So, I didn't really get a chance to review the manual because my husband took it upon himself to set up, but I don't find the use of this thing very self-evident. How much water goes in it? How do you set the filter in and what is this other part? And you have to place the top on in a very specific way for it to fit, but it isn't really marked. The actual button settings are clear enough I guess... I also wanted to run it as just an air purifier without water, but now after looking at the manual I still don't see any instructions on how to do that. Does it actually provide humidity to the air. I don't know. I guess so. It's kind of hard to tell. I see mist coming out of it, so it is working. I bought two of these on a friend's recommendation, and she said they are really great. So I know it works for them.