There are days when you feel the need to unwind and relax.
Some people want to soak in a warm bath at the end of a stressful day, while others prefer to unwind with yoga or meditation. But have you tried aromatherapy?
While research is still limited, some studies have shown that aromatherapy might have health benefits. These include relief from anxiety and depression and improved sleep.
Aside from the health benefits, the pleasant scent of essential oils can make your home feel fresh and clean.
Choosing the best scent diffuser is the first step to exploring the world of essential oils. However, not all diffusers are created equal. Your choice will depend on several factors, such as fragrance intensity, ease of use, and price.
Whether you’re in it for the fragrance or something more, read about the different types of scent diffusers below.
Natural Diffusers
This type of diffuser can fit anyone’s budget, as it requires little to no equipment at all. All you need is any semi-porous material, such as a handkerchief, tissue, or cotton. Put two to three drops of essential oil into it and enjoy the fragrance.
The downside is that the scent is limited to a tiny area, mostly your personal space.
Reed Diffusers
Another inexpensive type of home scent diffuser is the reed diffuser. The materials needed are simply a glass bottle, rattan or reed, and a seal plug (optional).
The oil travels up the reed through capillary action and releases the scent when it reaches the top. The drawback is that the speed of consumption may be too fast if you use pure essential oil. This is why you need to seal the mouth of the bottle to limit the rate of consumption.
Diffusers Using a Heat Source
This category of diffusers includes candle diffusers and electric heat diffusers. Both use heat to accelerate oil evaporation to spread the fragrance.
Not much heat is needed since the oils are naturally volatile. It’s possible to change the chemical composition and efficacy of the essential oil if you use too much heat.
Ultrasonic Diffusers
The diffusers above can only affect a small area. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a scent diffuser in a bigger room, you might want to pick up an ultrasonic diffuser.
This type of diffuser works by breaking down the oil into individual molecules using ultrasonic waves. The microparticles are easier to disperse into the air, even in a vast space, without using heat.
These devices are more expensive but can fill up a large room with pleasant smells for days.
Best Scent Diffuser for Those Who Prefer a Stronger Scent
If you prefer a more concentrated scent, nebulizers might be what you’re looking for.
Nebulizers use the process of atomization to spread the particles throughout the room. Note that the droplets contain pure essential oil and thus have a more intense fragrance. Some scent diffusers use cold air technology to amplify the scent intensity.
How to Choose a Scent Diffuser
Choosing the best scent diffuser comes down to personal preference for the most part. Some may prefer a simple device that does the job of delivering the perfect scent. Others may want a diffuser that can saturate an extensive area with concentrated fragrance.
Are you looking into more ways to improve your home? Then please check out some of our other articles about home improvement on this site.