditioner filters more particulate. The filter intake barely could hold a tissue in place, so you can tell there is really not much volume passing through. The fans are not strong enough to pull air through the filter. The filter medium is just too thick and air does not easily pass through. The ozone feature deoderizes, but I wanted air purification. We noticed no difference in air quality. Go with a better known brand like the Hamilton Beach. To the reviewer who suggested the filter cover may not have been removed - the perforated cover was removed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Multitec Ion Air Purifier

Product Description:
MultiTec Ion Air Purifier. 6 tech (Ionizer HEPA Germacial UV activated carbon filter anti-bacterial pre-filter ozone option. Covers up to 500 sq ft.

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3/08/2012

Air-O-Swiss 32838 Ultrasonic Humidifier Review

Air-O-Swiss 32838 Ultrasonic Humidifier
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I've owned this humidifier for a couple of months now.The features that I like best about it are: it regulates the ambient humidity (i.e. the unit has a humidity sensor for the room) when it reaches the desired level it automatically stops the mist; also it gives you an indication when the unit needs to be cleaned (pretty simple process); and most important the unit stops when there's not enough water (again a little indicator flashes for your attention) - furthermore, the unit is very well designed and has a very contemporary look - highly recommended!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Air-O-Swiss 32838 Ultrasonic Humidifier

Product Description:
This efficient Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonichumidifiier uses several cutting edge technologies to achieve an optimum quality of environmental control. High-frequency vibrations generate a micro-fine mist, while an Intelligent Temperature Compensation system (ICS) measures humidity relative to the room temperature and automatically adjusts the output to achieve an optimum balance dynamically as conditions change. The water is kept clean with three separate processes that make up the Microbial Protection System: ultrasonic technology, pre-heating, and Ionic Silver Stick. The latter makes use of the proven anti-microbial qualities of Silver, which has proven effective against more than 650 types of bacteria without any chemical additives. When operated with the pre-heating function, the water is heated to 176?

3/07/2012

Crane Thomas the Train Cool Mist Humidifier Review

Crane Thomas the Train Cool Mist Humidifier
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I am getting ready to throw away my child's 2nd Thomas the Tank Humidifier in 4 months.There is a small piece of plastic in the tank that covers the night light on the base that has broken on both of the units.Without this little piece of plastic, the water will not stay in the tank and pours out EVERYWHERE! It is a very cute concept and very appealing to children, but it is just not sturdy enough.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crane Thomas the Train Cool Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
This adorable Crane Cool Mist Humidifier provides additional comfort to cold symptoms, dry itchy skin, and chapped lips. The whisper quiet humidifier won't disturb sleep and operates on a low power consumption providing min. of 11 hours of moisture from a removable 1 gal water tank. Includes an auto shut off safety feature when water tank is empty. Operates with cold tap water and produces cold mist instantaneously. The mist output can be regulated with the control button located at the front. Child-friendly humidifier with Whisper quiet cool mist operation and Auto-off function when water tank is empty. Supports easy breathing and refreshing relief from year round heating and cooling. Has Removable water tank for easy carrying and filling and includes Variable humidity output regulator, Low power consumption, Tank capacity: 1 gallon (3.78 liters). Up to 11 hours running time per tank filling with 2.2-gallon moisture output per day. A demineralization filter cartridge is available in case of hard tap water (not included).

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3/06/2012

Honeywell Vicks V4202 1.2-Gallon Cool-Mist Humidifier Review

Honeywell Vicks V4202 1.2-Gallon Cool-Mist Humidifier
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Despite reading all the negative reviews about this product, I registered for it anyway and I am so happy that I did!This is one of the most used gifts that I received after having my son.I use it every night in the nursery.My son has eczema and his doctor recommended I use a cool mist humidifier in his room at night to keep the air moist.I keep a towel under it and have had no problem with dampness.My husband and I have decided to purchase this same humidifier for another room in our home.......

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell Vicks V4202 1.2-Gallon Cool-Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
1.2 Gal Cool-Mist Humidifier Keep proper humidity levels in the nursery with the Vicks CoolMist Humidifier. It uses an air-cleaning filter that removes dust and pollen from the air. An exclusive water fill channel easily allows refilling without removing the cover.

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2/29/2012

Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier Review

Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier
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Humidifier

As I write this there have been numerous reviews of this product.Some of them very glowing and some of them quite negative. I will try to avoid either extreme and focus on some things I haven't seen reviewed yet.

*SIZE:When I opened the box I was truly surprised. In the photos this looks to be the size of a table radio.Wrong! It is easily twice the size and not easily placed on most night stands.

*SOUNDS:As claimed, the unit is virtually quiet in operation.

*VISUAL: Nice very heavy-grade plastic construction, nice packaging. Most drug-store humidifiers are very thin all plastic, this unit feels well built and solid.Cool retro look to it.

*CONTROLS:Everything you would want or need, EXCEPT for one.Read on for details.

*USER MANUAL:Pretty basic. Misses a lot of important details, like what is that center column and do you remove it to fill the tank, because it seems to want to be removable for some reason. And the chrome thing at the top ... is it supposed to rotate to direct the mist in different directions?Wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturer told us it was okay to do that?

*MISTING:After all, that's what you buy a unit like this for.Well, it's true that some very cheap units can put out a stronger mist, but remember this is an ultrasonic unit, which has numerous benefits (like no wicking filter). The mist can be adjusted from "just barely there" to a heavy mist that honestly scared me every time I entered the room that I was seeing smoke from a fire.

*EFFICIENCY:I filled the tank and had it on the entire first night.In the morning it looked like the tank was empty and I thought that's just about what I would expect. However, looking at the tank again I realized that the water level had only gone down slightly.It turns out the tank is so large that I have only had to fill it a couple of times a week. I consider that excellent.

*GOOD THINGS:I have had several humidifiers and was disgusted by the mold and mildew that grew on the wicking filter. This is healthy?Ultrasonic humidifiers work a different way and tend to be cleaner.This unit takes that one step beyond and I have confidence I am breathing air that is as clean as possible out of a humidifier, especially if I clean it out occasionally.

*BAD THINGS:The evil BEEP sound every time you push a button!If you have a sleeping partner they will NOT sleep for long if you need to make any adjustments.That goes for people trying to sleep anywhere in your house. The beep volume should be 2% of what it is.Since the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to include a mode that turns the disco lights off if you prefer while sleeping, they should have included a switch to turn off the beep. This is not unique to this product, several Chinese-made consumer electronics products ranging from toasters to food steamers to clothes irons have a beeper that all seem to made by one diabolical company who also makes industrial smoke alarm beepers.The volume and tone are unnecessarily loud.This humidifier doesn't even need to beep at you in the privacy of your bedroom, the status lights are enough.

*EASE OF OPERATION:Why does EVERY humidifier have to have a tank that you remove, turn upside down, and try to fill under a faucet?What is wrong with a fixed tank and a cap like the gas cap on your car that you twist off and use a pitcher to fill? There would be far less chance of leakage, and it would be much easier to fill. Kudos to the manufacturer on this one in that the tank is made of heavy-duty plastic with a strong, secure carrying handle.But once you get it to the sink, that carrying handle makes it impossible to hold or lay flat, so you somehow have to try to balance the entire tank while filling it, without dropping it as it gets increasingly heavier. Then there is that flimsy spring valve that every humidifier seems to have.There just has to be a better way.The good news is that mine hasn't dripped more than a few tiny drops and is totally drip-free in operation.

*DOES IT WORK?After a few nights running it at a medium speed with the bedroom door closed, I find I wake up with less of a dry throat and breathing easier.I feel more rested as well. I live in one of the driest places in the country and I think this is a very effective humidifier.I am considering buying another for the office where I spend much of my day.

SUMMARY:WAY larger than it looks. Excellent cold and warm misting.Extensive controls.Premium construction.Large water tank.Cool, retro styling, doesn't look like a medical device. Virtually silent operation.Sketchy instruction manual. Insanely loud function beeps when buttons are pushed. Could be easier to fill.

RATING:Having researched humidifiers extensively I rate this as a solid 4. What kept it from a 5 is primarily price ... this is at the stratosphere of the market and, while you get more value that the cheap drugstore units, no humidifier should cost over a hundred. I also feel it is necessary to deduct a point to give the message to the manufacturer that the loud confirmation beeps are not necessary and they are really annoying.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier

Product Description:
The Germ Guardian Humidifier uses nano-silver technology to prevent microbial growth within the unit, stopping mold growth for a healthier breathing enviroment. The ultrasonic technology with option for warm or cold humidification set this humidifier above the rest. Warm humidification maintains an 80 degree temperature to kill low-temperature bacteria. This unit offers you a low water indicator that lets you know when it's time to refill the container, a variable spray function allows you to adjust the volume of spray output. The quiet operation makes this a great humidifier for any room.

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2/28/2012

AIR-O-SWISS 7133 Humidifier Review

AIR-O-SWISS 7133 Humidifier
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I had been pricing and comparing the substantial number of humidifiers on the market and I am glad I settled on the Air-O-Swiss. Despite its higher price, I am quite satisfied with its functions, control, design and specifically, its quiet operation. I was looking to pay between $70-150 for a quiet, low-maintenance model to add humidity to my [very dry] 10x12' bedroom. I purchased it at a local store for the same price as listed on Amazon; I am glad I was able to see [and hear] this model in operation.

There is NO sound, even at the highest setting. I'm a light sleeper and cannot fathom a bedroom appliance that even approaches a dull hum.

The visible mist generated by this model is pleasant for me and my pets.

I have been refilling each morning, as I have had the device on a high setting and running nonstop.The compartment becomes about half-empty after a full day at this setting. Refilling is a snap.

The ability to have cool and warm settings is a big plus, since the jury is still out regarding the negatives and rewards of either mode.

The system has been running clean and I am certain this will continue to be the case with a modicum of effort. The cost of the filter and the silver stick is not intimidating and the recommended three-week maintenance check is reasonable.

The design is quite fetching. Minimalist and fetching.

I have it sitting on the floor and there is no dampness on the carpet as mentioned by owners of other brands. This tells me that this model is doing a good job of propelling the mist into the air.

My roommate recently paid $29 for a smaller Holmes humidifier. The Holmes is downright deafening and I am sure she would have paid the difference for an Air-O-Swiss. Silent operation is really important.

The only possible shortcoming is the hygrometer. It is not entirely intuitive: the machine is to shut off after the desired humidity percentage is met, yet I have yet to see the model shut itself off. Turning it off manually is not a big deal.

I took a big step purchasing an air purifier, but this purchase has made a significant difference in my bedtime and bedroom comfort. I've had some winter nights with seriously labored [allergy, smoke and pet-related] breathing but I find this device has given me a little peace of mind and tangible change.

Click Here to see more reviews about: AIR-O-SWISS 7133 Humidifier

Product Description:
Coughing? Wheezing? Throat or sinuses feel irritated? During those winter months, especially when staying indoors, heated air tends to be dry and that dryness may cause upper respiratory irritations. Most household and office heating solutions have the undesirable side effect of excessively drying the available breathing air. Using a humidifier helps moisten indoor air. The AIR-O-SWISS 7133 Humidifier uses high frequency vibration to generate micro-fine mist, so that breathing does not induce discomfort due to dry nasal passages and throat. You can select the temperatures of the mist from cool to warm. Effectively relieve your dry nose, throat, lips, and skin with the ability of selecting the choice of dispersing warm or cool mist. Its sleek design has easy to use controls and a transparent removable water tank. Germs, bacteria, and minerals that may be present in water are filtered from the mist using a replaceable demineralization cartridge (1 included) and ionic silver stick (not included). Overall, this humidifier is designed for your comfort and ease-of-mind in dry environments. Help shake away those winter blues with Air-o-Swiss 7133. Demineralization cartridge should be replaced every 2-3 monthsReplacements are TON 0030129 (single demineralization cartridge) or TON 0030546 (demineralization 3-pack)

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2/27/2012

Hunter 33202 Carefree Humidifier Plus Review

Hunter 33202 Carefree Humidifier Plus
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I thought this humidifier sounded perfect--no filters, low noise, yearly cleaning.What a disappointment.It sounds like a constant running faucet and on any setting other than low, it sounds like industrial equipment.After one month, there wasslime and mildew all over the inside.I would never recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hunter 33202 Carefree Humidifier Plus

Product Description:
Equipped with a filter that never needs to be replaced, Hunter's Carefree, cool-mist humidifier means low maintenance and optimal humidity levels for happier noses, fewer colds, healthy plants, sound musical instruments, and more! The unit's easy-to-fill, tote-away tank snaps on and off for easy transport to the nearest sink. A chic design features contemporary styling and a smaller footprint that takes up less floor space. An exclusive NiteGlo night light casts a soft, blue light when it's time for lights out. And, a separate ON/OFF switch lets the night light glow even when the humidifier is off. The Carefree's exclusive PermaWick filter never needs replacement for cheaper, maintenance-free operation.Hunter included several cleaning enhancements for easy maintenance: Antimicrobial properties hinder the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi on the PermaWick filter and plastic parts. A special release valve helps eliminate mold by releasing stagnant water. The PermaWick is designed so that water flows from the top of the humidifier down; saturating the entire filter to speed up moisture output and to prevent the buildup of harmful mineral residue. Plus, a dishwasher-safe pan and tank makes cleaning effortless while rounded tank corners wipe dry quickly. To simplify the refilling process, the Carefree comes with an extra large tank opening for quick fills at the bathtub or sink. Best of all, the unit's three-speed fan ensures quiet operation while a radial blower delivers maximum moisture with minimal noise. Hunter covers this humidifier with a limited 5-year warranty.

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2/25/2012

Austin Air HEGA (Allergy Machine) Air Purifier - Black Review

Austin Air HEGA Air Purifier - Black
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I have severe chemical sensitivities. I've tried almost every filter on the market that is supposed to take fragrances, etc. out of the air, but I've found none that lives up to their promises like the ones with the carbon filters by Austin. I have this in my home and it is certainly worth every penny I spent. Any perfumes or other fragrances that enter my home are taken care of pretty efficiently by this. For my 1100 sq. ft. home I keep this one in my bedroom and the Healthmate plus (also by Austin Air) in the living room and together they really keep the air clean. In fact, I usually cannot tell if there is a skunk nearby unless I open a door or a window...and my house is certainly not air tight.

The main difference between this one and the Healthmate Plus is that the Healthmate Plus works the best on chemicals/fragrances in the air where this one is a good all purpose filter that also takes fragrances out of the air. This is why I keep it in my bedroom - I have a dust allergy and while the Healthmate Plus is certainly good at taking dust out of the air but we chose the Allergy Machine for my bedroom.

There are three settings, low, medium and high. High is pretty loud, but not an irritating sound; low isn't too loud, but it is certainly not silent. You don't hear the motor, rather it is the airflow coming out that makes the sound. It is, what I consider, a gentle "white noise" sound.

It has wheels (they don't lock) that move very well and I've never had one fall off. In fact, I find these machines very well made - not shabby - and I've had them for five years. They are made of metal and not plastic and I've never had to air one out.

If you buy this for chemical sensitivities make sure it is the one with the carbon zeolite filter. If it is missing that one (and therefore about $100 cheaper) the other filters can become contaminated with fragrances and don't air out quickly. We accidentally didn't order the right filter the first time and found out the hard way; after days of airing one out outside with the filter running on full it didn't improve. We then ordered the carbon zeolite filter and were pleased that my husband didn't have a hard time taking this apart to replace the filter; it wasn't completely easy as the filter isn't really light, but it was certainly doable.

One thing you should do is to vacuum the holes on the outside once in a while because they will start getting a little clogged up with dust after a couple years (or less if you don't vacuum or dust often).

The filter is good for four years and if you contact the manufacturer before then needing a new one (we use ours ALL the time and so needed to replace ours after three) they will, as of a few months ago at least, prorate a replacement.

Overall, I'm very pleased and would highly recommend this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Austin Air HEGA (Allergy Machine) Air Purifier - Black

Product Description:
Excellent particle as well as gas and odor filtration. Carbon cloth and HEPA particle filtration. Preferred unit for simple allergy sufferers over both the standard Healthmate and Healthmate Plus. Manufacturer rated for areas up to 1500 sq ft. (w/ castors).

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2/19/2012

Ionic Breeze HYBRID GP Air Purifier SI724 SI724 Review

Ionic Breeze HYBRID GP Air Purifier SI724 SI724
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I love this product. We recently had terrible water damage from a storm in our beautiful finished basement. We had the water vacuumed out from the carpet and cleaned up but the basement smelled like wet dirty dog - we were concerned that it was going to smell much worse as it slowly dried out. We put a dehumidifier and our 2 GPs in the basement and let them all run. After everything finally dried out (which took a week) there has been no lingering odor or mold and if you walked into the room you would not even know we had water covering the entire carpeted floor last month. We use the Ionic Breeze GPs in different rooms of the house all year and we love them - they keep the air clean and fresh and we have never had any problems with them. As an everyday user - I strongly recommend this product.

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Product Description:
The Sharper Image Hybrid GP is the world's best, most efficient high-capacity air cleaner . Worried About Allergies, Bacteria, Odors, Dust and Dirt? You Don't Have To Worry Any More!Top Features: No Filters or UV Bulb To Replace Four Quite Air Cleaning Speeds Kills Essentially All BacteriaENERGY STAR Rated Has OzoneGuard & GermicidalProtection

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1/27/2012

AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier Review

AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier
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I have one of these in my bedroom. It is extremely efficient and completely silent. It gets a bit hot on top, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. It also has a blue light - you can regulate its intensity or simply turn it off. It is a really good product.

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Product Description:
The AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifieris an effective and affordable air sterilizer for smaller spaces. Totally silent, this attractive unit will eliminate mold spores, fungi, bacteria, and viruses in any room of your home or office. With a calming blue nightlight, this air purifier would be right at home in any child?s room.

Eliminates up to 85% of airborne microorganisms. The AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier will bring a noticeable change for people suffering from asthma and allergies to pollens and pet dander. Its passive system relies on the natural airflow in the room, allowing it to run silently without a fan of any sort.

No expensive filter replacement. Because the AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier uses a unique heated ceramic core to destroy contaminants, there are no filters to buy and remember to replace. The only maintenance needed is an occasional wiping of the top lid with a moist cloth.

Chemical and ozone free. Safe for every member of your family, the AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier will create a healthier environment without affecting room temperature or humidity.

User friendly, this air purifier has only one speed, so it can be left running and unattended for weeks. Weighing under 3 pounds, the AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier is lightweight enough to be transferred around the house and used in every room. The auto shut off feature ensures that the unit will turn off should it become tilted or if it is placed too close to a wall or heat source.

The AirFree P1000 Home Air Purifier is effective for spaces up to 450 square feet. With a two year warranty, this air sterilizer is great for home and work environments.

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1/05/2012

LightAir IonFlow 50 Sky Air Purifier Review

LightAir IonFlow 50 Sky Air Purifier
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I'm returning it since I've given it a week and it has made any impact on air quality at all, in my opinion.I live in Manhattan and am on a lower floor of an apartment building.I get a lot of black residue that manages to get in even when my windows are closed -- this was always picked up by my other air cleaners.In a nutshell, it is extremely easy to see/smell/experience when an air cleaning product is working in my apartment.

Someone broke one of two air cleaners that I owned and I was getting this as a replacement. At the end of this week's run of using the LightAir IonFlow 50C, I moved my other remaining air purifier back into my room and could get results I was used to.The thing is, I need two -- one for the bedroom and one for the living room/dining room area, so I am back to searching.

Almost none of the pictures you see for this product on Amazon for this product match what it looks like; it wasn't a big deal since one of them did actually match -- the rest are pictures of another product by the same company.

Some pros:it was quite easy to set up.I had it up and going within 10 minutes -- most of that time was spent ensuring I met the placement criteria.

Cons:

again, I didn't see any effect at all.

this air cleaner has to be at least three feet from any wall, at least two feet from the ceiling and, ideally, should be even farther away from electronics (I didn't pay too much attention to this measurement since it wasn't relevant in my bedroom).

not exactly a "con," per se, more of a heads up, they mention that the electrical shock you get from touching the cleaner is extremely mild.It was really jarring for me to touch it.Not a deal-breaker, especially since I just had to unplug it to be able to touch the actual body of the appliance.

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Product Description:
With its attractive, award-winning design, this air purifier delivers ideal results for people suffering from asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems, as well as those who simply care about the air quality of their home environment. The ceiling-mounted air purifier frees up floor space--great for the home, office, school, and other indoor spaces. It effectively eliminates more than 99 percent of most airborne pollution particles (size 0.01-1.0 micron)--including dust, smoke, pollen allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungus, mold, pet dander, and more--in less than five hours. It removes the smallest particles, which cause the most severe health problems, but also larger particles (1.0-25.0 microns) at a reasonable rate.
In addition, the air purifier does not lose effect over time like with filter-based air purifiers. It can handle rooms up to 540 square feet, and it's made to be constantly turned on, thus continuously working at all times. The easy-to-maintain, economical air purifier requires no expensive filters to change. Instead, simply dismount the collector once every two weeks or when needed and wash it clean in hot water and dishwashing liquid. Other highlights include ozone-free silent operation (less than 5 dB), energy efficiency at only 7 watts per hour, and a discreet light in its transparent base, which can be switched off at any time. The air purifier measures 5 by 5 by 14 inches and carries a one-year warranty.
From the Manufacturer
LightAir IonFlow 50
LightAir IonFlow 50 delivers with an eye-catching beauty probably the healthiest air in the world. It offers an outstanding combination of efficient, silent, ozone free, energy saving, and easy to use, economical operation. Research and development shows that LightAir IonFlow 50 C-UL in continuous operation is extremely effective at eliminating the smallest airborne pollution particles (nano particles below 0.1 micron). These particles normally represent around 90 percent of all particles in the air and are considered to cause the most severe health problems. LightAir air purifier does not lose effect over time like filter based air purifiers do.
Unbeatable Advantages

Ion generator: LightAir patented technology generates more than 250,000 negative ions/cm3 on 1 meters distance per second through the three corona needles.
Collector: The positively charged aluminium collector attracts the particles and leaves the air clean. The air purifier is proven not to lose effect over time like air purifiers based on mechanical filters or electrostatic precipitation.
Stand: The handmade transparent acrylic stand elegantly positions LightAir IonFlow 50 style in any environment.
Protective guard: If you are worried that you or those around you may find the mild, harmless electric charge unpleasant, you can use the protective guard. Please note that this is not required from a safety perspective. LightAir IonFlow 50 has all required certifications according to international standards.
Decorative lights and certifications: The decorative LED lights are independent from the function. They can easily be changed and turned on or off at any time. LightAir IonFlow 50 has all required certifications according to international standards.
Effective: Research & Development shows that LightAir IonFlow 50 in continuous operation effectively removes practically all airborne pollution particles (size 0.01-1.0 micron), like from dust, smoke, pollen allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungus, mould, pet dander, and more. LightAir IonFlow 50 is extremely effective at eliminating the smallest particles (nano particles below 0.1 micron) which cause the most severe health problems. These particles represent approximately 90 percent of all particles in the air. The air purifier also removes larger particles (1.0-25.0 ?m) at a reasonable rate.
Award-winning design: An object of desire! LightAir IonFlow 50 has earned several prestigious design awards, among them the Rising Star Award at the 2004 Elle Deco International Design Awards Event, Rockefeller Center, New York, and in July 2007 a silver IDEA in the Consumer Products category in the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards. LightAir IonFlow 50 is small and moveable with clean lines, slim silhouette and transparency that offer consumers a stylish alternative to typical industrial looking air purifiers. LightAir IonFlow 50 is shaped by award-winning Swedish designer Michael Malmborg.
Easy to use, assemble, and maintain: Just plug in and let LightAir IonFlow 50 work for you around the clock every day and night. For best effect it should in fact stay turned on, working continuously all the time. Easily and quickly clean the collector in hot water and dishwashing liquid once every two weeks or when needed. No need to ever change an expensive filter or spend time on cleaning complicated filter blade systems to keep your air purifier effective. LightAir IonFlow 50 fits into any environment, is easy to use in homes, offices and public areas, hospital, medical or industrial buildings.
Economical: No expensive filters to replace. Clean the collector in hot water and dishwashing liquid when needed. Most air-cleaning devices on the market have expensive filters that should be replaced at least twice a year. On average such filters cost approximately $200. This adds up to a yearly cost of at least $400-$500.
Energy efficient: LightAir IonFlow 50 runs on only 12 volts and uses less than 7 watts per hour. This is equal to only 10 percent of a normal light bulb or less than 10 percent of most conventional air cleaners. The decorative LED lights are energy saving and have a long life cycle of 75,000 hours.
Ozone free: LightAir IonFlow 50 ozone level is not measurable and therefore considered to be equal to zero. In a third-party test of the device, the steady state ozone concentration in the test room operated with 0.5 air exchanges per hour remained below the detection limit of the measuring instrument (0.002 ppm). For reference; The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires ozone output of indoor medical devices to be no more than 0.05 ppm. EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone is a maximum 8 hour average outdoor concentration of 0.08 ppm. According to Consumer Reports, many air purifiers on the market surpass the threshold value by emitting ozone of 0.05-0.3 ppm. Learn more at www.epa.gov.
Silent: Less than 5 dB. Most other air-cleaning devices on the market are fan driven and generate between 35 dB and 80 dB, some even higher. A noise level of 63 dB can be compared to the noise of a washing machine or a lawn mower. For reference; a level of 45 dB indoors is identified as preventing activity, interference and annoyance. Only below this level of noise will permit spoken conversation and other activities such as sleeping, working and recreation.
Compact: Small and moveable. Fits into any environment.
Environmentally friendly: LightAir uses recyclable materials and complies with the RoHS directive. The RoHS directive stands for "the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment". This directive bans placing on the EU market new electrical and electronic equipment containing higher than agreed levels, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PB), or polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.
Documented Performance
LightAir Ion Flow 50 reaches high performance levels. LightAir uses its unique and patented technology. Instead of moving air through a filtration system, LightAir literally removes harmful particles from the air in a room, trapping them in a collector. When necessary the collector can be easily and rapidly removed and cleaned in hot water--no repeated, costly filter replacement. Traditional electrostatic and mechanical filter air purifiers quite often present performance based on the airflow at the highest air speed at an unacceptable noise level. The independent test from the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute was carried out in a closed test chamber with a regulated supply of smoke particles and showed the remarkable result of effectively eliminating practically all airborne particles (size 0.3-1.0 micron) in less than five hours.
Tests show that LightAir IonFlow 50 is extremely effective eliminating the smallest particles (nano particles below 0.1 micron) which cause the most severe health problems. The extraordinary performance of LightAir IonFlow 50 air purifier is mainly due to its ability to generate enormous volumes of electrons forming a corresponding quantity of negative ions. In fact it generates more than 250,000 ions per cubic centimeter measured at a distance of one meter. This is a level that probably no other ionizer has ever reached before without serious side effects and without generating any ozone. This large amount of negative ions balances out the overdose of positive ions in indoor air, a balance that is proven to be good for our health. Even more important is its capacity to distribute the negative charge throughout the room and collect particles which is directly related to the large production of negative ions.
How It Works

    Most harmful pollution generated both by indoor and outdoor sources is positively charged. The patented LightAir IonFlow technology makes our air purifier generate more than 250,000 negative ions per cm3 measured from a distance of one meter and without generating any ozone. The enormous production of ions makes it possible to effectively distribute the negative charge into all corners of a room.

    The negative ions attach to the positively charged, harmful particles in the air, such as from dust, pollen allergens, bacteria, mould, pet dander, viruses etc.

    The positively charged collector attracts the particles and leaves the air clean. The collector is proven not to lose effect over time like filter-based purifiers do. When necessary, the collector can easily be removed and cleaned in hot water.

    Larger clusters of particles fall to the floor before being trapped by the collector and will be removed by regular vacuum cleaning.


Extensive Reserach. Decades of Development.
The engineers at LightAir have been doing research on ion generators in Sweden for more than 25 years. They have developed sophisticated applications that have been used all over the world at military facilities, in the casino industry, the fruit and vegetable industry, horseracing stables, hospitals, and many more situations. During the last ten years scientists at LightAir have been focusing on research using ionization in air purification for home and office environment, which have resulted in the unique patented LightAir IonFlow Technology.
Tests conducted by the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute prove that LightAir Ion Flow 50 air purifier effectively eliminates practically all airborne pollution particles (size 0.3-1.0 ?m) in less than five hours without generating any ozone. And it does not lose effect over time. The engineers at LightAir have been doing research on ion generators in Sweden for more than 25 years. They have developed sophisticated applications that have been used all over the world at military facilities, in the casino industry, the fruit and vegetable industry, horseracing stables, hospitals and many more situations. During the last ten years scientists at LightAir have been focusing on research using ionization in air purification for home and office environment, which have resulted in the unique patented LightAir IonFlow Technology.

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1/04/2012

The First Years American Red Cross Cool Mist Humidifier Review

The First Years American Red Cross Cool Mist Humidifier
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We live outside the US in a country that is very dry almost all year round and use the humidifier with a transformer.We have had it running constantly since we received it two weeks ago.We ordered the replacement filters from LearningCurve.com and use filtered tap water.It is a simple, easy to use humidifier and I would recommend it to anyone who has a problem with dry air.We bought it mainly because we were having trouble sleeping because the air is so dry. It definitely makes a difference.

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Product Description:
The First Years American Red Cross Cool Mist Humidifier Cool mist action adds moisture to dry air promoting better health during the cool months. This small simple humidifier is ideal for nurseries with its Ultra-quiet operation and adjustable mist level. The removable easy-fill water tank features a 1.1 gallon capacity with a 20-hour duration (small- to medium-size room) before refilling. Low water level cut-off protection for added safety. Cool mist action adds moisture to dry indoor air. Remo

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KMS Slant-Fin Germ-Free GF-240 Humidifier Review

KMS Slant-Fin Germ-Free GF-240 Humidifier
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So far I really like my new Slant/Fin GF-240 1.9 Ga Germ-Free Cool Mist Evaporative Humidifier.The features I like best about it are the large capacity water tank, the ease of filling the tank, the use of tap water without getting mineral deposits and white dust, and its quietness on low fan.This humidifier is much better than the last two I owned.The first was a cool mist machine that sprayed fine droplets of water all over the room.The other was a hot mist machine that clogged up with minerals in the water and had to be cleaned with Lime Away about once per week.Needless to say, we have very hard water, but I have had no problems using it in my new Slant/Fin GF-320 humidifier.

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Product Description:
Keeping air humidified, especially in winter months, helps keep respiratory systems adequately hydrated to prevent colds and other discomfort. How are we certain that the water we're using is free of any pathogenic microbes? Slant Fin GF-240 1.9 Gallon Germ-Free Cool Mist Evaporative Humidifier uses UltraViolet (UV) rays to help eliminate those potentially harmful germs.
Ultraviolet light (UV) is an invisible wavelength of the light we receive from the sun. The frequency of this light irritates and destroys pathogenic and infectious microbes. UV is used to sterilize medical equipment. Humidification is therapeutic in dry areas because its helps keep breathing passages moist enough to prevent bacteria and viruses from infecting them. Yet water can have naturally occurring microbes as well. The Slant Fin GF-240 cool mist humidifier uses UV to eliminate harmful microbes from entering the air as mist. UV is the most effective way to sterilize the water without any harmful odors or chemical agents. So breathe deeply, safely, and sound when you use the Slant Fin GF-240 Humidifier to humidify the air in your room. It takes health to a higher level of performance. It's safer for allergy and asthma sufferers (please contact physician prior to use).
The Slant Fin GF-240 is room humidification that's safe, simple, sanitary, and silent. No white dust -minerals do not enter room air that you breathe or settle on surfacesPortable and attractive design for any room decor Convenient EZ Handle, EZ fill built-in on lift-out tankRefill indicator lightReplacement UV bulb indicator light1.9 Gallon capacityRuns 24 hours on one refillFar more effective than ordinary evaporative humidifiers that do not kill all bacteria, molds, and particularly sporesAdjustable humidity output settings Runs up to 24 hours at low speed on one full tank There's no white dust so minerals won't enter the room air t

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1/03/2012

Austin HM-200 HealthMate Junior HEPA Air Purifier Review

Austin HM-200 HealthMate Junior HEPA Air Purifier
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I placed the filter in my living room. It does a fabulous job cleaning and circulating the air. I breathe better and dust less. It is everything the marketing information says it is. I recommend this product to anyone who seeks better quality air in their home or office.

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Product Description:
Breathe easy as you clean your home of VOC's, gases, odors and fumes, and serious contaminants with our Austin Air Healthmate Hepa Air Filter Purifier. Based on proven, reliable HEPA technology, the True HEPA Filter removes 99.97 percent of particulate pollutants. Specially engineered 360-degree air intake for maximum air flow cleans a room area up to 700 square feet. The low-maintenance filter feature an ultra long-life HEPA filter you change only twice a decade, a top-grade carbon filter and a natural mineral zeolite filter. Features an ultra-quiet motor with three speeds. Uses 80W of power on high. Made of sturdy solid steel construction with non-toxic powder coating (no off-gas chemicals) built to last for years. Five-year pro-rated filter guarantee.

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