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White
Noise Machine / Sound Machine for Better Night's Sleep
A
white noise machine can be effective in drowning out disturbing
noises with "white noise" and allowing for peaceful
sleep. (White noise machines go by several different names,
including sound machines, white sound generators, sleep therapy
machines and sound conditioner machines, among others.)
Remember, you should not try to achieve no noise while
you sleep because for most people this is not possible. Your
goal instead should be to have steady, consistent noise (white
noise) that will drown out or reduce disruptive noises that
can keep you from sleeping soundly.
For this reason, a white noise machine is more effective in
helping you to sleep than having, say, the TV or radio playing
because white noise is steady in volume and pitch, unlike
voice and music. (Some people claim to get good, steady
white noise from air filters, aquariums and humidifiers.)
Some sound machines provide nature noises, such as rain falling,
birds singing, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, etc. These
can be relaxing and acceptable for fostering sleep, but they
may not be consistent enough in volume and pitch to be considered
genuine white noise.
White noise machines vs. fans
The main competitor to white noise / sound machines are bedside
fans, which can provide excellent white noise through their
motors and the moving of air. Fans are the better choice if
you want air circulation in your bedroom along with strong
white noise. Also, white noise machines tend to be smaller
and more compact than fans, making them easily portable for
business trips, vacations away from home, etc.
To help you decide which is best for you, here is a fan
vs. white noise machine comparison grid.
Highest-rated white noise machines
White noise machines generally fall into two categories, and
which is right for you is largely a matter of personal preference.
There are the true white noise machines that create a whooshing
noise and then there are machines that play nature sounds.
Highest rated white noise machine with at least 20 reviews
on Amazon.com:
Marpac
980 Sound Screen & SleepMate Sound Conditioner
Highest rated nature sound machines with at least 20 reviews
on Amazon:
HoMedics
SS-2000 Sound Spa Relaxation Sound Machine
Conair
SU7 Infant Sound Machine
See how sound machines compare to other noise solutions in
the comparison grid.
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