Product review (5 stars): Works as good as OEM filter but still consumable
These wicks are as good as the Vornado wicks, which means they need to be replaced a couple times per season.  Unless you are using distilled water, mineral deposits will develop.  Also, when not in use, they need to be dried out so as to not become a petri dish for various organisms.

After researching various types of humidification, it appears that boiling water on a gas stove is the most cost effective and energy efficient way to humidify an area.  That is, if your range hood isn't leaking too much humidity or heat.  The burning of the natural gas produces water vapor itself while the heating process is nearly 100% efficient.  The caveat being the hood needs to be air tight. If you need to relocate the humidity production to an area away from the range, consider a large aluminum stock pot such as 32 quart size where you can cover the top with a lid and oven mits.  Then you can carefully move the pot to an insulated surface in the desired room.