Humidifier is the name in the US for what is usually called a Vaporiser in New Zealand and Australia. It is important to note that Crane Humidifier models (Droplet, Drop 4-in-1, Mini Adorable, Personal, 3 in 1 and Personal Humidifier and Aroma Diffuser) are cool mist Ultrasonic Vaporisers, not to be confused with warm mist or steam vaporisers.

The major difference is that a Warm Mist Humidifier is heating the water to produce steam vapour. Cool Mist Humidifiers use an Ultrasonic Nebuliser that vibrates at a very high frequency to produce an extra fine water mist. When it comes to humidifying a room, there is not much of a difference between the two types - both are equally effective. Cool Mist Humidifiers do not have a heating element, so are safer for babies and children because there is no heating element, which could be a safety risk. Cool Mist Humidifiers can also save money on energy costs.

Absolutely. A home ventilation (HRV) system will dry out the air in your home. So if your family has colds, dry skin, dry throats etc then adding cool mist can definitely be useful for you.

Yes, if you want the humidifier to keep working all night without having to refill it. The larger the tank, the longer the humidifier will keep producing cool mist vapour between refills. The Crane Drop humidifiers can run up to 24 hours on a single 3.8L tank of water. The smaller 1.9L Droplet runs for up to 15 hours. The Personal humidifier & aroma diffuser has a much smaller 0.75L tank and runs for almost 8 hours. The Crane 3 in 1, Drop & Droplet humidifiers also output a greater volume of cool mist vapour which makes them suited to small and large rooms.

You can only use essential oils with select Crane models, including the personal Humidifier & Aroma Diffuser, the 3 in 1 Cool Mist Humidifier and the Cool Mist Humidifier & Aroma Diffuser. Essential oils cannot be used with any other Crane models. It is the cool mist produced by water alone in the Crane Humidifiers that can be used for dry coughs, nasal congestion, itchy, scratchy throats and croup. Using oils is not required for the Crane humidifier to be effective and not recommended because over time, oils will degrade the plastic and interfere with the operation of the ultrasonic membrane. For this reason we recommend that oils NOT be used with Crane humidifiers. A glass or ceramic diffuser is more suited for use with oils.

Some Crane models have a vapour pad tray which allows you to add some drops of essential oils onto a vapour pad (rather than in the tank).

Newborns are Obligate Nasal Breathers, meaning that they can only breathe in through their nose for the first 4-6 months of their lives. Their nostrils are so small that even the tiniest clog can make everything from feeding to sleeping difficult and frustrating. Perhaps more importantly, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using over the counter cold medication for children under the age of 6. Many parents choose to include a Crane ultrasonic humidifier as part of their winter wellness kit. The cool mist increases the moisture in the air and can be used for dry coughs, colds, dry tickly throats and nasal congestion.

It’s simple. Regular cleaning will keep your humidifier running smoother, for longer. We highly recommend emptying the water tank and basin after each use and disinfecting them at least once a week with water and a few capfuls of white vinegar. Please check the manual for further instructions.

The humidifier should be placed at least 2 feet off the ground because the mist needs to go up and circulate around the room. Place the cool mist humidifier on a firm, flat surface, not directly on a wood surface dresser because you may get spills or extra water on the surface which may damage the wooden surface. Always use it on a base such as a plate or a tray. And in terms of where in the bedroom to place a humidifier. You want to place it where the mist will go easily go up and out over the person who is sick. Don't place it too close to the wall. Even though it won't cause condensation like a steam vaporiser does, you still want it away from the wall and so the mist goes up and circulates around the room.