[Blak Smyth]

I would recommend replacing the factory humidifiers like you mentioned. I know mine started to grow mold spores while only using distilled water after about 3 weeks. I use the gel cups now but most people say to use the beads. I will upgrade to the beads soon. I purchased a digital hygrometer from Walmart that gives me a high/low humidity & temp range. That is nice to see how much things fluctuate.