Quote Originally Posted by ashauler View Post
Beads and gel are NOT, repeat, NOT the same thing. Geesh.
But ... beads are technically doped (or not) silica gel .

"The Puck" uses Lithium-Chloride doped beads. Arguably the best choice.

The OP's humidifer is made with crystals, not beads. Change in size with water content and the need to use PG solution are the giveaways. Crystals have more capacity to release moisture for a given weight than beads, but less capacity to absorb (and no capacity if PG solution isn't used).