Safe Aromatherapy Diffuser for Hospitals and Homes

By Caryn Gehlmann

For over a decade, e3 has partnered with various hospitals to help them establish safe aromatherapy protocols and procedures for the use of essential oils. These hospitals have decided that aromatherapy plays an important role in their Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) services. The benefits are many including enhanced patient satisfaction, job satisfaction for the hospital staff, and in many cases physical and emotional relief. Since we’re passionate about aromatherapy safety, e3 strives to be in the forefront of providing up-to-date and well-researched information on safe aromatherapy diffusers for hospitals and clinical settings.

Therefore, when new safety concerns surfaced about using certain types of aromatherapy diffusers for hospitals, we had to act. Recently a hospital contacted e3 about putting a diffuser at their Nurses Station, but their Infection Control Department was concerned that diffusers with water could potentially spread infections. Their concern is valid. A recent article on Contagion Live, by a hospital epidemiologist and infection preventionist, discussed how a recent outbreak of a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was traced back to poorly managed aromatherapy practices.

In a hospital setting, a diffusing machine that requires water can potentially put patients at risk for waterborne infections. This started me on a hunt for diffusers that don’t require water, because as a certified aromatherapist, I feel it’s vital that we can provide safe aromatherapy diffusers for hospitals and clinics. I’m deeply concerned about delivering the benefits of essential oils in the safest way possible. I discovered that a fan diffuser with a pad was the best alternative.

As a result of this extensive research, I’m happy to share that e3 now carries the Aroma Breeze Essential Oil Diffuser. This compact, top-rated nebulizing aromatherapy diffuser delivers exceptional efficiency and aroma through cold evaporation — no water! This small diffuser is perfect for a small area of your home or office and it’s a fantastic alternative for hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and hospices where water-based diffusion is prohibited.

We, at e3, also recommend another simple and safe application method for healthcare providers — add 1-3 drops of an essential oil to a tissue or cotton ball and tuck it in the pillowcase or place near the patient’s head. This is personalized aromatherapy, as the scent benefits the patient, but doesn’t extend to a larger area.
We’ve found that the hospitals that enjoy the most success with aromatherapy, are the ones that have created standardized aromatherapy policies and procedures and have taken the time to educate and train staff on safe application methods. Having well-documented protocols empower hospital staff to make knowledgeable decisions on the use of essential oils for each patient in an effort to do no harm.

e3 is happy to share our experience and research to assist hospitals and other healthcare facilities with their aromatherapy practice. We can also partner with you in the development of aromatherapy policies and procedures and the training of your staff on safe, effective application methods. Please feel free to contact us to set up an initial consultation.

Read More:

Integrative Medicine: Essential Oils in Hospitals