Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier Product Review

I purchased my first Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier the beginning of 2011 to help my little dog who was suffering from some severe respiratory issues. She had stopped taking her medication, and I bought a humidifier hoping it would help her breathe. I also had some sinus issues I was hoping a humidifier might rectify.

Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier Package Description

Humidifier Tank: The Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier has a 1.2 gallon capacity tank, advertised as providing up to 20 hours of continuous operation from one filling.

Easy to Fill & Clean: The box (picture 2 above) shows a picture of the tank open under a faucet to demonstrate that the tank is easy to fill and clean, stating that the integrated handle makes the humidifier "easy to grip and carry."

Humidifier Mist: The promotions state that mist is immediately visible when you turn it on, and that the unit provides a "cool, soothing mist." The purpose of the humidifier is stated as being to alleviate symptoms caused by dry air, such as scratchy throat and dry eyes and nose. Humidifiers can also help moisturize the skin.

Whisper Quiet: The box states that the Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier is "whisper quiet" with a night light to show how much water is left.

Mist Control Dial: The unit comes with a variable mist control dial, and the photos show the unit open full throttle, with lots of mist coming out. The packaging says the buyer can "control the soothing mist" by directing the flow where it is needed.

Auto Shut Off: The humidifier is also equipped with an automatic shut off device that turns the unit off when it is empty and a power indicator light that shows when the humidifier is running.

This is what the packaging of the Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier promises, but does it live up to its description? Yes and no.

Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier Problems

Condensation Issues: While I am passably satisfied with the Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier, it has several issues. The main issue is it creats a wet surface wherever I place it. Rather than having the option of aiming it in any direction as the description states, the buyer is limited to whatever direction the unit faces when pulled to the edge of the counter/table/shelf. If the humidifier sits back at all on a shelf, table or counter, it leaves a puddle under the unit when opened all the way, as is shown on thebox, or half way, which is far as you can turn the dial without force.

I thought my unit was defective it left so much water, so I exchanged at Walgreens for a second humidifier. The second unit created as much condensation as the first. This is not due to a leak. The unit produces so much mist when open between half and full that is causes condensation in front of the unit. The condensation becomes so heavy, droplets eventually turn into a puddle.

Mildew Hazard: I was told the humidifier has to be set near the edge of the support, so I pulled it to the end of the shelf. The next problem was my dog's bed got so wet from the condensation under the shelf she refused to sleep in it. Not only that, but a constantly damp dog bed or carpet becomes a mildew issue.

Drippy: Speaking of moisture issues, the unit is easy to fill and fairly easy to clean, but when you lift the tank off the base to fill or clean, it drips quite a bit of the water which has accumulated in the base.

Moderately Noisy at Night: One benefit I did get from exchanging the humidifier was the "whisper quiet" device makes some noise, especially noticeable when you are trying to sleep. My first unit was louder than my second unit. Both units bubble, gurgle, whish and whoosh all night long, but the first unit sounded like someone was walking in the room. I wasn't crazy about that at 3 AM.

Calcium Deposits: Another problem I experienced was a fine white deposit that began to build up on my television screen and dark furniture after I started using the Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier. I was told this was due to calcium in the local water and I would need to buy filtered water to run in the unit.

After testing two units and having identical issues with both humidifiers, I think it is safe to say these problems are universal.

Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier Benefits

Moderate Satisfaction: In spite of the problems I have had with the product, I am happy with my Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier for several reasons. For one thing, at $40, it wasn't a huge expense.

Lower Setting Means Fewer Problems: After calling the warranty phone number for Big Wall and getting some tips from a very helpful woman named Elizabeth, such as how to force the unit past the halfway setting, I now run the humidifier at a much lower setting. That has taken care of much of the condensation problem. However, today I discovered a leather purse I had set under the table where the dog bed used to be has a fine sprinkling of mildew on it, so there is still a problem with the amount of moisture that accumulates under the unit.

Adapting to Other Issues: I have adapted to the gurgling and whooshing noises the humidifier makes and am just happy the second unit doesn't sound like someone walking in my room. The calcium issues will probably clear up whenever I remember to buy filtered water for the machine. The night light and auto shut off have always worked well, and at the low mist setting I keep it on, the mist does last for about 20 hours, as promised.

Health Benefits: But the main reason I am happy with the Walgreen's Cool Mist Humidifier in spite of its several issues is it helped save my dog's life. She was near death when I purchased the unit due to stress, not eating, refusing to take her medication, and a prolonged respiratory infection. She coughed and wheezed all the time, and when mucus would get stuck in her airways, she would pass out and have seizures as she struggled for air. After a week with the humidifier, she began to breathe easier even without antihistamines and the antibiotic. Her appetite returned, and today she is happy and active. My own sinus issues have also subsided since buying the humidifier.

So, while I can't say the humidifier lives up to all its promises unless it is run at a very low setting, and even then it makes noise and causes too much moisture to accumulate under the unit, I have no regrets with my purchase. I keep my Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier running around the clock, and my dog and I are both breathing easier.

March 7 Update: Two weeks after writing this article, I must report, I have packed up the second Walgreens Cool Mist Humidifier because of the large wet spot that extends out from under the shelf where the humidifier sat. Although the unit has been turned off for two days, the spot, which is 3 feet long by 1 foot wide, is still damp. The mold and mildew risk and damage to the carpet now outweighs the benefits. I plan to get a better humidifier.

Related Links:

Mold: Health Issues Associated with Mold & Mold Remediation - Associated Content
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