Air-O-Swiss AOS Ultrasonic Humidifier - 7135
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Our Price: $177.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $99.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Air-O-Swiss AOS Ultrasonic Humidifier - 7135
Customer Review: Indeed the Best Humidifier on Market
Summary: 5 Stars
I went to a local Bed Bath and Beyond to find silent or near silent humidifier. Salesman introduced this Air-O-Swiss as the best machine on market. He added Venta-Sonic does the same job but costs $50 less, and all other brands can't compare. I bought both units to compare. Air-O-Swiss is a clear winner, hands down.
The two machines sat side-by-side. It's clear immediately to everyone that Air-O-Swiss is quieter. Even at highest setting, Air-O-Swiss' noise level and frequency are lower than Venta-Sonic's, and they blend nicely into background. They don't give me headaches as Venta-Sonic. At lower settings, Air-O-Swiss can be virtually silent. With Air-O-Swiss on, I slept very well. The next night was Venta night. Unfortunately, the base machine noise was just as bad as the first unit that I returned earlier for noise problems. I tried to go to sleep with it on but after a few hours, headaches and agitation from the noise made me shut it off and switch on Air-O-Swiss and slept through afterwards.
I kept on alternating units days and nights to observe results from continued operation. After three days, Venta-Sonic unit began to add that strange squeeking noise. Air-O-Swiss gave consistent good near silent performance...and going strong still. Just based on noise-level alone, I had to return Venta-Sonic even though Air-O-Swiss costs $50 more. But that extra costs are further justified by the following:
1. Consistent Performance - I can put Air-O-Swiss on automatic mode with preset humidity level before I go to sleep, when I wake up, my bedside humidity reader (far away from the machine) has within 1% margin of error to the preset desired level.
Venta-Sonic however, I can put it to MAX settings, and I get only around 32% sometimes and other times anywhere below 50%.
2. Greater Output Capacity - My bedroom is 300 square feet+, half of 600 both machines claim can cover. Air-O-Swiss comfortably reaches my desired level (b/w 40% and 50%) with lower settings (It can go as high as 75%, I only set it up to 50%). Venta-Sonic labors over 8 hours at MAX settings and gets me LESS humidity! It won't get me above 50%.
3. Ease of Use with Digital Control - I like Air-O-Swiss' Auto Mode with Desired Humidity Setting. The machine adjusts output automatically. Venta-Sonic only has two dials, you'll have to experiment for a while to find the optimal settings. As soon as atmospheric humidity changes, which can be daily or a few hours, you'd have to re-adjust again...that's like shooting darts in the dark all the time, you can get close if lucky but never on target.
4. Better Mist Venting Notch Design - I put both machines on 3-feet-tall dresser. Air-O-Swiss' notch is tilted higher than Venta's. This means when operating cold mist, Air-O-Swiss's disappears into air vs. some Venta's still hit the floor - not enough to form condensation but less efficient in humidifying - perhaps that contributes to Venta's lower output previously mentioned.
5. Better Craftsmanship - Venta-Sonic is a notch below Air-O-Swiss, appears to be made simpler and CHEAPER.
Filter changes and clean up are similar. Venta needs to change filter cup. Air-O-Swiss needs filter cup and once-a-year silver stick change. Both are fool proof. Venta filters are more expensive but Air-O-Swill has extra silver stick. Cost-wise it's similar. I like Air-O-Swiss's option of replacing resins - just dump old resin in filter cup and put new packet in and you get a NEW filter - this cuts cost by almost 65% and less trash for the environment.
Water tank design is similar. Both fills water upside down. I still prefer Air-O-Swiss because the top is more leveled, easier to sit in sink or bath tub than Venta's tilted top. When moving Venta-Sonic, water spilled between base and tank. I had no problem with Air-O-Swiss.
Anything Air-O-Swiss can improve? Sure! The humidity reader on the machine is adjusted about 13% lower than actual average room humidity. They probably did it to ensure average humidity far away from the unit reaches target, but I think they can do so internally without having to show it. It would be a mistake to read the room humidity off that machine.
After I got the machines, I googled on both. There was one review elsewhere saying that Venta-Sonic broke after a month and half, out of store 30-day warranty and owner took a loss. Air-O-Swiss has 3 year warranty, if I remember correctly, Venta 1 year.
The trouble I went through is worth the finding of the right humidifier for me. Hope this helps those with similar concerns!
Customer Review: Models have issues with overflow and flooding - AVOID!
Summary: 1 Stars
I am writing this review after prolonged experience with the Air-O-Swiss 7135. I bought one early last winter because I live in a walk-up in New York City which has ancient central heating that I can't adjust. Consequently, it dries the air like there's no tomorrow.
I chose the Air-O-Swiss because they have a reputation as a company that produces a high quality products - however, after my experience I'm left wondering just how this reputation came about.
The 7135 is initially fantastic - it looks great, feels sturdy, is virtually silent and does its job well (although for a humidifier this size in a medium sized studio with brutal central heating, the best you're going to achieve is around 35% humidity). The tank is easy to fill, the unit is easy to maintain and all seems well. One thing I will say is to echo the experience of others who have found that the digital readout on the unit is around 10% out - I have a good quality hygrometer which is situated nearby and they both give totally different readings. But not to worry, since I need the unit to go full blast all the time, it does not matter to me what the readout is. It's never going to give me my ideal 45% humidity, so I never need it to shut off.
Now, onto the problem. The first unit I bought in 2007 developed a leak after about 3 months of use. The tank, when filled with water, doesn't leak by itself - neither does the reservoir in the base. But put the tank on the reservoir and turn it on and after around 20 minutes water begins to gush from the join between the two. Whatever physical mechanism prevents water from coming out of the tank when the reservoir is full, ceases to work and the result is flooding - a disaster if you've gone out and left it running.
I was told that perhaps there was a hairline crack somewhere which was letting air in and screwing with the level of the water in the reservoir. I looked everywhere and concluded that if there is a hairline crack, it's going to be impossible to find. So the store I bought it from exchanged it for a new one. I have to point out that I treated the unit with kid gloves, never banged the tank on anything and was always extremely careful to position the tank on the base gently. Whatever caused it to fail, it wasn't maltreatment.
So, I had a new unit. I didn't use it much because it was the end of the winter anyway, so it was stored in the box in the closet over the spring and the summer. At the time of writing, I've used the new one for approximately 2 months and it's developed exactly the same overflow problem. It only overflows when the tank is on the base and it's switched on, after around 20 minutes of use.
Contacting Air-O-Swiss I've been told that the tank probably has a hairline crack somewhere and that I should order a new tank at a price of $29.99. But two factors are telling me "no."
First of all, this is the second unit I've had and it's developed exactly the same problem after a similar duration of time. This alone tells me that the model itself has an issue - but that's not all. I spoke to the women in the store that I bought it from and she told me that they have had quite a few units returned with the same problem. I also spoke to a guy at work recently who has had a couple of these and they overflowed too.
From reading some of the rave reviews here, I suspect that people have rated this product based on its initial performance, which admittedly is great. I wonder how many of them have gone on to experience the same problem as me and many others, a few months down the line.
I think basically what's up is that the tank is not made particularly well and I believe that Air-O-Swiss is fully aware of the issue and figures that they'll just sell replacement tanks and that most people will be happy with that scenario. But it is already enough that I have to buy replacement filters and a silver stick once a year. Add to that the cost of a new tank every few months and it's just not worth it. I honestly feel ripped off with this product and would advise others not to buy it. I know what it's like when you see a bum review on Amazon among lots of rave reviews: the tendency is to think "what's his problem? He just got a faulty unit!" - but in this case, I think that given the experience that I've had with two units and the experiences I've heard of others who have had the same unit for a while, the review is justified. Don't waste your money on the Air-O-Swiss, there's a very good chance that yours will leak too.
Customer Review: this is the one
Summary: 5 Stars
Initially I was hesistant to write this review, as there are so many incredibly positive ones already, with which I wholeheartedly agree. But, odd though it may seem, this humidifier is so fantastic that I feel it would be wrong not to add my support for it.
I have very dry skin and generally need to keep extremely hydrated to avoid respiratory tract problems connected to dryness, so for me humidity is a significant health issue as well as a question of comfort. When I moved to New Mexico two months ago--in a winter of record dryness, with the need for indoor heating--I thought I was going to shrivel into a spiky dust ball and blow away down the street like a tumbleweed. I don't know if I would have spent this much on a humdifier if I hadn't been in a truly desperate physical state, but I was, and I did. I bought mine at Bed Bath & Beyond, because they would let me return it if I was not satisfied, but that's just not going to happen. I am so glad I didn't waste my time and money, or jeopardize my health, on the cheapie machines I have bought in the past.
On the very first night of using this humidifer, I experienced substantial relief. Another full day and night of use cleared away painful dryness in my throat and nose. A day and night or two more got me back to normal. After that, it was all about the luxury--I am without any respiratory discomfort, and find that my skin is actually benefitting from the extra humidity, remaining soft and moist until morning. And I've even switched to using it at night only! As for sound, quiet is not even the word for it--it is almost calming, since the only sound is the soft press of steam and an occasional gentle gurgling of water. There is a humidistat that lets you set the level of humidity, a steam volume control, warm or cool mist selection, and timer.
This machine is a thing of beauty. It elevates the (rock bottom) levels of humidity in my room with remarkable speed, and maintains the set level very well. The warm mist option is doubly great--the water is heated to higher temperatures in the base, to prevent formation of bacteria, and then cooled to 104 degrees (neither warm or cold to the touch) before evaporation into the room, so there is no need to worry about pets or kids (or me) getting accidentally scalded. The cool option is good if you want to keep the temperature in the room from increasing due to the steam. If all of that is not enough, it has a little red light indicator that comes on about every two weeks to remind you to clean the machine. It cleans easily with water and vinegar, and has a small brush that clips into the reservoir for hard to reach spots.
I've had it now for about six weeks and find it very easy to use and clean. I'm not sure how big a space it would humidify, but it has no problem keeping my bedroom at whatever humidity level I choose. When I use it in my living space, which is very open between individual rooms with higher ceilings, it does not get the humidity level as high, but still comfortable. And again, this is the desert, so it has a lot of moistening to do. I have to refill every night, as the intense dryness here and my need for high humidity uses up about 2/3 of the tank volume in one night, but I imagine that it would last longer in less extreme places. The demineralization cartridge needs to be soaked for 24 hours before first use, and can be replaced entirely, or can be refilled with its resin when necessary, for less cost. I have recommended this to other dessicated desert dwellers, and have heard nothing but praise.
There is no way to overestimate the relief this little wonder has provided me. On giddy days I even go around calling it my best buddy. If you want a serious humdifier that will work like a trooper without causing alot of trouble, one that will make a measurable impact immediately, look no further. (But don't forget to drink lots of water, too.)
Customer Review: Very good humidifier!
Summary: 5 Stars
Overall, this is a good humidifier. We have one of these humidifiers, a Honeywell "warm mist" humidifier, and a Honeywell "cool mist" humidifer to humidify our 2,400 sq ft home in Phoenix, which has very low humidity especially in the winter time. This is the third season we've used this unit.
Mode of operation: This humidifier works by vibrating a membrane at ultrasonic frequencies to break water into a visible mist of water droplets. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "cool mist" humidifier, because cool mist humidifiers typically refer to evaporative humidifiers that use a fan to push air through a wet filter. There is a pre-heating function to heat the water mist, but again I wouldn't necessarily call this a "warm mist" humidifier, because warm mist humidifiers typically refer to humidifiers that actually boil the water into steam, which this humidifier does not do.
Ability to humidify: Of all three of our humidifiers, this is the middle unit. It can raise the humidity in about a third of our house between 10-15 percentage points.
Noise: This humidifier is essentially noiseless. If you put your ear directly on the unit, you can sort-of detect a little humming. Every 30-45 minutes you may hear a slight "gurgle" as more water is being let into the base from the tank. That's it!
Hygrometer accuracy: Of all three of our humidifiers, the digital hygrometer on this unit is the worst. It always seems to read 29-33 percent humidity, whereas the humidity on two of our stand-alone hygrometers read between 38 and 45 percent.
Type of water that has to be used: It is imperative to use good water with ultrasonic humidifiers, or use (and periodically replace) the included demineralization cartridge. In particular, reverse osmosis water or distilled water is best; we use the latter. If you have somewhat hard water, and do not use the demineralization cartridge, you will get a fine white mist all over the room, as the hardness in the water is distributed within the room. If you have very hard water, even the demineralization cartridge might not work completely, such that you'll have to get reverse osmosis or distilled water. We have soft water, which the demineralization cartridge does not counteract, and if we use this type of water in the unit, we'll get a fine white mist of salt all over the room.
Ease of cleaning: Pretty easy with distilled water. Every couple of weeks, I rinse the interior of the unit, and the tank. If you use hard water, you may have to descale the unit. Air-O-Swiss recommends their own descaler, but there's no reason why vinegar won't work.
Consumables: There are one or two consumables: the demineralization cartridge (which we do not use), and the ionic silver stick. Both are pretty pricey, especially the latter, even though you only have to replace it annually. It is imperative not to skip usage of the ionic silver stick, which helps ensure that bacteria and mold do not grow in the tank. True warm mist humidifers boil the water and thus ensure that bacteria and mold are not flung about the room, and true cool mist humidifiers evaporate the water thus basically leaving the bacteria and mold in the tank. By comparison, ultrasonic humidifiers like this unit take the water -- with whatever "bad things" are in the water -- and fling small droplets of the water into the air. If there are bacteria and mold in the water, the ultrasonic humidifiers *will* fill the room with them. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you use the silver stick and change it out as recommended so that your humidifier is not making your room sick. Also, when you use the pre-heating function on this humidifier, it raises the water temperature to 176 degrees, which can kill most but not all bacteria.
Customer Review: I have owned every Humidifier made....this is it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I will keep this simple...I am a researcher and never just buy anything. I am that woman (you all know someone like me) that knows the "best products to buy" in every area because I can't just buy something without 6+ months of hard research, comparison and evaluation. Well over the last 15 years I have owned 7 humidifiers...most I won't even mention how bad they were...if you are reading this you probably had one. Overall an ultrasonic humidifier is best and if you ever have ONE cold night the HEAT option is a must. I prefer to use the humidifier to heat vs. our heater....better quality warmth for your health. Anyway, back to the review...my son is now 6 and has Asthma. He also suffered with whooping cough every year since he was 6 month old. Winter is NOT our friend and humidifiers are my life starting in Oct until late FEB. I have to say that the thing I am most impressed about is FIRST the silver Ionic stick...it does keep the humidifier CLEAN and SLIME FREE. The silver stick keeps water purity and any bacteria or slime for building up...keeping this product clean and operational is a breeze. I have used both distilled water and tap in my system. I prefer the distilled (cheap in bulk at a local warehouse or grocery store...buy the cheap stuff at apx. .39 - .59 cents per gallon) it is worth it!!!1 Distilled water prevents the white smoke and second keeps the system running better for YEARS! As I said I have used both with this system and the optional filter for use with the tap water prevents the white smoke but will not prevent the hard water build up. I keep my system very clean, but over time the hard water build up will be what breaks down this product and prevent the ultrasonic process to work. AGAIN use Distilled water if you can you will save $$$ long term by not buying the filters and not replacing the unit. I have now had my Air o Swiss for 3 1/2 years and it is still going great guns. I can't believe how AMAZING this system is and I paid close to 200.00 for my unit at time of purchase (trust me, then that was a great deal). I had held out for so long not thinking any humidifier could be worth more than 50.00...but this one has proved me wrong. I am currently working on my next Air O Swiss Purchase for my daughters room....I can't tell you enough good things about this unit. Simple, it stops putting out moisture when the room hits the desired level of moisture ( LOVE THAT) no loud noise, very simple to set up and use, no filters to purchase or replace, minimum cleaning needed (about once every two weeks or so) the Silver Ionic Stick preventing slime and crud....shuts off when out of water....it seems smarter than I am and with sick kids you need that!
I hope this helps someone with the purchase...I have the basic cool/warm Air o Swiss and the Digital. My first was the basic (non digital) and to be honest its your call. Is it worth the extra $$ probably not, its just another bell and whistle, but it just makes it easier to use and less stressful that trying to find your "sweet spot" with the two dials. If you really want a cool unit and cost is not the biggest issue....look at the Air O Swiss 7144 (apx. 199.00) it looks nicer and is the same gallon size with less energy and less space. It does all the exact same thing as this one but smaller size and a little less obvious in your room...thats my new purchase for this year...Happy New Year to me! Good Health and Good Luck....Just go ahead and buy a few of the silver sticks to have on hand. You only need to replace it once a year, but its easier to have it before you need it so when you pull it out for next year you are ready and not in parts stress!