Best Steam Inhalers in 2024 – To Treat Flu, Cold, Allergies And All Kinds Of Sinuses

Steam therapy dates back to history when people used to treat conditions like cold, flu, allergies or any kind of respiratory problem by heating water in pots and inhaling the steam which resulted. Not just that, but it was also used by adults who wished to detoxify their skin and beautify it more. Even in today’s era, steam inhalation is highly recommended by doctors as well as dermatologists to treat various conditions. Before going into the specifics about the best inhalers, let’s first discuss what it is and the purpose of it.

What is Steam Inhalation – Why is it used?

Steam inhalation involves inhaling water vapours to either open the airways aiding the lungs in draining the mucus or to open the pores so that the dirt comes out easily (this includes, softening of blackheads too).

It is generally used to open the blocked nasal passages, relieving sinus conditions along with cough symptoms.

Major Reasons: Why steam inhalation is used?

• Treating medical conditions like sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems
• Treating skin conditions like acne and blackheads
• Spa treatment and sauna to detoxify the skin and reduce calories

Steam Inhalers Are Recommended For:

List of conditions for which steam inhalers are recommended:

• Cough or throat irritation
• Bronchitis
• Headache
• Blocked/Congested nose
• Breathing problems because of airway congestion
• Acne and blackheads

*Note that excessive steam inhalation can aggravate symptoms of patients suffering from rosacea, eczema, or fungal infections. Therefore, they should keep the steam inhalation to only a few minutes.

Benefits and Side-Effects of Steam Inhalers

Benefits	Side-Effects
Clears nasal congestion	Risk of severe burns in sensitive areas of skin
Improves circulation	May result in over-drying of skin
Promotes skin health	Allergic reactions (though these are rare)
Clears the airways
Helps to de-stress

Without further ado, let’s head on to our product reviews.

Our criteria for selecting steam inhalers

• Portability
• Design
• Comfort
• Customizability

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1. Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler, V1200

Quick Overview

Ranked as number one in our list, Vicks electric personal steam inhaler is a stellar and a minimalistic device that comes with a soft face mask that’s very comfortable to wear.

Ideally, it should be used for 5-15 minutes to relieve symptoms. The steam output is adjustable to receive the right amount of steam which makes it customizable too. The water boils quickly too to not keep you waiting for long.

 

Final Thoughts:

Vicks electric personal steam inhaler is an all-rounder in all aspects mentioned in our criteria. With its great design, comfortable mask, adjustable control, and functionality, you are sure to not go wrong with this one.

2. MAYLUCK Handheld Nebulizer Steam Inhalers

Quick Overview

Mayluck is another really good steam inhaler that has a minimalistic design. The design allows it to be used by adults as well as kids. Also, there’s a simple on/off button too.

It operates quietly and doesn’t make much sound accounting for 25 dB or less. Further, the mask is comfortable to wear too.

 

Final Thoughts:

Since most people are always ‘on-the-go’, Mayluck’s steam inhaler can surely act as a saviour because of its compact and lightweight design. It is made to suit every kind of environment be it office or any other place. There is no such flaw reported in the design and features of this device. The only major drawback is it’s non rechargeable function. There is so much difficulty in replacing the batteries and also it is a bit heavy on some pockets too.

3. Crane 2 in 1 Personal Steam Inhaler & Warm Mist Humidifier

Quick Overview

Crane is a multi-functional device that operates as both, a personal steam inhaler as well as warm mist humidifier. The functionality is very safe as well as it has an auto shut off function in case of overheating. Both the functions are good at relieving symptoms of cough or allergies fairly quickly.

The device is highly customizable with adjustable steam control to help you receive the ideal amount of steam. It is recommended though, to use the steam inhaler with Crane’s Menthol Vapor Pads to relieve symptoms faster.

Final Thoughts:

Crane is a trusted brand that offers many other products too. It has been in the market for quite some time now, and according to our review, it ticks off all the elements in our pre-set criteria too. There are no batteries required with this one and the design itself is quite appealing too along with the functionality being just perfect. If you can afford it, we can safely give you a thumbs up for this one.

4. Veridian 11-525 Steam Inhaler and Beauty Mask

Quick Overview

Veridian Steam Inhaler is a great device for relieving cough or allergies symptoms quickly. It is multifunctional with options of both hot steam inhalation and facial therapy. On top of that, the steam is adjustable making it more convenient for the user.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts:

Veridian Steam inhaler can give you two benefits – relief from cough or flu symptoms and a beauty treatment. Apart from that, it ticks off aspects in our criteria and provides good value of money too, so it is definitely a great option to consider.

5. Medisure Steam Inhaler Cup

Quick Overview

Medisure Steam inhaler cup is a convenient and non-slip device that can be used to relieve symptoms of cough and cold. It comes with a comfortable mask to help with steam inhalation and is insulated to trap heat. The design is good as the two handles on the sides help in holding it with ease and avoiding spills.

There’s no electricity required for it, so you can easily use it at any time. To make it more effective, you can add eucalyptus oil too, making it quite customizable as well.

Final Thoughts:

Medisure is an ideal choice for all those looking for a cheap and convenient steam inhaler with the basic functionality. However, holding both the handles can be tiring for some users. Besides that, the device ticks off all the elements in our criteria, so we will definitely recommend you to try it.

6. MABIS Personal Steam Inhaler Vaporizer

Quick Overview

MABIS personal steam inhaler comes with a vibrant and aesthetically pleasing design. It is perfectly suited to treat problems like common cold, throat irritation, flu, allergies, etc. It is portable and can be kept anywhere in the room without taking much of the space. Moreover, it has adjustable steam control, making it customizable along with an English and Spanish instructions manual which can be very handy.

Apart from that, the mask is soft, flexible, latex free and very comfortable to wear to inhale the steam without causing you any sort of discomfort. The functionality is great and the steam vaporizer is an effective way to clear secretions and lubricating your airways. On top of that, it does not make much noise, which makes it more desirable.

Final Thoughts:

MABIS personal steam inhaler is a great device that ticks off all the elements in our criteria. Its unique design and excellent functionality makes it the perfect solution to all your respiratory problems and on top of that, it cleanses your pores too. It’s definitely a good steal if you can afford it.

7. Crane Cordless Rechargeable Warm and Cool Mist Steam Inhaler EE-5948

Quick Overview

This one is a seemingly convenient steam inhaler coupled with some amazing perks. Crane’s steam inhaler can be used anywhere, even when you’re travelling. The design makes it lightweight and portable. Apart from that, it is highly customizable too. You can adjust the cool and hot mist according to your own comfort level.

It’s also very comfortable to wear as it comes with two latex free, medical grade silicon masks. Further, it comes with extra menthol vapour pads to help relieve your symptoms of cold, cough and other kinds of allergies.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, we will say that Crane’s steam inhaler is an efficient and convenient device that comes with a travel bag, so you can keep it everywhere with you and use it whenever you require. It is also appropriate for children. We think it’s a good steal as it ticks off all the elements in our criteria.

8. Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler

Quick Overview

Featuring an excellent design, Vicks personal sinus steam inhaler is a great way to penetrate your nasal and throat passages, that too, via germ-free steam. The steam control can be adjusted according to your needs and the warm steam will drain the mucus, thereby relieving the symptoms of cold, flu or cough such as clogged ears, clogged nostrils, etc. It can be easily held in your hand, so you can carry it anywhere and use it anytime owing to its portable design.

It comes with a soft face mask which won’t irritate your skin while you are inhaling the steam. Further, it’s quick and treatment time ranges from 5-15 minutes only. It also comes with a menthol vapour pad for better effects.

Final Thoughts:

Vicks personal sinus steam inhaler makes a great choice as it is incredibly simple with its features as well as the design. There’s an auto shut off when the water runs out which makes it more convenient. All in all, it ticks off all the elements in our criteria, so it’s definitely a good option to consider.

9. HUADEYI Facial Steamer Professional Steam Inhaler

Quick Overview

HUADEYI Facial steamer and professional steam inhaler is a two in one solution for your skin cleansing and sinus problems. It effectively cleanses your skin by deeply penetrating into your pores through the tiny nano ionic steam and thereby giving you a healthy glow.

Apart from that, it provides an effective relief from sinuses by clearing out the nasal passages and thereby unclogging your nose and ears. Further, it comes with a great design, and the face mask is very comfortable to wear too. The steam has low pressure which prevents skin burns or excessive dryness. It can be kept anywhere in the room as it is portable and you can customize the settings too.

Final Thoughts:

HUADEYI facial steamer and professional steam inhaler is a very convenient option and with its amazing functionality, you will not regret buying it. Besides that, it also ticks off all the elements in our criteria, therefore we consider it to be a good steal.

10. Hann Facial Steamer Professional Sinus Steam Inhaler

Quick Overview

Hans Facial steamer and a professional sinus steam inhaler is an attractive and fully functional device that offers both, facial steam to clear your pores along with nose steam to clear nasal passages and airways.

In terms of the skin, it effectively moisturizes and deeply penetrates the pores, bringing out the dirt and giving you a healthy glow. In terms of flu and cough, it effectively clears the mucus by melting it via hot steam. It also has a convenient auto shut off.

Final Thoughts:

Hans Facial steamer and sinus steam inhaler is a great option to consider as it has many desirable features and gives you benefit of two functionalities. The design is also very appealing and it’s very comfortable too, thereby ticks off all elements in our criteria.

That brings us towards the conclusion of our review, but before choosing a steam inhaler for yourself, read below the dos and donts of steam inhalers to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk factors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Steam Inhalation

Do’s	Don’ts
Remove any makeup before use	Do not extend the prescribed treatment time
Use a moisturizer after use	Do not use it if it is not prescribed by your consultant
Clean the steamer to avoid germs and bacteria	Do not forget to hydrate
Use it with menthol vapour pads/essential oils for better results
Keep your face slightly away from the steam to avoid burns

Conclusion

We can safely conclude on this note that steam inhalers should be used only if it is recommended by the doctor and after reading the instructions manual thoroughly to avoid mishaps. Besides that, it is a safe and natural method to treat flu, cold, allergies and all kinds of sinuses, and a safe method to cleanse the facial skin and give yourself an at home spa treatment.