Humidor humidification: Bóveda humidity control packets

[MisterShark]

Anyone use these (http://www.boveda-direct.com/)?

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b201/MisterShark/Misc%20Pics/boveda-main.jpg

I tend to run hot/cold with my humidor wherein I'll remember to refresh my humidity button's fluid for some months and then forget sometime later, jeopardizing the cigars inside.

With these packets the idea is to throw the recommended quantity of them (1 or 2 for my small 0-50 cigar humidor) into your humidor and then forget about it until 2 months later. Replace the packets with new ones, and so on and so one.
An 'autoship' option is available which has Bóveda shipping you your replacement packets every 2 months: your packets' arrival at your door is you built-in reminder to take your currently-installed ones and swap em out for the fresh ones. Packets cost $3.97 each. Not sure about shipping/handling.

Packets are rated for various RH levels (65%, 69%, 72% and 75% RH) according to your needs/preferences.
The humidity is provided by purified water inside the semi-permeable reverse-osmosis membrane-lined packet. Something that drew my attention is the claim that due to the purity of the humidification source the chance for the development of bacteria, mold, or mildew is eliminated.

So does anyone already use these or heard of em?

[MsprinM]

I have heard of them but never used. Some swear by them. I think the beads are more popular because they can last for much longer and can be a one time purchase.

[Irish]

I've used these before for temporary humidors and to throw in a tupperadore while on vacation, but not for my main humidor. I've also used the Boveda seasoning packs to season my desktop humidor. As long as you follow the instructions, they work as advertised. Just be careful not to tear the packets, otherwise you'll have a mess on your hands.

I now exclusively use the beads, and have an outlook reminder set for every couple of weeks to remind me to check on them. Can't get much easier.

[MisterShark]

I've used these before for temporary humidors and to throw in a tupperadore while on vacation, but not for my main humidor. I've also used the Boveda seasoning packs to season my desktop humidor. As long as you follow the instructions, they work as advertised. Just be careful not to tear the packets, otherwise you'll have a mess on your hands.

I now exclusively use the beads, and have an outlook reminder set for every couple of weeks to remind me to check on them. Can't get much easier.

This is the part that got me to thinking about changing from the 'usual' humidification methods:



Humidity Fluctuations and Cycles are Bad for Cigars
The biggest enemies to fine cigars are fluctuations and/or cycles in humidity. The first problem is caused by the environment while the second is caused by the products that attempt to control it.

In other words, humidity fluctuations are caused by the normal changes in ambient temperature and humidity, whereas cycles in humidity are caused when using any refillable humidification device. Both are bad for your cigars.

The humidity inside your humidor climbs higher when any refillable device is first filled with water followed by a steady drop in humidity as the water evaporates. During each of these cycles, some of the natural oils and sugars contained within the cigar’s blend dissipate along with the moisture, robbing the cigar of its character, flavor and its foundation for improving with age.

Furthermore, the jolt in humidity that happens when a refillable device is filled with water also create an environment for your humidor to acquire mold, mildew and bacteria. This not only can cause off-flavors in your cigars but can also cause degradation during the aging process.

[Irish]

This is the part that got me to thinking about changing from the 'usual' humidification methods:

This is referring to traditional humidification methods, which basically consists of floral foam that is treated with a solution of distilled water and propylene glycol. Mixed in the proper ratio, the solution is "programmed" to keep the relative humidity in the humidor at around 70% - if it goes too high, the propylene glycol will absorb moisture, if it gets too low, the distilled water evaporates to compensate. The system works fine, has for as long as cigars have been around. The problem is maintenance - the solution breaks down, and the mixture changes to the point where it doesn't function as well as the original solution. Unfortunately, unless you're checking it frequently, you usually find out it's low on water when you open your humi after being busy for 2 weeks and see that the rH is down to 50%. That's the major source of the fluctuations they're talking about.

You will also have daily fluctuations due to the ambient changes in the weather. This is combated by your humidification device AND is why it's important to have a good seal on your humidor. A humidor serves as an rH% buffer, so when the humidity in your home drops from 80% to 50% when the AC kicks on in the summer, the rH change in the humidor is much less dramatic, and your humidification device can keep up with the change. If you've got a crappy humidor seal or are opening the humidor 100 times a day, it won't matter what you use, you'll still get those fluctuations.

Humidity beads are made of a material that can both absorb and extract water from the air. They serve the exact same purpose as the distilled water/propylene glycol solution - to absorb or give off water vapor to control humidity. The difference is longevity and convenience - beads will last forever, and all you need to do is add distilled water to charge them. The beads are white when dry and clear when they're charged, so it's really easy to tell when they need to be charged with more distilled water.

That being said, they're definitely not full proof, especially in jersey, where we get large changes in humidity with the seasons and forced hot air and AC. If you forget about them for a month or two and it gets really dry out, they will dry up in no time.