Oftentimes, congested nasal and throat passages in family members are the most common reasons why parents are considering putting Vicks in a humidifier.
Vicks VapoRub is a widely accepted temporary yet effective relief for common cold symptoms. And humidifiers are also known to help ease symptoms of certain respiratory conditions.
And so, adding Vicks VapoRub in a humidifier is a great idea, right? Well, not exactly.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the things to consider if you want to put Vicks in a humidifier. We’ll also cover how the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub interact with humidifiers.
Further, we’ll also discuss safer alternatives to using Vicks VapoRub. Read on to find out.
Can You Put Vicks VapoRub in a Humidifier?
What is Vicks Vaporub?
For over a century, households worldwide have been using Vicks VapoRub as a remedy for a variety of common ailments. As a type of topical ointment, Vicks VapoRub is typically applied to the chest to treat nasal congestion caused by coughs and colds. It is also applied topically to treat muscle soreness, aches, and pains.
Vicks VapoRub contains 3 different active ingredients, these are Camphor, Menthol, and Eucalyptus. Interestingly, these 3 ingredients work similarly. All of them are cough suppressants; they are also topical analgesics except for Eucalyptus.
Check out VapoRub ointment on Amazon.
Why you should not add Vicks Vaporub to a humidifier?
Vicks Vaporub also contains inactive ingredients such as essential oils and special Petrolatum, also known as Petroleum Jelly. Specifically, Petroleum Jelly poses serious health and safety hazards. Inhaling it for prolonged periods may cause aspiration pneumonia. Even worse, a petroleum-derived product like Petroleum Jelly can cause cancer.
Another reason why putting Vicks in a humidifier is not a good idea is due to the risk of skin burns. This is why you should not heat, put in a microwave, or add Vicks Vaporub to hot water. Or put Vicks in any device where heating water is involved like a humidifier or hot steam inhaler.
Read Also: Adding Salt Into The Humidifier Water
How to Put VapoPads or VapoSteam in Vicks Humidifier?
What are VapoPads and VapoSteam?
VapoPads and VapoSteam are safer alternatives to putting Vicks in a humidifier. They are designed to help you and your family relieve stubborn nasal congestion without the dangers of Petrolatum.
However, you should not put these Vicks Vaporub alternatives into water tanks on many humidifiers. Keep in mind that most humidifiers have tanks that are intended for water and not anything else. Heating water with grease or certain oils can damage some parts of the unit.
On that note, the Vicks brand has a line of select humidifiers and steam inhalers that can be used with VapoPads and VapoSteam liquid inhalants. While you can use your Vicks humidifier without VapoPads, you still need them to get over a sinus infection or a cold.
Vicks VapoPads in Humidifier
Vicks VapoPads are refill pads that provide a convenient and mess-free method for soothing nasal, sinus, and throat passages. They are intended to be used with specially designed Vicks humidifiers and hot steam inhalers to produce non-medicated vapors.
With that said, Vicks VapoPads can be used with other brands of waterless, plug-in vaporizers, and select Vicks cool mist humidifiers. Using Vicks VapoPads in a humidifier or steam inhaler from other brands is okay as long these devices come with a dedicated slot (for the VapoPads).
So, how to put VapoPads in a humidifier or vaporizer?
- Locate the slot for the scent pad.
- Open the VapoPads pouch by tearing the notch.
- Insert the refill pads in the scent slot.
- Dispose of the pouch.
- Plug the unit into the outlet and turn the switch.
Check out Vicks VapoPads on Amazon.
Vicks VapoSteam in Humidifier
VapoSteam is a liquid inhalant that can be added to a vaporizer’s cup or directly into the water tank to produce a medicated steam. The soothing vapor of eucalyptus and peppermint provides quick, soothing comfort for the nasal and throat passages.
| Using a vaporizer cup | In the water tank |
| Pour the Vicks VapoSteam into the unit’s vaporizer or medicine cup typically located on top of the unit. | Pour 10ml or a tablespoon of Vicks VapoSteam into an empty tank and then fill it with water. There should be a level indicator in the unit. If not, it’s generally a tablespoon of Vicks VapoSteam for every quart of water you’re going to use. |
Vicks VapoSteam is intended to be used with hot steam vaporizers and diffusers. While you can use warm mist humidifiers with this liquid inhalant, you should not use it with an ultrasonic or cool-mist humidifier.
Check out VapoSteam on Amazon.
Is Vicks in a Humidifier Safe for Baby to Use?
According to a study, Vicks in a humidifier is unsafe for babies and children under 2 years old. The menthol in Vicks inhalants can harm babies and small children since they already have extremely narrow airways.
When menthol is perceived as an irritant or a potentially harmful chemical, their bodies naturally respond to protect the airways. This may lead to producing more mucous or narrowing the airways even further.
The result is often significant distress in the respiratory system.
Is Vicks VapoPads Safe for Babies If You Only Use It a Few Hours?
No, such inhalants should not be used for babies at all. Menthol and peppermint are extremely strong ingredients for babies to handle.
Even for a few hours, these active ingredients can make babies feel worse. Again, their bodies may produce more mucous in the long run.
More often than not, nasal congestion is the most common reason why parents are considering the use of Vicks VapoPads for their babies. But since Vicks VapoPads are not safe for babies to use, you need to go for a much safer option.
You can use your Vicks humidifier without VapoPads to generate more moisture in the air, which will, in turn, help decongest your baby’s nasal passages.
