Ultrasonic or Cold Mist Aromatherapy Diffusers Which is Better for You

When deciding which aromatherapy diffuser to purchase, you should consider whether the humidity, the strength of the essential oil, or ease of operation is more important. I will outline the obvious differences between an ultrasonic diffuser, which is the most common flavor in aromatherapy, and a cold mist nebulizing diffuser to assist in your decision making process.

How They Work: Basic Technology

Ultrasonic diffusers use a piezoelectric plate that vibrates 1-2 million times per second to break a combination of water and essential oil into a fine humid mist and is dispersed by either a fan or through evaporation. They use a water-tank (100-300ml ) to accommodate your combination of water and 3-5 drops of oil which makes them double purpose as a humidifier. A cold mist nebulizer on the other hand uses a compressor to produce dry microdroplets of pure essential oil into thin air without dilution or heat. The pure oil is never mixed with water or diluted in any way while maintaining all of the oils potency.

Key Features: Humidity, Purity, and Usability

Ultrasonic diffusers put humidity into the air, which is nice for dry climates when you want to treat dry skin or sinus problems, whereas nebulizers won't put any humidity in the air at all making them a good choice for a bathroom or humid environment. Ultrasonic diffusers dilute the essential oils with water slightly changing the character of a more delicate oil like sandalwood, but still very gentle for everyday use because the quantity of oil with the water is not that much. Cold mist nebulizers aerosolized undiluted oils which is the purist form of aromatherapy treatment for those interested in the essential therapeutic benefit. When it comes to usability, ultrasonics make little noise (25-35 dB) and are affordable ($20-$50) while only requiring a weekly rinse of the tank to keep them clean. Nebulizers are a bit noisier while still being decibel and untenably require cleaning once every couple of months if you want them looking good (until the oil buildup prevents it from functioning properly).

When to Use Ultrasonic

DiffusersIf you are the beginner, you have kids, or you live in a dry climate, we recommend choosing ultrasonic diffusers. They are easy to operate, silent, and humidifying–the ideal option for use in the bedroom, an office or any large room (the larger tanks, up to 500 ml, last for 8–10 hours and are effective at moisturizing the air while filling your space with a gentle, non-intrusive aroma). They are very affordable, so they are great for beginners to aromatherapy.

When to Use Cold Mist Nebulizing

DiffusersIf you are someone who is more concerned with pure oil potency of an aroma, then the cold mist nebulizers are the right choice for you. These would be users who rely on serious aromatherapy, who prefer that kind of intensely pungent aroma to add moistness in smaller settings, such as a home office or a yoga studio. They dispel a dry mist of concentrated oil aroma and prescribed scents, which does not add moisture to the space in humid climates. These need to be used more sparingly and are louder, but they are the best option for true metaphysical aromatherapy experiences.

Final Decision

When weighing the options, ultrasonic diffusers are the winner for their usability, affordability, humidifying features, and versatility for typical use (especially in a dry climate). Cold mist nebulizers are the best option to maintain your oil purity and therapeutic purpose for light and pungent scentage, especially in smaller settings or areas that are not as humid. It is important to consider your climate, the space you are going to use, or how much you want uploaded in the air. While both options are satisfactory and do have their advantages, it is recommended to upgrade your diffusing experiences according to your lifestyle.