the pads in yours, and the misters are exactly the same. The are not inexhaustible resources, and designed to be replaceable. I actually have the same model of humidifier as you NG, but I use it in my bedroom during the winter when the heater dries the air out so much that my allergies launch ww3 on my nose.
I have tested, and the pads are interchangeable. The ones in yours will wear out eventually, as will the one in mine, you just have to go buy yourself a litte baggie of replacements, and if I remember, they really are not all that expensive.
Mine has been running for over a year btw.