I\u2019ve posted before about\u00a0why we don\u2019t use scented candles<\/a>\u00a0and what we use instead. One of my favorite alternatives is essential oil diffusers, and many people asked what type of diffuser I use and recommend.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not an aromatherapy expert, but I have tried many types of diffusers. I wanted to share the pros and cons of the ones we\u2019ve tried. This can help you find a high-quality aroma diffuser that will work well for your own family.<\/p>\n Not all diffusers are created equal and some work much better than others. I wish I\u2019d read a review like this before deciding which to purchase and I hope my experience will be helpful to you.<\/p>\n So what does diffusing essential oils mean exactly, and why would you do it? Electric diffusers use various methods to disperse essential oil containing water droplets through the air in a fine intermittent or continuous mist. There are also passive diffusers, like reed diffusers<\/a> and other waterless diffusers.<\/p>\n Diffusers aren\u2019t just a natural substitute for plug-ins and air fresheners<\/a> though. Each essential oil has powerful chemical properties from its parent plant. These chemicals bind to our olfactory receptors (how we smell) and affect our limbic system. These nerves in our brains control our hunger, emotions, anger, sleep, and more, so it makes sense diffusing oils can have a real effect.<\/p>\n There are a number of studies<\/a> (plus a whole lot of anecdotal evidence) that diffusing essential oils can produce the following benefits, depending on the type of oil:<\/p>\n Essential oils are so much more than home fragrances. We need to be\u00a0cautious about how we use them around our homes and our children.<\/p>\n There are a few different types of essential oil diffusers which is one reason why narrowing down to the right one can feel a little overwhelming. Here are some of the different kinds:<\/p>\n In addition to researching them, I\u2019ve tried each type of diffuser and have learned what I like and what I don\u2019t about each.<\/p>\n A heat diffuser (as it sounds) uses heat to turn water with a few drops of essential oil into a gas that disperses into the air. These can be electric or use the heat of a candle\/flame.<\/p>\n I haven\u2019t found a heat diffuser that worked nearly as well as even the worst nebulizer or ultrasonic diffuser I\u2019ve tried. So I can\u2019t make any recommendations on these types of diffusers.\u00a0Since heat affects the beneficial properties of essential oils, I definitely don\u2019t recommend this method for diffusing oils in general.<\/p>\n They can also be dangerous to use in the home with curious kids or pets who might knock them over. Heat diffusers (especially ones that use a candle) don\u2019t have an automatic shut-off so aren\u2019t safe to use unattended or while sleeping.<\/p>\n These diffusers use a fan to increase airflow across an essential oil soaked pad or lining. As the liquid evaporates, the scent (and its properties) move into the air.<\/p>\n Another type of evaporative diffuser is diffuser pendant jewelry. The theory is that the essential oil will naturally evaporate and permeate the air and skin. I don\u2019t find this type of diffuser nearly as effective as the remaining two.<\/p>\n Reed diffusers work the same way and can offer a subtle scent if you\u2019re working at a desk or have it right next to you. They\u2019re not good for large rooms or areas.<\/p>\n Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers and with good reason. They don\u2019t need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air. Nebulizing diffusers work by using an atomizer to create fine, airborne particles of essential oils and blowing them into the air.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t tell, nebulizing diffusers are my favorite type of diffuser. If anyone gets sick they can keep a near-continuous stream of essential oils in the air and can fill a large room of many square feet.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my experience with this type of diffuser:<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n We use<\/strong>:\u00a0This Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser<\/a>\u00a0from Amazon. I\u2019ve now saved up and ordered a couple of these because they work so well. Even just diffusing for 15 minutes will leave a lasting essential oil scent for hours.<\/p>\n Ultrasonic diffusers work in a similar way to nebulizing diffusers by creating a fine mist. The difference is that ultrasonic diffusers<\/a> use water and essential oils to create an ultrasonic\u00a0cool mist of water\/oils that releases into the air. They release moisture into the air but not as much as a true humidifier. It can be helpful in the winter if you have it right next to you, but for a stronger humidifying effect you\u2019d need a true humidifier.<\/p>\n Ultrasonic diffusers also don\u2019t put out as strong of a concentration of essential oils since they also use water.<\/p>\n Many ultrasonic diffusers have various light settings and you can choose from different colored LED lights. This isn\u2019t a feature I use, especially at night (here\u2019s why<\/a>). Some of them you can turn the light off, but that\u2019s not always the case.<\/p>\n You can find tons of inexpensive ultrasonic diffuser sets now even at big box stores, online, and in pharmacies. Many of these can work ok but come with bottles of cheap \u201cessential oils\u201d that are really just fragrance oils. If they\u2019re selling precious oils like sandalwood, jasmine, and rose for just a few dollars a bottle that\u2019s a good way to tell they\u2019re not actually essential oils.<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n What we use<\/strong>: Several different types of ultrasonic diffusers and I\u2019ve found that some work better than others. These were our favorites:<\/p>\n Essential oils are a great way to freshen indoor air with natural scents but they\u2019re definitely not the only way! We keep our indoor air clean naturally with:<\/p>\n Essential oils may seem like mix-and-match perfumes, but in reality, they are powerful essences from plants with medicinal effects. Using a diffuser is a great step, but everyone should do their homework. If you have a family, make sure to diffuse only kid-safe essential oil blends<\/a> and take breaks by using a model with intermittent mist settings.<\/p>\n If you have pets in the home it\u2019s important to safely diffuse around them too. Birds are very sensitive to the volatile oils and most experts say not to diffuse around them at all. You can read more about how to safely diffuse around pets<\/a> (and when to avoid) here.<\/p>\n This article was medically reviewed by <\/em>Madiha Saeed, MD<\/em><\/a>, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\nBenefits of Diffusing Essential Oils<\/h2>\n
\n
Best Essential Oil Diffusers<\/h2>\n
\n
1. Heat Diffuser<\/h3>\n
2. Evaporative Diffusers<\/h3>\n
3. Nebulizing Diffusers<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
4. Ultrasonic Diffusers<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
Other Ways to Freshen Indoor Air<\/h3>\n
\n
Bottom Line: Choosing The Best Essential Oil Diffuser<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/essential-oil-diffuser-review.jpg)
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n