Top steam inhalers on blue background.

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Personal steam inhalers are sometimes marketed as steam therapy. Personal saunas are designed to be used for skin care. Respiratory health and comfort are supported by others.

There are multiple potential benefits to steam inhalation:

  • Facial steaming may have benefits for your skin. It can open pores, making it easier to remove bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells.
  • There are benefits to steam inhalation for vocal health. If you are a singer, teacher, or public speaker, you can use a steam inhaler to keep your voice moist and soothe irritated vocal cords.
  • “Reducing headaches and alleviating nasal congestion can be achieved with facial steaming. It isn’t a cure for colds, allergies, or the flu, but it may be comforting when you are sick.”

We took into account what we were looking for when selecting the best steam inhalers.

  • customer reviews: To choose the steamers on this list, we read customer reviews on multiple websites. We looked at durability, design, and manufacturer’s reputations.
  • size: Steam inhalers range in size from small and portable to tabletop. We’ve included several of each. We also included models with different steam delivery systems, including devices with facial hoods and nozzle-type openings.
  • battery type. We included rechargeable options and corded electric options to suit different needs.
  • grandiose claims: We avoided products from manufacturers that make wild claims about curing disease or eliminating wrinkles. Steam inhalers have multiple benefits, but they can’t cure conditions.

Pricing guide

The price of a steam inhaler is between $20 and $200. We have indicated price.

  • $ = under $25
  • $$ = $25–$100
  • $$$ = over $100

Best for children

MABIS Steam Inhaler

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Steam time: adjustable

The steamer has a small face mask that can be used to direct steam to the nose or mouth.

It is a fun choice for children or adults with a love of imagination.

The inhaler has an aromatherapy tank, so you can use it with essential oils. It also has an indicator light, extension tube, and steam intensity settings that let you control the flow and size of steam particles.

The steam inhaler has a limited warranty.

Pros

  • It is It is easy to use. and clean.
  • produces a lot of steam.
  • Can be used with essential oils.
  • It is suitable for children.

Cons

  • The water compartment is small.
  • Some parts take a while to dry.
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Best dual purpose for facial steaming and room humidifying

Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: 1-year limited
  • Steam time: up to 30 minutes

This full-size device can be used as a personal facial steamer or room humidifier.

According to the manufacturer, it produces steam containing negative ions.

Some research suggests negative ions may be beneficial for skin barrier function and recovery. Other studies have found that negative ions can effectively clean indoor air, especially during hazy conditions.

The skin kit for the steamer has a blackhead extractor. It has a towel warming chamber that can be used to warm up the skin.

The steam can be produced for up to 30 minutes.

The steamer comes with a 1-year satisfaction guarantee.

Pros

  • It can produce up to 30 minutes of steam.
  • The construction is made of steel.
  • includes skin care accessories

Cons

  • The steam blast is not as strong as other devices.
  • There is no place to add essential oils.
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Best for skin exfoliation

Conair True Glow Gentle Mist Moisturizing Facial Steamer

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Steam time: 3-15 minutes or 30 minutes

The steamer has a facial cone for steaming. You can use the nasal cone for respiratory steam treatments.

It comes with a sponge and brush to apply a facial cleanser.

Pros

  • There are accessories like a facial brush.
  • It is easy to use.
  • There is a timer feature.

Cons

  • “Some say it doesn’t produce steam.”
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Best for alleviating nasal congestion

Aura Medical AVYA Portable Steam Inhaler

  • Price: $$$
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Steam time: N/A

The portable steamer is designed to help relieve headaches. It uses a vibrating mesh technology to heat the solution into steam.

The steam is put under the nose by placing a nozzle under it. The steam temperature can be adjusted to your liking.

The company sells two types of solution.

“You can either use the device alone or make your own solution at home. The device doesn’t boil water to make steam. If you don’t use the company’s solutions, use distilled water or preboiled water.”

Reviewers say this inhaler is beneficial for asthma and for reducing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Others say it helps moisturize the nasal cavity, reducing the occurrence of nose bleeds.

“The inhaler comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.”

Pros

  • The battery is rechargeable.
  • The temperature can be adjusted.
  • The mode is cleaning.

Cons

  • The solution must be distilled water.
  • There are potential issues with durability.
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Best portable

Crane Cordless Steam Inhaler

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: NA
  • Steam time: 15 minutes

The steamer is portable and can be used for a long time. It comes with a small supply of bottled water, a charging device, and a travel case.

“It has four mist temperature settings. Since it doesn’t heat water to boiling, don’t use tap water with this inhaler.”

Pros

  • lightweight design
  • The battery is rechargeable.
  • There are multiple temperature settings.

Cons

  • The solution must be distilled water.
  • It is expensive.
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Best spa experience

Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer

  • Price: $$$
  • Warranty: 30 days
  • Steam time: up to 9 minutes

The steamer has a wide nozzle for steaming. It has an automatic safety shut off. The handle makes it easy to carry.

The manufacturer recommends using distilled water to remove mineral build up.

The steamer has a 30-day return policy.

Pros

  • The construction is durable.
  • lightweight
  • The design is ergonomics.

Cons

  • pricey
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Best self-cleaning

Guardian Technologies PureGuardian MST55 Personal Warm Mist Steam Inhaler

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Steam time: 5-15 minutes

“The warm mist inhaler has an aromatherapy tray. It has an automatic drying cycle so you don’t have to worry about mold or mineral deposits.”

The inhaler comes with a large and small latex-free facial mask.

The manufacturer does not recommend this steamer for children under 13 years old. It has a 1-year warranty.

Pros

  • It is compatible with aromatherapy.
  • Cleaning and drying.
  • Simple controls.

Cons

  • Not suitable for kids under 13
  • portable but corded
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Best budget

Kingsteam Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: N/A
  • Steam time: 8-10 minutes

This budget friendly personal steamer is constructed with a facial mask for targeted steaming. It’s designed to keep the temperature consistent to prevent dangerous overheating and features a portable, The design is ergonomics..

The small steamer can also be used with essential oils, thanks to a built-in funnel.

The steamer emits a chemical smell when first used.

Pros

  • It heats quickly.
  • A stream of steam is produced.
  • budget friendly

Cons

  • The small water tank is small.
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Best for hair and facial steaming

SUPER DEAL Pro 3-in-1 Ozone Hair and Facial Steamer

  • Price: $$
  • Warranty: N/A
  • Steam time: about 30 minutes

The personal steamer is large and has a bonnet-style hair dryer on it. It can add humidity to the air in a small room. You can use the facial steaming wand to steaming.

The bonnet is designed to protect hair. Reviewers say that steaming makes curly or coarse hair manageable.

Pros

  • Can be used on hair.
  • Large storage area.
  • For steaming.

Cons

  • It can be difficult to position it above your head.
  • The option for facial steaming was poor.
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Price Warranty Steam time
MABIS Steam Inhaler $$ 1 year adjustable
Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer $$ 1 year up to 30 minutes
Conair True Glow Gentle Mist Moisturizing Facial Sauna $$ 1 year 3-15 minutes or 30 minutes
Aura Medical AVYA Portable Steam Inhaler $$$ 1 year N/A
Crane Cordless Steam Inhaler $$ N/A 15 minutes
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer $$$ 30 days up to 9 minutes
Guardian Technologies Pure Guardian MST55 $$ 1 year 5-15 minutes
Kingsteam Nano Ionic Facial Steamer $$ N/A 8-10 minutes
Super Deal Pro 3-in-1 Ozone Hair and Facial Steamer $$ N/A about 30 minutes

Here is how to use a steam inhaler.

Do read the instructions. Take a few moments to read the manual or manufacturer’s directions to help ensure that you use your steam inhaler safely.

Do fill carefully. Most steam inhalers contain boiling or very hot water. Never overfill your device, as this can cause breakage and spills.

Do be careful of who uses one. Children should always be supervised when using a steam inhaler.

Don’t use it too close to your face. Steam inhalers don’t need to be flush with your face to be effective. To avoid burns, keep your face several inches away from the steam stream.

Don’t add product unless the manufacturer says it’s ok. Don’t put oil or gel into a steamer that is not designed to be used with essential oils. This can cause clogging and damage to your machine.

Don’t use your steam inhaler for vaginal steaming. Not only is this potentially unsafe, but there’s also no scientific evidence that vaginal steaming has any benefit for health, cleanliness, or mood.

If you are experiencing frequent headaches, you may want to consult with a doctor who can refer you to an ENT specialist.

It’s possible that your sinus symptoms may not be from an infection but rather the result of migraine, a neurological condition that can cause severe head pain and other symptoms.

If you are having skin issues like redness or blisters, you should see a board certified dermatologist. They can recommend treatment for many issues. They can give you advice on how to use your facial steamer.

Do I have to use distilled water with a steam inhaler, or is tap water safe to use?

The steam inhalers make steam by boiling water. The organisms that cause illness are found in tap water. This makes the steam safe to breathe in. There is no harm in using this type of water.

Cool steam mist is emitted by some steam inhalers. Others use technologies other than boiling. If you use a steam inhaler with your own water supply, always use distilled water or boiled tap water. Before using the water make sure it comes to a rolling boil.

The distilled water reduces mineral build up in the steamer.

Can I put essential oils into my steam inhaler?

There are special compartments for essential oil pads in some steam inhalers. These are safe to use with essential oils of your choice.

“Don’t put anything other than water into a steam inhaler that isn’t designed for that purpose If you do, you will break your device.”

Make sure to follow the directions of the manufacturer.

Make sure the mist is safe for your pet to breathe in. Some essential oils, such as cinnamon and peppermint, can be toxic to animals. It is a good idea to check with your vet before using.

How do steam inhalers differ from humidifiers and vaporizers?

The air is moist with the release of humidifiers and vaporizers. Cool mist is produced by the Humidifiers. Warm mist is produced by the Vaporizers.

The purpose of both is to make the air in a home or work environment more humid and comfortable to breathe.

Unlike other devices that help you regulate the temperature of the air, steam inhalers are small and designed to help you breathe better.

The steam inhalers have an internal mechanism that turns water into steam. This makes them a type of vaporizer.