Aroma diffusers for essential oils

A scent diffuser is a popular home accessory that lets you infuse your home with your favorite essential oils. But the choice of this device, as well as the instructions on how to use it, still raise a lot of questions.

A detailed review will help you understand how classic and electric aroma diffusers for essential oils differ, what they are, and will also help you figure out why you should combine the function of deodorization with humidification of the air.

The aroma diffuser is not the only, but rather popular alternative to classic air fresheners.... Such devices can be automatic (with a dispenser) or classic (without it), but the principle of their operation is always the same.

A certain dose of aromatic substances is released from the diffuser into the room air, while the evaporation rate can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing it.

The advantages of aroma diffusers include the following points.

• Long service life. In the classic version, you will have to change the filling no more than 1 time in 2-3 months. In the bathroom, evaporation is faster, shortening the use by about 14 days. Electric models have 1 refueling time for 6-12 hours.
• Intense aroma diffusion. It fills the room in which the diffuser is installed, while the brightness and intensity of the smell can be varied.
• Convenience and ease of use. The aroma diffuser does not require attention during use. It is easy enough to install it indoors.
• Stylish appearance. Both electrical devices and classic options can be a real decoration of the interior.
• Air humidification. This advantage is given to the owners of electrical appliances that support this function.
• No noise when using. Both electric and conventional versions of aroma diffusers do not cause discomfort during operation.
• Ease of maintenance. It is enough to regularly change the liquid inside the container.

The aroma diffuser is produced today in several versions at once. The main market share falls on the classic versions of such accessories - without connecting to the power supply.

But combined versions of such devices are also coming into vogue. In this case, the aroma diffuser can additionally humidify and purify the air, and perform some other functions. All the options available are worth exploring more closely.

The classic version of the aroma diffuser is a glass bottle, inside of which there is an aroma composition of natural or synthetic origin. To activate its work, it is enough just to insert sticks inside the container - usually at least 4 pieces. You can use bamboo, rattan, willow or lavsan products. The main thing is the porous structure, due to which the aromatic component permeates the sticks and then enters the air in the room.

Aroma diffusers of this type work successfully both with natural essential oils and with special perfume compositions. This approach provides opportunities for choosing an individual scent for your home.

Aroma diffusers of this type are electrical appliances powered by a network or a built-in battery. They are more sophisticated in their design, function as a humidifier, can be supplemented with smart options or connected to a “smart home” system. The air can not only be saturated with moisture, but also ionize and purify. Such devices do not pose a danger, unlike aroma lamps, they are suitable for round-the-clock work.

The body of an ultrasonic diffuser usually has a cylindrical, hemispherical, conical or bulbous shape, and can be made in the form of a vase. The materials used for it are:

• ceramics;
• metal;
• wood;
• glass;
• plastic.

Flask volumes in such devices vary from 100 to 300 ml. On average, 10 ml of the sprayed substance in the dispenser should fall on 1 m2. During operation, the device generates vibration waves applied to the membrane, vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency. The water inside the flask with the essential oils dissolved in it turns into fine particles, is thrown into the air in the form of a cold fog. Work continues until the liquid has completely evaporated.

The absence of a heating element makes the device absolutely safe. But there are also certain limitations. For example, using inappropriate synthetic fragrances will rupture the membrane.

It is a subspecies of the ultrasonic variant... It can be produced with illumination, can be used as a night light. Such an aroma diffuser requires a mandatory connection to the power supply.

Some models support work with ready-made perfume compositions, allowing you to choose your favorite perfume and cologne notes for your home. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that Electric scent diffusers can use the heating of the liquid to evaporate.

Air aromatization with the help of a diffuser occurs due to the evaporation of essential oils or by spraying them in the form of a cloud of cold fog, depending on the type of device. The selection of fluids that are compatible in composition largely depends on the design features of the device.

Fillers for electric ultrasonic diffusers are available in three versions.

• Natural oils. The essential substances they contain are highly concentrated. The intensity of the aroma gradually diminishes with use. Citrus aroma oils evaporate the fastest, and there may still be water in the tank. Ylang-ylang, patchouli, sandalwood are enough for a long time.

• Water-soluble concentrates. They are made specifically for aroma diffusers. Since the products are completely soluble in water, they are dispensed more evenly. In this case, it will be possible to maintain the intensity of the aroma until the water in the tank runs out.

• Interior perfumes. Their composition is based on water-soluble oils used in the production of perfumes. Such aromas are the most multifaceted and complex, and retain their composition for a long time.

When using a diffuser with sticks, the desired scent shade is selected at the time of purchase. Inexpensive options are usually monocomponent or contain substances that quickly volatilize during use. Elite compositions are persistent, they are often produced by well-known perfume houses.

Choosing an aroma diffuser with chopsticks, you can give preference from the very beginning to simple mono-component options. Oil-based formulations will be more delicate. Among the market leaders are BAGO Homethat produces themed fragrances "Evening by the Fireplace", "Frosty Morning". The brand is also famous for natural oil diffusers. Mr & Mrs Fragrance. In the premium category, you can mark products Voluspa.

Alcohol stick fragrance diffusers are also quite varied. Relatively inexpensive options can be found here. St Evale Candle co, Maison Berger, Russian brand Aroma Harmony receives positive feedback on its products. The premium class is represented by well-known perfume houses (Lalique, Demeter, Jo Malone) and specialized brands. For example, in Italian Millefiori milano there is a collection Selected with complex and multifaceted perfume compositions. And at Zara home interesting cold scents can be found.

The rating of electric aroma diffusers also deserves special attention.

• Oregon Scientific AuraBreeze... Stylish model of ultrasonic aroma diffuser with backlight options, alarm clock, modern protection system. The design of the device corresponds to the high-tech style and is presented in the form of an elegant "washer", which harmoniously fits into almost any interior. Touch control, aromatization can be adjusted by parameters.

• Xiaomi iShell Portable Aroma Diffuser. The model of an aroma diffuser from a world famous electronics manufacturer looks like a marshmallow or a shell with a pearl in it. Ergonomic shapes hide a compact reservoir, and inside there is also a battery with a 10-hour battery life. This is a good option for a portable device for a car or office.

• Medisana AD 630. Stylish pyramidal design, colored illumination, simple operation and compact dimensions are the main advantages of this device. The 80 ml capacity is enough to saturate the air with the selected aroma for up to 3 hours in a row or to start spraying on a schedule. Among the obvious advantages of the model, one can also highlight the absence of noise during operation, minimal power consumption.

• Fogger... An original aroma diffuser with a domed shape with elk horns or bunny ears as decoration. The ultrasonic device has the function of humidifying the air, the reservoir contains 220 ml of water. The device can be powered by USB, used as a backlit night light. Chinese production does not detract from the merits of this device.

• URPOWER... Another combined model that combines the functions of an aroma diffuser and a humidifier.Spectacular cube with built-in lighting holds 700 ml of liquid. The control of the device settings is push-button, simple, you can use the night light mode or separately aromatization. When fully charged, the battery life lasts for 20 hours.

• Baseus DH-JSK23U... The externally laconic aroma diffuser definitely deserves attention due to its functionality. The device supports operation in 7 glow modes, the reservoir contains 90 ml of liquid, its dosage can be adjusted. The model easily replenishes the charge from the USB cable.

• Oregon Scientific HWI0003 Nebal... Ceramic ultrasonic aroma diffuser from one of the market leaders. Its main advantage is its stylish design, but additional options such as interchangeable lighting modes will also appeal to lovers of home gadgets. The reservoir is designed for 120 ml of water, the operating time is up to 5 hours, power is supplied from a regular electrical network.

When deciding which aroma diffuser to choose for your home or office, you need to clearly define the criteria for the device from the very beginning.

• View: electric or conventional. Classic aroma diffusers do not require a mains connection. They can move freely around the room or apartment, the intensity of the aroma is easy to change. If you need to additionally humidify the air or the owner likes to experiment with fragrances, it is better to choose an ultrasonic model.
• Volume... For aroma diffusers of the classic type, the optimal volume is 30–50 ml. The smell will not have time to get bored or weaken too much. In the case of electric diffusers, the reference point will be the area of ​​the room for which it is intended. In the bathroom or bedroom they take options with a 100 ml tank, in the living room or studio - 200-300 ml.
• Scent... It is especially important in pre-made stick diffusers. It is better to take the basic option, as the smell during static use can seem too heavy. For home, citrus, green tea, vanilla and cinnamon, wood, aquatic compositions are considered the best options.
• The intensity of the odor. It depends on the type of composition - alcoholic ones have a brighter and more intense aroma. Oily ones last longer, feel more delicate. It is worth considering that special sticks are also chosen for such compositions - made of fiber. Reed, bamboo, rattan or willow are suitable for alcohol solutions.
• Diffusion type. The ultrasonic and chopstick versions do not change the properties of the liquid. Devices with a heating element evaporate it in the classical way. The intensity of the scent and even the shades of the composition will differ markedly.

Also, when choosing an ultrasonic or electric type aroma diffuser, it is worth considering the form factor: portable ones can be taken with you on trips and trips, to the country house or to the office. Stationary ones will only aromatize the space in which they are placed.

The first thing to start with using an aroma diffuser is the choice of its filling. In electric and ultrasonic models, the mixture must be poured strictly according to the instructions, choosing only natural or compatible ingredients.

As an aromatic oil, you can use:

• relaxing vanilla, lavender, cinnamon;
• eucalyptus making breathing easier;
• deodorant lemon;
• insecticidal mint;
• invigorating rosemary or tea tree;
• pine cleansing air;
• energizing tangerine.

The standard dosage of natural oil for an electric diffuser is 1 drop per 3-5 m2 of floor space. It is added to the liquid. The mixture is poured into a water tank, then the device is turned on.Upon completion of its work, all elements are thoroughly cleaned, washed with water, dried so that condensation and plaque do not form. It is worth considering that such devices are rather considered as an element of aromatherapy - they are not suitable for permanent deodorization of the air.

Using an aroma diffuser with sticks is pretty easy too. It is enough to remove it from the package, free it from the cork, find a convenient place for installation. Then it remains only to install the sticks inside so that 1/3 of the length is in the liquid. The intensity of evaporation of the aroma will depend on their number. The more sticks, the stronger the smell, the faster the liquid evaporates.

After the liquid has completely evaporated, you can fill the bottle with a replaceable filler with the same smell or make your own version of the composition. In this case, the sticks will have to be replaced.

Making your own hands is also quite possible. It is enough to take a glass bottle with a narrow neck, preferably opaque or dark in color, with a volume of 30-50 ml. Then pick up skewers or sticks for him. You need 25-30 ml of base oil, it is worth taking refined cosmetic options - grape seeds, almond, essential oil are dosed dropwise (1 per 1m2 or slightly less). To consolidate the stability of the composition, you will need pure medical alcohol or high-quality vodka - no more than 1 tbsp. l. After mixing all the components, they are left for 24 hours under the cork. You can keep the composition longer. Then the bottle is opened, sticks are inserted inside.