The Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping
Whether you’re traveling or in your own home, you’ve had a long day, a tiring week for that matter. You finally fall into bed, itching to get some much-needed shut-eye.
You’re being kept awake by the annoying noise of your partner snoring, the generator from a nearby building, or the street traffic, or countless other annoying sounds.
You can’t drown out all the racket, to get calm enough to get a good night's sleep. Millions of people have been using noise reduction earplugs for years, either by personal preference or as a result of a medical advice diagnosis received.
When you have comfortable earplugs for sleeping, they are compact, easy to use, and are a relatively inexpensive way of noise masking sounds that disturb your sleep.
There’s so much choice, from shapes that fit snugly in the ear canals, material, and disposable ear plugs to washable and reusable ones. From reducing noise sleepbuds to the more high-tech noise-canceling or noise-masking devices.
We reviewed countless earbuds to bring you the best earplugs for sleeping. Keep reading the reviews below and reduce the noise.
Table of Contents
- 12 Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping in 2024
- 1 - Anbow Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs
- 2 - Flare Audio Sleeep® Pro Sleeping Earplug
- 3 - DubsLabs Bedphones Sleep Headphones
- 4 - Hearheed High Fidelity Decibel Reducing Ear Plugs
- 5 - Mack’s Pillow Soft® Silicone Putty Ear Plugs
- 6 - Ohropax Wax Ear Plugs
- 7 - Mack’s Ultra Soft Ear Plugs
- 8 - Howard Leight’s MAX-1 Foam Ear Plugs
- 9 - Decibullz Custom Molded Ear Plugs
- 10 - Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs
- 11 - QuietOn Snore Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
- 12 - Eargrace Noise Reduction Ear Plugs
- Ear Plugs for Sleeping Buying Guide
- Ear Plugs for Sleeping FAQ
- Ear Plugs for Sleeping Sources
- Ear Plugs for Sleeping Related Reading
12 Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping in 2024
VIEW ON AMAZON Individuals who like earplugs that have a flanged tip and an elongated tab that make it easy to pull out of the ears will love the Anbow Reusable Silicone EarPlugs.
Made from high-grade silicone, you have the option of corded earplugs for sleepers who find earplugs can fall out at night and the cord allows you to locate them quickly.
On the other hand, you have 2 pairs that are cordless, allowing you to be free as a bird.
Easy to use, you just spin and insert them into your ear. The ultra-soft substance and ergonomically designed shape provide excellent noise-canceling for sleeping, traveling, and swimming and are transposable and durable.
The earplugs are individually packed in a plastic storage box and come with a waterproof pouch for travel and outdoor use.
Enjoy using them every night and wear them with maximum comfort.
Key Features- Made from high-grade silicone
- BPA free & hypoallergenic
- 3 pairs (one corded pair & 2 cordless)
- 32dB NRR
- Waterproof pouch
- Plastic case included
Specifications- Brand: Anbow
- Model: Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs
- Size: 5.12 x 3.35 x 0.73 inches
- Weight: 1.59 ounces
Pros- Easy to use
- Recyclable & washable
- Good for sleepers that like a flanged tip
- Good for planes
- Suitable for back sleepers
- Durable
Cons- Not ideal for side sleepers
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON The Flare Audio Sleeep® Pro Sleeping Earplug is a dream come true for homebodies and travelers alike looking for a quality pair of earplugs. The Sleeep Pro is made from a precision-turned titanium core with dual tips and super soft yet durable expanded material ear plugs.
Sound is significantly minimized by the change in density of materials. Made of soft memory foam tips and a solid titanium core, these are comfortable earplugs.
Small and compact, the pair come in stylish black. So whether you wear these babies out in public or in the privacy of your own home, you won’t attract strange looks, just hearing protection.
Even if you do encounter mutterings from fellow passengers, you won’t care because you won’t be able to hear them with the blocking of the noise. The less you know the better you sleep!
Key Features- Grade 5 titanium core with dual tips
- Comfortable durable memory cellular material
- Easy to clean
- Blocks frequencies evenly
- 3 sizes: XS, S, M - Replaceable memory foam tips
- Flare mesh carry pouch
- Black color
Specifications- Brand: Flare Audio
- Model: Sleeep® Pro Sleeping Earplug
- Size: 0.8 x 2.4 x 6.2 inches
- Weight: 2.11 ounces
Pros- 100% money-back guarantee
- Great for sleeping, traveling & commuting
- 3 sizes
- Dual-tips for extra comfort for individuals who sleep on the side
- Ideal for drowning out snoring
- Reusable
- Moderately priced
Cons- Take’s a bit of wiggling around to get in right
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON DUBSLABS The DubsLabs Bedphones Sleep Headphones are a must-have for individuals seeking to block unwanted noise but aren’t fans of in-ear phones.
Designed with infinity adjustable memory wire ear hooks that fit all ears, sleeping soundlessly has never been easier.
You have the Bedphones wired (Gen 3.5) which is the classic version that comes with a rubber-coated memory wire for an adjustable custom fit.
Or if you’re not a fan of having wires around while you sleep, you have the Bedphones Wireless earplugs.
You can fall asleep listening to your favorite music, podcasts, block out snoring, and relieve tinnitus. Bedphones operate via Bluetooth headphones that connect through your smart device.
Where the Bedphones differ from other standard Bluetooth headphones is, they are designed to rest flat against your ear, enabling you to have a great sleep experience with the headphones on.
Key Features- Quarter-inch thick & covered in soft foam
- On-ear design lies flat
- Bedphones wired (Gen 3.5) with rubber-coated memory wire
- Bedphones wireless with Bluetooth 3.0 wireless audio & 13-hour battery
- Adjustable memory wire ear-hooks
- Superior sound quality
- CSR chip, inline remote with mic
- Charging port
- Volume & music track control
Specifications- Brand: Moonbow
- Model: DubsLabs Bedphones Sleep Headphones
- Size: 5.8 x 4 x 1.9 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
Pros- 1-year warranty
- 30-day return policy
- International shipping (fees apply)
- Good pick for side & back sleepers
- Suitable for travel
- Perfect choice for people who don’t like in-ear plugs
- Option of wireless/non-wireless wear
Cons- Don’t have active noise cancelation
- Pricey
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON Clear silicone-rubber hush earbuds with noise-blocking functionality from Hearheed High Fidelity Decibel Reducing EarPlugs are a real treat in blocking irritating sounds that keep you awake.
The hypoallergenic natural soft silicone material earplugs whilst recyclable, require little maintenance.
With an NRR of 28dB, High Fidelity has an edge to reduce sounds such as background noise, but sounds like speech and other sounds remain natural and clear around you.
This is ideal if your parents and you still want to be able to hear if your children call for you, or home emergencies.
The aluminum carrying case makes it super convenient to put these sleep earbuds in your travel luggage.
Take the plunge and drown out the excessive background sounds. Peaceful sleep and hearing protection are within your grasp.
Key Features- Hypoallergenic natural silicone material earplugs for sleep
- Off-white transparent color
- 28 dB NRR
- Standard size fits all
- Aluminum carrying case & cord
Specifications- Brand: Hearheed
- Model: High Fidelity Decibel Reducing Ear Plugs
- Size: 4.9 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 1.58 ounces
Pros- Soft & comfortable & reduce noise
- An ideal pick for frequent flyers
- Good choice for lovers of foam earplugs
- Reusable earplugs & are the best overall
- Great pair of sleep earbuds for back, front & combo sleepers
Cons- Uncomfortable for individuals who sleep on the side
- Not for those seeking noise cancellation
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON There’s a reason Mack’s Pillow Soft® Silicone Putty EarPlugs are the original number 1 selling and doctor-recommended earplugs.
A single pack has 6 moldable silicone circle-shaped earplugs ideal for protection from loud noises and offer waterproof protection.
They are an attractive choice due to their reusability and moldability, ensuring they fit all ears making them extremely comfortable whatever size ear you have.
Ideal for people who seek the reduction of noise but not complete noise cancellation, and are looking for a bargain.
Key Features- Moldable, non-irritating silicone rubber pair
- 22 dB NRR
- Available in 3 colors
- BPA free, non-toxic hypoallergenic sleepbuds
- Waterproof protection & protection from loud noises
- Lab-tested - relieve airplane pressure
- Number 1 recommended on medical advice
Specifications- Brand: Mack's
- Model: Pillow Soft® Silicone Putty Ear Plugs
- Size: 5.25 x 3.75 x 1 inches
- Weight: 4.66 ounces
Pros- Multi-purpose, great for snoring & swimming & to reduce noise
- For fans of silicone best earplugs for sleeping
- Good for the average-sized auditory canal
- Ideal for all slumber positions
- Good for individuals looking for moderate noise reduction
- Budget-friendly price
Cons- Not for people preferring the firmness of wax or foam earbuds
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON If you’re not a fan of foam earplugs or silicone-rubber sleepbuds, then the Ohropax Wax EarPlugs are for you.
The round-shaped earplugs are made from a soft wax and covered with cotton.
The cotton wool is soaked in vaseline and various paraffin waxes, resulting in effective noise-absorbing wax earplugs.
The advantage of these earplugs is that you can insert them easily into your ear, no fiddling or right angle required and the wax simply molds to the shape of your ear for a truly customized fit offering an NRR of 23 dB.
What's more, you can reuse them following the care instructions provided.
For some, the only drawback to the Ohropax earplugs is as they are made of Vaseline and various paraffin waxes, they can leave a sticky residue in your ear post-usage.
Whilst this is not such an inconvenience when you're at home, this can be a bit of a stickler if you’re traveling or away from home.
If the sticky wax remains don’t ruffle your feathers, go ahead and enjoy the silence!
Key Features- Soft wax compound covered with cotton
- Cotton wool soaked in Vaseline & paraffin waxes
- Skin color
- Noise absorbing wax plugs
- A tight seal protects against moisture & wind
- Free of latex, PVC & plasticizers
- 23 dB NRR
Specifications- Brand: Ohropax
- Model: Wax Ear Plugs
- Size: 2.44 x 1.58 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 0.02 ounces
Pros- Multi-purpose, great for snoring, swimming & travel
- Discreet & adapts to fit all ears
- Reusable & washable
- Can be used for several hours
- Economical
- Good for people seeking moderate noise reduction
- For individuals who prefer soft moldable earplugs
Cons- Made of Vaseline & paraffin wax - can leave a waxy & sticky residue
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON Foam ear plug fans will be delighted to know that Mack’s has made it into our list for the second time with Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam EarPlugs with rave reviews.
Constructed in a bell-shaped, discreet neutral color made of polyurethane foam. It features low pressure and the soft foam releases slowly to fill the ear canal.
Ideal for sleepers who want to block out all unwanted noise with an impressive 33 dB NRR but don’t want to pay an arm and leg for it.
Mack’s provides a large pack of 50 pairs of earplugs, ideal for regular users who prefer single use earplugs.
Key Features- Made from polyurethane foam
- 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
- Skin color
- Number 1 brand for snoring, peaceful sleep
- Made in the USA
- One jar contains 50 pairs of foam earplugs
Specifications- Brand: Mack's
- Model: Ultra Soft Ear Plugs
- Size: 4.25 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 0.25 pounds
Pros- Affordable price
- Good for foam earplugs fans
- Discreet
- A good option for all sleep positions including side sleepers
- Extreme protection
- Ideal for sleepers with medium-large ear canals
- Good for individuals looking for disposable single-use ear plugs
Cons- Not ideal if you need to hear kids or home emergencies
- Not for people wanting water protection
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON If you don’t want to toss and turn with loud music or the honking of the cars outside is driving you nuts, then the Howard Leight’s MAX-1 EarPlugs may be the right choice for you. Price-wise, MAX-1 is cheap and cheerful.
Constructed in a bell-shaped cellular material for good contouring and easy application, they offer high-level noise reduction for disposable earplugs with a noise reduction rating of 33 dB.
Yes, you heard correctly! They are designed to remain in place making it comfortable for you to insert them in your ear and have uninterrupted sweet dreams.
Key Features- Good design for easy application
- Soil-resistant cell-foam skin
- 33 dB NRR
- Bell-shaped
Specifications- Brand: Honeywell
- Model: Howard Leight’s MAX-1 Foam Ear Plugs
- Size: 8 x 8 x 3.75 inches
- Weight: 0.16 ounces
Pros- One size fits all
- 1-year warranty
- Ideal for sleepers seeking a high level of noise masking
- Disposable
Cons- Not for fans of silicone or wax
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON The Decibullz Custom Molded EarPlugs are quite impressive, to say the least. You heat the Thermoplastic earplugs in boiling water, let them cool for a bit and voila you insert them into your ears and shape them to fit your ear canal. Super easy.
The Decibullz unique selling point is its ability to isolate noise. All sound and noise will not be completely canceled, you will be able to hear with the earplugs.
They are great in masking sounds like those at a shooting range or during travel, but you still remain alert to your surroundings.
Or when you’re sleeping at home, but you don’t want to remain oblivious to home emergencies or family members needing you.
Key Features- Re-moldable Thermoplastic earplugs
- 32dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
- 3 different sized triple flange tips - S, M, L
- Comes with 1 set of medium cellular material tips
- Travel pouch
- Noise isolation
Specifications- Brand: Decibullz
- Model: Custom Molded Ear Plugs
- Size: 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.64 ounces
Pros- Recyclable
- Multi-purpose: sleep, traveling, swimming, loud concerts
- Available in 6 colors
- Good pick for all sleeping positions to block unwanted noise
Cons- Must mold at home in hot water
- Pricey
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON The Hearprotek Sleeping EarPlugs is an excellent choice for all you ladies out there who want something feminine, stylish, concealed, and secure to block irritating sound obstructing your sleep.
Ergonomically shaped with a 3 layer flange ear plug and recyclable, Hearprotek can be worn for several hours and remains comfortable.
You have the option of 2 sizes for the earplugs, the standard size comes with a higher NRR at 32 dB, or you have a small size with 30 dB NRR.
Made with hypoallergenic and non-toxic substances gives you peace of mind that allergies won’t be triggered.
Hearprotek comes with a sturdy aluminum case for easy transportation. Lie back and muffle out all those unwanted sounds and restore your sleep health.
Key Features- Standard size 3-flange earplugs with 32dB NRR
- Small size 2-flange earplugs with 30dB NRR
- 3 sizes available for plastic ear wings
- Memory foam ear tips
- Detachable cord
- Aluminum storage case
- Made with hypoallergenic & non-toxic material
Specifications- Brand: Hearprotek
- Model: Sleeping Ear Plugs
- Size: 3.5 x 2.3 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.59 ounces
Pros- Featherlight & comfortable
- Perfect for side sleepers
- A great pick for sleepers with small ear canals & women
- Discreet
- Can be reused
- Good for travel, sleep & meditation
Cons- Not for sleepers seeking high noise reduction
- Not for swimmers
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON It doesn’t get more peaceful than with the QuietOn Snore canceling Wireless Earbuds from ZQuiet. With a single-minded focus on blocking out the noise to help you sleep, these sleepbuds don’t enable you to play music or to listen to podcasts.
There’s no app or Bluetooth storage built-in. QuietOn ear plugs come with 2 different modes, ‘hearing’ mode and ‘silent’ mode that you can switch between.
When you’re in a hearing mode, you’re able to hear outside noise. When you’re in silent mode, noise-cancellation is activated. No more snores!
The earplugs come with medium-sized silicone tips. QuietOn comes with smaller and larger pairs of earbuds, allowing you to get the right fit for you. You can charge it via its charging case powered by a USB cable.
It takes 1 hour to fully charge and once charged the battery life lasts for 20 hours.
Embrace the silence.
Key Features- Traditional expanded material ear plugs
- Noise-masking
- Active noise-canceling
- 2 different modes: Hearing & Silent
- 1 hour to charge. 20 hours per charge
- Multiple sized ear tips
- Micro-USB cable
- Storage/charging case
Specifications- Brand: ZQuiet
- Model: QuietOn Snore Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
- Size: 9.72 x 7.83 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 7.41 ounces
Pros- 1-year warranty
- 60-night better sleep guarantee or refund
- Perfect for suppressing snoring
- Reusable & rechargeable
- Great for back, front & combo sleeping individuals looking to improve sleep health
- Great for sleeping, traveling & concerts to preserve hearing health
Cons- Expensive price
- Not ideal for side sleepers or people with smaller ears
Show Product DetailsVIEW ON AMAZON Ultra-comfortable and transposable silicone-rubber earplugs will impress the lightest of sleepers with the Eargrace Noise Reduction EarPlugs.
Sporting a 2 layer flange ergonomic design, complete with ear hooks modeled in the shape of a human ear canal, ensuring it seals your auditory canal to block the noise out effectively.
Eargrace offers 3 different ear plug sizes, allowing you to find the right size for you. The earplugs are made from a non-toxic silicone substance, giving you comfort all day or night from snores and other unwanted noise.
Eargrace earplugs are great to cut out noise that affects your sleep, whether you’re a side, back, or combo sleeper. Go on and sleep with grace.
Key Features- 2 layer flange ergonomic design with ear hooks
- Silicone-rubber earplugs
- Attenuation filter
- 3 pairs of different sized ear plugs included
- 32dB NRR
- Made from non-toxic silicone
Specifications- Brand: Eargrace
- Model: Noise Reduction Ear Plugs
- Size: 3.4 x 3.35 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 1.45 ounces
Pros- Fits ears of all shapes & sizes
- Transposable & washable
- Good for sleepers with small ear canals
- Good for planes
- Suitable for side sleepers
- Durable
Cons- Not for sleepers looking for noise cancellation
Show Product Details
Ear Plugs for Sleeping Buying Guide
Like white noise, earplugs are an effective but inexpensive way of drowning out all kinds of nuisance noise.
Below we’ve reviewed and compiled a detailed buyer's guide to aid you on the best overall ear plugs for sleep to be in line with your medical advice diagnosis.
Earplugs for Sleeping
Earplugs are tools that can be used to block out noise and reduce sound for sleeping, studying, or working.
They exist in a variety of shapes and forms tailored towards different uses; however, all ear plugs have the same goal: reducing noise and preventing discomfort by blocking out certain sounds.
Benefits of Earplugs for Sleeping
Many people think of ear plugs as something to block out noises and sounds. But keeping one's hearing is just as important.
Wearing earplugs while sleeping will keep your ears from getting infected, help you hear the alarm in the morning, and even ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Ear infection can be caused by several factors. One of these is constant exposure to loud noises.
Wearing earplugs while sleeping will help protect your ears from getting infected, and can also keep you from losing your hearing in the future.
It's also essential to wear earplugs when you go to concerts, or if you spend most of your free time in noisy environments like factories. Otherwise, you might suffer hearing loss.
The added benefit of ear plugs is that you can wear them when out in public, such as when you are studying in a library, working in a factory, and at concerts.
While white noise machines are excellent sleep aids, you cannot take them with you and use them in a public place.
Many individuals start using ear plugs for sleep based on advice, diagnosis, or treatment to improve their sleep health.
If you have a condition, always seek medical advice before using ear plugs for the first time to ensure full compliance with advice, diagnosis, or treatment received.
Features of Best Earplugs for Sleeping
Material
Most of the earplugs out in the market are made of one of 3 substances:
Foam
Earplugs made from expanded material are the most common and most inexpensive. They are primarily designed for usage once, although you could use them a few times before disposing of them.
In terms of shape, expanded material earplugs are soft and circular, often with one end slightly narrower. When they are inserted into the ear canal, they expand to fill the space.
The type of cellular materials earplugs have is high-density and memory foam.
Silicone
Silicone earplugs are constructed to cover the entrance of the ear, with minimal penetration.
They are easy to apply but are more expensive than their foam counterparts. The advantage is they can be reused time and time again.
Wax
Wax earplugs are not so common and are expensive, especially with them principally designed for single use.
If your budget permits, buy these as they are quite effective in drowning out unwanted sound.
Shape
Earplugs are available in a variety of shapes. From the classic circular shape, to shaped like a bell, T-shaped or malleable.
Which shape you opt for depends on what size the auditory ear canal is and what your sleep position is.
Size
Earplugs are typically designed for a one-size-fits-all. Having said that, depending on your ears, some designs may be too narrow or wide for you and will not feel comfortable.
Finding the right size for you may come down to trial-and-error.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Earplugs are typically designed for a one-size-fits-all. Having said that, depending on your ears, some designs may be too narrow or wide for you and will not feel comfortable.
Finding the right size for you may come down to trial-and-error.
Comfort
This comes down to personal taste, but think about whether you want the ear plug to fit into the ear canal, or do you prefer it to cover your ear?
What will be more comfortable for you whilst you sleep? Both block out sound effectively.
If you have any allergies, this will also impact the substance that is most comfortable for you
Reusable Earplugs
The lion’s share of cellular material earplugs is for single use only, although many individuals use them a few times before disposing of them. The one-time-use earplugs may also be a good option if your ears produce a lot of wax.
On the other hand, wax and silicone-rubber earplugs can be used for longer periods if they are stored and cleaned regularly. It’s worth considering paying more for recyclable earplugs.
Travel-Friendly
You definitely should look for earplugs that offer a cover to carry/pack them in. If you plan to use earplugs for plane travel, ensure they are suitable for plane use.
Price
This depends on the material of the earplugs and your budget. Sleepbuds made from expanded material are quite cheap.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you want recyclable earbuds with high NRR, they will be pricier.
Ear Plugs for Sleeping FAQ
Who can use ear plugs for sleeping?
Any healthy adult can use ear plugs for sleeping. It is an effective and cost-effective way to cancel out external noises, be it a snoring partner, noisy neighbors, traffic, or noise from living in a hustling and bustling commercial area.
How often should you change your reusable ear plugs?
The lifespan of ear plugs very much depends on the frequency that you use them. If you use your ear plugs once or twice a year when you are traveling for vacations, a set of good-quality ear plugs could last you up to 3 to 4 years.
On the other hand, if you use your ear plugs for sleep every night, you should look at replacing them at least every 3 months.
Ear Plugs for Sleeping Sources
- How to Sleep When Someone Is Snoring – Wikihow
- Earplug – Wikipedia
- Impacted Earwax – Cedars Sinai
- Sound Therapies – American Tinnitus Association
- https://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/snoring – Columbia University Department of Neurology
- Breathing and Snoring Sound Characteristics during Sleep in Adults – NCBI
- 7 Tips for Sleeping with Someone who Snores – Healthline