Helpful White Noise Machine Buying Guide

White noise machines are a must have for many adults, and babies, who need a little help sleeping. White noise machines are popular for parents who want to help their little ones sleep as the white noise will block out surrounding noises and muffling sleep-disturbances. 

However, white noise machines are also equally helpful for adults. Whether you want to sleep through a snoring partner or loud city noises, white noise machines are designed to filter out the noises that may interrupt your sleep. White noise doesn’t actually have much of a noise, it is actually a low soothing hum. White noise pairs together low, medium and high-frequency sounds together at the same intensity levels to create a type of static background noise that has a “shh” sound to it.

If you are considering buying a white noise machine for yourself or for your baby, then there are a few things that you should look for in order to make sure you get the exact right white noise machine you need to help you get the restful, sound-blocking sleep you need.

Why Choose A White Noise Machine

So, what exactly are the benefits of using a white noise machine? These sound makers are primarily for those who are struggling to sleep. They are not only great for those who have trouble falling asleep, but those who are easily awakened during the middle of the night. This white noise blocks distracting noises and instead produces soothing sounds that help you relax and get some sleep.

White noise can be very soothing and comforting, but there is only one way to really create this very specific noise—through a white noise machine.  

Customizability

Another one of the things to look for when buying a white noise machine is customizability. Your white noise experience should be as unique as you are, which is why you should always look for a machine that offers some customizability features so you can get the exact experience that you want.

Different people are going to respond differently to different volumes, frequencies and volumes. A great white noise machine should have customizable features so you can get the exact type of noise that you want. While most white noise machines will have a range of volumes, some may even have different types of noise as well including the sound of rain.

Volume

Volume, of course, is an important feature in any sound machine. Your noise machine shouldn’t be too loud or it can be damaging or even prevent you from getting enough sleep at night. The perfect white noise machine should be easily adjusted to get the exact volume you need.

If you are using a white noise machine for your baby, you should make sure that your white noise machine can be below 50 decibels. In fact, babies should never listen to white noises that are above 50 decibels as tht is the recommended noise limit for infants in hospital settings.

Clean Loop

When shopping for a white noise machine, you should always look for a white noise machine that has a clean loop feature if you are using a machine that has sound recordings instead of mechanical noises. These are the two main types of white noise machines and many of the smaller and more compact noise machines now use recordings. 

If this is the type of white noise machine you are investing in, then make sure it states it has a clean loop feature. This means that you can’t hear when recordings end and begin. Without the clean loop the change over can actually wake you up in the middle of the night and jolt you out of sleep.

Sound Variety

Sound variety options are another thing that can help one white noise machine stand out from another. Sound variety is important because it will allow users to switch up their nighttime sound regimen. While white noise is perhaps the most popular sound and a great option for babies, it is not the only noise that you can typically enjoy with these machines.

Other popular noises include waterfall, forest sound, city noises, rain and virtually any other relaxing sound you can think of. You may be surprised by how much you like certain noises compared to others, and which ones can help you get the noise filtering sleep you need to drift off.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is a major factor to consider when buying a white noise machine—as these systems should be simple, effective and easy-to-use. Certain ease-of-use features, include an instant press-on button, LED screens for customized experience or a timer for the sound machine to turn off after a certain amount of time. Ease of use is essential for these machines, particularly if you are planning on using them every night before you go to bed.

Portability

Portability is another major factor to consider when it comes to a white noise machine. Many people need their machines to get a good night of sleep, so having a portable device you can take with you on-the-go is important for travel. Some sound machines, particularly those that use mechanical devices to make their sound can be large and quite cumbersome. However, if you are using a white noise machine that utilizes recorded sounds, they are often smaller and much more portable.

Power Source

The power source used to power your white noise machine can also make a major difference in the functionality and effectiveness of your white noise machine. There are a few different types of power sources that can be used for white noise machines, with the most common being a standard plug-in white noise machine. 

However, if you are someone who likes to travel with their white noise machine, then you should consider one of the battery-powered noise machines. Most of the battery-powered options require disposable batteries that you will need to replace periodically. Just make sure that you are ready to replace batteries as needed so that you always have your white noise machine on and ready for use.

Size of Machine

White noise machines can vary greatly in size, depending on the brand, model and other features. When shopping for a new white noise machine, make sure to pay close attention to the dimensions of your device. Most people want a machine that is compact enough to sit on their bedside table at night. If you are planning on traveling with your white noise machine, it is also important to find a compact white noise machine that is easy to throw in your bag and take with you on-the-go.

Get Quality Sleep With The Right White Noise Machine

Finding the right white noise machine can make all of the difference in your sleep and in your overall quality of life. However, not all white noise machines are created equal and not all white noise machines can give you the exact features you need to get quality sleep at night. Keep these different features in mind as you start to shop for your new white noise machine so that you can find the exact product for you, or your family members, who need these noise-blocking powers.

Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.

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