Have to admit i think they are great. My youngest always ends up with cold dragging on for ages and on his chest and when we have the vapouriser on with vicks in it he usually has a peaceful nights sleep and doesn't cough too much. Hadn't heard about the germ thing althogh i only use mine when he has a cold so only 10+ nights a year. When he was in our room before we moved and we had to have it on i quite liked it too - them smell was very relaxing (with the vicks - not any plastic smell!)

Julie x