Vicks Vaporizer Safety: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Vicks Vaporizers are often used for children to treat cold symptoms. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that hot steam vaporizers be kept away from a child's reach due to the potential for scalding.

Types

• Vicks Vaporizers are available in waterless and steam varieties. The waterless vaporizer is available in an eight-hour plug-in and table model. The steam variety is available in a 1- or 1.5-gallon size.

Features

• Vicks steam vaporizers have an automatic shut off feature and steam-guard protection to prevent steam burns. According to the instruction manual, the plug has a polarized plug which means one prong is longer than the other. This is a safety feature and should not be tampered with. The waterless vaporizers are plugged into an outlet and utilize the Vicks Vapo-Pads to release the Vicks vapors in the area. Keep the waterless variety out of the reach of children.

Warnings

• Vicks safety instructions warn to not use an extension cord. In addition, do not use the product in an area where aerosol products or oxygen are in use. Do not place waterless and steam vaporizers on a heated surface and unravel the cord prior to use.