Quietest Bedroom Gear for a Peaceful Night's Sleep
Devices making a racket? Here are the best options from Consumer Reports' tests for the quietest air conditioner, air purifier, dehumidifier, and humidifier.
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Falling asleep and staying asleep can sometimes feel like an exercise in futility. This is especially true if the bedroom is too warm, too humid, or not humid enough. And it’s also true if the product you purchased to fix the problem introduces a new one: noise.
Thankfully there are a number of devices in our ratings that can effectively create the optimal conditions for sleep, and they’re quiet enough that you have a better chance of falling asleep without distractions and staying asleep all night.
To see all of CR’s sleep coverage, go to our Guide to Better Sleep.
Quietest Air Conditioner
A nationally representative Consumer Reports survey (PDF) of more than 2,084 U.S. adults from October 2022 found that in the 12 months prior, more than 60 percent of Americans bought something for their bedroom to help them sleep. When we asked Americans who had purchased specific types of products how effective they were at actually helping them get better rest, products that lowered the temperature topped the list. Ninety-four percent of those who had purchased an air conditioner or fan said it had been at least somewhat effective. If your bedroom runs hot, an AC unit can help bring temperatures down to a level at which experts suggest is ideal for promoting a great night’s rest.
“Because your body temperature has to drop by 1 to 2 degrees to transition into and maintain sleep, it’s important to sleep in cooler temperature conditions,” says Angela Holliday-Bell, a certified clinical sleep health specialist and the CEO of The Solution is Sleep LLC. “Research has shown that an ambient temperature of about 65 F is optimal to facilitate and maintain that drop.”
The Frigidaire Gallery GHWQ083WC1, our top-rated model for a 250- to 350-square-foot room, offers all-around great performance with fast, quiet cooling. For maximum airflow, vacuum window unit filters every few weeks and wash with warm water and soap at least every two months.
Quietest Air Purifier
The bedroom can be home to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and even mold. By placing an air purifier in your space, you can decrease these airborne pollutants that may irritate your nasal passages and affect your ability to breathe easily and sleep soundly. The Honeywell InSight HPA5300B does an impressive job of removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air—and gets the job done pretty quietly, even when running at a higher speed. For the best clean, place it in a spot where its airflow can not be obstructed—away from walls, curtains, and furniture.
Quietest Dehumidifier
If you live in a high-humidity climate, a dehumidifier can reduce sweating and help you stay comfortable throughout the night. Lower moisture levels can also reduce allergens like mold and mildew in the bedroom. A paper, published in 2012, on ambient temperature and sleep reported that high humidity can increase wakefulness and reduce the amount of time you spend in both slow-wave sleep and REM sleep.
“The deeper sleep stages of both slow wave and REM sleep are critical for rebuilding the body and brain, and strengthening the immune system,” says Holliday-Bell.
The small but mighty Midea MAD20S1QWT removes up to 27.7 liters daily, all while producing exceptionally low noise. Place near the source of your moisture issue (for instance, an en suite bathroom) and at least six inches away from any vent-blocking surfaces.
Quietest Humidifier
A too-dry room can wreak havoc on nasal passages and also contribute to itchy skin, a scratchy throat, and headaches. Adding a humidifier can help to increase moisture in the air and keep infections at bay. The EPA recommends that you keep indoor humidity in the range of 30 to 50 percent. Topping our ratings for small room models (from 26 to 299 square feet), this cool-mist Babymoov Hygro (+) is effective, easy to use, energy-efficient, and quiet, too. Place it near the bed and at least 2 feet above the floor.
