What is an Essential Oil Diffuser?

What is an Essential Oil Diffuser?

While there are many ways to scent your home or work space, essential oil diffusers have been creating a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason! These modern devices disperse essential oil aromas into the environment, freshening up your living space while also having a positive and calming effect on your mental wellbeing.

An oil diffuser is a device that breaks down essential oils into fine particles and disperses them into the air, creating a pleasant, relaxing effect. In short, aromatherapy diffusers are simple self-care products that promote health and wellness.

Aromatherapy diffusers require only two things: a little water and some drops of an essential oil blend of your choice such as Sleep Essential Oil Blend.

You can use our range of ultrasonic diffusers and essential oils to diffuse a soothing aroma in your home as you relax; helping quell those incessant ‘I can’t sleep’ and ‘I can’t unwind’ thoughts.

Do Essential Oil Diffusers Work Better than Conventional Methods?

A rather easier and widely used method of spreading essential oil aromas into the atmosphere is using unscented candles. Simply light a candle for several minutes, blow it out, mix some essential oils into the melted wax and light it again. However, even though this method seems very convenient it has many risks. For starters, candles are hazardous and people can burn themselves or a child with the melted wax or flame. Essential oils themselves are extremely flammable, which adds an additional danger to this method.

Steam diffusion is another method that was widely used to spread aroma; scented oils were added to a pot of boiling water. The latter heated the oils and allowed them to disperse rapidly into the atmosphere via evaporation. Despite working very quickly, this method requires constantly replacing the evaporated water and oils. Moreover, it is obviously undesirable and unfeasible in warmer climates.

Another option for dispersing aroma is using an oil burner – fill the bowl at the top with water, add a few drops of essential oils, and place a lit tea-light candle underneath the bowl. However, as the water and essential oils evaporate and spread as steam, some of the essence of the oils may be lost, providing minimal benefits.

Therefore, the development of the modern oil diffuser has provided an extremely convenient and effective middle ground that allows users to safely reap the benefits of essential oil diffusion. Another important advantage: they are user-friendly and safe to use around children, older adults and pets.

Types of Essential Oil Diffusers

A diffuser's primary job is to uniformly disperse fragrant particles at a comfortable concentration into your home or office environment. A good diffuser is identified by its ability to create an ambience that is soft easy to inhale.

Most oil diffusers available in the market come with interesting features such as ambient lighting and sound effects. Ceramic or reed oil diffusers are the preferred choice for creating a tranquil vibe. Oil diffusers with automatic on-off switches or timers are a good option if you want to use the diffuser for prolonged periods of time, especially when falling asleep.  

There are four basic types of oil diffusers available today and you should choose yours based on the intensity of aromatherapy, as well as the limitations of your environment.  

Nebulising Diffusers

These diffusers use pressurised air to disperse a fine mist of oil into the environment. A vacuum brings the oil to the surface of a distribution tube, creating a spurt of fragrance into the air. A nebulising oil diffuser has two very convenient and low-maintenance aspects: it doesn’t need water or heat to function and it is plastic-free for eco-friendly users. 

Humidifying Diffusers

Humidifying diffusers function similar to cold humidifiers, which is why they are the perfect choice if you’re looking to add a little moisture to the surrounding air, especially during cold seasons when complaints of respiratory issues such as asthma and flu are most prevalent.

Evaporative Diffusers

Evaporative diffusers use a small fan which turns oil into gas, eventually making it evaporate into the surrounding air. However, the oil loses some of its effectiveness as it evaporates, so this type of diffuser is a good option for those looking to quickly and occasionally create an aromatic sensation in their surroundings.  

Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffusers

Unlike the other three diffusers that use a fan to convert oil into gas, an ultrasonic diffuser uses vibration. The vibrations break up the essential oil molecules, creating a fine mist that is released into the atmosphere, sound and moisture free. The essential oils just need to be diluted with water so that the diffuser’s frequencies can convert the oil into vapour.

Benefits of Oil Diffusers 

Using an oil diffuser can help you reap the full benefits of essential oils.

Here’s why a diffuser is the best option for you:

• Essential oils such as chamomile, clary sage and lavender in a diffuser can provide much needed relief from stress and anxiety and help you relax if you can’t sleep.
• Many essential oils such as lemon, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, sage, grapefruit, rosemary, and thyme are widely known to have anti-microbial properties. When dispersed into the air, they can be extremely effective in keeping the cold or flu at bay.
• Essential oils are also known to boost the immune system, hence making you less susceptible to disease.
• As mentioned earlier, diffusers can also be humidifiers that help keep the airways moist, allowing you to breathe easily.
• Diffused oils such as ginger, lavender, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, and pine are also known to be extremely effective in soothing headaches and sore joints, and easing overworked muscles.

Common Misconceptions about Using Essential Oil Diffusers

Some people question whether essential oils are safe for kids. There are essential oils that aren’t safe for kids unless they are diluted, and there are also those that are completely safe in their original form. But in no way are they toxic or injurious to health if used wisely.

Most essential oil users also believe that warming them is the only effective way to achieve a sweet aroma. But remember: burning essential oils can damage their true nature and make them less effective. This is why ultrasonic diffusers are considered the best as compared to oil burners and humidifiers, since they disperse the oils in their original form, hence maximising their therapeutic benefits.

Simply put, getting the most out of your essential oil diffuser requires using it correctly. Just like any product, using essential oils requires following certain steps to maximise on their benefits; they will only cause harm if you use your diffuser incorrectly.

Convinced Yet?

Whether it be your home or office, a peaceful and relaxing environment helps increase productivity, boost mood and provide mental clarity. Adding an oil diffuser to your living area or workspace/office can make every day feel like a spa day!

With the aforementioned information, it's conclusive that oil diffusers are a great investment for improving your mental wellness and enhancing your environment. They are affordable and unlike air fresheners, also help you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils which revitalise your body strong and reduce stress.

In the current work-from-home situation, CEO's and companies can choose from our gift sets containing herbal teas, bamboo rollers, bath salts and essential oils to be used with an Ultrasonic diffuser. We have exclusively prepared these luxe self-care gift packs for individuals and 'work-from-home' teams. You can customise your gift packs with our range of carefully selected products. These will allow your employees to conveniently pamper themselves from home and convert their workspace into a fragrant oasis. Let the enchanting aromas relax their nerves, release their stress, and encourage a good night’s sleep so that they can return to work revitalised and re-energised each day.

Essential Oil Diffusers - Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Water Should I Add?

Every diffuser comes with a detailed set of specific instructions. But as a general guideline, look for the mark indicating the ‘Max Fill Line’. NEVER overfill a diffuser with water by exceeding this mark.

What Type of Water Should I Use?

Use tap or bottled water. Warmer water creates a fuller mist, whereas cold water might obstruct ultrasonic vibrations and produce less mist.

What Type of Oil Should I Use?

Always use 100% pure and natural essential oils. Avoid carrier oils as they are meant for topical use and their thick consistency can ruin your diffuser. Also, do not use fragrance oils in diffusers.

How Do I Clean My Essential Oil Diffuser?

1. Remove any buildup with the following home-made solution: ¼ cup white vinegar and warm water.
2. Let the parts soak inside the water for at least 3 hours. Do not turn the unit on during this time.
3. After 3 hours, spill out the water. Use a cotton swab or soft cloth to gently wipe any loose buildup remaining on the parts.
4. Rinse the unit with running water and fill with clean cool water.
5. Plug the unit back and resume using.

My Diffuser Is Not Producing Mist

Make sure the diffuser is properly plugged in. Another possible cause could be mineral or oil buildup, which might cause the unit to have difficulty producing mist. In the latter, clean the diffuser and restart.

My Diffuser Is Making a Loud Noise

Based on the motor or fan strength of the diffuser, a little noise is normal when operating. Hearing water move inside the unit is also okay.

However, if the unit is making an uncommon or abnormal noise, discontinue use and contact customer care.

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