My sinuses and eyes get really dry in the winter when the heater is running. I bought one of these exact same models (the 5251) 6 years ago under the Holmes brand name. I wasn't expecting much since many reviews of different sorts of humidifiers out there where often pretty bad. It seemed like many humidifiers require expensive filter replacements, difficult cleaning processes, and they often don't work for long. I am glad to report that after six years, this humidifier is still working flawlessly. It's really easy to clean (I just rinse out the sediment left after boiling off all the tap water). Very helpful with my dryness. I would never live through another winter again without a humidifier, and I've been very happy with this model.
Last year, I decided to get a second one (of the same model, the SWM5251) after moving into a new place with a bigger bedroom. The newer one is this exactly the same but under the Sunbeam brand name instead of Holmes. It's the exact same thing as my old one, so Sunbeam must have bought the technology rights from Holmes or something. Anyway, the Sunbeam is working well now on its second winter, and I expect it will continue to work for several more years just like my first Holmes unit has been doing.
As I expected, this machine works.
I've had a few really good warm mist humidifiers, but this one really isn't one of them. Basically what this one does is it boils water, and to an extent is enough for a small room, but honestly I get more steam from my tea kettle. A little disappointed, but it does work and it's easy to clean and refill.
If you have to settle on this, it will workit may not produce as much as I would like, but it does it's job.
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I was really frustrated the first couple of nights I used this humidifier. It would NOT run until empty. As a matter of fact, it was only running about 15 minutes, and I was following all the direction, letting it sit for a while, etc. I figured out, that if the floor isn't perfectly level, the boiling area won't actually refill from the tank. Once I tipped the humidifier a couple of degrees, slanted so that the vents were below the handle, the humidifier worked great. Especially if you're going to be placing this on carpet be aware of this issue. I uses a folded up shirt that I placed under one edge to achieve the desired tilt.
Another thing to be aware of us is the noise. Even on low this thing can put out some noise. If you're a very light sleeper, this might not be for your. The noise is erratic as well, so it's not easy to tune out.
Oeverall, I love the amount of water it puts out into the air, and I love that it actually warms the room up a bit by putting the steam into the air. Probably by a whole degree, maybe even 2.
SUPER EASY TO CLEAN!!!!
Would buy again!
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The only negative is when you put it on high it runs through the water quickly. I wish it would last longer then7 hours (a whole nights sleep). Plus it is a little noisy and was hard to get used to.
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I love I don't need to put a filter in every few months. When put on low setting the water can last in the reservoir for at least three nights. The high setting can last one night. It is quiet and barely noticeable.
If you have a sharper image humidifier, and you see white dust all over your room, then you need this. Mine came with one of these and it really does work. It basically floats around in the water tank and absorbs minerals. It lasts about four months which, where I live, is about one season. It is a bit overpriced. Its not much bigger than your thumb and yet it's $20. But it's worth it if it works.
