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As the temperature drops and winter sets in, people tend to get sick more often. For some, this means a simple cold. For others, it’s much more serious—like a persistent cough, nasal congestion, and breathing difficulties. If you’re one of those who get sick with the slightest change in the weather, then you must invest in a steam inhaler. A steam inhaler helps kill germs in your nasal passages and lungs, providing relief from congestion, sore throat, stuffy nose, and basically all the things we hate about being sick. Besides combating allergies, they can also be used as facial treatments or aromatherapy—perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. That said, we've rounded up some of the top-rated steam inhalers 2024 has to offer. Let’s take a look!
Detailing The Top-Rated Steam Inhalers Of 2024
Mypurmist Steam Inhaler — Best Overall
Mypurmist is an ultrasonic steam inhaler and vaporizer that generates warm mist to provide relief from sinus congestion, coughs, and colds within 5-15 minutes. Featuring a new ceramic shell with medical-grade HEPA filters, it has a patented no-wick design that provides ultimate protection from humidity, breakage, and corrosion.
Combining the power of steam with the temperature sensor, it’s extremely safe and effective—you don't have to worry about accidentally scalding yourself. Unlike bulky humidifiers and nebulizers, it’s compact enough to fit into your bag so you can take it anywhere with you.
As an added bonus, it comes with one latex mask and eight distilled water refills that’ll last for 40 sessions. Offering unmatched durability, quick results, and a 2-year warranty, this steam inhaler stands out among the rest of the products on our list.
Pros
- Provide fast relief with instant steam
- Chemical and drug-free technology
- Perfect for aromatherapy sessions
Cons
- May not produce mist with tap water
Vicks Steam Inhaler — Best for Aromatherapy
If you’re looking for a portable and convenient way to relieve congestion, then look no further than Vicks Steam Inhaler. Ideal for people with different breathing issues such as asthma or COPD, it provides a warm and germ-free mist of steam that clears the nasal passages and fights off the symptoms of cold, flu, and sinus infection in a matter of minutes. Featuring an ergonomically designed face mask, it is comfortable to wear while its adjustable steam control allows you to change the steam intensity according to your comfort level.
What’s more, it is compatible with soothing menthol and calming VapoPads from Vicks, allowing you to choose the scent that best suits your mood or needs at the time. Another perk? It works with tap water, so you don't have to invest in filters or expensive cartridges.
Pros
- Features adjustable steam intensity
- Work with soothing VapoPads for aromatherapy
- Do not require distilled water or additional filters
Cons
- Hot water may spill over if not handled carefully
EZBASICS Steam Inhaler — Most Versatile
Looking for a 2-in-1 steam inhaler that can be used for treating sinus and for facial treatments as well? With EZBASIC you can get the best of both worlds. 10x more effective than others, this steam inhaler generates ionic steam within 30 seconds to help you get rid of stuffiness and congestion. Featuring an adjustable nozzle, the steam penetrates deep into the skin, resulting in unclogged pores and moisturized skin.
As an added bonus, it comes with a 5 piece stainless steel skin kit that removes blackheads and blemishes, providing you with smooth and radiant skin. Best of all? It's made of eco-friendly ABS plastic, non-toxic and non-irritating material—so you can use it without worrying about any side effects like burning eyes or headaches!
Pros
- Adjustable nozzle for maximum customization
- Easy to set up
- Come with stainless steel blackhead removing pins
Cons
- Might be a little bulky
MAYLUCK Steam Inhaler — Best Budget
MAYLUCK Steam Inhaler is an innovative device that's specifically designed to provide relief from respiratory symptoms. Featuring a powerful compressor, this fast atomization steam inhaler provides gentle steam that relieves congestion and soothes sore throats in as little as 10 minutes.
Compact enough to fit inside the medicine cabinet or nightstand drawer, it comes equipped with air vents, providing maximum protection against overheating. With a sleek and modern design, this steam inhaler has a waterproof on/off switch, making it easy to use even when you're feeling under the weather. Thanks to its three different attachments: a mouthpiece, a kid's mask, and an adult mask, now your whole family can benefit from it!
Pros
- Perfect for kids and adults alike
- Sleek design with advanced mechanism
- Fast atomization for instant relief
Cons
- Air filter cotton might need replacement after every three month
Gülife Steam Inhaler — Most Durable
The Gulife Steam Inhaler is a medical-grade breathing device that provides a soft, fine mist of steam to soothe nasal congestion and allergies while also clearing up your sinuses. Featuring two different nebulization levels, this inhaler can easily be optimized according to your symptoms. What’s more, it comes with a mouthpiece and a mask so both adults and kids can use it to ease up chest congestion.
With a detachable 8-liter chamber and tilting design, you can use it for longer without having to refill it. Plus, it’s super quiet and has a self-clean mode that sterilizes the device in just one minute. For added convenience, it can be powered via plug-in cable or 2AA batteries so you can easily use it on the go. Manufactured with advanced mesh technology, this steam inhaler is acid and corrosion-resistant so you can use it for years to come.
Pros
- LED battery indicator
- Self-clean mode for hassle-free cleanup
- Medical grade material for maximum safety
Cons
- Do not come with a stable base
How to Find a Quality Steam Inhaler: A Buying Guide
Whether you're looking for something that will help clear out your sinuses after spending too much time outdoors during the winter months or just want something natural to soothe yourself while feeling under the weather—there are many reasons why people turn to steam inhalers instead of traditional medications when fighting off colds!
However, with different products on the market, finding the right steam inhalers might feel like finding a needle in a haystack. To help you out, we’ve prepared this handy guide with all the factors that’ll help you make an informed buying decision.
Check the Functionality
Steam inhalers come with different features that make them more efficient in treating certain conditions. Some are used for clearing congestion from the respiratory tract. They can be used to treat colds, flu, allergies, and sinusitis. However, there are many types of steam inhalers with different functions. Other steam inhalers can also be used as humidifiers or for aromatherapy purposes. Some steam inhalers even come with extra functions like a night light, timer, and cool mist for soothing relief. For maximum versatility, pick an all-in-one model so you can use it according to your requirements.
Pick the Right Size
When it comes to steam inhalers, the bigger isn’t always better. Your steam inhaler should be sized appropriately for your needs. If you plan on using it frequently, choose one that’s lightweight and portable enough for easy carrying around. However, if you plan on using it occasionally or only at home, then you can go for larger models that come with different accessories like mouthpieces, kids, and adult masks.
Ease of Use
If you're using the inhaler on a daily basis, then you want something that's easy to use and maintain. Look for steam devices that come with a simple design and user-friendly features such as adjustable steam settings, water level indicators, and self-cleaning mechanisms.
It’s All About Durability
Like any other medical device, steam inhalers are built with durability in mind. However, make sure that the one you choose is made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or aluminum heating elements. It should also have medical-grade HEPA filters. This will ensure that it lasts for years instead of breaking down prematurely or cracking during normal use.
Give Utmost Priority to Safety
The last thing you want is a product that might overheat or cause burns if accidentally touched during use. You also don't want something that uses chemicals as part of its process because this could be harmful as well if ingested or inhaled accidentally or unintentionally by yourself or others around you in the home or office. For enhanced safety, pick a model that has safety features such as automatic shutoff, cool-touch exterior, tip-over prevention, and overheat protection.