Contents
- What are Vapopads?
- Can you Use Vicks Humidifier without Vapopads?
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 Vicks humidifier without Vapopads.
The short answer is: Yes, you can. 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.
Read on to find out more about Vicks Vapopads and humidifiers together with some frequently asked questions.
What are Vapopads?
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 and provide relief 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.
Can you Use Vicks Humidifier without Vapopads?
Yes, you can use your Vicks humidifier without vapopads. Many models of humidifiers come with either a medicine cup or a slot in which you can insert vapopads. When you add vapopads, you will get the benefits of aromatic compounds that are infused in the vapopads.
However, if you do not prefer using vapopads in your Vicks humidifier, you can safely run your device with just plain water. The reason is that vapopads are just accessories and your humidifier can perform its normal function with or without vapopads.
How to Insert a Vapopad in a 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.
Related post: How long does it take for a humidifier to work?
Factors to Consider when You Use Vicks Humidifier Without Vapopads
Always Use Distilled or Demineralized Water
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 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.
Avoid Adding Salt
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 Use Vicks Vaporizer Without Vapopads?
A vaporizer is a type of warm mist humidifier that works by boiling water and then releasing the steam into the air. Both humidifiers and vaporizers have the same purpose i.e to increase indoor humidity and ease discomfort caused by dry air.
Like humidifiers, vaporizers are also compatible with vapopads. In Vicks vaporizers, there is a scent pad slot on the top cover of the unit. You can add one or two Vapopads at the same time into the slot.
However, you can also run your Vicks Vaporizer without using vapopads. The warm mist dispersed from the vaporizer will increase moisture in the air and soothe congestion, cough, or other symptoms of allergies.
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.
Conclusion
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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Richard is a retired HVAC specialist and air quality enthusiast! With decades of experience in the field, this author has seen it all when it comes to air-related issues and knows just what it takes to keep your surroundings clean and healthy.