Vicks personal sinus steam inhalers review 2022

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Vicks manufactures two steam inhalers that can help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, which is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. These devices are lightweight, and people can adjust how much steam the inhalers produce.

This article discusses Vicks steam inhalers, including their pros and cons. It also explores alternative brands and treatment options.

Vicks manufactures products that can help relieve respiratory conditions, such as nasal congestion, coughs, and sore throat.

Some of the products that Vicks sells include:

• steam inhalers
• sore throat sprays
• cold and flu relief caplets
• nasal balms
• moisturizing mists

Vicks has only one review on Trustpilot and an average customer rating of 3.7 out of five stars. The author of the review praises the company’s products.

Reviews of the Vicks Portable Steam Inhaler and the Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler on Amazon give the products average ratings of 3.6 and 4.3 out of five stars, respectively.

Positive reviews state that the products are easy to use and help relieve symptoms of allergies, such as nasal congestion.

However, those who left negative reviews say that the product does not work as well as they thought it would. Several customers also state that they could not feel the steam coming out from the devices.

Additionally, some customers note that they experienced leaking and that the devices broke after several uses.

Vicks steam inhalers are devices that deliver steam into a person’s nose and throat. This may ease irritation and congestion.

The company states that its steam inhalers can provide symptomatic relief in up to 15 minutes. Additionally, people can use Vicks VapoPads, which release a menthol scent when the devices are in use.

Before purchasing Vicks steam inhalers, individuals may wish to consider some potential pros and cons of these devices:

Pros

• The devices are lightweight.
• They have an adjustable steam control.
• They have an automatic shut-off function.
• They are compatible with tap water.

Cons

• Customer reviews state that the inhalers can break from the heat they produce.
• Customer reviews note that the inhalers may leak water.
• Customer reviews state that the inhalers can take a lot of time to heat up.

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Vicks produces two steam inhalers. Both inhalers aim to relieve nasal congestion by releasing steam into a person’s nose and throat. Below, we describe each of these devices in more detail.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Sinus Inhaler

Vicks claims that the Sinus Inhaler provides natural relief for people who have sinusitis, allergies, coughs, or colds.

This product features a filterless design, variable steam control, and latex-free mask.

The company states that this inhaler can provide relief in 5–15 minutes.

People can use tap water with this inhaler. Additionally, the company notes that individuals can use Vick VapoPads to release a menthol scent while using the device.

The dimensions of this product are 5.11 x 12.87 inches (in).

At the time of publication, the Vicks Sinus Inhaler cost $49.99.

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Portable Steam Inhaler

This inhaler also features a filterless design, but unlike the Sinus Inhaler, it does not come with a face mask.

The device is lightweight, portable, and dishwasher-safe, and the company includes five VapoPads with each purchase.

The dimensions of this product are 8.19 x 5.51 in.

At the time of publication, the Vicks Portable Steam Inhaler had a list price of around $14.

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To use the steam inhalers, people can follow the general advice below:

1. Add plain tap water to the water chamber.
2. Turn on the steam inhaler.
3. Adjust the amount of steam as needed.
4. Breathe in the steam.

Vicks provides with each purchase step-by-step instructions on how to use its inhalers.

People can purchase other steam inhalers online, including:

• Veridian Steam Inhaler: This steam inhaler works with distilled or tap water and provides treatments of up to 9 minutes. The inhaler is latex-free and heats up in 1 minute.
• Mypurmist Free Ultrapure Steam Inhaler: This cordless, handheld device does not require any maintenance and uses HEPA filters to remove particles from the air. It is suitable for individuals aged 12 years and older.
• Crane Cordless Rechargeable Steam Inhaler: This cordless, rechargeable inhaler requires spring water. The device provides warm or cool mists, and the batteries last up to 2 hours after charging.

Learn about the best steam inhalers here.

Alternatively, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following when treating nasal congestion:

• using a warm compress over the nose and forehead to relieve pressure
• using a nasal decongestant or saline spray
• breathing in steam when in the shower

Learn more about home remedies for sinus infections here.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends people consult a doctor if they experience any of the following:

• sinusitis that does not improve after 1 week
• sinusitis symptoms that are severe
• no symptom relief after taking pain relief medication

Additionally, a person should contact a doctor if they have recurring sinusitis.

Sometimes, doctors may recommend that an individual see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. A doctor may refer a person to an ENT specialist if they:

• have sinusitis after 3 months of treatment
• only have sinusitis on one side of the face
• have recurring sinusitis

A doctor may prescribe or recommend a steroid nasal spray, antihistamines, or antibiotics. In rare cases, a person may require surgery.

Below are some frequently asked questions about steam inhalation:

Is steam inhalation therapy effective?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), steam inhalation is one of the common treatments for sinusitis. The AAFA also notes that people use this therapy option three to four times per day.

However, a 2016 study found that steam inhalation is ineffective. The researchers behind the study observed that steam inhalation had no significant effect on symptoms of sinus congestion apart from relieving headaches.

Are steam inhalers safe to use?

While steam inhalers are generally safe to use, research has found that those who use steam inhalers are at risk of scalding injuries when the user comes into contact with hot water.

People should read the manufacturer’s instructions before using their device.

If a person sustains a burn, they should immediately do the following:

1. Remove the heat source.
2. Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes.
3. Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the skin.
4. Keep your body warm.
5. Cover the burn with plastic food wrap.
6. Use pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Learn more about how to treat scalds here.

If a burn is large or deep or blisters, people should seek immediate medical attention.

For safety reasons, it is also important to follow manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the device.

Moreover, a person should utilize clean water with each use to prevent any complications of infections via airborne inhalation of bacteria or fungi.

Vicks is a company that manufactures products for individuals with sinusitis, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. The company’s steam inhalers come with various features, and a person can use them with the VapoPads, as they provide more comfort.

People who still do not feel better or whose symptoms develop only on one side of their face should contact a healthcare professional to discuss further treatment options.

10 Potential Uses for Vicks VapoRub

Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion.

Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble.

Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his son’s croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years.

People are still inventing uses for it — some of which are backed by solid science and others that are (so far) unstudied.

Procter & Gamble lists the following active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub:

• camphor (4. 7 percent)
• menthol (2.6 percent)
• eucalyptus oil (1.2 percent)

It also contains several inactive ingredients that may be responsible for some of its popular uses:

• cedarleaf oil
• nutmeg oil
• petrolatum
• thymol
• turpentine oil

The salve has a strong menthol scent and a petroleum jelly-like texture.

Doctors, researchers, and the product’s manufacturer have recommended Vicks VapoRub for the following purposes.

Relieving congestion

Vicks VapoRub isn’t a decongestant. Rather, strong menthol and camphor vapors create a cooling sensation in your nasal passages that trigger receptors in your brain to feel that you’re breathing more openly.

The results of a 2017 study, in which adult cold patients self-reported how they slept, suggest that using VapoRub can improve subjective sleep quality.

Easing cough

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol as cough suppressants.

A word of caution, though: Vicks VapoRub isn’t recommended if your cough has lots of phlegm or if it’s chronic, such as with asthma or emphysema.

The manufacturer recommends that you follow these steps to maximize effectiveness for cold symptoms:

1. Rub a layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and neck only. Don’t use it near your mouth or in your nostrils.
2. Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while you’re sitting upright or standing.
3. Loosen any clothing around your chest and throat so vapors can rise to your nose area.
4. Repeat, if needed, up to three times in 24 hours.

Not on your nose

Avoid putting Vicks VapoRub on, in, or around your nose. Research from 2014 shows that camphor can be absorbed through your mucous membranes and is toxic, especially to toddlers and babies.

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that no over-the-counter (OTC) product can contain more than 11 percent camphor.
• Never use Vicks VapoRub on children younger than 2 years old.
• Vicks VapoRub can also damage the cornea, so keep it away from the eyes.

Soothing sore muscles

The NIH describes both camphor and menthol as topical analgesics, or pain relievers you rub on your skin.

Products containing camphor and menthol can create a powerful cooling sensation that may temporarily override your ability to feel the pain of sore muscles and joints.

Similar products like Biofreeze, which contains 4 percent active menthol, have helped reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, according to research from 2014.

Treating toenail fungus

All three of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub have antifungal properties. After previous studies suggested that OTC mentholated ointments may be effective in treating toenail fungus, a small 2015 study tested the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub against toenail fungus in people living with HIV.

The results suggested that Vicks VapoRub may be a cost-effective alternative to expensive antifungal medications, especially for those without insurance and who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Not sure about using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus? Here are some other remedies to try.

While there’s little or no research to support the following uses of Vicks VapoRub, some people have said they tried it with favorable results.

Fading stretch marks

Stretch marks are purplish, red, or white lines that appear on the skin after a period of quick growth. They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy.

Researchers haven’t found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub.

If you want a surefire remedy, you may want to try one of these three treatments:

• microdermabrasion
• needling (injecting collagen under the skin)
• laser therapy

Training pets

Some people believe the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub can keep pets from urinating on or scratching up furniture in your home.

Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet can’t lick or chew the ointment off the surface.

Never put Vicks VapoRub directly on your pet’s skin.

Camphor is toxic to animals. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death.

Healing rough skin on your heels

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating.

That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels.

But more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused skin on the feet.

Repelling mosquitoes

According to a 2013 review of older research, the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub can repel certain species of mosquitoes. This oil has also been used as an insecticide against certain types of beetles. In addition, research from 2012 suggests that products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes.

However, while natural oils may provide some defense, if you really want to keep mosquitoes away, DEET and picaridin are still the most powerful repellents.

Treating acne spots

Beauty bloggers have promoted the use of Vicks VapoRub as an overnight spot treatment to shrink pimples.

Research suggests that several of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are effective at healing blemishes, but other ingredients may actually worsen acne.

For example, dermatologists have recommended camphor essential oil as an acne treatment. But another ingredient in Vicks VapoRub — petroleum jelly — may cause breakouts.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin.

If you want to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of camphor, some beauty bloggers recommend mixing a few drops of camphor essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba and dabbing it on a blemish.

Relieving headaches

Some small studies have shown that gels and ointments containing menthol may be effective at relieving headaches when applied to the base of the skull.

However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6 percent and 10 percent) than the amount of menthol in Vicks VapoRub (2.6 percent).

So far, there aren’t any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches.

Health officials and the product’s manufacturer say you shouldn’t use Vicks VapoRub:

• on children under 2 years old
• on open wounds
• under tight bandages

Other safety warnings include the following:

• Store Vicks VapoRub safely out of reach of children.
• Don’t heat Vicks VapoRub before you use it, as it can cause burns.
• Never eat or swallow Vicks VapoRub. The ingredients are toxic when ingested.
• There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten.
• There have been rare cases when long-term or excessive use of Vicks VapoRub caused a rare form of pneumonia.
• If your cough or muscle soreness lasts longer than a week, talk with a doctor.

Is VapoRub good for pneumonia?

Before using Vicks VapoRub for pneumonia, talk with a doctor. According to the directions on the package, you should talk with a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub for any illness with a cough that occurs with too much mucus.

Depending on the severity of your illness, it may also be unsafe to use topical products containing menthol. These products can trick your brain into thinking you’re breathing more easily than you are. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it.

Is it OK to use Vicks VapoRub with COVID-19?

Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though you’re breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.

If you’re experiencing trouble breathing due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, it’s best to talk with a doctor about treatment options. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus.

What does putting Vicks on your feet do?

Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this theory. The manufacturer’s guidelines say to apply the product to your chest.

Menthol and camphor, two of the active ingredients in VapoRub, may help soothe your muscles by acting as a topic anesthetic, according to the NIH. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles.

Can Vicks hurt your lungs?

Long-term misuse of petroleum-based oils like Vicks VapoRub can cause a rare form of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) when applied to the nose or nostrils.

Though uncommon, ELP has occurred in patients who have used mineral oil or petroleum-based lubricants and decongestants, like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Vicks VapoRub, and lip gloss, frequently and over a long period of time.

Symptoms of ELP can include:

• cough
• difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• fever

When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. Don’t apply VapoRub to the nose or nostrils or near the mouth.

Does Vicks VapoRub help with breathing?

Vicks VapoRub releases vapors of menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor that can soothe nasal passages. This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. But VapoRub isn’t a decongestant.

Studies have shown that using Vicks VapoRub according to the instructions on the package may help improve sleep quality.

Vicks VapoRub has been a medicine cabinet staple for more than 125 years. Although it’s not listed as a decongestant, there’s solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough.

There’s also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. And a couple of studies found that it works to stamp out fungal infections in toenails.

Vicks VapoRub is also a popular choice for people trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away.

It’s been tried as an acne treatment, but other products may work just as well without risking the irritation some of its ingredients can cause.

Some people have used the strongly scented ointment to keep pets from peeing on or scratching furniture, but be careful using this training method. The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can be dangerous for animals.

Vicks VapoRub is generally safe for use on older children and adults. Don’t use it on children younger than 2 years old, as it can cause serious health concerns for them.

Centuries-old traditions of the Vicks brand A brand with a 100-year history enters the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market

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A century-old tradition of the Vicks brand A brand with a 100-year history enters the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market

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The Wicks brand has been protecting the health of its patients for over 100 years. All these years, he remained faithful to traditions, caring first of all about human health. Today, Vicks, representing a series of over-the-counter drugs for ARVI and influenza, enters the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market.

The history of Vicks begins in 1890, when Lundsford Richardson, the owner of a small pharmacy in the USA, developed a recipe for cough balm especially for his son. Soon Lundsford Richardson founded his own pharmaceutical company Vicks Family Remedies and launched the production of his famous balm. Over the years, the formulation of the balm has been improved, but its unique components have remained unchanged, providing effective relief of the symptoms of SARS and influenza.

The story of Wix doesn’t end there. In 1930, under the brand Vicks, new remedies for SARS and flu were introduced. So, over time, the trademark has become a brand with a worldwide reputation. Today, Vicks is a series of over-the-counter drugs that are used to relieve the symptoms of SARS and flu. Produced in various dosage forms, Vicks drugs help to quickly and effectively alleviate the symptoms of SARS in the whole family.

Vicks Active products are already sold in 80 countries (including the USA and European countries).

It is the trust of millions of customers that has made Vicks the best-selling brand ¹ .

Find your favorite products among the wide range of Vicks!

What makes the Vicks brand special?

Medicinal ingredients

The Vicks Active line includes drugs whose active ingredients begin to act in a matter of minutes, and their effect persists for a long time (oxymetazoline, paracetamol, etc.).

Healing power of nature

Some products of the Vicks Active line contain such well-known natural ingredients as eucalyptus, menthol and aloe as excipients.

Vicks Active offers a wide range of drugs, so every sick person will be able to find the right remedy for him to relieve the symptoms of SARS and influenza

At the moment, under the trademark Vicks in Ukraine are:

Vicks Active Balm (for rubbing) – balm for external use: applied to the skin or used as inhalation. The active ingredients of Vicks Active Balsam are levomenthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil.

When inhaled, the balm vapors have an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, help reduce nasal congestion for up to 8 hours, and also facilitate breathing and coughing with ARVI. To date, clinically proven relief of two symptoms at once – nasal congestion and cough ² .

Vicks Active SymptoMax and Vicks Active SymptoMax Plus are instant powders for preparing a hot drink with lemon flavor. Vicks Active SymptoMax – a hot drink to quickly reduce hyperthermia and relieve pain in acute respiratory viral infections, combines 2 active ingredients: paracetamol, which is an analgesic and antipyretic agent, and phenylephrine hydrochloride, which has a vasoconstrictor effect, reduces swelling and hyperemia of the nasal mucosa. Vicks Active SymptoMax effectively helps relieve symptoms of SARS and flu, such as hyperthermia, headache, pain and body aches, nasal congestion and sore throat. The composition of Vicks Active SymptoMax Plus, in addition to paracetamol and phenylephrine, includes guaifenesin, which has an expectorant effect. Vicks Active SymptoMax Plus is the only hot drink in Ukraine that relieves not 4, not 5, but 6 symptoms of SARS and influenza ³ .

Vicks Active Sineks is the only nasal spray in Ukraine ⁴ with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which contains aloe and eucalyptus as excipients. The active substance oxymetazoline hydrochloride has a vasoconstrictive effect and effectively relieves swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Vicks Active Sinex Nasal Spray begins to act within a few minutes after application and provides relief from nasal breathing for up to 12 hours ⁵ .

The Ukrainian market also offers three types of Vicks lollipops (honey, raspberry and menthol flavored), which alleviate discomfort in the throat ⁶ .

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Vicks in Nizhny Novgorod: 121-product: free shipping, 58% discount [click here] 1

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