Best Filterless Humidifier

There are several types of humidifiers available on the market today and they’re usually categorized based on the technology they use. However, they can be divided into two broad categories: those that use filters and those that don’t.There are a few subtypes of humidifiers that fall under the broad filterless humidifier category:

Filterless Ultrasonic Humidifiers

An ultrasonic humidifier uses a diaphragm that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency (thus the name) to create water droplets that are released in the form of mist. These types of humidifiers can either emit cool mist only, warm mist only, or both. An ultrasonic humidifier that can emit both warm and cool mist is called a dual mist ultrasonic humidifier.

Dual mist ultrasonic humidifiers and cool mist ultrasonic humidifiers are extremely popular these days. Based on our research, though, there aren’t many warm mist ultrasonic humidifiers available on the market that are worthy of your attention.

Filterless Impeller Humidifiers

Impeller humidifiers use a rotating disc to throw water at a diffuser which breaks the water into very fine droplets that float out into the air. These droplets are then seen as cool mist being released from the humidifier. The water tank of impeller humidifiers need to be kept clean to avoid the risk of spreading bacteria into the air.

In recent times, impeller humidifiers have seen a decline in popularity as more and more manufacturers lean towards the production of evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers. With their bevy of different features and more impressive humidification performance, the simpler impeller humidifiers have paled in comparison, which is why we have not included one in our recommended list.

Filterless Steam Humidifiers

Steam humidifiers (or steam vaporizers, as they are popularly referred to) works by boiling or heating water at very high temperatures, releasing steam and moisture into the air. This type of humidifier releases “cleaner” mist as compared to cool mist humidifiers because bacteria is eliminated during the heating process so you can rest assured that the mist you’re inhaling isn’t contaminated.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding steam humidifiers and warm mist humidifiers because of the risk they pose. They tend to get very hot while in use and are considered unsafe for use around children and pets. Low quality steam humidifiers may have poorly designed heat sources that could cause the product to overheat, melt, leak, and potentially start fires.

Pros:

• Quiet operation – Filterless humidifiers tend to be quieter than those that use filters, but this is particularly true for ultrasonic humidifiers. Filterless ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the quietest type.
• No filters to replace – Compared to humidifiers that use filters, filterless humidifiers are significantly more affordable long-term because there are no filters to replace.
• More energy efficient – Humidifiers that use filters generally consume more energy because they require the use of powerful fans. Filterless humidifiers such as impellers and ultrasonic humidifiers are very energy efficient.

Cons:

• White dust – The biggest problem with filterless humidifiers is that they don’t offer any protection against the spread of white dust. White dust is caused by minerals present in hard water that is used in the humidifier. When these minerals are not removed or filtered out, they get dispersed into your room along with the mist. This leaves a thin film of white dust all over your belongings and poses a potential health risk.
• Need to use distilled water – White dust can easily be avoided by using distilled or demineralized water instead. Unfortunately, continuously using distilled water in your humidifier is definitely costlier in the long-run.
• Smaller room coverage – Humidifiers that use filters (i.e. evaporative humidifiers) are able to humidify larger areas compared to filterless humidifiers.

There are a number of circumstances that would call for a filterless humidifier:

1. You don’t like having to replace filters
2. You’re looking for a quiet humidifier to use in your bedroom
3. You want to keep upfront and long-term costs low
4. You’re looking to save more on your electricity bills

• Can I use tap water with my filterless humidifier?

• Yes, you can. However, it isn’t recommended. While tap water is more accessible and affordable, experts would always recommend distilled water instead. This is because tap water contains minerals and other pollutants that can create deposits inside your humidifier and require you to clean it more often.

• What is white dust?

• Aside from leaving deposits in the water tank, using tap water in your filterless humidifier will cause it to release white dust. White dust pertains to the mineral content present in tap water or hard water that is used in an ultrasonic or impeller humidifier. When the mist from a humidifier that uses tap water lands on furniture or other surfaces, it leaves a thin white film known as “white dust.”

  For most people, white dust isn’t a cause for concern, but it may be problematic for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory health conditions.

• How do I clean my filterless humidifier?

• Filterless humidifiers are cleaned more or less the same way as other types of humidifiers. Ideally, you should be giving your humidifier a quick rinse before each use and replacing any water left inside. On a weekly basis, you should be giving your humidifier a deeper cleanse by soaking its parts in a vinegar solution which will remove the mineral deposits. For more in-depth instructions on how to clean humidifiers, you can check out our guide here.

• How often should I change the water in my humidifier?

• Ideally, you should change the water before each use. If emptying the water tank is inconvenient for you, you can allow your humidifier to run until it’s completely empty and then refill it with clean water.