ragamuffin, thanks for the information; pulling up our existing wall-to-wall carpeting is not an option, unfortunately, though the moisture barrier material certainly good to know about should we ever be in a position to replace the carpeting.
auntpiggylpn, i think you're right-- we need a second (and better) humidifier. it-- the moisture and the smell-- seems to get worse with each passing day we proceed into summer. Of course, it's been raining a LOT this week...