4 Best White Noise Machines to Block Snoring

Using noise to overcome sleep-disruptive snoring might seem counterproductive.

However, there are many examples of ambient sounds canceling out otherwise sleep-depriving and annoying background noises. When you consider that a dripping faucet might keep you awake at night but become unintrusive during the day, the idea of drowning out unwanted snoring seems less far-fetched.

White noise machines don’t block snoring noises. Instead, white noise masks the snoring so that it blends in with the other sounds naturally occurring in your sleep environment. The effect is akin to a flashlight that is as bright as a spotlight in a dark room but isn’t noticeable in a well-lit room.

White Noise can be Your Answer to Better Sleep

If you’re not familiar with white noise, think of a babbling brook or summer breeze through trees. It sounds soothing. Other examples are the sound of rain, waterfalls, and oceans.

Unfortunately, very few of us can open our bedroom window to the sound of a babbling brook or gentle ocean waves. White noise machines can mimic that effect and give you restful sleep in your bedroom, while traveling, or when sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings.

This review of the best white noise machines available can help you find one that fits your needs.

1. Sound+Sleep

Sound+Sleep is one of the best white noise machines available on Amazon for less than $75. This machine lets you experience 30 different sounds designed help you relax and sleep better while also drowning out unpleasant noises.

One of its features is “Adaptive Sound.” This feature allows Sound+Sleep to automatically adjust the volume of the sound it creates to match the intensity of the noises in the environment around you. The volume can also decrease automatically at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minute intervals as you drift into deep sleep.

Sound+Sleep also creates nonrepeating sound. This eliminates loops that your brain might unintentionally notice, and it makes the sound feel more natural.

Sound+Sleep lets you select from ten sound environments that you can adjust using sound layering. The result is a rich and complex ambiance that you can personalize to meet your needs. For instance, you can enhance the ocean setting with crashing waves or add seagulls in the distant background. You can also choose to add faint rolling thunder to the gentle sound of falling rain.

2. HoMedics White Noise Machine

The HoMedics Sleep Sound Machine is portable and lightweight, making it ideal for travelers. It uses four AA batteries to function portably, but it can also draw power from any standard wall outlet.

Its six different soothing sounds include traditional background white noise, ocean, rain, summer night, brook, and thunder. A volume knob lets you adjust how loud the noise it produces is to fit your specific needs. You can set the sound to run all night or shut off at increments of 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

3. LectroFan

Some people find the sound of a humidifier enough to carry them into a deep sleep. However, if you are one of the many people who prefer the simple sound of a gentle fan, the LectroFan is likely the best white noise machine for you. This product features ten different electric fan sounds and ten variations of pure white noise, along with pink noise and brown noise. Its volume ranges from a whisper to louder than an industrial fan.

The LectroFan has good sound blocking characteristics for disturbances such as dogs barking in the middle of the night or a roommate that watches action movies at high volume into the wee hours of the morning.

Considered one of the best white noise machines overall, it boasts a rating of four and a half out of five stars averaged from more than 6,000 Amazon reviews.

4. Marpac Dohm Classic

The signature feature of classic Marpac machines is the sound of rushing wind unaccompanied by an actual flow of cold air. To produce the effect, it uses an enclosed mechanical fan with adjustable vents. The sound it produces suits purists that want an authentic baffled-fan sound instead of a digitally produced noise. It comes with two fan speeds that are further adjustable for tone and volume.

Based on research and development dating back to 1962, this white noise has a proven record for inducing tranquility. Medical exam rooms and therapy offices often employ the sound of baffled fans to help their patients relax. Some people also use the sound to help them drown out noises during meditation or work to improve concentration. These non-sleep-related uses make the Marpac Dohm Classic an incredibly versatile product overall.

Sleep Tight Tonight

If you don’t yet have a white noise machine, consider getting one today. Whether you’re a snorer, who has difficulty falling asleep or the partner of a loud snorer who still snores while wearing an anti-snoring mouthpiece, the masking effects of white noise can be very beneficial.