How to Choose the Best White Noise Machine for You

Have trouble sleeping? Or are you a manager who wants to help increase concentration and minimize distractions of your employees to increase productivity? If you are, a good white noise machine would be a great help in alleviating your problems. Studies have shown that white noise which is capable of masking or canceling out background noise can induce one to either sleep better or increase productivity in a workplace through increased concentration brought about by fewer distractions from inter-employee conversations.

But what is a white noise machine? A white noise machine is a small electronic unit which emits a variety of white noise. These could range from a single ocean-wave type sounds or a variety of other relaxing sounds such as a breeze or a gurgling brook. Some of these may be battery operated for portability. This is great for those who travel a lot or for personal use at home or in the office. There are also some models that need a voltage converter to operate. These kinds are applicable in corporate settings where white noise is being utilized to improve productivity. Other applications for these kinds of models are for spas where a relaxed feeling is an important aspect of the business. They are also programmable and could operate for long period of time thus making it ideal for either corporate or personal use.

Choose your white noise machine wisely!

There are a lot of brands or companies who manufacture white noise machines but a quick search in the web would reveal that the top three brands are Marpac, Homedics and Sound Oasis. Marpac which also carries the Marsona brand seems to be in the top position among the 3 with the Marpac Sleepmate models among the favorites, not only for brand new purchases but also for repurchases. The reason for this is that it can be easily operated, reliable, economical, and easy to maintain. Perhaps one drawback for it is that it could only produce a single but pleasing fan-like sound which could be adjusted up to 2 volume levels depending on the model. If you want more more choices on the sound which would help you relax, Marpac 1288 would be the right choice as it carries 8 base sounds such as lakeshore, rain, 2 versions of surf, train, brook and waterfalls. This model brings you nearer to nature with its 8 overlay sounds of seagulls, owl, railroad, loons, frogs, hawk, bouy or dove that you will randomly hear along with the base sound that you've chosen. If you have a baby at home, Marpac also have models specially made for the little ones. The Lifesounds 440 white noise machine is a single-sound model that has a soft motor-like sound which babies seem to like. Another one is the Lifesounds Baby Sleep Aid model where sounds like heartbeat, womb, lullaby, surf, rain and brook will reassuringly bring your kids a nice, good sleep.

Homedics also have several great models to choose from. The SS-2000 Sound Spa is so far the top choice for this brand. Aside from being compact, low priced and with the option to either use batteries or an AC adapter, you could choose either summer night, ocean waves, rain, waterfall, rainforest or hearbeat. Another option is the SS-4500 Classic white noise machine. This model carries 6 sounds and has alarms which could be configured to any of the 6 sounds the AM/FM radio or just an ordinary alarm. They also have a model that was specifically designed for babies and children, the SS-3000 Lullaby. This model gives you the flexibility to choose to Rock-a-Bye-Baby, Cradle Song, Rain, Ocean, Hearbeat or Twinkle, Twinkle sound tracks while setting its rotating picture projector to project either fish, star or animal images to create a sleep-inducing ambiance for the little one.

Sound Oasis, however, claims that their S-3000 Deluxe Sound Therapy System is the best and most advanced white noise generator in the world. With the ability to produce up to 120 environments through different combinations of 20 main sounds and 5 mix sounds, this white noise machine should get a lot of positive reactions. Furthermore, it boasts 3 speakers that includes a subwoofer, thus delivering the best sound quality possible. If one wants to be discreet about using a sound machine, Sound Oasis has the perfect candidate. With 2 ultra-thin speakers embedded into a pillow, the patented plug in SP-150 Sleep Therapy Pillow allows you to enjoy your favorite sounds and chosen white noise soundtracks to play from other Sound Oasis Sound Therapy Systems, your CD players or you iPod/MP3 players. Children would also love to cuddle the Sound Oasis Sleep Bear and go to a blissfully sleep to dreamland with its 6 doctor-endorsed hospital and baby sounds.

Where to buy a white noise machine

Having seen some of the best sound machines in the market, you might wondering where to buy one. Although a quick trip to your favorite department store might suffice, the easier way to do it is how you found this guide: shop on the web. Here are a few sites which could help you in buying the sound machines that you like.

The Earplug Superstore in Yahoo gives you reviews of the products as well as affordable prices. SoundMachines Direct also gives reviews of the product but also gives out discounts. Two other sites which give out discounts are Ebay.com and Amazon.com. You could also buy used or brand new white noise machines in these two sites.

As you can see, there are great choices available for you, your family, or workmates to find better sleep, or better productivity, through using a white noise machine.