Category: Diffusers

Diffuser vs Humidifier vs Combining Them

One thing I’ve noticed while shopping at the local Walmart is that they have a huge selection of diffusers and fragrance plug in devices and whatnot,

But when it comes to the humidifiers, they basically have the cheapest plastic thing you can buy.

  A lot of that stuff is crammed together with the incense and candles without much explanation of what goes with what.

Diffusers vs humidifiers for instance. What is what?

The diffuser primarily is used to disperse essential oils into the air.

The humidifier’s primary job is to add moisture to the air.

Yes they both use water.

But the volume of water they use is vastly different.

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier?

One thing that a lot of people ask is that if they can use their diffuser as a humidifier since it has water in it?

The answer is yes, technically you will get a small amount of humidity coming off of your diffuser.

Is it enough to humidify an entire room?

No,  it’s probably not enough to make a noticeable difference in the relative humidity.

The reason is, it takes about a half a glass of water to fill up a diffuser.

And most humidifiers go through a gallon of water or so every 24 hours.

But that’s not to say it won’t do anything at all to add moisture to the air.

After all, placing glasses of water around the house is an old trick for humidifying.

Have you ever left a glass of water on a nightstand or table, etc, and come back to it, only to find that it had evaporated away?

It’s the same concept.

can you use a diffuser as a humidifier

 

The difference is, it is the job of a humidifier to evaporate and disperse large amounts of moisture into the air.

It’s a machine that will accelerate what happens naturally by leaving glasses of water out.

So even though a diffuser and a humidifier may operate basically the same,

And a diffuser may add a small amount of moisture into the air,

A humidifier will do much more to remedy the effects of dry air.

  And a diffuser is best at diffusing essential oils.

LEVOIT Humidifier – Click Here

Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier –Click Here

Are there any devices that combine a diffuser and humidifier?

The answer is definitely.

There are many brands of humidifiers that have a tray to put essential oils in, to get a diffuser effect out of them.

The difference is that you’re starting from the point of view of a humidifier that can be used as a diffuser.

Rather than a diffuser that can be used as a humidifier.

And the price point is going to be quite a bit sharper for a humidifier that does it all, compared to the standard diffuser.

Is it worth it to spend the money on a humidifier that diffuses essential oils?

I think it is. Here’s why.

Essential oils and aromatherapy are something that most people just dabble in.

I’m not saying there’s not some excellent benefits to using essential oils, or that they are not important.

But I am saying that I view a humidifier as being a more essential device then an essential oil diffuser is.

  And if you can get a fully functional diffuser in a humidifier, what’s not the love?

( Believe me, there’s a couple of things about a humidifier / diffuser combination that are not to love, I’m about to spout those off, so stick around a second)

  But maintaining a proper relative humidity between 40 and 60% has numerous benefits to your health.

Humidity aids in the reduction of sick days because it keeps viruses and germs from being able to travel as well.

By the same token, asthma triggers as well as airborne allergens are far less invasive into your life when the humidity level is kept between 40 and 60% in your home.

Skin health also relies heavily on an optimal relative humidity.

Not only does Humidity moisturize the skin, it helps keep conditions like acne and psoriasis from being able to burrow deeper into the skin because of cracks caused by dry air.

And one of the most painful and noticeable results of low humidity and dry air is the drying of the nasal cavities which can lead to bloody noses and painful nostril clearing.

And this is just a few of the benefits you get from the humidifier.

Like I said, there is definitely some therapeutic and medicinal benefits to using different essential oils,

But at the end of the day, the humidifier is a much more needed device.

Humidifier with aromatherapy tray downsides ( back to the not so lovely)

There is nothing dangerous about combining a humidifier and a diffuser but there are a couple of things that make it a little bit inconvenient.

One is, a humidifier is not anywhere nearly as mobile as a diffuser.

You can pick up a diffuser with one hand and carry a baby around with the other. Not a problem.

A Humidifier on the other hand, is much bulkier and weighs a good 10 lb with a gallon of water in it. And that is a small humidifier.

So combining your diffuser with your humidifier means your diffuser is going to weigh as much as the humidifier.

But that’s a pretty small trade off I think.

The other thing is that some humidifiers require you to buy their special essential oils that are made to work with their machine to ensure that the equipment doesn’t get gummed up.

That’s pretty limiting, being stuck with purchasing one brand of essential oils and not even a full essential oil product.

Some humidifiers combine not only a diffuser function, but air purification also.

The top brand is called a Revitalizer. And any essential oils that you put in it have to be their brand because they go directly into the water.

But let me see that that is not the way most humidifier makers do it and definitely not one that I would recommend.

  Usually they will have an aromatherapy tray as a separate compartment to put the essential oils.

OliveTech Smart WiFi Essential Oil Diffuser

Click Here

Takeaway

Even though diffusers and humidifiers both use water as part of the way they work,

Diffusers are made to disperse essential oils and even though they may add a small amount of humidity to the air in the process, it’s not nearly enough to qualify as a humidifier.

Humidifiers are made to add large deposits of moisture into your Air.

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier?

Technically a diffuser will humidify but not enough to make a real difference.

If you want to combine a diffuser and a humidifier, there are humidifiers that have aromatherapy trays so that you can use your humidifier as a diffuser.

And you can argue, like I did in the article above, that maintaining the proper relative humidity in your home is more important than dispersing essential oils.

My opinion is that buying a humidifier that has the capability of functioning as a diffuser also is a much better idea than trying to get a diffuser to humidify effectively.

12 Types of Machines That Clean the Air

Finding the right air cleaning machine can be tricky. There are so many types of air cleaning methods and not all are suited for your immediate needs. Getting to know a few and what they do is a great place to start.

So let’s give it a go…

Machines that Cleans the Air- 12 Types

1. HEPA air purifier

HEPA filtration is the most widely used type of machine for air cleaning.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorber) filters are engineered to capture particles as small as .03 microns. And collect

Which works very well for large particular looks like dander and pollen, as well as dust mites.

HEPA filters are a very dense media made up of random fiberglass fibers.

Interestingly, there are so many knock offs filters that do not meet regulations that HEPA is known as True HEPA now to help consumers find the real thing.

HEPA filter air cleaners are primarily single room purifiers that work better for smaller areas.

Levoit Core is our pick for Best Hepa air purifier- See it Here

 

2. Negative ion Generator

A negative ion generator is a machine that cleans the air by electronically charging particles and emitting them into the air.

This works because when the negatively charged ions from the machine are dispersed into the air, they instantly latch onto the positively charged ions already in the air,  trapping any pollutants in the way into the newly formed bond.

Once these newly formed bonds accumulate, they clump together and fall out of the air.

Negative ion generators also work best in a small area.

3. Ozone Generator

Ozone generators are machines that intentionally create Ozone gas to clean air.
They can effectively remove long-standing odors and kill any bacteria or viral contamination in an area.

Ozone or activated oxygen as it’s also  sometimes called is an oxygen molecule (O2) that contains a third atom. (O3)

Ozone (O3) is very unstable.  So much so that when it comes into contact with any airborne contaminant, it destroys it through oxidation.

Ozone is a very potent air cleaner and is never used in an area occupied by people, or animals.

The reason being is that ozone gas will oxidize your lung tissue if it is breathed too heavily.

It is important to follow the guidelines when dealing with ozone.

Ficus Benjamina - weeping fig4. Humidifier

A Humidifier is a device that does not normally come to mind when you’re talking about a machine that cleans air but you might be surprised.

A humidifier is simply a device that adds moisture to the air.

But when the air is dry, dust is easily kicked up into the air stream. Leaving you wide open for an allergy attack.

A humidifier can help control dust by adding moisture to the air so that dust particles get wet and bind together.

Making the dust particles adhere to surfaces rather than float in your breathing space.

Air Innovations are the Mother of All Humidifiers- See Them Here

5. Bi polar ionization

Bi polar ionization is a type of machine that emits anions and cations simultaneously.

This dispersion of both positive and negative ions have an immediate purifying effect on the air quality of a room.

Air pollutants like cigar smoke can be instantly removed.

Bi polar ionization also has a dramatic effect on bacteria and viruses.

By surrounding the pathogens with negative and positive ions , the cells become damaged and rendered inactive. 

Winix Uses Plasmawave Bi-Polar in Their Units- Check Them Out Here

6. Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier reduces the humidity in a room by turning it into condensate and capturing it in a localized container.

What does that have to do with air cleaning?

High levels of moisture in the air creates droplets that act like traveling containers for air pollutants like mold spores and bacteria.

Humidity is also a major food source for dust mites.

By reducing the humidity in your home or office, you are effectively reducing dust mites and mold spore populations in the air.

7. Air Washer/Water Air Purifier

 

An air washer is a machine that cleans the air by filtering it through water.

The air is pulled in and literally thrown against a series of vats that wash the air before it is released through the other side.

The machine also doubles as a humidifier.

The plus of this type of air cleaning machine is that it never requires any replacement filters and it also moisturizes the air.

The minus is that it is not useful in the humid months.

Air washers also come in compact devices called Revitalizers.

Revitalizers throw aromatherapy into the mix. The machine comes with its own brand of essential oils to use in it.

8. Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon is an age-old method of reducing pungent odors.

Activated Carbon is like a naturally occurring sponge that instead of absorbing water, adsorbs fumes and gases.

It is particularly good at reducing offending smells. Which makes it great for areas like crafting rooms and kitchens.

Types of carbon include charcoal and coconut husk.

The most popular being charcoal.

Activated Carbon is also sold by weight.

Most Hepa Air Purifiers Combine a Carbon Filter as a Set-

Blueair top the list of Best Air Purifiers With A Carbon Filter- See One Here

9. Ultraviolet Irradiation

Ultraviolet light has the ability to destroy any type of pathogen that it is targeted on.

The optimal word being “targeted”.

UV as an air cleaner means targeting the ultraviolet light on a source of air pollution.

One source of air pollution that can be targeted by a UV lamp is the condensation runoff and drip pans inside of a central heat and air handler (HVAC).

Because of the environment of moisture and the absence of light inside a HVAC unit, mold can become an issue that becomes distributed throughout your home whenever your heat or air comes on

By placing UV Germicidal lamps at the source of the mold, you can reduce it before it ever becomes an air quality problem.

10. Photo catalytic oxidation

Photo catalytic oxidation or PCO is another way UV can be utilized as a machine to clean the air.

PCO targets Ultraviolet light onto a titanium oxide catalyst in a hydrated cell.

This process creates a mass blanket of hydroxyls and hydroperoxide ions.

This air cleaning method is essentially like pouring hydrogen peroxide solution, the same stuff used to disinfect a wound, on every airborne germ floating through the air.

See: Air Oasis for the Best PCO air purifiers

11. Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is another type of machine that you may not automatically equate with air purification.

But if you have an air conditioner that has a button on it to enable something called dry mode, then your air conditioner is outfitted with a dehumidifier.

Dehumidification is a type of air purifier because it removes the moisture from the air that is a primary source of food for dust mites in the high humidity season.

It also reduces the humidity that nourishes mold, which in turn releases mold spores into the air.

Even if your air conditioner does not have a dry mode setting, refrigerated air dehumidifies as it cools the air as part of its primary function.

That’s why you have condensation that drips out of your air conditioner.

Central heating and air is another way that air conditioning reduces pollutants in the air.

The air filter that you replace in your HVAC system is not only there to protect your system from getting dirty, it is also there to reduce the pollutants in the air that are circulated through your house every time the air conditioning unit kicks on.

12.Essential oil diffusers

Diffusers can be a great machine for helping clean the ambient air.

Not only do they function as a humidifier to a certain extent, they also disperse whatever essential oil you add to them.

There are many essential oils that have medicinal qualities that help remove airborne pollutants like mold.

Tea tree oil for example is known for its antimicrobial properties.

Likewise Eucalyptus and Lavender, which are both very popular aromatherapy oil additives, are both known to have antifungal properties.

A warning though, essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil can be very potent and even dangerous to animals, especially dogs.

Some air cleaners are made to reduce dust while others are intended to destroy germs and viruses.

Knowing what types of machines that clean air and what they do is a great place to start when searching for an air cleaner.

Can I Use Essential Oil In An Air Purifier? 2021 Update

Essential oils are a great way of adding atmosphere and healing qualities to surrounding air in a room. And also there are many essential oils that have air purifying qualities.

Essential Oil Diffuser and Air Purifier

 

Though not an air purifier in the traditional sense in that it uses a filter to capture particulates ,
An Essential Oil Diffuser is Already an Air Purifier. By using the right essential oils can hinder the production of the germs and bacteria that trigger household allergies and allergy symptoms.

Essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender have anti bacterial properties that can help purify your air as well as add a fresh and calming atmosphere to the room.

Can I use essential oil in air purifier?

You can use essential oils in an air purifier in a specific air cleaner called an Air washer or Air revitalizer. This type of  air cleaner uses water to clean the air and provide their own essential oils to be used in the system. Unfortunately, with other types of air purifiers, there is no place to add essential oils.

 

Air Purifiers With Essential Oils

Air washers and revitalizers are both hybrid multi-tech machines that combine the air purifier with a humidifier and a essential oil diffuser. Sharp also has a bowl air purifier and air freshener product along the lines of the revitalizer.

The revitalizer is actually marketed as a air purifier, humidifier,  and a essential oil diffuser.

It has a unique bowl design that draws air into a chamber where the water is basically thrown around and against the inside of the bowl to clean the air. Check it out here.

The provided essential oil is added right into the water. The key word here is “provided”. Most essential oils wont work well as an additive to water.

When the air purification process is done, humid,  aromatic water exits the machine.

These machines are meant to be a jack of all trades type of appliance and as hybrid are probably not as good at doing any of its functions individually as they could be done by purchasing the right appliance for the purpose.

Essential Oils On Air Filter

Putting essential oils directly on the air filter of your home heating and air system can turn your ductwork into a whole house diffuser.

The HVAC (central heat and air conditioning unit) in your home is actually performing the function of an air purifier by filtering debris and germs(depending on the quality of the air filter) and dehumidifying when the AC is running.

The inside of the duct work running through your home is also notorious for being full of contaminants like mold spores and dust.

A great way to introduce aromatherapy to the filtration process of your HVAC is to add essential oils directly onto the surface of the filter when you replace it. 

How do you add essential oils to an air filter?

  1. Purchase a brand new replacement filter.
  2. And 15 to 20 drops of essential oil directly to the face of the filter.
  3. Install the filter like normal.

Recommended essential oils for your air filter:

Cinnamon oil.
Cinnamon will add a delicious fragrance to your home and has antibacterial properties that make it great as an additive to your air quality

Lemon oil.
Lemon smells great and it has germ and bacteria killing properties that make it a great whole house essential oil.

Eucalyptus and tea tree oil.
Eucalyptus and tea tree oils both aid with breathing better especially when there are other things in the air trying to make you congested

Diffuser vs. Air Purifier vs. Humidifier

The difference between a diffuser and an air purifier and a humidifier is how they affect air.
The diffuser disperses aromatherapy oils into the air
A humidifier disperses moisture into the air
And an air purifier filters contaminants from the air.

Take the Revitalizer for instance, as an air purifier, they’re much more limited at reducing household contaminants and odors then say an air purifier that uses a HEPA and carbon filter design.

As a humidifier, they are also limited and only really claim to lightly humidify the room as the air is being released from the machine.

As a diffuser, they do a good job of spreading out an aromatic scent throughout the room. They get a B+ for odors. But the essential oils that go in the unit are specially designed it may not have the same anti germ properties.

Air washers on the other hand do a much better job at cleaning the air than an air revitalizer. And even better than there air purifying capacity, they are one of the best humidifiers that money can buy. See it here.
But as for a diffuser, they are pretty much an afterthought. You can add scents to the water just like a revitalizer but they have to be the scents that they provide.

Can I use essential oil in air purifier
Diffuser and Humidifier Difference

The difference between a diffuser and a humidifier is that the purpose of diffuser is to disperse aromatic essential oils scents into the air.

Whereas a humidifier disperses water mist to add moisture or humidity to the air.

But..

Also there are many humidifiers that have a essential oil tray to add a few drops.

So essentially, the right humidifier is already a hybrid humidifier and diffuser.

If it weren’t for the climate, buying a humidifier with a essential oil tray would be a simple solution for everything.
Diffusers can be used anytime of the year where humidifiers are mostly only useful during the dry months of winter.

There are also some similarities between diffusers and humidifiers though,
both must be cleaned often in order to avoid the appearance of mold in the machine.
And both provided it’s the right kind of humidifier can disperse essential oils into the atmosphere.

But humidity can also facilitate dust mites and mold spores which is contrary to the reason you would want a essential oil diffuser.

Air revitalizer vs. Diffuser

A air revitalizer is a hybrid machine that combines and air purifier, a humidifier and diffuser in one.
A diffuser is specifically made to disperse essential oil scents into the air.

This may be a good solution if you need a humidifier running while you are diffusing essential oils,

But if your air is already humid enough,  you may not want to add a humidifier to the mix especially in the warmer months when the humidity is already high.

Diffuser and air purifier? Same time?

No. The reason is most air purifiers come with a carbon filter that is designed to adsorb odors.
Running an air purifier with a carbon filter and an essential oil diffuser at the same time will reduce the effectiveness of the diffuser.

Also, air purifiers most always have a HEPA filter installed. HEPA filters are very dense filters better woven together so as to not allow anything above .03 microns to filter through.

Though a HEPA filter it’s not likely to interfere with an aromatherapy diffuser,  being that the essential oils that go in the diffuser are oily, you may find that the HEPA filter in your air purifier will get extra grimy from filtering out oil from the air. And reduce the life of the filter.

Do diffusers clean the air?Do diffusers clean the air?

Yes they can. There are many essential oils that have air cleaning properties.
Eucalyptus oil for one is great for making breathing easier.

Essential oils are often placed in humidifiers to help the recipient be able to breathe better and get a good night sleep when they are feeling stuffy or have a cold.

Tea tree oil is another essential oil they can be used for many anti bacterial purposes including everything from taking the sting out of a mosquito bite to fighting airborne mold spores.

The reason it is possible for essential oils to help with air purification is because essential oils are plant based, and plants are one of the best way to naturally keep your air oxygenated and clean.

Plants are also a great way to add a little humidity to a dry room without going the distance of purchasing a humidifier. Believe it or not, just keeping your plants watered will actually humidify your air.

Summary

Adding essential oils to an air purifier is possible if you have the right type of air purifier. Either a Air Washer or an Air Revitalizer.

Because both of these air purifiers combine air purification with a humidifier, They also come with their own essential oil scents that you can add to the water.

But most air purifiers are not made to disperse essential oils and do not have any place to add them.

There are also many humidifiers though, that actually come with a tray to add essential oil drops and will act as a diffuser.

This is a good idea when you need a humidifier running, but a humidifier is not something you typically need to run all year long.

And though there are some air purification qualities that come with many essential oils, running an air purifier and a essential oil diffuser is not a good idea because most air purifiers reduce odors with activated carbon, which will also reduce the scent of the essential oils.

Kind of defeats the purpose.

Also anything that is oily in the air while the air purifier is running is going to absorb into the HEPA filter and potentially reducing the life of the filter.

The best of all worlds in one machine is probably the revitalizer.

But a diffuser or a humidifier or a air purifier is a much better machine individually then trying to combine them all into one unit.

 

Can You Sleep With an Aromatherapy Diffuser On?

The benefits of aromatherapy essential oils range from a spiritual feeling of well-being to an all natural aid to reduce the symptoms of all types of illness.

Can you leave a diffuser on overnight But when are essential oils not considered a health aid but rather the opposite and even worse a hazard?

For instance, even though the effects of Lavender oil are known for its relaxation qualities and ultimately a sleep aid, should you sleep with a diffuser on?

Can you sleep with a aromatherapy diffuser on?

No. You should never diffuse more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Not only does Sleeping with a diffuser on, not increase the benefits of an essential oil, it can cause the body to stress, making your sleep less restful.

Although there are many natural calming effects that are experienced by breathing the aroma of certain essential oils like chamomile and sweet marjoram and could be considered an aid to fall asleep,

Superior Essential Oils

Can you leave a diffuser on overnight?

The continual breathing of essential oils while you are asleep does not provide any benefit and can rob you of the natural exchange of fresh air that you get through the proper use of essential oils in time intervals.

There are times however, that certain essential oils like eucalyptus could be beneficial to help you breathe better while you’re sleeping in the case of a chest or head cold when you are dealing with congestion.

A practical solution to this is to go the smart Wi-Fi scheduling diffuser route.
That way you can schedule the diffuser to come on once or twice throughout the night to mist the air with the medicinal breathing effects of essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint.

Check the Price Here

ASAKUKI Smart Wi-Fi Essential Oil Diffuser

  • SMART WI-FI TECHNOLOGY
  • ADJUST IT TO YOUR NEEDS
  • RELAXING ATMOSPHERE
  • PERFECTLY SAFE

if you already have a diffuser but it does not have the smart capabilities of a Wi-Fi diffuser, an Smart Plug is a great way to schedule when power is going to the diffuser and turning it on and off as needed.

Sleeping with a diffuser on around pets

Many people are unaware of the danger of using some essential oils around their pets. Specifically essential oils that contain menthol.

Menthol is a strong scent for human beings. Multiply that by approximately 15 times and you can imagine how strong the smell of menthol can be for dogs.

Another type of inhalant similar to menthol that is used to assist with cold symptoms is an ingredient called camphor.

Camphor is the active ingredient in Vicks.

And there is, it turns out, this ingredient is toxic to dogs.

If you are using a diffuser with a menthol based essential oil including peppermint, tea tree oil, or eucalyptus,
Or the Vicks additive that comes with their warm mist vaporizer,

diffusers and petsBe aware how these essential oils can affect your animals and give them a way out of the room in case it is too strong for them.

Another issue that animals can have with diffusers, specifically ultrasonic diffusers, is that they can emit a very high vibrating pitch that is unnoticeable by humans but can be very loud to a dog.

OliveTech Smart WiFi Essential Oil Diffuser

  • Voice Control
  • Super Quiet & Auto Shut Off
  • Customize your own schedules
  • Free Cleaning Kit
See the OliveTech Smart diffuser Here

And on the subject of ultrasonic diffusers, being that they have a reservoir for water, the chance of mold and bacteria accumulating in the diffuser is much higher.

This is also an area where animals are sensitive and can be predisposed to getting bacteria, fungi, and parasites on their skin and develop dermatitis.

Poisonous

Essential oils can be poisonous if ingested. Though most animals are not going to eat something that they instinctively know is unhealthy, being that essential oils are derived from plants, the livelihood of a pet ingesting an essential oil maybe a little higher than otherwise.

smart diffuserRecap

Though many essential oils like lavender are known for their stress reducing and calming effects on the mind and on the body, a little can go a long way and must be used with discretion to get the best results and effectiveness from them.

Essential oils when inhaled, should be diluted somewhat and never breathe for more than 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

The exchange of fresh air with the scent of the essential oil is essential to the overall effect of the aroma.

Sleeping with a diffuser on does not give you the exchange of fresh air you need with the aroma to get the best possible effect nor does it affect your mood when you are already asleep.

Although it is true that some essential oils can be a great sleep aid to help you fall asleep, the continual smell of the essential oil while you’re asleep will not only not help you sleep better, it may even produce more stress and cause you to have a less restful sleep.

An easy solution if you are looking for a diffuser to help you fall asleep but not necessarily wanting to sleep with it on is a smart diffuser.

It’s true that every appliance you can imagine has a smart version that you can turn on and off with your phone or schedule when you want to use it has popped up lately.

But smart diffusers actually make a lot of sense when you’re talking about using them as a sleep aid.

If you already have a diffuser and are not shopping around for another one, scheduling electrical outlets are available that essentially do the same thing.
A smart plug can essentially turn any appliance into a smart appliance giving you the ability to schedule and check it on your phone anytime you want.

can you sleep with a essential oil diffuser onPets and diffusers

Pets for many people are companions even when they are sleeping. But there are many essential oils that include menthol that are not safe for your animals to breathe and definitely not safe to ingest.

Another issue with diffusers and pets is that ultrasonic diffusers make a ultra high sound that can drive your animals crazy.

If you’re going to use a diffuser around your animals, leave them a doggie door or a way out so that they do not have to be in the vicinity.

Also: DIY Humidifier

What is a Smart Diffuser?

What is a Smart Diffuser? In the last few years, almost every appliance you can think of, has become “Smart”. Smart refers the ability of your appliances to hook up with your phone through WI-Fi.

And you can argue that it is a great feature. But in how many cases can you think of, where the smart capacity is really that necessary?

The ones that immediately come to mine are security cameras and thermostats that can be scheduled rather than automatically coming on when you do not need them.

You can make a case for air purifiers that can be monitored through by your phone and a refrigerator that can tell you what the contents are in it ,when you’re at the store, but after that I start drawing a blank.

But one device that has a definite use for smart WI-Fi is an aromatherapy diffuser.

What is a smart essential oil diffuser?

A smart diffuser is a diffuser that comes with WI-Fi capabilities that give you the ability to schedule when it comes on and the ability to turn it on or off at any time through a smart phone app.

Why would you want or need these features?

Aromatherapy essential oils can have amazing effects on the mind and the body when used in short intervals. But after so much time, a person can become nose blind and not even recognize the smell of the essential oil in the air.

A smart aromatherapy essential oil diffuser gives you the ability to fill the diffuser and schedule it so that you get the appropriate amount of aromatherapy and are not overdoing it.

Another way having a smart diffuser can benefit you is you want to come home to a scent of lavender which is known to reduce stress and have a calming effect on you after a hard day at work. If you have the smart capability on your diffuser, you simply access it from your phone so that it turns on 10 or 15 minutes before you get there.

Using a diffuser to fall asleep

Many essential oils can can promote falling asleep and helping you sleep better when you are there. But sleeping with a diffuser on can be way too much of a good thing and actually stress your body out causing you to get a less than restful nights sleep.

By using the scheduling option of your smart diffuser you can control when the diffuser turns off so that you can relax to the aroma of your favorite essential oil to get to sleep and not worry about having to turn the diffuser off before you fall asleep.

Diffuser for Cold and congestion

On the same lines of using essential oils to fall asleep is the use of different essential oils like eucalyptus oil to help you breathe easier when you have a head or chest cold.

Different essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil along with eucalyptus can help you breathe better while you are sleeping but you do not want to breathe it all night. But in the case of a cold, you may want to have the aroma at different intervals throughout the night.

That’s another way that having the scheduling capabilities of a WI-Fi smart diffuser can be beneficial in your home.

Like I said before, not every appliance needs a smart option, but with them aromatherapy diffusers, you can definitely make a good case for purchasing a smart diffuser.

Other smart diffuser features:

Scheduling is not the only feature you will find on a smart oil diffuser, though arguably the most important.

smart essential oil diffuserOther features that you will find on smart diffusers include:

1.Voice control

Why not? Think about it. If you’re trying to relax and having a hard time de-stressing, you probably are thinking about diffusing some lavender oil but you don’t want to have to get up and turn your diffuser on. Easy, just tell the diffuser to turn on for 15 minutes using the voice control feature.

2.Lighting

Most aromatherapy diffusers come with lights built in. Having the ability to turn the lights on or off or dimming them to match the ambience of the room with the aroma of essential oil is a very important capacity that having a smart diffuser can give you.

3.Mist control

You don’t always want your diffuser misting full blast and you don’t always have it set to mist enough. Having a smart Mist control on your diffuser is an excellent way to turn the stream of the mist up or down without having to get up and down trying to get it just right.

4.Notifications

Smart capabilities on your diffuser mean never having to manually check when your diffuser is running low on oils or water in the reservoir tank.
You can set your diffuser to let you know when your essential oil diffuser needs filling or check the status of your oils and water right from your phone app.

5.Google and Alexa

Accessing everything in your home from the lights to the thermostat has become a part of everyday life thanks to the ability to communicate with Alexa and Google from a smart hub in your home. Smart diffusers have the capacity to be connected to Google and Alexa in the same way. Why talk to your diffuser directly when your servant Alexa can do it for you.

Already have a diffuser?

If you already have a diffuser and don’t want to purchase another one but yet you like the ideal of having the smart capabilities of scheduling and being able to turn it on and off with your phone, smart plugs can basically make any appliance in your house into a Wi-Fi controllable device that can be monitored from your phone.

It may not be able to dial into your luxurious taste quite as well as purchasing the real deal, but smart plugs are useful for all types of appliances including space heaters, humidifiers, air purifiers, or anything that you can think of that you want to use in intervals or turn off when you’re asleep.

Also: Do it yourself Humidifier

What Does a Diffuser Do in a Room?

what does a diffuser do?

The diffuser is a device that breaks down and disperses essential oils into a room so that the user may enjoy the calming and medicinal effects of aromatherapy. Which include improving sleep, controlling pain, and reducing stress. Proponents for Aromatherapy diffusion claim an over better quality of life through the use of the diffuser.

Diffusers come in 3 different types:

1. Evaporative Diffuser

A Evaporative diffuser consists of a small fan and a pad that you drop essential oils on. The fan gently blows across the essential oils so that they evaporate into the atmosphere.

2. Ultrasonic diffuser

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier?

In the case of an ultrasonic diffuser the answer is yes. Ultrasonic diffusers operate by the vibration of water and essential oils combined.
Can you use diffuser without oil?
An ultrasonic diffuser without the essential oils is simply an excellent ultrasonic humidifier.

3. Nebulizer diffuser

The nebulizer diffuser is the most sophisticated type of diffuser. It is also simultaneously the most effective and expensive to use. The reason is that uses the most oil of all three types.

What does a diffuser do in a room?

A diffuser is simply a tool to be able to enjoy the benefits of different essential and aromatherapy oils. Which are many.

Some benefits of diffusing essential oils in a room include:

1 Reduce stress and Anxiety
2. Better sleep
3. Appetite suppressant
4. Air purification
5. Decongestant and cold relief
6. Insect and mosquito repellent
7. Improve memory and Mental Clarity
8. Relieve Headaches
9. Hair growth
10. Humidifier

1. Reduce Stress and anxiety

Stress is a health symptom we can all relate to in this modern world of abrupt changes.
Stress and anxiety can result in having issues both mental and physical.
Aromatherapy can be used as a relaxation tool to help boost a feeling of calmness and ease.

A. Lavender essential oil is proven to lower your blood pressure and your heart rate. One of the most common and popular essential oils for stress, lavender can ease your nerves and promote a more restful night sleep.

B. Ylang ylang is a essential oil that is extracted from the Cananga tree rooted in Indonesia.
This essential oil is known to help improve your mood and help relieve depression.
And like lavender, it can help lower your heart rate and ease tensions related to stress and anxiety.

2. Better sleep

No doubt getting a good night’s rest is essential to your health and feeling positive and alive.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote a better night’s sleep. According to the US National Library of Science, aromatherapy is more effective at improving sleep quality than acupuncture.

A. Lavender tops the list I’ll be essential oils that can help promote sleep.
Lavender is not only help calm your nerves, it also has a sedative effect.
It has been shown to not only help you fall asleep faster but stay asleep longer.

B. Vanilla essential oil is a sweet scent they can also have a sedative effect on your nerves and can help relieve restlessness.

How does a diffuser work3. Appetite suppressant.

Aromatherapy essential oils can also be used to help suppress your appetite and give you energy.

A. Grapefruit essential oil works as a help for weight loss because of its ability to help activate enzymes that work to reduce body fat.

B. Ginger
Ginger essential oil can help with digestion support and help you absorb nutrients easier. Dropping a couple of drops of grapefruit and Ginger in your tea or water is also a great way to get the benefits of these essential oils.

4. Air purification

A diffuser is an excellent way to disperse antibacterial oils through the air that are capable of reducing allergens and mold spores.

When you consider the fact that most spray fragrances actually add dangerous vocs to the air and only mask the air and do nothing to reduce indoor air pollution, essential oils or a landslide.

According to PubMed “essential oils have a great potential in the field of Bio medicine is late effectively destroy several bacterial fungal and viral pathogens”

A. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is known to have any bacterial properties. It is not only excellent as a means of air purification, it is also good as a cough suppressant.

B. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been researched and shown to be able to destroy flu viruses in the air.

5. Decongestant and cold Relief

Eucalyptus is the number one essential oil to add to diffuser when you have a cough.
Eucalyptus is found in most chest rubs and is universally considered an excellent way to soothe your airways and relax a cough. But it is not the only game in town.

A. Oregano oil
Adding oregano oil to a diffuser is an excellent way to fight off a cold and flu bug. The reason is it contains Carvacrol.
Carvacrol is a natural antibiotic.

B. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil contains something called Cineole. Research has concluded that Cineole actively reduces a call in as little as four days.

6. Mosquito and insect repellent

Most everyone has heard of citronella candles and sure to keep them around for a summertime BBQ.

A. Citronella essential oil is the same mosquito repellent that you can buy in the candle form. Citronella is known to ward off mosquitoes as well as fleas, lice, and a whole host of other insects.

B. Lemon eucalyptus
The center for disease control has put their stamp on lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, lemon eucalyptus can be used as an effective repellent for mosquitoes.

7. Improve Memory and mental clarity

Memory is something we all value and something we usually take for granted till it starts to fade.
Aromatherapy has been shown to help increase mental clarity and focus as well as stimulate the memory.

A. Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil is a ancient remedy for just about every ailment under the sun.
It is also known to be and effective stimulate for the brain.

B. Peppermint is also a strong essential oil that can promote a sense of mental sharpness when inhaled deeply.

8. Headaches

Headaches can fall under the moniker of stress and anxiety. Stress can cause a whole lot of havoc on your health including headaches.

A. Peppermint oil is the number one essential oil for tension headaches. Because peppermint oil contains menthol, it has the potential to relax your muscles and relieve pain including headache and migraine pain.

B. Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil creates a soothing aroma that is known to be calming. It’s relaxing properties can help ease tensions in your neck and shoulders that can lead to headaches.

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier?9. Hair growth

Have you ever been in a situation where you could not wait for your hair to grow. Fortunately there are stimulants that can help your hair grow out faster and certain essential oils fall under that category.

A. Lavender oil has both antimicrobial and anti bacterial characteristics that can strengthen your scalp.
Though usually known as a essential oil to reduce stress and ease headaches, lavender oil has a unusual side effect helping hair grow faster.

B. Rosemary essential oil is similar in that it is usually promoted as a cough suppressant. But according to one study, rosemary oil is actually as effective as a hair growth stimulant is the popular over the counter hair stimulant Minoxidil.

10. Humidifier

You can’t forget about the fact ultrasonic diffuser doubles as a humidifier.
A humidifier is a must especially in the winter months when the climate is dry and the heater is going nonstop.
Not only will a humidifier help moisten your nasal cavities and make it easier to breathe, it will also add moisture to the dust in the air keeping it from floating in the ambient air that you breathe.

And that’s only a small part of the list that aromatherapy and diffusers can do to help improve your health.

A Diffuser combined with aromatherapy essential oils is an excellent way to improve the quality of your life.

The Top 6 Essential Oils for Breathing Better

Breathing difficulties are becoming a more common occurrence in the modern world. It’s hard to deny that the worsening condition of our planet – and the continued degradation of our air – is to blame for this. The reality of the situation is that there has never been more air pollution than there is right now. It’s reached the point people in countries such as China and Japan are unable to leave their homes without protective masks.

The increase in pollution has left more contaminants and pollutants in the air that make respiratory conditions worse. Anyone who is predisposed to such respiratory ailments are at a greater risk when exposed to the constant pollution they have to live with. Essential oils have been shown to offer therapeutic benefits for a range of medical conditions. Some essential oils have even been shown to help with breathing problems. Here are some of the best essential oils for breathing that you should keep handy if you have breathing problems.

Essential Oils for Breathing Issues

  1. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is one of the very best essential oils for breathing problems. The reason that it is so effective is that it contains anti-inflammatory agents. These agents help to minimize the symptoms of inflammatory respiratory conditions including bronchitis. Another reason that the essential oil is so effective at reducing the severity and symptoms of breathing problems is that it also has antimicrobial properties. These properties allow to protect users from a range of bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses can cause severe respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis, and obstructive pulmonary disease if they aren’t treated. As well as all of this, eucalyptus oil has been shown to stimulate cold receptors in the nose and improve airflow through the nose.

  1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has also been shown to help with breathing difficulties. Studies have shown inhaling peppermint oil can help to reduce the symptoms of an asthma attack. The reason for this is likely because peppermint oil has an anti-inflammatory response on the bronchial smooth muscle, which flares up during asthma attacks. As well as being effective because of these anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint oil has shown to help reduce the symptoms of the common cold. It can do this thanks to the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties it possesses.

  1. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil essential oil has been used for years to treat a range of ailments. In particular, it has proven effective at reducing the inflammation that can cause respiratory conditions. As well as helping to directly reduce inflammation, lavender oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, which are often connected to the breathing problems people have. As anxiety and stress are able to trigger and/or exacerbate breathing problems for the people that have them, lavender oil is able to directly impact those issues and prevent them from becoming more serious breathing issues.

  1. Clove Oil

Clove oil has been shown to have some healthy benefits for people that suffer from respiratory conditions. While clove oil is primarily used in the kitchen as part of cooking, it has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of asthma for sufferers. Clove oil helps to tackle the symptoms associated with an asthma attack, clearing out the breathing pathway and helping asthma sufferers to breathe properly. This is thanks to cloves being an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Inhaling clove oil can help people who suffer from asthma symptoms.

  1. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is another great choice for people who need some assistance with their respiratory problems. Rosemary oil helps boost the respiratory system because it is works as an anti-inflammatory to clear out the inflammation that can occur in the trachea. Inhaling rosemary oil allows you to soothe the muscles that make it possible to breathe. This frees up your airway and allows you to breathe without a problem.

  1. Ginger Oil

The final entry in our list of essential oils that are great for breathing problems is ginger oil. This oil has been shown to help with the symptoms of asthma in particular. It is an ideal addition to the lives of any asthma sufferer. It helps to reduce airway contractions, which make breathing easier in general. This is particularly true when dealing with something that constricts your airway, such as an asthma attack. As well as helping to open up your airways, ginger has been shown to be effective at decreasing the symptoms and severity of the common cold. Give it a try the next time you get the sniffles.

5 Essential Oil Recipes for Breathing Difficulties

  1. Essential Oil Facial Steaming

Using a blend of essential oils for a facial steaming is a great way to deal with a range of problems, including colds, ear infections, eye infections, and – of course – breathing difficulties. It uses team infused with essential oils to dislodge mucus from the sinuses and respiratory system to open up the airways and promote clear and deep breathing.

You need;

  • A pot with 3 – 4 cups of water
  • 2 drops of tea tree oil
  • 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
  • A heat source
  • A towel

What to do;

  1. Boil the water until it steams up
  2. Remove the water from the heat and place it on a placemat on a table
  3. Sit in front of the pot, with your face positioned so the steam can reach it
  4. Use the towel to make a tent over your head and the pot and sit in the steam for around 15 minutes

No doubt you’ll feel better after the fifteen minutes are up and you’ll be breathing much better too. Aim to do this around four times a day for total relief.

  1. Liquid Vapor Rub Blend

Vic’s Vapor Rub is a fantastic cold remedy that also helps with congestion and clogged sinuses, all of which cause breathing problems. You can make your own vapor rub at home using a roll-on bottle ready for when you need it. Not only will you save some cash, but you’ll also avoid the potentially harmful compounds found in Vic’s vapor rub, including petroleum jelly.

You need:

  • 10 drops of rosemary
  • 10 drops of lemon
  • 10 drops of eucalyptus
  • 5 drops of lime
  • Fractionated coconut oil
  • A 10ml roll-on bottle

What to do:

  1. Add the ingredients to the bottle and shake it will to combine them
  2. Roll the mixture onto your chest, shoulder, temples, neck, and back
  1. Breathe Easy Shower Bombs

These shower bombs are great because they get to work quickly. Shower bombs are just like bath bombs, but they’re for the shower – obviously. They release all of the powerful aroma of the essential oils used to make them when exposed to hot water and steam from the shower. The aroma opens up your airways and promotes deeper, clearer breathing.

You need:

  • ½ cup of cornstarch
  • ½ cup of baking soda
  • 7 drops of peppermint
  • 5 drops of lavender
  • 7 drops of thyme
  • 10 drops of eucalyptus
  • An ice cube trap
  • A squirt bottle filled with water

What to do:

  1. Place the baking soda, corn starch, and essential oils together in a bowl
  2. Squirt water over the powder mixture and make little molds using your hands. Don’t add oto much water though. You only need enough to make it possible to mold the ingredients together without them disintegrating
  3. Stuff the molds into the cubes of the ice cube tray and place in the refrigerator for a few hours
  4. Pop them out of the tray when they harden and store them in a mason jar
  5. Use the shower bombs by putting them on the shower floor, by the drain, before you use the shower. The heat and pressure from the shower water breaks the bomb down, letting out the aroma that will then open up your airway so you breathe easier
  1. Clear Congestion Diffuser Blend

Here is a great diffuser blend for the next time you feel congested and have trouble breathing.

What you need:

  • 1 drop of marjoram
  • 3 drops of peppermint
  • 2 drops of eucalyptus
  • 2 drops of tea tree
  • 1 drop of lemon
  • Non-plastic cold-air diffuser

What to do:

  • Add all the oils to the diffuser, according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  1. Respiratory Support Diffuser Blend Recipe

Use this recipe to give your respiratory system a boost.

What you need:

  • 2 drops of pine
  • 2 drops of rosemary
  • 1 drop of lemon
  • 2 drops of marjoram
  • Non-plastic cold-air diffuser

What to do;

  • Place the oils in the purifier according to manufacturer’s instructions to purify and strengthen respiratory system and eliminate congestion.

Essential Oils for Better Breathing and Breathing Problems

Essential oils can offer some great benefits to those who have difficulty breathing, no matter the cause of the problem. While more research needs to be done overall, there are several studies that have shown essential oils can help to minimize symptoms associated with respiratory problems. The main reason for their effectiveness in this field is because they are effective at decreasing inflammation, which is a common factor in attacks. Some have also been shown to help prevent colds and other problems that can lead to nasal congestion and infections.