Aroma Diffusers: How Far Does The Scent Reach?

Aromatherapy is a great way to promote health and well-being, and diffusers are an easy way to fill a room with essential oil molecules. There are several types of diffusers, including electric, candle, reed, and heat diffusers, as well as more modern ultrasonic and nebuliser diffusers. Each type of diffuser uses a different process to disperse essential oils into the air, but the main goal is to fill a room with essential oil molecules to enjoy their therapeutic benefits without overwhelming the area or your nose with scent.

Electric diffusers: no heat or naked flames, just a gentle breeze

Electric diffusers offer a safe, flame-free way to fill your room with fragrance. They are highly versatile and can be used to create a calming ambience, improve clarity and focus, clear congestion, or simply leave a pleasant scent in your home.

There are several types of electric diffusers, each working in a slightly different way:

Evaporative diffusers

These diffusers use airflow to disperse fragrance. An electric fan pushes air through a pad soaked in oil, blowing the fragrance around the room. They are passive, low-maintenance, and quiet, making them perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

Ultrasonic diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers use ultrasonic sound waves to create a finely scented vapour. A vibrating plate at the base of the diffuser creates inaudible oscillations that atomise the oil-impregnated water. Ultrasonic diffusers are stylish, effective, and ecological, offering a great way to enjoy aromatherapy at home or work.

Nebulising diffusers

Nebulising diffusers use a high-pressure air stream to disperse fragrance or essential oils as a fine mist. They do not use water, resulting in a higher concentration of oil. This type of diffuser is ideal for large, open spaces like lobbies, retail stores, spas, and gyms, providing strong and consistent fragrance coverage.

Heat diffusers

Heat diffusers use gentle heat to facilitate the diffusion of essential oils. A heating element warms the oils, helping them to evaporate more readily. Heat diffusers are perfect for continuous diffusion in large or small spaces and are relatively inexpensive compared to other diffusion methods.

When using an electric diffuser, it is important to choose a good location, preferably an open area away from walls and with access to a power source. Place the diffuser on a solid surface and ensure the room is well-ventilated to prevent a build-up of moisture. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling and operating your diffuser, and be sure to clean it regularly.

Reed diffusers: thin sticks of porous wood soak up oil, then room heat causes it to evaporate

Reed diffusers are a great way to fill a room with fragrance without the use of heat or naked flames. They are a safer and more sustainable alternative to candles and aerosol sprays.

A reed diffuser consists of a small, long-necked bottle filled with essential oils. The reeds are thin strips of porous rattan wood or synthetic polyamide. These reeds are placed into the bottle, where they absorb the oil through capillary action. The oil then diffuses into the air through evaporation, filling the room with fragrance.

The amount of scent released from a reed diffuser can be controlled by the number and position of the reeds. More reeds result in a stronger scent, while grouping the reeds together can restrict airflow and limit diffusion. Longer reeds also help to increase the diffusion of the scent.

To set up a reed diffuser, simply place the reeds into the bottle of oil. The reeds will absorb the oil and begin to diffuse the scent. To refresh the fragrance, flip the reeds so that the saturated end is in the air. Repeat this process as needed to maintain the desired level of fragrance.

Reed diffusers are a simple and effective way to enhance the aroma of any room without the use of heat or open flames. By utilising the natural process of evaporation, they provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional candles and sprays.

Heat diffusers: a candle or tealight warms the oil and releases its scent

Heat diffusers are one of the oldest methods for dispersing essential oils. They work by using a naked flame or other heat source to warm the oil and release its scent. The most common design is a ceramic heating plate, with a hollow interior where a candle or tealight can be inserted. These diffusers have decorative holes in the body to allow air circulation and a small well on the top surface to hold water and oil.

When using a heat diffuser, place it in a high-traffic, central area of the room to optimise the distribution of the oil aroma. Ensure the diffuser is on a flat surface to prevent spillages. You should also place a small candle, such as a tealight, underneath the reservoir and light it.

Add 2-4 drops of essential oil to the water. You can combine different oils, but avoid using more than 4 drops in total. The amount of oil needed will depend on the size of the room. Start with fewer drops and increase the amount gradually until you achieve the desired aroma.

Once the water in the reservoir has mostly evaporated, or you can no longer see the oil, blow out the candle.

One drawback of heat diffusers is that the amount of heat reaching the oil cannot be regulated. Too little heat will result in no aroma, while too much heat will damage the properties of the oil.

Nebulisers: turn liquids into microscopic droplets by combining them with air under pressure

Nebulisers are commonly used in medicine to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and other respiratory disorders. They are particularly effective in the treatment of conditions that result in viscous secretions, such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis, and severe asthma. Nebulisers can also be used to treat acute issues like the inhalation of toxic substances.

Nebulisers work by turning liquids into microscopic droplets by combining them with air under pressure. This process creates a mist of inhalable aerosol droplets that can be deposited in the lungs. The size of the droplets produced by a nebuliser depends on various factors, including the type of nebuliser, operating pressure, flow rate, and volume of diluent used. The smaller the droplets, the more stable they are, and the deeper they can penetrate into the respiratory tract.

There are several types of nebulisers available, including jet nebulisers, ultrasonic nebulisers, and vibrating mesh nebulisers. Jet nebulisers, also known as atomisers, use compressed air or oxygen flowing at a high velocity through a liquid medication to turn it into an aerosol. Ultrasonic nebulisers, on the other hand, use an electronic oscillator to generate a high-frequency ultrasonic wave, which causes a piezoelectric element to vibrate and produce a vapour mist. Vibrating mesh nebulisers use a vibrating mesh or membrane with laser-drilled holes to pressure out a mist of very fine droplets.

The performance of a nebuliser can vary, and it is important to select the appropriate type for the specific application. Factors such as droplet size distribution, efficiency, stability, response time, and tendency to clog should be considered when choosing a nebuliser. Additionally, the characteristics of the sample, such as density, viscosity, organic content, total dissolved solids, and total sample volume, should also be taken into account.

Ultrasonic diffusers: use vibrations to create ultrasonic waves, dispersing oil into the air

Ultrasonic diffusers are a safe and efficient way to disperse essential oils throughout a room. They use ultrasonic technology to create high-frequency vibrations that break down the essential oil and water mixture into micro-fine particles, resulting in a cool mist that carries the oil's aroma.

The ultrasonic vibrating plate, typically made of piezoelectric ceramic, is at the heart of these diffusers. This plate creates ultrasonic vibrations when an alternating voltage is applied, converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations. The vibrations break down the oil and water mixture, dispersing it as a fine mist into the air. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrating plate usually comes in three types: 2.4MHz, 1.7MHz, and 3.0MHz, with different frequencies producing different sizes of water mist particles.

The cool mist released by ultrasonic diffusers has several benefits. It improves air quality by increasing humidity levels, which can be advantageous during dry seasons or in air-conditioned environments. The mist also helps alleviate dry skin and irritated sinuses caused by dry air. Additionally, the diffusion of essential oils can neutralize airborne bacteria, viruses, and allergens, further enhancing air quality.

Ultrasonic diffusers are widely used in homes, offices, spas, and wellness centres due to their numerous advantages. They create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, promote better sleep, relieve stress, and support overall well-being through aromatherapy. With their stylish designs and customizable features, ultrasonic diffusers are a versatile addition to any living or working space.

When choosing an ultrasonic diffuser, consider factors such as capacity, coverage area, runtime, design, features, and price to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Frequently asked questions