Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer Questions & Answers

Hello Anna. Do you mean the unit ran out of water after 6-7 hours? Or did it just switch off, with water still in it? Either way that shouldn't happen. Can you please get in touch with our Customer Service team who will advise on next steps? [email protected]. You can use tap water in the unit, that's fine - it's certainly not a health hazard, however the minerals can erode your machine over time (hence the regular cleaning required in the manual), so if you don't mind the extra cost of using demineralised water it could keep your vaporizer in better condition for longer. Carla

Hi there
It's not an invalid address. Check the spelling you've typed in perhaps?. You may get a message from that email saying they are currently experiencing a high volume of mail and to expect delays replying.
If you are still having trouble, reply with your email and I'll get them to get in touch with you. Then you can delete your email by editing your post once I've confirmed I've got it. Cheers, Carla

Hi Paul, we haven't heard of this before. Perhaps try eucalyptus oil? It sounds counterintuitive but if it's oily residue, eucalyptus oil will dissolve it. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Tracey
It sounds like it has an electrical fault, because that's the safety making it cut out. Can you send an email to [email protected] and the team will discuss with you getting a warranty replacement. Or, if it's within the retailer's terms, return to place of purchase for a refund. Kind Regards, Vicks.

You can put essential oils in, but the inhalant mixture is much better in these large humidifier-style devices. You need an enormous amount of pure essential oils to get the same effect as the recommended dose of inhalant (about 60-70 drops because of the volume of water they contain). Inhalants are water soluble too, unlike essential oils, which will just sit on the surface. But it's up to you. Some people like to do both - give it an extra boost with some oils plus inhalant. Be sure you'e using appropriate essential oils for children if you're using them for children. Hope this helps! Vicks

Vicks VapoSteam, available at Chemist Warehouse and other pharmacies. In regular and double strength.
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/71423/vicks-vaposteam-double-strength-100ml

It's normal not to see the steam come out. It doesn't billow out of the device in a visible way, rather it's a slow, steady 'seep' of humidity into the air. There's no recommendation to increase steam apart from making sure it's cleaned regularly according to the instruction manual. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Amy
Please shoot our customer service an email regarding this on [email protected]. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Love
Yes you can also use Euky Bear and TAAV but use Euky Bear if you can find it - it's by our same parent company :) Also as Sarah notes above, it's suitable to use this with just the steam function and no inhalant. It's the warm steam that loosens the congestion. Kind Regards, Vicks.

It depends on the size and breed. In general we'd say exercise caution when diffusing or vaporising essential oils around pets. To cats it can be very toxic, whereas some larger dog breeds handle it better as long as the room is well ventilated. In this case it's always wise to ask your vet for their professional advice. Note: you can also use the device with just steam, no inhalant.
Kind Regards,Vicks.

Hi Sharlette
If the suggestion MDS above has made doesn't work, give us a call on Freecall 1800 655 841 during business hours. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Matthew
No there's no evidence that steam is harmful during coronavirus. In fact there's speculative evidence emerging that in areas of higher humidity, viruses don't spread as easily, which would go in favour of warm steam. Hope this info helps. Kind Regards, Vicks

Hi Loytora
Yes - the room will still humidify and you will still inhale the humid steam in a room with a fan on. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Just plug it in and away you go. There's no on/off switch. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Elizabeth
If you made your purchase within Australia, you can direct any troubleshooting enquiries to [email protected].
Kind Regards, Vicks Australia.

Hi Abbey
You can; but you need to use a huge amount to get any effectiveness and aroma in such a large container of water. About 60- 90 drops of pure essential oil is around the equivalent experience of 2.5mL of our inhalant formula. It works out pretty expensive with the price of pure oil blends, which are designed to use in small aromatherapy diffusers. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Edward
It's not best practice to do this. The unit needs to be rinsed and flushed to flush away mineral deposits and other tap water residue. It can also encourage microbes and bacteria to grow on the filter. We recommend to follow the manual instructions to empty after each use. Kind Regards, Vicks.

Hi Sally
Here's the best contact to answer your query direct - Freecall 1800 655 841 during business hours for Vicks Customer Service; you can also email at [email protected]. They'll be happy to help. Kind Regards, Vicks.

In some people, coughing spells can indicate the inhalant formula is too strong. Try halving the inhalant dose, or even using it for a few nights without inhalant altogether. The action of the warm steam is more important than the oil that's used in it. Some people do get a bit irritated by it. If the coughing persists despite reducing or stopping the inhalant, it's time to consult your GP. But yes, technically you should be able to use it every night :) Kind Regards, Vicks.