Although the sounds are very short sound tracks repeated, if you use this to drown out outside noise it is useful. I bought it thinking it would help my infant fall asleep, and maybe also my wife and I. For my infant and myself it is pretty good.

If you have trouble sleeping becuz your mind just won't SHUT-UP, this is the machine for you! I've used it for over a year, it's simple, has five different sounds (I guess adults aren't supposed to use the heartbeat, I can see why - it's scary!).. I love the white noise & ocean the best. I fall asleep every night no matter what thoughts are interuppting my brain.

We purchased this item in hopes to replace a fan in my daughters room for the winter. It is terribly quiet and does not drown out ANY outside noise. I was in her room quietly humming to her and I couldn't even hear the noise maker over my humming. Even if you are looking for soothing sounds, and not covering up other noise, you couldn't hear the sounds you want to hear. I would not recommend this item. We purchased the other HoMedics item that is 24.95, (I forget the product number) and love it. I would just not purchase it from general medical (the company sells through amazon) They are very difficult to work with. We got it cheaper at a local Bed Bath and Beyond. (plus no shipping) Good luck and peaceful sleeping

I recieved this machine seven years ago to block out noisy neighbors in college and I have used it every night ever since. It's helped us sleep through thunderstorms, blaring stereos, and even crowing roosters. Now everyone in my family uses one and I am about to purchase one to put in my son's room. If all you want is a basic white noise machine with no frills, this is a great buy.

I got this because I'm a HORRIBLE SLEEPER..... I only wanted the ocean sound, which it does sound like the ocean ** BUT ** NO SEAGULL SOUND in the background.... which I mean, when I go to the ocean and fall asleep with my windows open, I hear seagulls !! But on this,** NO SEAGULLS ** Maybe I'm being picky, but I like all the sounds of the ocean Anyway, didn't even check out the other sounds cause like I said, just bought it for the ocean sound but not loving it b/c no seagulls.