Fighting winter dryness.

• Position: What's New?

* We've long held that the world of winter provides the best living conditions possible, with one notable exception--we hate what it does to our family's skin, especially the kids'. What with the oil burner and fireplace going full blast inside and Old Man Winter whipping up frigid winds outside, everyone seems to get as dry as kindling in no time. Any time our youngsters have a respiratory infection, our doctors recommend a humidifier, and the children's lungs and skin seem the better for it. So why wait until they're sick?, we thought. Let's run a humidifier as a matter of course.

Where to turn for the proper unit was a no-brainer. The air circulators and electric space heaters we had acquired over the last several months from Vornado, Inc., Andover, Kan., proved to be godsends, so why not the company's 4x4 Multi-Room Humidifier ($80) as well?

As with all Vornado products, the key phrase is "vortex action circulation." The unit's deep-pitched propeller, powerful motor, and AirTensity Grill work in harmony to push soft, natural moisture deeper and deeper into each room. The humidity essentially stirs and twists, migrating throughout the house, going floor to ceiling, wall to wall, corner to corner. Moreover, the humidistat and fan control let you meet any comfort need, as this humidifier can evaporate up to four gallons of water a day. There also are an easy-fill one-piece bottle; large handle; wide-mouth, funnel-shaped spout; and airlock feature that forms a tight seal to keep water clean and safe. The wicks trap minerals and other water-borne contaminants, thus inhibiting bacteria growth. Combined with bacteria-resistant plastic parts and an airtight bottle, this humidifier always runs clean.

Of course, if you don't clean your humidifier at least once a week, you could be sending harmful microorganisms into the air. Wouldn't it be great if you could just throw the water tank into the dishwasher and be done with it? Well, thanks to the Cool Mist...