Review – Vicks Paediatric CoolMist Mini Ultrasonic Humidifier

Posted By Laura in Baby, Childrens, In the Home, Kid's rooms, Review | 0 comments

There is nothing more reassuring than the brand that you have grown up with, is there? Vicks have been making their VapoRub for over 100 years, so you just feel like they probably know what they’re about, don’t you? And I know some people hate it, but for me THAT smell makes me quietly content that someone is working to make things better . When it comes to Vicks, you just feel that no matter what the product is, it will help you the best it can.

So when I was asked to review the Vicks Paediatric CoolMist Mini Ultrasonic Humidifier (I know, catchy title, huh?) I was happy to agree. It is, after all, THAT season of colds and flu and bugs and general miserable-non-healthiness, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before it was in use.

So – why a humidifier? A high moisture content in the air  helps loosen congestion and soothes a sore throat – and it really helps on night coughs. It’s almost essential for small children who’s smaller nostrils get bunged up so easily, and who cannot take strong medication to help out with the un-bunging.

The CoolMist maintains a moisture level between 40-60% (and promises to “help reduce the survival of flu viruses and to ease dry nose, throat, eyes, and skin discomforts”), which sounded to me to be very high. But actually, it’s incredibly soothing to be in such cool humidity – even without suffering a cold. It certainly made me realise how dry the air usually is in the house when the central heating is on.

The CoolMist sends out a steady stream of … um… cool mist, oddly enough. I was surprised, actually, by just how cool it is – and reassured too, bearing in mind this will be sitting in the children’s rooms most often. You can also insert a VapoPads if you like, which adds that delicious ‘Vicks’ smell – and really does help clear a congested airway. As well as being incredibly soothing to sniff at. ;)

The steam jet is fully adjustable  – not just in direction but also, unlike other humidifiers we’ve used, in intensity, ranging from a barely-there puff to a full on jet. I was a bit suspicious of the ‘mini’ label, thinking it wouldn’t last very long – but on a  full tank it runs for 10 hours, which is enough for a night of decent sleep.

But of course the test is in the use – does it actually help?

Well… yes. Yes it does! I have noticed a distinct difference in the level of breathing snuffles on cold-ridden children when I turn it on. They sleep far more peacefully, and for longer, and the annoying night cough is practically GONE when I have the jet on Full Steam Ahead mode. It’s no cure for the common cold, of course, but it most certainly makes getting some sleep much easier for the whole family. Waking up is far less of a traumatic clogged up snotfest, too. As a side note, I’ve also noticed that the hideous cracked chapped lips that always come with a high temperature also magically disappear when the humidity is up.

It’s become an essential part of my household virus-combat arsenal, and not just for the children either – we ALL use it when we’re suffering. As a bonus, during cold season the smell of Vicks VapoRub wafts gently around the house. Which makes me happy.

Here’s the tech bit: