The Best Noise Machine - 2020

Does sleep come sparingly for you? Does it take forever to fall asleep or perhaps you are a light sleeper and wake with every sound in the night? Maybe you have a new baby and your home is a bit noisy. In these cases, many have turned to noise machines as an alternative to sleeping medications. Noise machines can aid in falling asleep and staying asleep for a restful, steady slumber.

A noise machine should play some sort of sound to drown out sporadic noises from the environment to calm and lull you to sleep. The reason consumers are turning to noise machines rather than sleep apps on their phones is to reduce the risk of blue light disruptions. Noise machines are simply electronic devices that plug into the wall and offer a significant amount of static noise for you to fall asleep. They are a bit safer than having a phone application running through the night.

There are a couple of different types of noise machines to choose from. You can even get a combination noise machine that has all the popular sounds. The white noise option creates a static, like what you hear on a radio or television. White noise is consistent in its intensity and therefore offers excellent sound cancellation for a restful sleep. Pink noise is another type of sound that is a little less consistent in intensity and is said to be quite effective for steady sleep. Many opt for nature sounds for their baby such as rain, waterfalls, crickets or ocean waves. These sounds are peaceful and help to eliminate the disruptions from household or outdoor noises.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using a noise machine. A study out of Canada showed that noise machines being used in hospital nurseries were being used at decibel levels that are unsafe for babies and borderline unsafe for adults at 85 decibels. After this study, it was strongly suggested to consumers to make sure they play their noise machines at a safe level which should sound like a soft rain shower. Another point to remember is to find consistency in sound production. This tends to be more effective than nature sounds that fluctuate. Lastly, never put a noise machine in a baby crib as it poses a danger to the little ones.

So which noise machines are consumers choosing and why? The Marpac Dohm Original White Noise Machine features countless options for you to personalize your noise. The unit has a rotating cap that you turn to find just the right sound you want. This unit is compact and highly recommended for traveling. The Adaptive Sound Technologies Sound Machine has all the options with 64 sound choices and even a timer. For a simple sound machine, HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine offers a compact product with the basic noises to help you fall asleep easily. And finally, consumers recommend the Big Red Rooster White Noise Machine for a bedside unit that has all the basic sleep sounds including rain and ocean.

If sleep escapes you easily, a noise machine is something you should strongly consider. They are safe and effective, and you won’t have to worry about the side effects that you’d get from medicines. Try adding a noise machine to your sleep routine and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

• If you plan on traveling with a noise machine, it might be a good idea to purchase a battery-operated one to ensure you can use it wherever you are going.
• If you want to use your noise machine for more than just sleep aid, find one with a USB port so you can attach your electronics to it.
• Purchasing a noise machine with a timer will most definitely be an asset for both saving energy and those times when you just need a short nap.
• The latest noise machines with the most advanced technology can adapt automatically to your environment and increase or decrease volume based on the surrounding sound.
• Always look for a warranty — just in case you accidentally get a lemon.