White Noise Masks Annoying Sounds
Do you have a snoring partner keeping you awake? How about that noisy neighbor or his barking dog ruining another night of valuable sleep? White noise can mask these troublesome distractions and let you finally get the sleep you need.
What is white noise?
Simply put, white noise is a “shushing” sound that is created when the full range of audible frequencies are combined in equal amounts. This generally includes frequencies from 20 hertz to 20 kHz, which is the range that humans can hear.
When used to help sleep or relax, the white noise blends most sounds into the overall background noise so that your brain pays less attention to it.
Can a white noise machine help with sleep?
You are typically awakened when a sound suddenly occurs that is different than the ambient sound. White noise reduces that difference between the two sounds so that you have a better chance at staying asleep.
If noisy distractions are the cause of your insomnia, there are few better investments than a white noise machine. Besides improving your sleep and overall well-being, a sound machine may even pay for itself with the savings in sleep medications.
White noise machines are great for shift workers who need to sleep while the rest of the world around them is awake. Partners of heavy snorers have described white noise machines as “marriage savers”.
[Find out more: How noise helps you sleep.]
About white noise machines
A wide range of white noise sound machines are now available from which to choose. Some sound machines have mechanical white noise generators that produce their own natural, random sounds. Other white noise machines use digital, pre-recorded sound segments of “artificial” white noise.
Although pre-recorded segments can provide more sound variety, low-end noise machines typically provide recordings with audible loops. Your brain may eventually recognize these loops and find the repetition as annoying as the noise that the machine is meant to mask.
What is the best white noise machine for sleep? Five top-sellers:
#1 Marpac DOHM-DS Natural White Noise Sound Machine
The most well-known natural white noise machine is the classic DOHM from Marpac. This reliable, affordable and very effective sound machine has been a popular choice for over 50 years. The DOHM is priced around $50.
The DOHM provides completely natural sound from an internal generator, eliminating the need for digital recordings and loops. A two speed electric motor and variable tone control provides customizable sound and volume.
The Marpac Dohm-DS is assembled in the USA and is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
Features…
Natural sound produced with a white noise generator – no recordings
Customizable sound tone and volume control
Three color choices: white, black and beige
Sleek, light-weight design and is travel-friendly
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Retail: $59.95 | Amazon – check current price
#2 Ecotones Sound + Sleep Machine
One of the most popular digital sleep machines is the feature-rich Sound + Sleep Machine by Ecotones. This machine randomly mixes long, digitally recorded sounds to eliminate repetitive loops. Priced around $100, it provides high quality sound along with a few other handy features.
The sound selection includes natural, high-definition soundscapes and other pre-recorded sounds. This system automatically listens to background noises and adjusts the machine’s volume accordingly. A timer can also be set to turn off the unit at different time intervals.
The Ecotones machine comes with a full one-year parts and labor warranty.
Features…
Ten high-quality natural recordings for a realistic sleep environment
Monitors environment and automatically adjusts volume for ambient noise
Richness control optimizes the sound levels to match individual preferences
Timer provides four increments for gradual shut-down
Can be operated in automatic or manual modes
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Retail: $149.95 | Amazon – check current price
#3 LectroFan – Fan Sound and White Noise Machine
The versatile and compact LectroFan machine provides quality in a digital sound machine at a moderate price-point. Although not as robust and full-featured as the Ecotones machine, it is attractively priced around $55.
The LectroFan sound machine provides ten fan sounds and ten digital white noise variations that are dynamically mixed to eliminate repetitive loops. In addition, it has a 60 minute timer. The unit’s compact size, along with the ability to be powered by USB (via laptop), makes this a good traveling companion.
The LectroFan sound machine comes with a one year limited warranty.
Features…
Ten fan sound settings and ten white noise settings
60 minute sleep timer
Available in black or white
Power options include standard AC as well as USB
Compact size makes it ideal for travel
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Retail: $64.95 | Amazon – check current price
#4 Sleep Easy Sound Conditioner, White Noise Machine
The Sleep Easy Sound Conditioner is essentially a cheaper knock-off of the classic Marpac DOHM. At a low price of around $22, it provides a low-cost (and lower-quality) entry into a sound machine that produces naturally generated white noise.
Like the Marpac DOHM, the Sleep Easy Sound Conditioner provides natural sound from an internal generator, eliminating the need for digital recordings or loops. A two speed motor and variable tone control provide customizable sound and volume. However, the quality of the unit’s composition and the ability to generate higher volume fall short of the Marpac unit.
Features…
Natural sound produced with a white noise generator – no recordings
Fully adjustable tone and volume control
Non-slip base
Small light-weight design makes it travel-friendly
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Retail: $29.99 | Amazon – check current price
#5 HoMedics Sound Spa Relaxation Machine
The HoMedics sound machine makes the best-seller list because of its low price of around $20. However, this unit produces short predictable looped recordings and has low volume output. These limitations along with the low overall quality may not be suitable for many.
As far as features, the HoMedics sound machine provides six digitally recorded natural sounds. It also has a timer that automatically shuts the unit down at different time intervals. With its compact size and ability to run on batteries (4 AA, not included), it may be an inexpensive asset for travelers.
