How long will a humidifier (sponge) last?

[craigchilds]

It seems that my humidifying devices go bad after about a year or two of use. My devices aren't anything fancy. I bought one from The Tinder Box in the mall, and the other from JRCigars.com. They are really just plastic containers with a sponge inside them.

But both the ones I've bought, after a year or two, the sponge inside the device quits absorbing water. I use distilled water and every once in a while supplement with a hydrating solution that my B&M sold me.

My question is this: How long are the humidifying devices good for? Is it common for the sponges to lose their absorbency?

[Alpedhuez55]

I read about 2 years somewhere. You can just open the unit up and replace the foam with some Oasis from a craft store. It is more or less the same stuff.

But I would consider moving up to beads. They do a better job and do not need the 50/50 solution, just distilled water.

[illuminatus]

Don't know how long they're good for.. but I'll second the suggestion that you move up to beads! WELL worth the initial investment... www.heartfeltindustries.com.. amazing product, amazing customer service...

[SeanGAR]

Yes, they start sucking after a while. I got fed up and bought beads ... highly recommended. There are 2 types of floral foam if you go to a craft store, wet and dry. You want wet.