Online - February 20, 2006

Breath of Fresh Air

Plus Minus Zero Humidifier

That heat may be keeping your toes toasty, but it’s also wreaking havoc on your skin.

Unfortunately, the no-brainer solution, the humidifier, conjures bad, bad childhood memories. The noisy eyesore looked like a monster robot, dripped like Chinese water torture, and signified worse to come — tushy temperature taking.

But just as the medieval thermometer has been revamped for a new age, so has the humidifier. The new and improved version, from Plus Minus Zero, is shaped like a holeless donut with a sleek, quasi-futuristic feel.

Providing up to eight hours of computer-controlled fine steam mist, it quietly moistens dry air. Available in five colors (slate, lime green, white, orange, and baby blue), it even has an aromatherapy function.

So blast the heat, strip down to a tank, and bask in the soothing moisture.

No need to clench up.

Available online at compactimpact.com.