Water pillows don't absorb the humidity. They're a one way system. They are essentially the same as putting distilled water in a smaller more contained unit.Not saying any answer in here has been wrong, but if it were me, I'd take out both the water pillows and the beads, and just leave in the dishes of DW. In my opinion, you want a higher amount of humidity in there to charge up the wood. The beads will start to absorb the humidity and bring it to a lower level. Maybe the pillows too? Either way will eventually get the job done, though a lower humidity level may take longer.