Insomnia can disrupt our daily lives in a big way. If you’ve tried out everything from essential oils to meditation to blankets, it may be time to try out everything else. Consider getting a white-noise machine that can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by nearly 40 percent.
What’s a white-noise machine and how does one work?
A white-noise machine produces a stream of background noise that drowns out distracting sounds and prevents them from interrupting your sleep. It is especially helpful for people with tinnitus. By creating a consistent sound environment, a white noise device improves your sleep quality.
Types of white noise devices
There are typically two types of white-noise machines – those that play a loop of white noise sound, and those that generate sound. The majority of high-quality white-noise machines will play non-looping white noise. This is because white-noise machines or apps that play sound on a loop can become annoying over time.
Best White Noise-Machine Products in Singapore
Here’s a list of the best white noise devices to help you achieve a more relaxing and comfortable sleep:
Best for Natural Sound
This is a lovely choice for people who like to drift off to the natural sound of a whirring fan. It comes with an actual mechanical fan that is loud enough to lull you to slumber. By rotating the body, you can alter the sounds of the fan and choose one that suits you the most. The full spectrum sound helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Features We Love:
- Real fan inside
- Adjustable tone and 10 volume settings
- Optional iOS and Android companion apps for added functionality
Best for Ambient Light
This white noise device comes with a relaxing soft ambient glow that keeps you company when you need to use the washroom at night. The light also gives babies an extra sense of safety. It has 24 soothing sounds for you to choose from, including white/pink/brown noise, campfire, and rain sounds that suit all ages. Timer and memory function options help you save electricity and use the device efficiently.
Features We Love:
- High fidelity and loopless 21 soothing sounds
- Warm light guards
- Compact and portable for travel
Best for Functionality
Not only does the Google Nest act as a fast speed mesh router for your internet, it also helps create routines for your everyday needs. For instance, simply say “Goodnight Google" and you can listen to white noise for an hour as you drift off to sleep. With 13 other alternative ambient noises to choose from, you can also customize sounds and commands on the Google Assistant app.
Features We Love:
- Fast and reliable WiFi
- Compatible with MyRepublic, M1, and Starhub broadband
- Hands-free help around the house at your fingertips
Best for Ease of Usage
Lectrofan is a simple white noise device that gives you what you ask for. Though it doesn’t have nature or ocean sounds, it has 10 white noise sounds and 10 fan sounds that block disruptive environmental noises. The setup is very simple, with a total of three buttons to operate the machine – power, volume control, and sound selection.
Features We Love:
- Dynamically creates unique, non-repeated sounds
- 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient noise variations
- Precise volume control
Best for Sound Versatility
The Homedics white noise device has six different noises including ocean waves, thunder, and summer night. Not only is this lightweight machine easy to use, it can also be battery-operated, meaning you can bring it everywhere on the go. It’s also volume adjustable to suit your preferences.
Features We Love:
- Certified brand by the American Sleep Association
- Prevents disturbance of sleep caused by noises such as snoring
- Portable and highly user-friendly
Best for Baby Safety
Marpac is famed for creating the Marpac Sound – soothing ambient sounds of rushing air. This signature white noise sound contains less high frequency content, making it more soothing to infants’ ears. At just 3.5 inches in diameter, Hushh fits easily into a diaper bag, with a baby-safe clip for easy fastening to a stroller or crib. It can also operate all night long on a single charge, and comes with a convenient USB cable.
Features We Love:
- 3 soothing sounds & nightlight with adjustable volume
- Convenient USB cable for recharging
- Signature white noise sound soothing to infants’ ears
Price Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the prices of the best white-noise machine devices available in Singapore.
Editor’s Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Tips for better sleep
Apart from getting a white noise machine, researchers say that there are a few things you can do to have a more positive sleep experience:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
- Lighten up on evening meals
- Balance fluid intake
- Keep your internal clock set with a consistent sleep schedule
- Don’t be a nighttime clock watcher
