Sleep Technology

Using a humidifier can alleviate problems caused by dry air, such as nasal and throat irritation, dry skin, and excessive snoring. Extra humidity can also be helpful if you have allergies or are sick, as moist air is soothing and helps reduce sinus congestions. If you use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a CPAP humidifier is more effective than one intended for your bedroom.

You should choose a humidifier that provides enough coverage for your needs, has care requirements that suit your lifestyle, and includes the features you’re interested in. One often-overlooked consideration is that some humidifiers use filters that need to be replaced regularly, so you might want to look for a filterless humidifier if you’re on a tight budget.

Noise levels vary between humidifiers, but most have a quiet hum that provides white noise. Some people, including light sleepers, find the hum actually makes it easier to fall and stay asleep. If you know that you dislike white noise while you sleep, look for a model marketed as quiet or ultra-quiet.

White noise machines are small devices that emit a quiet, consistent sound that can mask unexpected noises. In addition to white noise — a static-like sound that contains all audible frequencies — some white noise machines also include brown noise, pink noise, and even natural white noise sounds like rain or wind.

White noise, as well as other “colors” of noise, appear to help many people fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Researchers aren’t yet sure why this type of noise is helpful for sleep, but the current theories are that it helps by drowning out unwanted sounds or by affecting brain waves. However, not everyone finds white noise helpful when they sleep. People who prefer near-silence can find white noise distracting, making it more difficult to fall or stay asleep.

The first step when choosing a white noise machine is to decide between audio tracks and mechanical sound. Audio tracks may provide variety but can loop or sound tinny, while mechanical white noise — such as the kind produced by a fan — is limited but sounds better to many people. Once you’ve narrowed your selection, it’s easier to choose a machine based on volume levels, the power source it uses, and additional features like lights or app connectivity.