Essential Oil Diffusers vs Humidifiers

Essential oil diffusers vs humidifiers. In this post we will explain the difference as well as which one is best suited for essential oil usage.

What are Essential Oil Diffusers?

Essential oil diffusers disperse aromatic molecules into the air using water, ultrasonic vibrations, heat, or a fan. Diffusers are used in aromatherapy to enhance mood, improve sleep, freshen the air, or support respiratory wellness. At OilGrow you can purchase our Ultrasonic Diffusers. These vibrations are high frequency sound waves that cause water and essential oils to break up into small volatile particles that you can inhale. This is the most effective way to use your essential oils therapeutically. When you inhale essential oils, it is the fastest way to take them up into the body, move to your brain and effectively be used by the body.

Diffuser vs. Humidifier: What’s the Difference?

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier? Not quite. They serve different purposes. Diffusers disperse essential oils into the air. They use ultrasonic vibrations, heat, or a fan. When you have a heat source, always be sure to follow the diffuser’s instructions. Often the ceramic candle diffusers are popular because they can work for a short period of time while you do a project and then be put away again. Diffusers are ideal for mood, relaxation, and air freshening purposes.

Humidifiers add moisture to dry indoor air. They use ultrasonic or evaporative diffusion to get the water molecules broken down into smaller, breathable particles. It is ideal for skin, sinuses, and dry environments. These are not all made to support essential oils. Since essential oils are potent and concentrated natural chemical constituents, it isn’t always suitable to use with all types of materials. Some plastics are of a stronger quality and can handle pure essential oils. Others, such as what some humidifiers are made of, cannot handle the essential oil concentrations. These oils will actually burn the plastic. If you are in the market for a humidifier – you can look here at Dyson – they have a range of humidifiers and air purifiers – be sure to check with them whether essential oils can be used before purchasing for essential oil purposes.

Essential oil Diffusers vs Humidifiers: How Do they work?

Depending on the type, a diffuser may use Ultrasonic vibration which combines water and oils into a breathable mist. It may use heat, where warmth releases aroma. This usually works through water and essential oils being heated by an element or flame from a candle. The heat sends the molecules into the air in the form of fine vapour. It could also use natural evaporation where airflow spreads the aroma – usually dripped onto a substance such as course salt which allows it to naturally evaporate as natural airflow moves over it. The main function of a diffuser is to get the therapeutic oils into a room where it can be inhaled and utilized by the body.

A humidifier works by evaporative moisture diffusion into the air, this can be heat or cold moisture. The volume of water being evaporated are much more because the main function of a humidifier is to create a more moisture rich environment in areas where the air is too dry.

Essential Oils to Use in a Diffuser

The best oils for diffusers are essential oils that are pure. Remember that pure essential oils are not mixed with any other substances such as carrier oils or with added synthetically produced chemical constituents. You can use any of the OilGrow pure essential oils in your diffusers since they are all of therapeutic quality, being natural and pure. You can also use any of our blends in your diffusers. A blend is merely a combination of different pure oils with the same therapeutic value put together in a blend which is exponentially more effective for the purpose it’s been blended for, than the single oils on their own would have been.

Do NOT use any oil that is blended with a carrier oil such as grape seed oil. In the OilGrow store you will find our blends and then also a 10ml roller bottle that is mixed with a carrier oil – these are specifically blended for topical use and are a cheaper option since it is already blended in a carrier oil. These are not meant to be used in a diffuser. We also have massage oils which contains essential oils mixed with carriers in 100ml bottles. These are meant for topical use and cannot be used in your diffuser. Carrier oils are NOT volatile and will not evaporate but actually damage your diffuser.

Always use pure, therapeutic-grade oils. Avoid synthetic or adulterated products.

Cautions for use of essential oil diffusers

Here are some cautions when using a diffuser:

• Near babies younger than 3 months old. Babies, older than 3 months, can start enjoying the benefits of essential oils, but please always check in with us about which oils to avoid around babies. Always make sure the room they are in where the diffuser is also being used, is well ventilated. Watch your baby for signs of distress and stop usage as soon as you feel they are too fussy when the diffuser is on. The dosage used might be just a bit too strong for them. Always watch them, never leave them alone in a room with a running diffuser.

• When using with pets always ensure that the oil used is safe for that specific pet. We’ve done a blog post on essential oils for animals, be sure to read through that one if you do plan to use essential oils around your pets. Always ensure enough ventilation and that the animals have easy access in and out of the room.
• Around people with respiratory issues, be sure to check that the oils used are actually beneficial for them. Using a diffuser with our Respi-Rescue blend is excellent for those with respiratory issues.
• Do NOT use a diffuser:
  – In poorly ventilated spaces
  – With strong oils that are not properly diluted
  – For extended periods without a timer

How to Clean a Diffuser Properly

To maintain your diffuser it will need a clean every week, especially if you use it daily. We suggest cleaning your diffuser properly before switching to a different oil – especially if that oil has a different function. For instance, you might be using the Focus Blend during the day to help you focus while studying. Then you’d like to switch to the Calm blend to help you sleep at night. Clean the diffuser well between these sessions. This will help avoid the Focus blend keeping you awake at night. Here is a quick summary of how to clean your diffuser:

1. Empty the chamber after use if there’s still water in.
2. Rinse the chamber with clean water without submerging it under water.
3. Use the OilGrow Sanitizer to spray the inside of the chamber – you can also clean the outside with a light spray
4. Wipe the inside with a clean, damp cloth or cotton swab. It will be ready to use again.
5. Deep clean once a month using a 50/50 water and white vinegar solution. Run for 5 minutes, then rinse.

Should You Get a Diffuser?

Essential oil diffuser vs humidifier? Which one do you pick? A humidifier will sort out the dry air that causes your dry mucus membranes to struggle, but might not be suited for essential oils.

A diffuser will moisturize the air for sure too, and is great for assistance with better sleep, stress relief support, immune support and as a natural air freshener. Used with the correct oil for the issue you’re trying to tackle, it is an effective way to assist in dealing with ailments. Do you need one in order to use essential oils? No, you can use essential oils in an array of different ways. We do promote using a diffuser because inhalation of essential oils is just the fastest way to get it to your cells and into your brain. Topical application is also effective but suggested more for usage when there is a physical skin condition. Having the oil in a diffuser in the room while you sleep, is just an effective calming way to use the oils well. A simple but powerful tool for daily wellness.