Air-O-Swiss U7142 1.98 Gallon Humidifier Review

  I received the Air-O-Swiss U7142 1.98 Gallon Humidifier as a gift, after a doctor recommended that I start using a humidifier.  I live in a dry environment and have sinus problems.

    On first glance, the unit looks like Mercedes of humidifiers; it looks high-tech, sleek, and shiny.  It worked well in the beginning, but suddenly stopped working all together.  The customer service number provided was laughable.  I had to give them a lot of personal information and receipt/ purchase information...and they still could not replace the unit.  Luckily, the store at which it bought did  take it back, and I was given a replacement humidifier.

    When it works, it works well.  It is extremely quiet and has a nice stream of moisture.  You can choose the level of humidity desired (and displays current humidity level), and it has a useful timer option.  It is, however, extremely temperamental, and often needs a new filter, new silver ion stick, and need to be cleaned (with Air-O-Swiss specific cleaner, of course) quite, quite often.  It is, simply put, a pain. 

     Almost any cheaper, simpler humidifier will work as well, with a lot less frustration.  This is a high-cost machine, and other humidifers cost as much as this units filter replacement and maintenance alone.