It definitely works as a humidifier. We have a problem with dry air since our heater is always running and my daughter would get nosebleeds and had terrible cough and congestion. This cleared all of that up. You can actually feel the air cleaner and fresher. I'm pregnant now and have been terribly congested and if I sleep w/o this on I wake up with dry eyes which hurt and a terribly stuffed nose. This has been a lifesaver. It also removes odors from the home. It is easy to clean and I find the one piece on the inside which is too small to fit a sponge in gets clean with a Q-tip. I change the water every two days and leave it running all night. I LOVE this machine.