If you love aromatherapy, and want a fantastic office or travel option, have I got a fun little gadget for you! Or, maybe you’re new to aromatherapy, and feeling curious, but aren’t ready to buy a diffuser just yet. In either case, read on!
Essential oils are a safe, non-toxic way of making your home or office smell fantastic, but also pack a powerful punch when it comes to effects on mood and well-being. The effects vary by the type of oil being used, since they all have unique aromatherapy properties, making aromatherapy a force to be reckoned with.
By definition, aromatherapy is “the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being.” Essential oils are called upon, in this instance, to improve your state of being simply by smelling them – either in the bottle, via the air, or by direct application to one’s hands or wrists (diluted in a carrier oil, when used topically).
→ Fun Fact: Did you know that some dentist offices have found that using orange essential oil aromatherapy successfully reduces anxiety in patients?
To accomplish aromatherapy via the air, one super effective method is to incorporate the essential oil into a very fine mist through the use of a diffuser, like these. An added benefit of diffusing is that some EO’s actually improve air quality too! Diffusing certain EO’s, like tea tree, can purify the air by killing airborne bacteria and viruses!
Of course, if you don’t have a diffuser, you can still enjoy aromatherapy through other methods. Reed diffusers are very popular, though I personally have never had success. Or, you can try fan diffusers, which I’m about to show you, that disperse the EO scent after you drop it onto a scent pad of some sort. (Another simple trick: Sneak EOs into your bathroom by putting a few drops inside the cardboard tube as you begin a new toilet paper roll!)
Anyways, I haven’t yet bought an actual diffuser for home (it’s at the top of my to-buy list), but I wanted something, you know? Little by little I’ve been easing my way into essential oils, so this seemed like a logical next step before I go all-in with a diffuser!
I stumbled across this adorable mini aromatherapy pod at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, and I couldn’t resist, especially for such a reasonable price. It’s so stinkin’ cute! Travel, office, car, you name it – this thing is good to go!
Allow me to introduce the Aromafier, made by Sparoom. It retails at BB&B for $11.99 (or less, if you’ve got a 20% off coupon).
[To be clear, this is not a mist-based diffuser – there’s no water/mist involved. So, if you want to use EO’s for purifying the air, this isn’t the one to pick. This is merely for the aromatherapy aspect. As I mentioned above, this is the kind that uses a scent pad and a fan to disperse the EO scent.]
When I got home, I’d barely set my purse and keys down before I tore into this – I was so excited to see if it actually works!
What’s in the box: It comes with a USB power cord, plus three additional scent pads (one scent pad comes pre-loaded in the unit). The USB power cord is just that – the cord. It’s ready to be plugged into your PC or any other device with a USB drive. Or, it works beautifully with any wall charger that has a USB port, including a phone charger.
If you want, you can also battery-power this unit with two AA batteries, which are not included. It’s a nice option, though I’m not sure how long batteries would last. (If anyone tries it, please let me know in the comment section!)
Getting it set up couldn’t be any easier. You simply pop off the bottom compartment, which is where the scent pad lives. Then you lift the vent cover to access the scent pad, and apply as many drops of oil as you like. The instructions recommend not to saturate the pad, so don’t go too crazy! I did about 10 drops for my trial run. You snap it all back together, quick and easy – voila!
The unit has a power button on the front, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a pretty blue glow to let you know it’s on. As stated on the box, the fan is 100% silent. You can’t hear a thing unless you put it right up to your ear. Definitely impressive!
Within moments of turning it on, scent began to pour out into my living room. I was about five feet away, and could smell it instantly. There is only one vent (in the front) so you do have the option to “direct” the flow of scent by turning the whole unit. I was surprised at the overall throw of the scent, though, just from this little fan. It reached about 10 feet away with no trouble.
Because there’s no water involved here, the potency of the scent starts to wane a little as the oil dries up on the scent pads. The scent is strongest for the first hour or so, then declines a little, but it’s still noticeable. (Keep in mind, I was assessing it in a wide open living/dining room space!)
Since you’ve got four scent pads to work with, you can switch out the scents super easily, no fuss, no muss. All you’ve got to do is store the ones you’re not using separately in air-tight containers or resealable baggies. And, you can even get creative and make some really nifty scent blends!
All in all, I’m really thrilled with this purchase, and can’t wait to try it out in my office. The performance is very impressive for such a tiny unit, and you can’t beat how simple it is to use. Traveling with it would be super easy, and I absolutely plan to take this with me the next time we’re staying at a hotel!
And don’t forget – with the holidays swiftly approaching, the Aromafier would make a great gift or stocking stuffer!
Wishing you healthier, happier days!
a.healthier.happy 