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The Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping

OnlyTree Black
This article was written by Staying Alive Crew Published at 01:51 pm
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

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

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