Diffuser Types
Spas use them regularly as part of their therapeutic services, such as during massages, scrubs, and facials. But you don’t need to go to a high-priced spot in order to get the benefits of aromatherapy. In fact, you can use essential oils right in your own home and turn it into a relaxing retreat from the world. The trick is, you need to know how to choose the best essential oil diffuser for your purposes.
Candle diffuser – this version uses a bowl with a candle inside. A few drops of oil are placed in the bowl, and the heat from the flame causes the oil to evaporate into the air.
Lamp rings — oil is dropped onto the ring and placed over the lamp, and the heat from the electric bulb causes the oil to evaporate and disperse through the air. However, these types of diffusers should be used with caution because they are hard to monitor and can lead to fires if too hot of a bulb wattage is used.
Fan diffuser — this diffuser does not need heat. In order to release the oil aroma, the oil is absorbed by a small pad. The fan diffuser blows cool air across the pad, dispersing the oils through the air.
Nebulizers — this diffuser is controlled with a motor at its base. The oil poured into the nebulizer is processed and turned into a vapor that wafts into the air. No heat source is required.
Electric nebulizer – this version uses both a fan and a heat source to quickly disperse the essential oils into the air.
Your choice of diffuser will depend somewhat on the environment you plan to use it in. For instance, you might not want an extra heat source if you live in an extremely dry, hot area. Also, if you have small children or are unable to continuously monitor the diffuser, it might be best to avoid the diffusers with open flames or heat sources.
On the other hand, heat diffusers are an easier and faster way to get the essential oils airborne, and would be an excellent addition for a room that is very cold, because cold tends to limit the amount of evaporation that can take place. A heat source will greatly speed up the dispersal process.
Now that you know the various diffusers available, you can start to fill your home with the aromas that suit you best.