Hi, It has spray compartment with filter/mesh in front. Never had described problem. Came with spare nozzle. The bypass drum type has stale water sitting in the pan collecting fungi and dust, etc. which is nuisance for sure. Long time ago, Sears used to sell drum type with continuing water flow to prevent stale water. Made by Hobart. Wonder why they quit selling(msaking?) it. Anyhow humidifier is a necessity in the Prairie winter. Maybe more so in Alberta where R.H. is almost zero. Tony