I am currently in a show with no understudies, and I am developing a cold. I was wondering how effective steam inhalers are in relieving symptoms and which chain stores carry them. I found some on a few websites, but they only sold them online.
Whenever I get a sore throat and it starts to feel like sandpaper, I will plug in a vaporizer. I've bought 3 different ones over the past 20 years, and the last one is an inexpensive model by Vicks that I got at a drugstore (about $20). You just fill it with water (and add a couple of pinches of salt), plug it in, and warm steam will start to emerge.
The cheaper ones don't produce as much steam as an expensive model, nor work effectively in a large room, but I think the answer to that is get 2 units if in a large space. Otherwise one seems to be fine in a bedroom, if you keep it near your bed as you sleep.
It seems to work for me and relieves my throat. Good luck.
Some vaporizers have "cups" in the top where you can pour a liquid treatment to give the steam a "boost" (google "vaposteam"). Vicks also makes a waterless vaporizer if you don't want to deal with the fuss and muss of water and plugs. Vicks 1.5 Gallon Vaporizer with Night-Light
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
Walgreens has a small steam inhaler that has a menthol insert option for like $20. Are you in NYC? The Walgreens at 4th and 14th has them in stock. I can't imagine any drug store not having something in stock. Vick's makes disposable bags that you add water to and inhale. I am sure they can be found all over.
Pretty pretty please don't you ever ever feel like you're less than f**ckin' perfect!
