Review of the SleepMate 980A and Sleepmate 580A

Strengths: The Sleepmate 980A mechanically makes a "real" sound with a motor as opposed to an electronically reproduced, recorded or simulated sound like almost all other white noise machines.

The Sleepmate models do not loop. By "looping", we mean the playing of a recorded segment of sound over and over. Most other white noise machines do loop but some hide it better than others. To experience looping try this: listen to an electronic white noise machine on a sound that is not smooth, like a forest with birds, then notice a certain "bird chirp". As you continue to listen you hear that same bird chirp repeat every few seconds. Some people are better at picking out this looping and some people are really annoyed by the looping. Something to be aware of when picking out a white noise machine.

The Sleepmate 980A most popular of all white noise machine models. In other words more people "vote" for this machine than any other by a landslide.

The Sleepmate models are made in the USA which is a consideration for some.

Weaknesses: The Sleepmate 980A and 580A only make one kind of sound - fan like approximation of white noise.

The Sleepmate 980A only has two levels of volume. Even at the highest setting, it doesn't get very loud. Since the sound is not played through a speaker, it can't be amplified.

The Sleepmate 980A only has very limited ability to adjust the tone of the sound. By rotating the cover, you can expose more or less holes and muffle the sound quality a bit.

Customer History: A low percentage of returns. When a unit is returned, the most common reason given is "it's not loud enough".

Hope this information helps. You can go to the Sleep Mate 980A order page or see reviews of the other white noise machines.