Essential Oil Diffusers

On this main page, you’ll find articles, sorted by topic or category, related to diffusers used with essential oils.

What is an essential oil diffuser?

An essential oil diffuser (also called an aromatherapy diffuser, aroma lamp, or simply a diffuser) is a type of aromatherapy device that breaks down and disperses natural essential oils into a room’s air as they work. The result is a pleasant aroma, relaxation, and stress reduction, or health benefits.

There are four main types of aromatherapy diffusers:

  • Ultrasonic (humidifying) diffusers: This type, one of the most popular, is very similar to cool mist humidifiers in that they both use an ultrasonic transducer to convert stored water to a fine mist, carrying the oil with it. This type also often offers pleasant style, color, and lighting options.
  • Nebulizing diffusers: These somewhat less common types work using pressurized air to diffuse oil as a mist. Vacuum pulls the oil to the surface in a tube which creates an aroma in the air. They don’t require heat or water which makes them easier for the lack of maintenance.
  • Evaporative diffusers: These work by 1) simple evaporation (like reed sticks in a jar with oil) or 2) by use of a small fan which helps release the oil into the air as it evaporates. They’re good for occasional aromatic use, and very simple in operation, but not ideal for around-the-clock aromatherapy.
  • Heat diffusers: These rely on heat, either from a candle, a lamp ring, or an electric warming element to the essential oil into an airborne gas that brings the aroma around you. They’re silent in operation and easy to use, too.
Note: As they’re one of the most popular in use today and very common in stores, many topics related to diffusers will actually be for ultrasonic types specifically.

Article categories

Diffuser basics and use

Air quality topics

Do Essential Oils Really Purify Air main article image

Do Essential Oils Really Purify Air?

Essential oils do have a lot of benefits – that’s true. But can they purify the air as well? We’ll look at the benefits of essential…

Essential oil diffusers and pets

Can I Diffuse Oils Around My Cat main article image

Can I Diffuse Oils Around My Cat?

Can I Diffuse Oils Around My Cat? Yes, it’s generally safe to diffuse essential oils around your cat but you’ll need to take a few…

Health and safety topics

can i diffuse oils around a baby main article image

Can I Diffuse Oils Around A Baby?

There’s lots of misinformation out there when it comes to essential oils babies or children. But can you really use them safely around a child? Read…

Is Lavender Essential Oil Toxic main image

Is Lavender Essential Oil Toxic?

Is Lavender Essential Oil Toxic? Lavender essential oil is safe for adults when inhaled or swallowed in low amounts. However, that doesn’t mean that it…

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Will A Diffuser Help With Coughing?

Will a diffuser help with coughing? Unfortunately, there’s not a single easy answer to this question. Diffusers can help to alleviate some of the symptoms…