According to the label, VapoRub can be applied to an individual's feet, back, chest, muscles, and joints to relieve pain, fever, and congestion , which then allows it to be a sleep remedy after relieving such symptoms. Some people choose to steam the ointment, pour it into a bowl and, wearing a towel over their head, breathe in the steam. The ointment was initially used to be spread on a person's chest so that when the body was warmed, the heat vaporized the menthol, thus releasing soothing medicated vapor for hours at a time. The product label and the Vicks Company warn against consumers putting the ointment under the nostrils, but some people still do it, as these people find that it relieves congestion without negative side effects. To test the effectiveness of VapoRub on cough symptoms, compared to no treatment, a study was conducted by the American Academy of