Sound machines are devices that produce white noise, which is essentially a flat sound spectrum that is a combination of various sounds having different wavelengths and frequencies. The resultant humming background sound is very soothing to the human ear and promotes relaxation and sleep. White noise sound machines typically play sounds such as beach sounds, noises found naturally in nature, sound of water flowing, the wind blowing and other soothing sounds that have a calming effect on anybody. They bring in natural, soothing sounds and keep out loud, annoying noises.

Sound machines are very effective in masking noises created by barking dogs, traffic and other loud street and neighborhood noises. They can be used to calm and soothe the mind as well as the body and also to help the mind from getting distracted by external noises and annoyances. Sound machines come in very useful for people suffering from tinnitus and those who work the graveyard shift and are looking forward to some undisturbed sleep during the day. They are also effective in calming down babies that are upset or colicky.

Besides being of great use in a home, sound machines are equally helpful in offices or college dorms. They help enhance office concentration by blocking out annoying noises made by typing or phone calls and in college dorms they improve study skills and concentration by masking conversations and loud music played by dorm-mates. Therapists are increasing using white noise sound machines to offer patients assistance in relaxing.

High-end sound machines are specially designed to produce multiple choices of white noises in a constant stream, so that they can be effective in many different situations. These machines also feature buttons or knobs that can be use to control the choice as well as the volume of the music. Individuals can choose which device to buy depending on their personal preference of sound as well as the purpose they want to buy it for.

The Sound oasis is an innovative sound machine that offers users the added advantage of creating their own personalized sound environment that is conducive to sleep and relaxation. It features six authentic nature sounds that are built in, including the sounds of the stream, ocean surf, wind, summer night, rain and white noise. What's more it also offers users a sound card technology that can be used for adding additional sounds. Realistic sound reproduction is provided by extra-long sound tracks and digital playback technology. It has four timer positions including 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and continuous playback.