Instruction: Given a question and the related document, and generate the answer to the question based on the information provided in the document.

Input:
Question: What features does it have to kill bacteria and germs in the water?
Document: The water is heated to kill any micro bacteria and then blown using sonic sound but when the mist is blown out it's cool.CONS:  you have to turn the tank upside down to fill.PROS:  kills bacterial germs, no white dust from tap water, very quite, huge tank requires less water refill.
Also, when you use the pre-heating function on this humidifier, it raises the water temperature to 176 degrees, which can kill most but not all bacteria.
When you lift up the tank, there is still water on the bottom half of the machine that is separate from the tank, and it is not enclosed. Spills are inevitable.Third: I hate when companies make claims without anything to back it up. I don't want them to insist that their silver cartridges are effective, I want a study that can back up how clean the water is when using the cartridge. Just because silver has been historically used to kill germs, doesn't mean that it was effective.
Goes into the air, no matter which type unit you use. City water? I wouldn't drink most of it, much less inhale it. Besides, it has chlorine (to kill bacteria), lead, arsenic, you name it. Filter that out? Hah! Only with the most complex and expensive of filtration systems followed by reverse osmosis. So, either buy that expensive system, or buy distilled water: there is NOTHING in distilled water but water.
I've had this product for a few months now and it's used in my son's room. I also use a German-made humidifier in another room that uses UV rays to kill germs. I like both products. Here are some of my thoughts:- I don't particularly like the complexity of the controls. This model has a % gauge, level adjustment, heat on/off, etc.
Also, you can buy an anti-microbial stick to help eliminate germs.I was surprised to see some pink film in the water base after a couple of weeks of use. Tis was easily addressed with a soft brush (provided) and vinegar (per the instructions).We go through the whole tank on dry nights. Humid nights might consume a half tank.
Other than that, the lack of bacteria laden filters, and the preheated water make it an excellent find.
The mineral removal cartridge is easy to clean and refill. The cartridge may need replacement granules more or less frequently than recommended, depending on how "hard" your local water is. There is a silver-wire "stick" in the base that reportedly kills bacteria by creating an ionic positive charge into the water. How well this actually works is debatable, but it makes good copy.
While the silver wire is preferable, since it does not corrode very fast in water, a real copper penny can be substituted, as copper has the same ionic effect on bacteria. The penny will need to be frequently cleaned and replaced, however. An old silver coin might be even better, with the same caveat regarding cleaning. Making sure to clean the entire unit frequently is your best bet to prevent problems with bacteria.
That can grow from the moment you open the sealed container of distilled water, but that's why this unit has the small, replaceable, silver gadget that sits below the tank, killing bacteria before it hits the air.Complicated directions? Not in my opinion. Fill with distilled water. Remove the filter, not needed. Place on unit. Place the movable "spout" to direct the flow of moisture on top of the tank, plug in,turn on. PLAY WITH THE BUTTONS!
Answer: The original silver stick prevented mold & bacteria from forming in the base. They sell a silver cube on here now that does the same thing. In my opinion, this is the best humidifier on the market.