Product review (5 stars): Best wicking element design found in any humidifier!
I was disappointed that Honeywell discontinued the original filter design with the blue poly wrap, but this design is even better than it! The foundation of the wicking action is still the coarse honeycomb mesh that's found in the original design. The first of the two other design features that set this one apart is the addition of the aforementioned poly wrap that seems to help keep the honeycomb keep its shape and reduce calcification on the wicking element. The second is the introduction of a metal screen in the middle of the filter element, that really helps the filter to keep its shape.
As always, don't forget to use bacteriostat with this type of design humidifier or it'll become a very efficient mold factory. I use a capful of the Holmes solution in each tank and never see a speck of mold on the filter or the humidifier.