Best Earplugs for Sleeping – Reviews and Ratings (2024)

Buying Considerations

Type

Foam

Foam is the most common and most familiar material on the market, with the majority of them being foam. Foam plugs are made to compress and expand once inside ear canals, gradually filling in to create a sound barrier. Most foam ones are cylindrical in nature, and high-density polyurethane foam is usually the most efficient kind.

Silicone

While foam plugs penetrate the ear canal to create a barrier, silicone versions instead are designed to cover mainly the entrance of the canal, while not being as penetrative. They tend to be more expensive than foam, but also tend to be more convenient, as they’re typically easier to remove and can even be reused, unlike most foam types, most of the time.

Wax

Wax ones are typically less common than other types and much more expensive. They’re usually only suited to one-time use and can’t be reused like silicone and some foam types. Some people find them to be more effective than other materials at reducing sound, however, so this could potentially add a lot to their overall value.

Size of Earplugs

Be sure to pay attention to the size that a brand can accommodate. Some can fit most people but don’t expect all brands too. Check to see if multiple sizes are offered so you can choose the right product for you.

Size Of Ear Canal

You should have a somewhat fair guess of how your canals are shaped. Some brands are too wide or not wide enough for some people, which may give you discomfort. Trying on different models to see which ones fit you most comfortably isn’t a bad idea when considering which brand to purchase.

Purpose

Can yours be used in very loud environments? Are they good for concerts or sleep? Knowing what function yours are best suited for can help you find the best pair for your own needs, and potentially avoid some damage to your body, as getting improper ones could lead to poor sound reduction.

Noise Reduction Rating

Decibels, or dB for short, are used to determine noise reduction efficiency. The higher the decibels, the more your plugs will block out. Typically, the NRR scale runs from 20 to 34, with 20 being the lowest and 34 being the most effective. Depending on your needs, you may need plugs with a higher decibel rating if you’re going to be in exceptionally noisy environments.

Reusability

Typically, most are one-time use, meaning you throw them away after you’re done with them. Some material types, however, are more reusable than others. Silicone types tend to be reusable, while most foam pairs are not, though some foam materials are reusable so check with the manufacturer.

Moldability

How well they contour to the shape of your ear canals is important in ensuring a tight seal. Ill-fitted ones that don’t mold well won’t give you comfort or proper quiet. Different types of plugs like foam mold after being compressed and inserted, while silicon forms at the entrance.

Price

The price will vary between different brands and types, with some being cheaper than others, depending on quality and material. Reusable plugs tend to be more expensive, but offer more potential longevity. Keep price in mind if you’re looking to save money, as some cheaper brands may offer the same benefits as more expensive ones.

Who Should Buy One?

Snoring Partners

It can be quite difficult to get a good night’s rest when you’re sleeping next to a loud snoring partner. Usually, people either wake them up or move to another room, which can cause a fair bit of inconvenience. They are great for this because not only will you block out the commotion and sleep soundly, but you won’t disturb your partner.

Travelers

Those who find themselves traveling a lot might also find them helpful. It’s sometimes difficult to get rest on a plane or car or train, and there might be other irritations around too that keep you from enjoying peace and quiet. Proper plugs can help alleviate this and make your travels all the more enjoyable.

Noisy Environment

Anyone who finds themselves in a particularly noisy area might also benefit. It can be difficult to achieve quiet when you need to be in a particular location for an extended period of time, which is why they might help you tremendously in soundproofing.

Health Risks

Ear infections

It’s absolutely vital to clean yours out after you use them, as you could get an infection if you don’t. Most plugs are one-time use to prevent bacteria spread, but reusing plugs and failing to keep good hygiene can result in bacteria buildup, leading to health problems. You can easily clean them with warm water and soap.

Reduced Hearing

Another health risk associated with elongated use is that you won’t be able to hear danger in emergency situations. As noise is reduced, so too is your awareness of your surroundings, which could potentially lead to life-threatening events. Be sure to only use them in safe environments where you can closely monitor any risks at hand.

Earwax Impaction

Earwax is important, as it keeps bacteria and infections at bay. Proper drainage is also important, which can be blocked up by them when used improperly or for too long, leading to wax impaction. You can help prevent this by cleaning yours regularly and making sure to only use clean ones.

Other Alternatives To Cancel Noise

Sound apps

Now more than ever is it easy to find good silencing tools to help you relax and sleep. There are a variety of smartphone apps you can download off your respective app store that comes with ambient and white noise selections. Some are free, while others might cost you money, so make sure to compare different apps to find the right one for you.

White Noise Machines

Sound apps aren’t the only alternative. White noise machines can make environments quieter by making sound signals that work to counteract external irritations, creating a quieter environment for sleep and tranquility. There are various types of sounds that white noise machines can make, like red, blue, brown, and pink noise, which all work differently.

Headphones

You might also be interested in headphones, which can help reduce outside noise by playing music or other ambient sounds. Noise-canceling headphones are also a great alternative and can block out noise effectively. Headphones come in various designs, like on-ear or over that suit different needs and preferences.

Learn More: How To Sleep With Noise

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Sleep Earplugs Safe For Kids

They are safe for children and are even recommended for certain conditions like noise hypersensitivity. Your child’s ears are more delicate than yours when it comes to noise, so purchasing some for your child can help protect them from permanent ear damage.

Is It Safe For Side Sleepers?

Side sleepers should avoid foam. Not only will they potentially slip out during the night if you sleep on your side, but they could potentially get pushed further down into your canal, causing health risks. Silicon is best because they’re not as penetrative as foam, nor will they stick out so much.

Can It Help You Sleep Better?

It can potentially make you sleep better, depending on what you’re looking to get out of them. If you’re looking for quieter, deeper sleep, that can be achieved through proper noise reduction accessories. They are a great choice for anyone looking for more silence to achieve a calmer state of mind and less interrupted sleep cycles.

How To Make DIY Earplugs?

You can make your own through a variety of means, like buying a custom molded kit online or at a store. Toilet paper also works as a short-term solution. Moisten a few wads of toilet paper, squeeze them until damp, then gently insert.

Cotton Balls can be rolled up, wrapped in plastic, and fitted for soundproofing.

Can It Block All Sounds?

There aren’t any that can completely block out all sounds. As noise is created by vibrations and air conduction, so some sounds will naturally reach your eardrums, and there currently aren’t any that can prevent that. With that being said, many products can still do a very effective job of keeping most sounds out.