Reviews Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler : Vapor Therapy for Colds, Flu, Bronchitis

"I purchased the Inhaler and a supply of the aromatic pads about a month ago. Used it for the first time recently when flu/cold complicated my breathing. This Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler truly delivers! After two 10-15 minutes sessions, my nasal passages were clear and the chest congestion eased. I highly recommend this product to chronic respiratory sufferers."

I read about how humidifiers can help with sinus issues, but didn't want to turn my apartment into a sauna. My only issues with this device are that, for one, the little rubber feet were a little uneven (I fixed that). I got my Vicks Steam Inhaler a few days ago. It starts producing steam in about 4 minutes. Yes, you can regulate the amount of steam.

• Working voltage of the item is 120 Volts
• Provides vapor therapy for colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments
• Soothing steam penetrates nasal, sinus, throat passages naturally
• 5- to 15-minute treatment; adjustable steam control
• Comfortable, soft, plastic hood
• Compact size for storage or travel; 1-year warranty

But I found that hot air makes me breath faster and, as a result, there is not enough steam produced by the machine between my breaths. The mask has a few holes in it to mix the steam with some fresh air. If I cover with my fingers some or all three holes I get enough steam with every inhalation. It's pretty convenient, at least, for me and allows to (manually) regulate the amount of steam.

Neither Vicks or Mabis inhaler assume that you can directly add aroma oil to water. Both brands sale their own inhaler pads designed to work with their machines. But the choice of oils is very limited. For some it worked fine, for the others it didn't work that well screwing in some way the water heating surface. The only difference with the original pad is form but it works great.

It does not mess with the water heating surface and you can refill those cotton pads with any oil you want. For the future, I'm going to buy cotton pads and oil separately. I prefer to use calendula and there is no pads or kits coming with calendula extract.

This great little device is an essential for singers and speakers, especially those who suffer allergies. Steam is the number 1 treatment prescribed by my otolaryngologist when experiencing allergy, cold, or other respiratory/vocal symptoms. I recommend Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler to all my voice students.