MONQ Personal Aromatherapy Diffuser Safety

What are MONQ Personal Aromatherapy Diffusers?

MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers are innovative essential oil delivery devices. Each device is filled with a specially crafted, synergistic essential oil blend derived from pure, organic essential oils.

How to Use MONQ Personal Aromatherapy Diffusers

Inhalation to the lungs is not recommended and will lead to a wasted product. Generally, MONQ recommends using MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers not more than 3-experiences, 3-times per day. Following this regimen, adverse symptoms are likely to be avoided.

Safety Profile: MONQ Personal Aromatherapy Diffusers

  • Rarely, mucosal irritation and dryness in the nose or back of the throat may occur. Extreme use may lead to dried and cracked mucous membranes with subsequent bleeding (Liu et al., 2018). Because MONQ uses vegetable glycerin (as opposed to propylene glycol) heated to a temperature that is 100 degrees Fahrenheit below the temperature required to form formaldehyde, the risk of nasal irritation is diminished.
  • Anosmia, a loss in olfaction (sense of smell) has not been linked to the use of MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers. MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers may heighten the perception of odors and olfactory acuity by activating sensory receptors for olfaction and exercising olfactory pathways. Activation of these olfactory receptors may improve wakefulness and diminish fatigue (Saito et al., 2018).
  • Infection is unlikely to result from using MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers. MONQ recommends storing MONQ personal aromatherapy diffusers in a clean place free of debris to prevent contamination of the device. Further, MONQ recommends individuals avoid sharing personal aromatherapy diffusers to decrease the potential of spreading bacteria and viruses. 
  • Lung inhalation is neither required nor recommended. Additionally, by keeping lower temperatures, avoiding propylene glycol and its secondary metabolite, formaldehyde, and by limiting use to 9 uses/day, the harmful effects may be avoided. 

Reported Side Effects: 

We understand that MONQ has been used by more than 1,000,000 people. The following lists the side effects which have been reported directly to MONQ via email and/or other methods.  We do not know if any/all of them are related to the usage of MONQ, but there has been a temporal relationship noted by the user. We also do not know if there are other side effects that have occurred and which have not been reported to us.

More than 6 reports

Allergic reaction
Coughing
Dry mouth (frequently short-term and usually relieved by additional water intake)
Headache
Throat irritation / sore throat

Between two and five reports

Blisters on lips
Burning, shocking, or overheating sensation
Increased mucus
Irritation in mouth
Laryngitis
Loose stools
Nausea
Pneumonia (may have contributed to)
Possibility of a seizure
Shortness of breath
Sinus issues
Tightness in the lungs
Top cap becoming dislodged
Upset stomach
Vivid Dreams
Wheezing

One report

Cracked skin within nose
Dizziness
Nose bleed
Ringing in the ears
Spotting while on birth control pills
Swollen eye
Unusual taste in mouth
Vomiting

References:

Liu, X., Lu, W., Liao, S., Deng, Z., Zhang, Z., Liu, Y., & Lu, W. (2018). Efficiency and adverse events of electronic cigarettes: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-compliant article). Medicine, 97(19), e0324. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010324

Saito, N., Yamano, E., Ishii, A., Tanaka, M., Nakamura, J., & Watanabe, Y. (2018). Involvement of the olfactory system in the induction of anti-fatigue effects by odorants. PLoS ONE, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195263

Angelique Cohen, MD, MBA, is a physician advisor at Saint Thomas Health in Nashville, Tenn. Her clinical specialty is otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery. Dr. Cohen has successfully practiced medicine since 1996 and owned her own practice in Illinois before relocating to Nashville where she serves in a dual capacity.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.