What color noise is best for masking snoring?
As a customer service specialist, I am asked this question often. When most folks think about colored noise, they often default to white noise, but it isn't always the best for masking snoring. This is because white noise can be pretty sharp or even piercingly high-pitched which certainly doesn't help you relax if you're already frustrated by your partner's snoring.
Most of the people I speak with actually prefer pink or brown noise. For maximum effectiveness, the best choice depends on where the sound sits on the frequency spectrum. I always compare pink noise to steady rain or leaves rustling. Because it has more low-end energy than white noise, it feels much softer and less aggressive. If you'd prefer something gentle to drown out general background sounds, this might be your best bet.
If you're combating heavy, guttural snores, however, I'd argue for brown noise. I always compare brown noise to a deep rumble or distant thunder. Because some snores create a lot of bass, the low-frequency energy in brown noise better fills those sound gaps and masks the loudest parts.
While masking your partner's snoring will help you fall asleep, we want you to be able to stay asleep. To help you accomplish this, we thoughtfully designed our SleepPhones® headphones to be a comfortable audio option. They feature ultra-thin, padded speakers nestled inside a soft, breathable headband, allowing you to sleep comfortably in any position. As the speakers gently rest over your ears, you'll even forget you're wearing them. With their 24 hour battery and Bluetooth® capabilities, once you loop some noise from your phone or tablet, you'll be set all night.
I'd recommend starting with brown noise, especially if you're dealing with a loud snorer. If that feels too bass-heavy or deafening, try pink noise instead. Usually, it takes a night or two of experimenting to find that frequency that works best for you.
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