We have owned this product for many years and have found it very effective in preventing and treating colds, bronchitis, and sinus infections. However, we owned the previously made product by KAZ and found it to be a much superior product for the same purpose. Sadly, Vicks bought the KAZ product and KAZ no longer makes the old version. The Vicks product plastic cone (that you put your face into) has an odd angle for face placement, and is too tall/high and easily tips, thus spilling boiling water onto your lap or chest. Be careful with this and wear a thick blanket "bib" to protect yourself from burns. Be sure to supervise children who use this product. We did not have this same stability problem with the KAZ made product. That being said. This product is still extremely effective in treating upper respiratory problems, much cheaper than medications and drugs, and much better for the body. Product states that you can put eucalyptus (mentholatum or vicks type products) into the water, but know that these products shuts down the cillia movement in the nasal passages and bronchial tubes, and is counterproductive.Get more detail about Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler.