Best Humidifiers for Essential Oils
Using a diffuser (sometimes referred to as a humidifier) with essential oils can be a great way to benefit from the health benefits of inhaling essential oils. It can also give your home a lovely aroma whilst masking unpleasant odours simultaneously. As some diffusers are also humidifiers they can improve your indoor air quality as well. However, with lots of different types of humidifiers/diffusers on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. Here we discuss the four different types to help you to decide. The most common types of humidifiers or diffusers are ultrasonic, nebulizing, and evaporative and heat.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic humidifiers use vibrations to break up the essential oils and create a vapour. That is then released into the air. This type of diffuser is quiet and can be used with a wide variety of essential oils. One drawback of ultrasonic humidifiers is that they can be expensive. Some are in the region of £100 ($125), although there are many that cost less. Ultrasonic diffusers are not as effective at moisturizing the air as other types of humidifiers. However, when used as a diffuser, they only use a small amount of essential oil.
In addition, they are very quiet, so there is no noise to distract you. This means they are ideal to use at night as they silently work in the background. No heat is used with an ultrasonic diffuser, so the integrity of the essential oils, and hence their therapeutic benefits, remains intact (1). Citrus oils should not be used with this type of diffuser. This is because the acid can cause damage to the diffuser (2).
Nebulising
The gold standard of diffusers is the nebulizing diffuser. This type of diffuser is more expensive than an ultrasonic diffuser, but it can cover a larger area and provide a much stronger scent. A nebulizing diffuser compresses the essential oil, creating a vapour that is then released into the air. Like the ultrasonic diffuser, this type of diffuser is also silent. Some nebulizing diffusers have timer settings, enabling them to turn off after a set amount of time, or start and stop throughout the day. This is important as, ideally, you should only use a diffuser for up to an hour in a well-ventilated room. Some also emit ambient light that changes colour, which is nice to look at but offers no benefits. Finally, the amount of essential oil used in some nebulizing diffusers can be altered depending on the preference of the user.
This type of diffuser often has a glass component, so you need to make sure it is stood on a firm, flat surface and cannot be knocked over easily. If using different essential oils each time, the reservoir needs to be cleaned before each use. However, there are some nebulizing diffusers where you simply attach the bottle of essential oil you want to use. This means cleaning is not necessary and changing the essential oil to suit your mood or need is a lot easier (3).
This type of diffuser should not be confused with a nebulizer that is used to administer medication, usually for those who suffer from asthma. A medical nebulizer changes the medication into a mist that can be inhaled easily, helping the patient to breathe more easily (4). Those who suffer from asthma should not be exposed to essential oils in any form. This is because they contain volatile compounds called terpenes. These terpenes can irritate the lungs of people who suffer from asthma. This can cause breathlessness and other respiratory side effects. Lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils are the main offenders, so they should definitely be avoided if you have asthma (5).
Evaporative
Another type of diffuser is an evaporative diffuser. This less expensive diffuser uses a fan to circulate air through a wick that is saturated with essential oils. This type of diffuser is cheaper than a nebulizing or ultrasonic diffuser, because it is not as effective at dispersing the essential oils into the air. Other types of non-motorised, evaporative diffusers are pendants, worn around the neck, and bracelets. The airflow in the room, or body heat, simply diffuses the aroma of the essential oil.
Evaporative diffusers are the best type to use when travelling, as they are small and portable. The negatives of these diffusers are that they are not as powerful as ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers, they cannot be used as a humidifier, you may need power in the form of batteries or a nearby plug socket and the absorbent wick needs replacing on a regular basis (2).
Another type of evaporative diffuser is a reed diffuser. This is usually a decorative, or coloured glass bottle containing the essential oil liquid. As many wooden sticks, as will fit in the neck of the bottle should be used. These vary in width from matchstick to 5mm and are approximately 18cm long. They stand in the oily liquid which soaks up along the length of them. The air flow in the room then allows the scent to be dispersed. Flip the reeds now and again, if you can no longer smell the fragrance. However, the more you do this the faster the oil in the bottle will be used up. As a rule, the oil in the bottle should last for up to six months before it needs replacing. The reeds should also be replaced, but can be used again if you use the same essential oil (6). Reed diffusers are relatively inexpensive and the scent from them is not overpowering. As they contain a liquid and there is no lid, they should be placed securely on a level surface where they will not get knocked over easily.
Heat
A heat diffuser uses an element or candle flame to gently warm the essential oil, allowing the oil to release its therapeutic properties into the air. Heat diffusers tend to be more affordable than other types of diffusers. One downside of heat diffusers is that they can degrade some of the properties of essential oils. You should also be aware of the risk of fire when using candles and make sure that they are extinguished when you leave the room. Heat diffusers are a great option for those looking for an affordable way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
When it comes to diffusing essential oils, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to choose the right diffuser for your needs. There are many diffusers on the market, and not all of them are created equal. If you are concerned about safety, it is best to choose a diffuser that does not use heat. Second, it is important to read the instructions that come with your diffuser carefully. This will help you to understand how to use the diffuser properly and safely.
Finally, be sure to do your research before using any essential oil. The essential oils considered the best due to their popularity, fragrance and therapeutic benefits are lavender and chamomile, jasmine and bergamot, ylang ylang and bergamot, peppermint and eucalyptus, tea tree and patchouli (7). Not all essential oils are suitable for diffusing, and some can even be harmful if used improperly. With a little bit of care and caution, diffusing essential oils can be a safe way to increase your well-being.
There are a few different types of diffusers, each with their own set of pros and cons. When choosing a diffuser, it is important to consider affordability as well as your needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable option, a heat diffuser may be the best choice for you. If safety is a concern, an ultrasonic or nebulizing diffuser may be the better option. Whichever type of diffuser you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully and do your research before using any essential oil.