Until recently all humidifiers employed the same simple mechanism. They were all equipped with a plastic or metal case containing a sponge as a humidifier. The most prominent manufacturer of these humidifiers was the French company Credo. The term Credo is therefore frequently used as a synonym for such sponge-based humidifiers. Since it is not particularly difficult to manufacture these items, they were soon copied by manufacturers in Southeast Asia who offered the humidifiers for a fraction of the price of Credo humidifiers with comparable functionality. When using sponge humidifiers the use of special propylene glycol solutions is recommended, which improves the characteristics of sponge humidifiers.
During the last few years, manufacturers have been experimenting with alternative systems of humidification. Unfortunately, in some occasions at the expense of the humidor buyer, because even recognized humidor manufacturers offered embryonic systems which did not stand the test of time. Ultimately, only humidifiers based on polymer acryl have become widely established among the various humidor brands as an alternative to the still prevalent sponge-based humidifiers. If the correct polymer is used they have the very positive feature of being able to stabilize relative humidity at a level of approximately 70-72%. Unfortunately, it is not always guaranteed that the correct polymer is used inside all the acryl polymer humidifiers.
The high-tech acryl polymer inside the humidifier element can absorb large amounts of liquid. It must be filled with distilled water only. One should note however that the humidity level inside a new humidor also stabilizes with acryl polymer humidifiers only after about two day’s time.
All in all, acryl polymer humidifiers are very recommendable since they maintain a more stable humidity level and require less frequent monitoring and maintenance by the user. In addition, the danger of bacterial contamination is lower in polymer humidifiers than in sponge-based humidifiers. However, the danger of bacterial contamination cannot be completely eliminated, as is occasionally claimed. In order to minimize the danger of bacterial contamination, each humidifier (sponge or polymer based) should be replaced after about two years!
Adorini offers with the adorini deluxe premium humidifier one of the worldwide leading passive humidification systems based on high-tech polymer acryl fleece. The self-adjusting effect of the acryl polymer fleece is complemented by the possibility to fine-tune the emitted humidity via adjustable openings of the humidifier case.
Overall the simple sponge-based humidification systems provide sufficient humidification performance if the aforementioned propylene glycol solution is applied regularly (See propylene glycol liquid). Humidifiers based on acryl polymers possess a superior capacity to maintain a constant humidity. Using acryl polymers also minimizes the danger of bacterial contamination and over a longer period of time the higher purchasing price of polymer-based humidifiers is offset by the savings of not having to purchase special propylene glycol solutions.
Nowadays, electronic microprocessor controlled humidifiers such as the adorini cigar heaven can be purchased at very reasonable prices and are certainly the best and most convenient option.
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