Product review (3 stars): These wicking units are not a efficient right out of ...
These wicking units are not a efficient right out of the box as the original ones that came with my Essick humidifier.  I've noticed that when I put in a new unit, even with a complete soaking, the humidifier light comes on indicating it is time to change the change the  wick .  It still worked at a less than maximum air flow, so I left it in, and after 2-3 weeks the thing seems to be at full efficiency and the "change widk" light has gone out.