Water pillow or Boveda humidity pack

[druturn]

Hey fellas so I am trying to determine which is the best form of humidification for a 15 cigar "cigar caddy" travel humidor. I will be using it for about 4 months as my main humidor. What would you suggest to keep the humidity in check? Water pillows or a Boveda humidity pack? Thanks in advance!:ss

[T.G]

I'd go with the Boveda.

Pro
Thinner = more space for cigars
Less likely to leak or weep = less chance of ruined cigars
Bi-directional humidty control = besides raising RH, it will bring RH down if it's too high, somehting that water pillows don't do.

Con
Harder to recharge - have to seal it in a tupperware with a shot glass of distilled water for a few days, versus simply dipping a water pillow into water for a few seconds.

[Darrell]

I'd go with the Boveda.

Thinner = more space for cigars
Less likely to leak or weep = less chance of ruined cigars
Bi-directional humidty control = besides raising RH, it will bring RH down if it's too high, somehting that water pillows don't do.

:tpd:

[quantim0]

I have a Boveda pack in my wifes humidor for her Acids and such. Every time I have checked it, the humidity is spot on at 69%.

I didn't know that you could recharge them, I'll give that a shot.

[Pilon]

boveda all the way

[longknocker]

I Use Boveda 65 Packs In All My Desktops. They Work Great!:tu

[JaKaacH]

Water Pillows work great.

[bobarian]

Neither. I would use Heartfelt sheets. You can put them at the bottom of the travel box and they take up no space. http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=65%25+Humidity+Sheets

[CigarNut]

You could also use one of Shilala's bead sticks -- they are about the size of a double corona and they work great (I have one each in my 15 and 25 cigar caddies).

The nice thing about these bead sticks as that they are low-to-no maintenance. You never add water to them and they never need to be replaced. The only maintenance required is if you want to change the RH of the beadstick.

[groogs]

Neither. I would use Heartfelt sheets. You can put them at the bottom of the travel box and they take up no space. http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=65%25+Humidity+Sheets

:tpd: But if I had to choose I would go with the Boveda.

[longknocker]

:tpd: But if I had to choose I would go with the Boveda.

:tu Boveda= No Maintenance, Dependable!:)

[T.G]

Neither. I would use Heartfelt sheets. You can put them at the bottom of the travel box and they take up no space. http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=65%25+Humidity+Sheets

Neat. Didn't even know those existed.

Have you ever tried them?

[Tenor CS]

The Heartfelt sheets won't last that long without being recharged somehow. I had asked Dave about them once, and he mentioned a window of about 10-14 days if you don't open the caddy too much.

I do love the Heartfelt sheets for vacation-length trips, though.

FYI, Ron at Cigar Solutions has small Boveda packs (7 or 15 gram) for the smaller caddies.

Link here: http://stores.cigarsolutions.com/-strse-Boveda-Products/Categories.bok

Can't go wrong for $2 apiece.

[bobarian]

Neat. Didn't even know those existed.

Have you ever tried them?

I have not used them, but many have. They are actually silica sheets 1/8" thick. You moisten them and then put them on the bottom of your humi, then the foam goes on top. No lost space!

The only disadvantage of the Boveda packs is that if they dry out they take quite a bit of time to recharge, so it just depends where the OP is going.

[Tenor CS]

Have you ever tried them?

I have 5 of the 2x5" ones. They seem to work well. I keep them in the vino with the rest of my humidification stuff. If I'm going away for a week or so, I'll throw one in the bottom of my caddy under the foam trays. I also have one in the small tupperdor where I keep a small variety of flavored cigars for my wife.

[bobarian]

After rereading the OP he says he is concerned about "keeping humidity in check" Does this mean he needs something absorb or provide humidity?? I dont think pillows or Boveda packs absorb very efficiently.

[T.G]

Thanks guys.

[Tenor CS]

After rereading the OP he says he is concerned about "keeping humidity in check" Does this mean he needs something absorb or provide humidity?? I dont think pillows or Boveda packs absorb very efficiently.

The humidipak website's first page is a huge splash screen that says "The World's First 2-way Humidity Control." So they are at least advertised as such. I've always been happy with them. I use a Boveda in my big 18-ct caddy.

[Tenor CS]

According to this thread: http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21364&highlight=boveda

Ron says the 7 gram is good for the 2 and 5-ct caddies.
The 15 gram is good for the 10 and 15-ct caddies.

Hope that helps.

[longknocker]

The humidipak website's first page is a huge splash screen that says "The World's First 2-way Humidity Control." So they are at least advertised as such. I've always been happy with them. I use a Boveda in my big 18-ct caddy.

True! They Absorb Or Release Humidity And Maintain RH Even With A Poorly Sealed Humidor; Something Beads Can't Do.:2

[CigarNut]

True! They Absorb Or Release Humidity And Maintain RH Even With A Poorly Sealed Humidor; Something Beads Can't Do.:2This is not true for shilala's beads! As with any product in a poorly sealed environment, Scott's beads will need to be re-calibrated periodically, but they will be able to go much longer before re-calibration is required than the silica or PG based products.

Scott's beads are set to maintain an equilibrium at 65% RH. They add or absorb moisture as needed, and for their size they handle much more moisture than other beads or silica (or PG) products.

[weak_link]

[QUOTE=CigarNut;708375]You could also use one of Shilala's bead sticks -- they are about the size of a double corona and they work great (I have one each in my 15 and 25 cigar caddies).

QUOTE]

I own a lot of Scott's beads so I'm not knocking him or his product at all but my concern would be the mess they leave behind. If they are in a vino temp or cooler it's no big deal but his beads are so fine that a lot of the media falls out of the bag everytime they are touched, nevermind moved. If you were going to use these in a travel humidor I'd think there would be cleaner options out there like the pack, the sheet, or the pillows.

[longknocker]

This is not true for shilala's beads! As with any product in a poorly sealed environment, Scott's beads will need to be re-calibrated periodically, but they will be able to go much longer before re-calibration is required than the silica or PG based products.

Scott's beads are set to maintain an equilibrium at 65% RH. They add or absorb moisture as needed, and for their size they handle much more moisture than other beads or silica (or PG) products.

I Understand That & Use Scott's Beads In My Coolidors; They Work Great!:tu

I Talked To Scott About A "Leaky" Desktop Humidor I Had & He Graciously Repaired It. Even Scott Said That His Beads Cannot Maintain The 65% That Boveda Does in An Unstable Environment. I Have Used 65%RH Boveda Packs For 3 Years Now On All My Desktop Humis. The Ones That Have Large Leaks Use Up The Boveda Packs More Quickly. The RH Never Varies More Than 1-2 Points. Boveda Packs Contained Purified Water, NOT PG, BTW.

[druturn]

Great! Thanks for all the help guys! It looks like I will be going with a Boveda pack!

[hotreds]

I also had no idea that Bovedas could be recharged. I know that they aren't "supposed" to be. Has anyone taken a rock-hard Boveda and actually recharged it into a soft good as new unit?

[T.G]

I also had no idea that Bovedas could be recharged. I know that they aren't "supposed" to be. Has anyone taken a rock-hard Boveda and actually recharged it into a soft good as new unit?

I've done that with the ones that came out of Fuente boxes. Same pack or design I believe.

"I know that they aren't "supposed" to be"

LMAO. Pure marketing BS. It's a two way pack, it's sold as a two way pack, yet "you're not supposed to recharge it". Funny stuff. That's like telling you to throw out a set of Ni-Cad batteries when they run down.

[longknocker]

I've done that with the ones that came out of Fuente boxes. Same pack or design I believe.

"I know that they aren't "supposed" to be"

LMAO. Pure marketing BS. It's a two way pack, it's sold as a two way pack, yet "you're not supposed to recharge it". Funny stuff. That's like telling you to throw out a set of Ni-Cad batteries when they run down.

Would Definitely Save Me Some Dough If It Works!:tu

[CigarNut]

I own a lot of Scott's beads so I'm not knocking him or his product at all but my concern would be the mess they leave behind. If they are in a vino temp or cooler it's no big deal but his beads are so fine that a lot of the media falls out of the bag everytime they are touched, nevermind moved. If you were going to use these in a travel humidor I'd think there would be cleaner options out there like the pack, the sheet, or the pillows.There is something wrong with your media -- you might want to check with Scott on this. Having looked at the media and the beads, the beads are definately bigger than the "holes" in the cloth.

Like I said, I have been using the bead sticks in my cigar caddies for a couple of months without a problem. When I am not using the caddies I through the bead sticks back in my humidor.

[CigarNut]

I Understand That & Use Scott's Beads In My Coolidors; They Work Great!:tu

I Talked To Scott About A "Leaky" Desktop Humidor I Had & He Graciously Repaired It. Even Scott Said That His Beads Cannot Maintain The 65% That Boveda Does in An Unstable Environment. I Have Used 65%RH Boveda Packs For 3 Years Now On All My Desktop Humis. The Ones That Have Large Leaks Use Up The Boveda Packs More Quickly. The RH Never Varies More Than 1-2 Points. Boveda Packs Contained Purified Water, NOT PG, BTW.I guess I don't think that the Boveda can maintain the RH for very in an unstable environment either... You either need to replace the Boveda packs (or recharge them if you can -- not sure if this is possible). If you are having to replace the Boveda packs, then you can certainly recharge Scott's beads easier and at no additional cost.

BTW, I am not trying to say that Boveda packs are bad; I use them my self for some things. I am just trying to point out that there are some very good alternatives.

[hotreds]

Next Boveda that becomes solid, I'll hafta try it!! Would indeed save beaucoup bucks and make me less hesitant to use these freely.

[longknocker]

I guess I don't think that the Boveda can maintain the RH for very in an unstable environment either... You either need to replace the Boveda packs (or recharge them if you can -- not sure if this is possible). If you are having to replace the Boveda packs, then you can certainly recharge Scott's beads easier and at no additional cost.

BTW, I am not trying to say that Boveda packs are bad; I use them my self for some things. I am just trying to point out that there are some very good alternatives.

Just Speaking From Experience, Michael.:) I've Even Spoken To Scott At Length On This Subject & Boveda Packs Are The Most Reliable For Me, Albeit The Most Expensive.;) I Have a Large Humidor (300 Count) With A Side Hinged Door & Multiple Trays. The Only Way I Can Maintain 65 Throughout Is With 65 Boveda Packs.:tu My Coolidors, On The Other Hand, Stay Rock Solid 63-64 RH With Scott's Beads & No Maintenance. (Addendum): With Scott's Beads, The RH Would Stay At 63-64 For 2 Days, Then Drop In The Low To Mid 50's In That Same Humidor.

[Tenor CS]

... his beads are so fine that a lot of the media falls out of the bag everytime they are touched, nevermind moved.

Perhaps you are thinking of the Heartfelt beads? I do get a lot of "snow" from them. Which is why I use sheets or Bovedas in my travel humis.

[weak_link]

Perhaps you are thinking of the Heartfelt beads? I do get a lot of "snow" from them. Which is why I use sheets or Bovedas in my travel humis.

Nope. I have both and Scott's bags are unique, plus they have his name on them. :D

[T.G]

Next Boveda that becomes solid, I'll hafta try it!! Would indeed save beaucoup bucks and make me less hesitant to use these freely.

Like I said, I've brought the packs that Fuente uses back after they turned into a cracker - I think it's the same or similiar design pack as the Boveda.

One thing though, if you wait until they turn into a cracker, it takes a long time for them to come back. Grab them when they are just getting to that "thin" point, while they are still flexible, before they have gone rock solid, and lock them in a tupperware with a shotglass full of water for a while (maybe a week) and they'll absorb the moisture and puff back up.

[hotreds]

Thanks 4 the advice!

[G G]

I have some of Scott's beads and have noticed some of the beads do come out, but it's very minimal.:tu Actually if memory serves I asked Scott about it and he agreed that they will slough off a small amount over time.

[weak_link]

I have some of Scott's beads and have noticed some of the beads do come out, but it's very minimal.:tu Actually if memory serves I asked Scott about it and he agreed that they will slough off a small amount over time.

One of the seems split open on one of my bads, that certainly did help but I closed it back up with a little lighter and some melted nylon. :p

[daboose]

Water Pillows?? What RH do they maintain? More than not vendors use them when they ship cigars and I've never could find out the RH.

(Depending on application I will use beads or Boveda.)

[aich75013]

One of the seems split open on one of my bads, that certainly did help but I closed it back up with a little lighter and some melted nylon. :p

This happened to one of mine as well. My 1yr old daughter got ahold of it.
I used an iron to re-seal it.

[aich75013]

Water Pillows?? What RH do they maintain? More than not vendors use them when they ship cigars and I've never could find out the RH.

(Depending on application I will use beads or Boveda.)

I don't think they maintain a certain RH. I believe they just release moisture at a slow rate.

[T.G]

Water Pillows?? What RH do they maintain? More than not vendors use them when they ship cigars and I've never could find out the RH.

(Depending on application I will use beads or Boveda.)

I've never measured one, but it should be between 65% and 70%. They are basically the same thing, just a smaller granule size, as what you find in the jars of humidor gel, like the humi-care gel sold by CI.

[daboose]

I eMailed the WaterPillow folks over a week ago...no response...so I guess I'll use a hygrometer to find out.

[NCRadioMan]

Water Pillows?? What RH do they maintain? More than not vendors use them when they ship cigars and I've never could find out the RH.

(Depending on application I will use beads or Boveda.)

That would depend on what size box it is in. I use the small pillow in my 78qt coolers and they maintain a steady 63%.

[RGD.]

I eMailed the WaterPillow folks over a week ago...no response...so I guess I'll use a hygrometer to find out.

I use to use WaterPillows all the time. I did email them several years ago to inquire about the levels and they responded that they will maintain "approximately" 70%.

If I can find the email I will post it up.


Ron

[CigarNut]

Approximately can bite you in the ass, so I would be careful them (I don't want my RH that high -- not that 70% is bad, it's just not what I want).

[daboose]

I placed a hydrated, small WaterPillow in the typical zip lock cigar bag for about 4 hours and the RH ran up to 76% (my digital hygro's are Boveda calibrated). :jd

[RGD.]

I placed a hydrated, small WaterPillow in the typical zip lock cigar bag for about 4 hours and the RH ran up to 76% (my digital hygro's are Boveda calibrated). :jd


And what reading does a Boveda for the same length of time, temp and location give you. Did you dry off the outside of the Water Pillow before placing in the bag? How long was your soak time? Did you use the bag with it or not? It all matters.

I am not an advocate for the Water Pillows - I am saying though that they do have and can fill a niche perfectly fine in humidification of cigars and pipe tobacco.

Over the years I have used and sent out hundreds of Water Pillows and a lot of Boveda packs. I view both of these items as temporary use and not for long term humidification. In that respect Water Pillows get my vote every time simply because they are cheaper. Water Pillows are what, about 50 cents each compared to about $4 for each Boveda bag.

Really though the bottom line is use what ever makes you happy - cause your cigars really don't care if you spend that extra $3.50 -

Between Water Pillows, Boveda packs, PG solutions, foam, sponges, tap water, distilled water, kitty litter, gels, crystals, beads, etc etc - what ever works for each individual is the correct one to use. Personally I don't check my humidity level but maybe every 4 months or so - and when I do check it, it's always between 63 and 65%. And I haven't spent a dime on any of the above items in years.

:ss

Ron

[daboose]

And what reading does a Boveda for the same length of time, temp and location give you. Did you dry off the outside of the Water Pillow before placing in the bag? How long was your soak time? Did you use the bag with it or not? It all matters.

I am not an advocate for the Water Pillows - I am saying though that they do have and can fill a niche perfectly fine in humidification of cigars and pipe tobacco.

Over the years I have used and sent out hundreds of Water Pillows and a lot of Boveda packs. I view both of these items as temporary use and not for long term humidification. In that respect Water Pillows get my vote every time simply because they are cheaper. Water Pillows are what, about 50 cents each compared to about $4 for each Boveda bag.

Really though the bottom line is use what ever makes you happy - cause your cigars really don't care if you spend that extra $3.50 -

Between Water Pillows, Boveda packs, PG solutions, foam, sponges, tap water, distilled water, kitty litter, gels, crystals, beads, etc etc - what ever works for each individual is the correct one to use. Personally I don't check my humidity level but maybe every 4 months or so - and when I do check it, it's always between 63 and 65%. And I haven't spent a dime on any of the above items in years.

:ss Ron

Yup followed their instructions, made certain the bag was dry.

Did the same test with a 65% HeartF tube of beads...hygrometer read 65%. I tried to employ/emulate a method in how I would use the pillow; that is, throw a pillow in a zip lock for traveling, etc.

Their web site doesn't even advertise %RH. It's just states they "keep cigars fresh." Oh well. :confused:

And your right...whatever makes you happy. :banger

[RGD.]

. . .

Their web site doesn't even advertise %RH. . . .


Yeah - I am trying to find the email that they sent me years ago. It was actually somewhat informative about soak times, number of cigars, etc.

It might be under an old email account that I don't use anymore which would mean that it's archived - but it's here somewhere.



Ron

[RonC]

The instructions for water pillows say to use distilled water. This will provide humidity, but not give you any type of control over the humidity level.

Instead of distilled water, use humidor solution (50/50) to charge your water pillows. You will now be creating the same humidification that they use in the Drymistat tubes, except in a different package. Your humidity should stay close to 70%.

[daboose]

That would be great. It's interesting there's no simple answer; not even on their web site.

However, the folks at StogieFresh did an upbeat analysis back in 2006 and still no mention of %RH. They did however mention cigar count, soak time, etc.

StogieFresh Link (http://www.stogiefresh.com/journal/Cigar_Journal/Accessories/Entries/2006/12/5_Water_Pillows%3A_Portable_Humidifier.html)

Thanks.