Last Updated on: 18th September 2023, 05:43 pm
Vicks is a renowned brand that manufactures high-quality humidifiers and other products such as vaporizers, sinus inhalers, and some accessories like Vicks Vapopads. Vicks products are made to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies such as colds, coughs, or congestion. If you’ve just bought a Vicks humidifier, you might be wondering if you can use your best Vicks humidifier without Vapopads.
Can I Use Vicks Humidifier Without Vapopads?
Yes, your humidifier can be used with Vicks Vapopads. You can still use the unit without pads – although it is useful to use Vapopads in your humidifier when you’re suffering from allergies, you can still use your humidifier with just plain water and without any Vapopads. The reason is that Vapopads are just humidifier accessories and they wouldn’t affect the normal functioning of your humidifier.
Table of Contents
- Can I Use Vicks Humidifier Without Vapopads?
- Alternatives To Use Instead Of Vapopads By Vicks
- What are Vapopads For Your Humidifier?
- Instructions On How To Insert A Vapopad In A Vicks Humidifier
- Factors To Consider When You Use Vicks Brand Humidifier Without Vapopads

Read on to find out more about Vicks Vapopads and humidifiers together with some frequently asked questions.
Alternatives To Use Instead Of Vapopads By Vicks
While Vicks VapoPads are specifically designed for use in compatible Vicks humidifiers, there are some alternatives you can consider if you want to add scents or therapeutic benefits to your indoor air. Please note that these alternatives may not be suitable for all humidifier models, so it’s essential to consult your humidifier’s user manual or contact the manufacturer before trying any of these options.
- DIY Scented Pads: You can create your own scent pads by using unscented cotton pads or a piece of felt cut to size. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils or even Vicks Vaporub to the pad and place it in the designated compartment of your humidifier, if available. Make sure not to saturate the pad, as too much oil may damage your humidifier.
What are Vapopads For Your Humidifier?
Vapopads are actually scented pads that have been infused with essential oils such as menthol, camphor, or lavender. They are compatible with Vicks humidifiers, vaporizers, or diffusers. When activated with heat, these vapopads release scented vapors into the air while increasing the humidity and provide relief and comfort if you have cough, congestion, infections, or throat irritations.
Camphor, which is an active ingredient in vapopads, is best known for reducing pain and inflammation. It also acts as a cough suppressant and decongestant. The components in camphor provide a soothing effect and bring a good night’s sleep.
Another active ingredient in vapopads is menthol which has amazing properties to soothe a sore throat, alleviate pain, and provide relief for nasal congestion. Vapopads can release scented vapors for up to 8 hours and can be refilled again.
Instructions On How To Insert A Vapopad In A Vicks Humidifier

Using vapopads in the humidifier provides additional benefits apart from just humidifying your indoor air. The aromatic vapors may help soothe nasal congestion and relieve cold or flu symptoms. Inserting a vapopad in the humidifier is quite easy.
If your device has a scent pad door on the outer body then simply open the door, insert one or two pads into the door and then close it. Some models have a slot for vapopads between the base and tank. In this case, you should lift the water tank, place one or two pads into the slot, and put the water tank back in its original position.
Vapopads can last for up to 8 hours after which they need to be discarded. It is advised not to touch the vapopads as the contents in them may cause irritation on your skin or eyes.
Vaporizer Models This Applies To
These instructions apply to all Vicks humidifier models that they offer but I have experience with the following:
- Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer
- Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier
- Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Related post: How long does it take for a humidifier to work?
Factors To Consider When You Use Vicks Brand Humidifier Without Vapopads
Always Use Distilled or Demineralized Water In Your Humidifier
It is recommended to use distilled or demineralized water if you are using your Vicks humidifier without Vapopads.
Do not Put Essential Oils in the Humidifier’s Water Tank
You should never put essential oils or other fragrances in the water tank of your humidifier. Adding these essential oils to the water tank may damage the humidifier or cause the machine to malfunction.
A red light on your Vicks humidifier may indicate low water too.
Avoid Adding Salt To The Humidifier
Adding salt to the humidifier offers many benefits. For example, it clears the nasal passages, acts as a great antimicrobial agent, and reduces bacteria and mold growth in the device. However, you should never use salt in your humidifier unless it is approved by the manufacturer.
This is because salt can corrode the working parts of your humidifier which can damage the unit and reduce its effectiveness.

Can I use Vicks Vapopads in Any Humidifier?
Yes, you can use Vicks vapopads in any humidifier if it has a slot or a medicine cup for placing the vapopads. In this way, you can get the amazing benefits of soothing vapors of Vicks Vapopads and thus relieve symptoms of cold or flu.
Can you put Vicks VapoRub in a Humidifier?
No, it is not recommended to use Vicks VapoRub in your humidifier. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that is used to relieve cough or congestion. However, it is very toxic when ingested. Using Vicks VapoRub in your humidifier may cause serious problems and it can even damage your machine.
Is Vicks Vapopads Good for Babies to Use?
Whether Vicks Vapopads is safe for babies or not depends on the age of your baby. If your baby is below the age of 2, it is possible that using Vicks Vapopads might not be safe for him or her.
This is because babies are more sensitive and the ingredients used in these vapopads such as menthol or eucalyptus might be too strong for them. Instead of providing relief, these vapopads may worsen the situation and cause side effects such as irritation of the airways, difficulty in breathing, or an allergic reaction.
Can you use Vicks VapoPads in any humidifier?
Although you may be able to use Vicks VapoPads in some humidifiers, it’s important to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific humidifier model. Not all humidifiers are designed to be compatible with VapoPads or other scented pads. Using them in a humidifier not designed for such use may result in reduced performance, damage to the humidifier, or even pose a safety risk.
Vicks VapoPads are designed specifically for Vicks humidifiers and vaporizers that have a designated scent pad slot or compartment. To ensure proper use and avoid any potential issues, it’s best to use VapoPads with compatible Vicks devices or consult the manufacturer of your humidifier for more information on whether or not it can safely accommodate scented pads.
Conclusion On Using Vicks Vapopads
Vapopads offer immense benefits when used in a humidifier during times of cough or cold. The aromatic vapors released may help clear the nasal passages and alleviate symptoms of cold or flu. However, you can use your Vicks humidifier without using these vapopads as these are just accessories. Not using these scented pads in your humidifier will not affect the working mechanism of your machine.
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