Frequently Asked Questions

VIH200CV1 Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler

Question: How do I set up/install my Vicks Sinus Inhaler?

Answer:

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to set up your Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler:

Fully unravel cord. Failure to do so could cause overheating and possible fire hazard. DO NOT use with extension cords or power strip. Place Inhaler on a flat, stable surface for use.
Unlock the Top Housing from the Base by twisting the Top Housing counterclockwise. When fully unlocked, the arrow on the Top Housing will align with the unlock symbol on the Base. Lift the Top Housing straight up and set aside.
Fill Water Reservoir with up to 2.5 tablespoons (40 mL) of cool tap water. DO NOT fill above Heating Element. Use with water only. DO NOT add any essential oils, medication or inhalant liquids such as Vicks VapoSteam, to the Water Reservoir. An unsafe condition may result if anything is added to the water.
Place Top Housing on the Base and twist clockwise to lock. When fully locked, you will feel a click and the arrow on the Top Housing will align with the lock symbol on Base.
Place Mask on Top Housing and gently push down to ensure Mask is secure.
CAUTION: NEVER move, lift, shake or tilt the Inhaler while it is in use or while it contains hot water. DO NOT remove the Mask or Top Housing after turning ON the Inhaler. Steam is produced by boiling water; tilting or shaking unit can cause water to spill and possible burns.
CAUTION: DO NOT block any vents.
Connect cord to electrical outlet. DO NOT use with extension cord or power strip. Press the On/Off Switch to the ON position. The Indicator Light will illuminate.
The Steam Inhaler will take approximately 6 minutes to begin making steam. Use caution, the Water Reservoir and water will become hot.
Place your face over the Mask. DO NOT rest your face on the Mask. Breathe normally through your nose and mouth, inhaling steam into your nasal and throat passages. Continue treatment for five to fifteen minutes.

Question: How do I increase the steam coming out of my inhaler?

Answer: You can adjust the steam intensity while using the unit by rotating the Steam Disk Control. For more steam, move the Steam Disk Control clockwise.

Question: How do you clean this product?

Answer:

The unit should be rinsed daily and thoroughly cleaned weekly. The unit should also be emptied and wiped dry if not in use. CAUTION: ALWAYS disconnect the plug from the electrical outlet and let the Steam Inhaler cool down for at least 20 minutes before cleaning.

After Each Use

Remove mask and Top Housing and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
If any water is left in the Water Reservoir, pour water out and wipe Reservoir and Base with a dry, clean cloth or paper towel. NEVER immerse the Base in water or other liquid.
Replace Mask and Top Housing; store in a cool dry place.

Weekly Maintenance
If your Steam Inhaler is used ten or more times a week or scale builds up in the Water Reservoir, follow these additional cleaning instructions:

Remove Mask and Top Housing.
Pour 2.5 tablespoons (40mL) of undiluted white vinegar into the Water Reservoir and let sit for 10 minutes.
Empty the white vinegar and rinse out Water Reservoir with fresh, clean tap water. Use caution to not let water get into the electrical areas.
Dry the Water Reservoir and Base with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Wash Mask with mild soap and warm water then carefully rinse off all soap with fresh, clean tap water. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Replace Top Housing and Mask. Store in a cool, dry place.
To clean the VapoPad Tray, wet the tip of a cotton swab and wipe slots.

NOTE: The Top Housing is dishwasher safe. It may be cleaned in the Top Rack of the dishwasher or by hand as noted in the instructions. DO NOT place in the bottom rack of dishwasher. DO NOT attempt to dissamble the Top Housing. The Heating Cup should NEVER be put in the dishwasher.
After Long Periods of Non-Use
If you haven’t used your electric steam inhaler for two weeks or longer, follow the Weekly Maintenance Instructions before the next use.

Question: How do I use VapoPads in this unit?

Answer:

Your Vicks Steam Inhaler can be used with Vicks VapoPads, to provide up to 8 hours of soothing vapors. One free sample of the menthol VapoPad is included with your device.
To use your unit with scent pads, ensure that the unit is OFF and follow these instructions:

Gently slide out the VapoPad Tray from the back of the Top Housing. NOTE: Only slide Tray out. DO NOT attempt to detach the Tray from the Top Housing.
Open VapoPad sachet by tearing notch on pad bag. DO NOT touch pad with hands. If pad is touched, DO NOT rub face or eyes as it may cause irritation.
Insert Vicks VapoPad with angled end at the front of the tray. Up to two scent pads can be inserted, one in each slot of the VapoPad Tray. Push VapoPad Tray in to close.
When the VapoPad is dried and no longer providing scent, discard.

NOTE: DO NOT operate Steam Inhaler if VapoPad Tray is missing or not secured.

This Steam Inhaler (with or without Vicks VapoPads) is not recommended for use by children.

VapoPads Precautions:

Not recommended for infants under 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
For children between 10-22 lbs (4.5-10 kg ) do not use more than 2 pads in a 24 hour period.

Sample VapoPad ingredients: Eucalyptus Oil, Menthol, Glycol, Cedar Leaf Oil & Others.

Question: What is the discoloration on the heating element?

Answer: What you are seeing is the leftover minerals from your water. As the water is turned into steam, all of the minerals and particles in your water are left behind and collected in the base, leaving a residue or particles behind. As long as the unit is cleaned as directed this will not cause any problems or affect the purity of the steam.

Question: Can I use tap water with my unit?

Answer: Yes, this unit works with tap water.

Question: Can I control the steam output?

Answer: You can adjust the steam intensity while using the unit by rotating the Steam Disk Control.

For More Steam: Move the Steam Disk Control clockwise for maximum steam.
For Less Steam: Move the Steam Disk Control counter clockwise for minimum steam. If at any time the treatment becomes too intense, stop treatment immediately.