Product Description

Keep Unwanted Sounds Out, and Privicy In! Over 40 years ago, Marpac developed the original Sound Screen® sound conditioner because the founder was having trouble sleeping. It worked so well, he made it available to his friends and family and ultimately the world. Today, the Sound Screen® is still the most economical, most popular sound conditioner on the market. Marpac combines American ingenuity and craftsmanship to create a lightweight, yet durable appliance capable of many years of reliable service. These sound conditioners create a consistent, smooth sound of rushing air. The tone and volume of the sound are controlled by simply rotating the "cap" and "collar" of the housing. This "white noise" sound effectively masks unwanted noises and creates a sense of calm, making it easier to concentrate, relax and/or sleep. These sound conditioners are recommended for restless sleepers, shift workers, infants, children, students, apartment dwellers, office workers (for confidentiality) and many others. We offer the dual speed 980 in a durable plastic housing suitable for travel or use in the home or office. When used properly the SoundScreen can help ensure privicy for conversations that demand it. Great for Doctors, psychologists, lawyers and other sensitive office environments where privicy is important or required. Features: Electro-Mechanical Durability Excellent Sound Quality Patented Housing Design This product is available with either the Sound Screen® or the Sleep Mate® brand name. Patented housing design Lightweight Economical Energy efficient Dual Speed One Year Limited Warranty Made in the U.S.A.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #244 in Health and Beauty
• Brand: Marpac
• Model: 980A
• Dimensions: 3.25" h x 5.75" w x 7.40" l, 1.60 pounds

Features

• Creates a consistent, smooth sound of rushing air - very similiar to white noise
• Simply rotate the "cap" and "collar" of the housing to control tone and volume
• The "white noise" sound effectively masks unwanted noises making it easier to relax, sleep, study....
• One of the most economical, rugged and popular sound conditions on the market
• Quality Construction, Made in the U.S.A. One Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty

Customer Reviews

No miracle worker, but a useful tool
The first thing to note is that this manufacturer sells the identical product under two names, SleepMate and SoundScreen. The only difference is the name--having "SleepMate" on the label was deemed a bit awkward for office use. They're both exactly the same otherwise.

I bought this based on wildly favorable reviews online. I found no one who rated it anything less than "incredible." I am extremely sensitive to noise. If a bit of the neighbor's stereo noise bleeds into my home, I'm completely unable to tune it out. I can't read, and sometimes can't even watch TV comfortably. Unfortunately, I live in an area of dense apartments--where the weather is such that the windows have to stay open--and my husband snores. I sleep with earplugs, but the noise can still keep me awake.

In the past I have tried other noise machines that didn't work for me--things like "rainfall" cds or electronic noise machines with similar nature sounds. The problem was that they play a loop of sound, and you can hear a pattern as the loop replays. Once there's a pattern, there's something to pay attention to, and your mind does not tune it out well. This machine generates pure "white noise," which I hoped would be more helpful.

The product is the size and shape of a fat smoke detector. Two things surprised me when I first received it. First, it was quieter than I thought it would be--even the loudest setting seems quieter than a window air conditioner. Even still, my husband complained he wouldn't be able to sleep with "all that noise." (He got used to it within a day or two). It sounds something like a fan--a rush of air. Although you can adjust the volume and tone somewhat, the highest volume is also the highest pitch. Personally I wish it had a deeper tone.

The second surprise is the instructions say to place it *away* from you, so the sound can "fill the room." The ideal positioning pictured has it on a high dresser across from the foot of the bed. Unfortunately, my only option was to place it on the bedside table. I don't know if this really affected my results.

After using it for a while, I would say that it makes it a bit easier to tune out noises, but by no means covers them up. So, once I'm asleep (I still use earplugs), I can stay asleep. If I can manage to get my attention focused on a book the neighborhood noises probably won't break my concentration. But once I hear the noise I still can't tune it out. In fact, a couple times I have actually turned off the machine so that I could identify some sound--not knowing "what is that?" was actually bugging me more than when I could hear it clearly. But like I said, I'm a freak about noise.

This would be ideal for covering traffic sounds--it's just the right sort of noise and pitch. But if your problem is a neighbor's stereo, that mind-numbing bass is not going to sound much different with this than without. It really doesn't "cover up" sounds, but if you have a reasonable ability to tune things out (unlike myself) and just need a little help, you will probably be very happy with this. And it's definitely helpful for *staying* asleep, even for me.

It doesn't solve all my problems, but based on the reasonable price I'm satisfied with the value I got for my money.

Very pleased!
My wife purchased one of these white noise generators for a vacation we were going on over a year ago. It is small and very lightweight with an eight foot long cord, which is nice and long. Its small size means that it fits easily into any luggage and takes up very little room on a night stand. The noise it makes is pleasantly "white," which means that it doesn't disturb you while reading in bed and yet it provides enough cover for the little noises that can sound so loud at night. The volume produced can be modulated by turning the top, making it louder or softer.

Overall, we are very pleased with our purchase of this item. We have experienced nothing but trouble free service from it, and we have even purchased a second one for the baby's room. We love this item and give it our highest recommendations!

Does help with sleeping with a snorer
I bought this item because I share the bed with a snorer. Earplugs alone weren't working, but adding this noise machine to the mix has made a big difference. I'm rarely woken by snoring anymore. By itself, the machine is not be enough to block the snoring--I need the earplugs as well.