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People use nebulizing diffusers to distribute essential oils into the air. These work differently from other types of diffuser, as they do not require heat or water.

This article explores possible advantages of nebulizing diffusers, some options available, and how to use them. It also looks into the risks of diffusing essential oils.

Please note that the statements below are based only on research. No one at Medical News Today, including the writer, has tried these products.

Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

A nebulizing diffuser is a device that people use for aromatherapy.

As the Alliance of International Aromatherapists explain, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to enhance health, beauty, and well-being. People may apply diluted essential oils to their skin or inhale them.

Nebulizing diffusers work by forcing a stream of air at high pressure through small tubes that contain essential oil. This stream of air turns the oil into a fine mist and distributes it around the room.

Nebulizing diffusers do not use water or heat to distribute essential oils into the air. This may make them more advantageous than other types of diffuser.

For example, unlike ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizing diffusers do not use water to create mist, and so do not increase levels of indoor humidity.

Also, some diffusers use a candle or another heating element to evaporate the oil. However, essential oils are flammable, so diffusing them with an open flame may not be safe.

Depending on the design, a nebulizing diffuser may be made only of wood and glass. This might appeal to people looking to reduce their plastic consumption.

Below, find five products that diffuse essential oils into the air without raising humidity levels or using a flame.

Radiance Nebulizing Diffuser

The company that market this product describe it as “the most effective diffuser of pure essential oils on the market.” They say that the diffusion extends to 861 square feet (sq ft) and that it is silent and uses only a small amount of energy.

Features of the device include:

  • a “volume” switch that allows people to control how much oil they diffuse
  • rainbow LED mood lighting
  • automatic shut-off after 2 hours

Danau Satu Atomizing Essential Oil Diffuser

The company that market this diffuser describe it as safe, quiet, and compact, making it ideal for a nightstand or desk. The product is handmade, using wood and toughened glass, they also note.

Some features include:

  • adjustable mist intensity
  • a white LED mood light
  • a low energy setting, with 2 minutes on and 1 minute off
  • automatic shut-off after 2 hours
  • a USB power cable

MiniDiva Aromatherapy Diffuser

Some essential oils are too thick to work in a diffuser. The company that market this diffuser state that it has vibratory atomization technology to diffuse even thicker oils, such as vetiver and coconut.

The design, they say, also prevents the need for cleaning — rather than emptying the oil into a tank, a person can simply screw their bottle into the device.

This product is also marketed as:

  • quiet
  • portable
  • energy-efficient

It is effective, the company say, in a space of up to 700 sq ft, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Core Series “Spiral” Nebulizing Diffuser

The makers of this series of diffusers say that the products are ideal for professional and home use. The Spiral diffuser is effective in spaces measuring 900 sq ft or more.

This diffuser has a dark wood base, and it emanates a gentle light of alternating color while switched on. Other features that the company highlight include:

  • mist intensity control
  • a built-in timer
  • a 5 minutes on, 3 minutes off cycle
  • automatic shut-off after 3 hours

UONE Essential Oil Diffuser

This has a pyramid-shaped design and is made of natural wood and hand-blown glass, with no plastic in its base, the company that market it say.

The product also has seven color-changing LED lights, creating a peaceful mood, and the company describe their product as “whisper quiet.”

Other features include:

  • rapid fragrance distribution
  • a built-in timer
  • a 2 minutes on, 1 minute off cycle
  • automatic shut-off after 2 hours

Reviewers describe this product as elegant and effective and suggest that it represents good value for money. However, a few report technical difficulties. The manufacturers offer a 2-year factory warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To use most nebulizing diffusers, add a small amount of undiluted essential oil to the device’s reservoir. The product’s instructions should recommend how many drops to add per use.

Next, switch the diffuser onto the desired setting and wait for it to distribute the essential oils.

A person typically needs to clean the reservoir between uses. However, some diffusers have no resevoir, and a person simply screws their bottle of oil directly into the device.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy say that inhaling essential oils has few risks for most people. However, one study found that inhaling diffused essential oils for more than 1 hour could potentially raise blood pressure and heart rate.

For this reason, it is a good idea to use diffusers occasionally, rather than for prolonged periods.

A person should only use a diffuser for 30–60 minutes at a time, taking breaks of at least 30 minutes between sessions. Also, it is important to ensure that the room is well-ventilated.

Still, it is crucial to speak with a doctor before using essential oils, because they can have adverse reactions if a person:

  • has epilepsy
  • has asthma
  • has certain skin conditions
  • has certain allergies
  • takes certain medications
  • is pregnant
  • is breastfeeding

Also, some essential oils are potentially harmful to pets and children. Always check the safety profile of essential oils before adding them to a diffuser.

Essential oils to avoid during pregnancy and nursing might include:

  • aniseed
  • basil
  • birch
  • camphor
  • hyssop
  • mugwort
  • parsley seed or leaf
  • pennyroyal
  • sage
  • tansy
  • tarragon
  • thuja
  • wintergreen
  • wormwood

A nebulizing diffuser uses a highly pressurized air stream to atomize essential oils and distribute them throughout a room.

Research indicates that using a diffuser for up to 1 hour at a time is generally safe for most people.

However, consult a doctor before using essential oils for any reason. They can be particularly dangerous for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have certain health issues, such as allergies or asthma. Also, they may not be safe for children and pets.