After looking around online and comparing photos, I finally found the answer.
It appears to be a Vicks stick, also known as a Vicks nasal inhaler or VapoInhaler.
It is not a vape.
It is not a charger.
It is not some strange hidden gadget.
It is a small nasal inhaler people use when their nose feels blocked, stuffy, or irritated.
The way it works is pretty simple. Inside the plastic tube, there is usually a small absorbent wick that holds strong-smelling vapors, often with ingredients or scents like menthol and camphor. When someone opens it and inhales through the nostril, the smell gives a cool, fresh feeling that can make the nose feel more open.
That explains the little holes at the top.
They are not for sound, charging, or air from a device. They let the vapor come through when the person breathes in.
People often use these when they have a cold, allergies, sinus stuffiness, or just want that strong menthol scent to help them feel like they can breathe easier. Some people keep one in a backpack, purse, bedside drawer, car, or jacket pocket because it is small and easy to carry.
It is also very common in many households, especially during cold and allergy season.
