Is a Diffuser the Same as a Humidifier

I have talked about and reviewed a few diffusers on this blog. The Pilgrim Anton which I’m using daily myself, and the best-selling Radha Beauty Diffuser are two of the best examples. However there is still often some confusion around, is a diffuser the same as a humidifier?

Diffusers and humidifiers do perform two very different functions in the home. Although they are both useful in helping you maintain air quality and the level of humidity. Optimally, for your own health, you want the relative humidity in your home to not be less than 30%, neither more than 50%.

With 50% being ideal for UK home for example. You may want to check this depending on the climate where you live.(source).

You can measure the humidity level in the home with the use of a hygrometer. Humidifiers help increase the moisture content in the air while diffusers are used for aromatherapy benefits. With this in mind, here is a more detailed look at the differences between the two:

What is a Humidifier?

Humidifiers increase the moisture level in a room and helps to regulate the moisture content. They are more commonly used in the winter when levels of humidity can fall below 30%. The humidifier will come on and raise the moisture level.

The problem with low humidity is that it can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory problems. Using a humidifier helps to clear the sinus passages and relieve congestion that’s a common problem in the winter.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier

• Stabilizes moisture content
• Helps asthma and allergy suffers
• Can help reduce snoring
• Protects household items from damage due to low humidity

What is a Diffuser?

Diffusers are used to diffuse essential oils into the air. Essential oils contain a wide range of properties that are beneficial to health and well-being. Using a diffuser for aromatherapy is one of the easiest ways to disperse oils and enjoy the benefits.

Diffusers do not increase the humidity in a room. They are designed to spray a fine mist for the purpose of diffusing the oil. You can relieve allergies and help with the other symptoms as a result of low humidity. You are not addressing the problem with the air quality however, and this needs to be looked at.

Benefits of Using a Diffuser

• You can use oils to treat specific health concerns
• Convenient and easy way to enjoy aromatherapy
• Inexpensive and easy to use
• Improves the quality of the air

Can I Use Essential Oils in a Humidifier?

This is a question a lot of people ask. Or worse, they go ahead and use some oils in their humidifier without finding out if it’s safe. Personally, I don’t recommend it, and there are a few reasons why.

• Most humidifiers do not have a safety cut-off switch. Diffusers do come with a cutoff switch so when the water level is low there is no risk of electrical failure or a fire
• Essential oils are abrasive and can cause damage to devices not designed to use them.
• Some humidifiers generate warm air. Essentials oils are best used with cold mist diffusers as heat damages the oils and removes the healing properties.

If you want to diffuse oil stick to diffusers. Some are reasonably priced and highly rated on Amazon so you can rest assured you’re getting good value for money.

In Summary

Personally, I use diffusers daily to diffuse oils for aromatherapy around my home. I have used a humidifier before for the purpose of improving the humidity in an apartment I was in. So the bottom line is that diffusers and humidifiers are very different devices and should be used for their individual uses.