The Classic White Noise Machine That Started It All

Before apps and digital gadgets promised the “perfect” sleep, a small beige dome quietly worked behind the scenes. The Marpac Sleep Mate was one of the first white noise machines, designed to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. It had no screen, no light—just a soft, soothing hum.

A Mechanical White Noise Maker from the 1960s

Marpac introduced the Sleep Mate in the early 1960s. Unlike modern machines that play recorded sounds, it generated white noise with a built-in fan. The fan ran continuously, producing a steady “vrrrrr” and “wsshhh” hum.

Although the fan circulated a small amount of air, its purpose wasn’t to cool a room—it was all about sound. The constant background hum also masked barking dogs, traffic, or noisy hallways, helping users sleep undisturbed.

Built to Last

The Sleep Mate’s design is simple but durable. It features a vented dome, a two-speed toggle switch, and a long cord. The base often includes green felt to prevent slipping or scratching. Its metal casing has stood the test of time, with some original units still working after 40 years.

Users can tweak the white noise by twisting the machine’s exterior housing. Turn clockwise for a deeper hum, counterclockwise for a higher pitch. Everything operates analog, giving full control to the user.

Still Popular After 60 Years

The Sleep Mate quickly gained fans among night-shift workers, new parents, and anyone who needed uninterrupted sleep. Its steady hum blocked sudden noises that might otherwise wake users.

Today, the machine lives on as the Yogasleep Dohm, a slightly updated version that keeps the original design mostly intact. Even after six decades, the demand remains strong.

The Quiet Classic

The Sleep Mate doesn’t try to do everything. It focuses on one thing and does it well: producing reliable white noise hour after hour. Its simplicity has made it a staple in homes around the world.

For those who grew up with the Sleep Mate, its hum is a nostalgic part of bedtime. Finding one in an attic or thrift store feels like uncovering a small piece of history, still performing the same soothing sound it did decades ago.