Having a proper rest by the end of the day is mandatory for everyone. But unfortunately, not all of us can doze off as soon as we reach bed. And some of us are just simply a light sleeper; a simple move or noise can wake us up right away. Comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side help us to have the quality sleep we need after a long day of work or travel. The good news is, there are many choices to choose from available in the market today!
Good earplugs for sleep should be able to cancel noise. After all, it’s why we use them in the first place. Given the many choices, how do you choose the best earplugs for sleeping? In this article, we’ll guide you on how to choose them and provide you a thorough review of each product to find the ones that are most suitable for you.
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How to Choose the Best Earplugs for Sleeping
Before you find the answer to ‘what are best earplugs for sleeping’, we’ll first help you with how to choose them. Note that most earplugs are designed for daytime which workers with heavy machinery use and they’re not very comfortable for sleeping. The World Health Organization suggests a 30 decibels noise level required for quality sleep and based on this knowledge alone, what makes up for good earplugs for sleep?
Material
Most of the earplugs for sleeping are made of silicone and foam. Both are inexpensive materials with their own pros and cons. Foam earplugs are mostly disposable and the cheapest option between the two. They expand in your ear after insertion and cover your ear canal. The same goes for silicone earplugs, you can easily shape them to suit your ear canal entrance. The difference is, silicone earplugs tend to be more reusable compared to foam earplugs. You can use them up to 3 or 4 times before they lose their spring and no longer conform to your ears.
Noise Reduction Rating
Unlike the noise-canceling technology available in today’s earbuds, good earplugs for sleep offer noise reduction ability. Essentially, both work similarly as a noise-blocking device. Thanks to the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), the higher the rate, the more decibels they can block out. The range varies and can go as low as 22 NRR to 32 NRR at maximum.
Is it bad to wear earplugs to sleep?
To some extreme extent, yes. Generally, earplugs are safe to use while you’re sleeping but if you use them too often it may produce potential harm in the long run. There’s still little information about this but one to be considered is how the intensity of using earplugs can contribute to earwax buildup. Your ears produce earwax to keep the inner side from particulates or debris. But if there’s too much earwax, this can lead to uncomfortable itchiness, hearing difficulties, even infection.
Are there any earplugs that block all noise?
Unfortunately, up to this day, there’s no such thing. The main function of earplugs is to reduce noise and not to completely block all noise. Your eardrum receives noise vibrations through the air as well as through your cranial bone which transmits vibrations to the eardrums. Even if you cover your ear canal with earplugs, you’ll still be able to hear noises (because that’s just how your brain works). But getting good earplugs for sleep to improve your resting quality is very much possible.
Ochropax Reusable Wax Earplugs
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The silicone and foam earplugs available in the market today are more of a modern product. Originally, earplugs are made of wax and they needed a little extra effort to use by holding them in your hands before molding them to suit you. That’s why people are opting to use foam or silicone earplugs. But if you’re used to the original model and are comfortable with it, Ochropax Reusable Wax Earplugs are one of your best choices.
Apart from how reusable they are, these are also comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side. With Ochropax Wax Earplugs, even if you have smaller ear canals than the average of most people, they’re still very comfortable to use. Not to mention how they block out about 80% of outside noise.
What We Love
It’s great to find earplugs best fit for people with small ear canals!
Pros:
- 23 dB NRR
- Reusable
- Comfortable to use at any sleeping position
- Better fit for those with small ear canals
Cons:
- Due to the wax nature, these earplugs may be too sticky or oily for some
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Howard Leight by Honeywell Foam Earplugs
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These earplugs are specifically made with 32 NRR, which means they can block out most noises. To some point, you won’t even be able to hear your alarm! But hey, it’s not that big of a trade-off compared to a restless night. Howard Leight by Honeywell Foam Earplugs come in a rather unusual design. The T-shape earplugs come in a variety of packs; 50, 100, or 200 pairs.
People are praising its effectiveness in blocking sound. This is due to its 32 NRR feature which is a tad bit higher than WHO’s suggested noise level required for quality sleep. Both the insertion and removal are relatively easy thanks to its unique shape. So if you ask what are best earplugs for sleeping? This is your answer.
What We Love
The unique shape is a smart design; it adds better overall performance.
Pros:
- Suitable for regular users
- The T shape makes them easy to grab and adds extra seal after the insertion
- 32 dB NRR, higher than the suggested noise level require for quality sleep
- Comes in a variety of packs; 50 pairs, 100 pairs, and 200 pairs
Cons:
- Only comes in one size
- The material may be too soft for some
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ANBOW Waterproof Noise Reduction Earplugs
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We all know that earplugs are very small in size. They’re just as big as the tip of your index fingers! And a recurring problem faced by those who wear earplugs to sleep is how easily they lose them. This won’t be much of a problem if the bottle comes in 100 or 200 pairs. But still, it’s kind of irritating. ANBOW Waterproof Noise Reduction Earplugs find a way to sort this out. Each earplug is attached to the other through a string. Aside from how it’s easier to store them, you won’t have to deal with losing earplugs every day.
Another great thing you’ll have once you get your hands on these is that they come with an individual waterproof pouch. Which makes it easier for you to keep them especially when you’re traveling a lot. The ergonomic design is made to sit comfortably in your ears. This will especially work if you have bigger ear canals. As for the main function for noise reduction, users are satisfied with the level of quietness these earplugs can bring.
What We Love
Equipped with string to keep them safe and easier to store as they come with an individual pouch.
Pros:
- Reusable and washable
- Hypoallergenic
- Ergonomic design
- A bonus of waterproof travel pouch
- Designed with string to help you keep them safe at any time
Cons:
- Some users have mentioned these are uncomfortable to wear
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LYSIAN Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
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Getting an inexpensive product that does the job well is a big win these days. Not all expensive products provide the best quality and vice versa. You can get something as good for half the price. This is what you’ll get with LYSIAN Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs. Finding comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side is not a difficult task anymore.
Like other earplugs for sleeping, these are easy to use. You just have to pinch them and insert them into your ears. While fit issues can be very subjective at times, these generally earplugs work well for most people.
What We Love
Inexpensive earplugs that up the job!
Pros:
- One of the cheapest options available
- NRR at 38 dB
- Does as advertised
Cons:
- Not necessarily the best fitting as they fall out sometimes
- Some users mentioned they’re not soft enough
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KUYAX Silicone Moldable Earplugs
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The good thing about silicone earplugs is they’re moldable in so many ways. Even if you want to make them fit in very small ear canals. KUYAX Silicone Moldable Earplugs are one of your best choices for that. Thanks to the silicone material, they’re very easy to use and comfortable to wear.
The noise-blocking feature works particularly well with its NRR level at 32 dB. They’re also built waterproof, so you can use them for various water sports and clean them by washing them. Since they’re easily moldable, KUYAX Silicone Moldable Earplugs should fit different sizes of ears, whether it’s for children or adults.
An important note before you decide to buy these earplugs for sleeping is that some users have mentioned serious issues online. The silicone pieces may be stuck inside your ear and that can be very dangerous. Proceed with caution!
What We Love
Side sleepers, here’s your virtue! These are comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side!
Pros:
- Washable and reusable
- Suitable for both children and adults
- It’s possible to cut them and make them more suitable for smaller ear canals
- Easily moldable and provide the best fit
Cons:
- The silicone pieces may be stuck in your ear and cause serious problems
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MPOW Ultrasoft Foam Earplugs (404)
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Understand that good earplugs for sleep are meant to reduce noise, not completely block them. In fact, if they block noise altogether, it can be dangerous for you. Even the noise-canceling technology in today’s latest earbuds is only meant to drown the noise around to the smallest decibels as possible. The best earplugs for sleeping help your brain tune out the noise outside. And MPOW Ultrasoft Foam Earplugs are one of them.
These earplugs are made of non-toxic materials and low-pressure polyurethane. Equipped with an NRR level at 32 dB, the noise-reducing effort with these earplugs work pretty great. Different users, from military veterans to college students, have mentioned how these foam earplugs are helping them sleep better at night.
What We Love
Loved by everyone; from college students to military veterans!
Pros:
- Made of non-toxic materials
- NRR level at 32 dB
- Soft and easy to use
- Friendly price tag
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover noise that well
- Hurts after a couple of hours wearing them
Eargrace Noise Reduction Earplugs (CU)
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Many people who aren’t comfortable with either foam or silicone earplugs eventually opt for other options. Thanks to the ergonomic design, Eargrace Noise Reduction Earplugs will sit comfortably in your ears. You won’t even have a hard time wearing them for long hours! They’re comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side too!
The set comes with 3 pairs of earplugs of different sizes; S, M, and L. Considering the price points, this is a pretty good deal. But the rule of thumb still applies; you get what you pay for. However, it’s safe to say that with all the features you expect from good earplugs for sleep available, nothing is much of a deal-breaker.
People with small ear canals tend to have problems with foam earplugs being too big. They ended up dealing with uncomfortable pain because of the unfitting earplugs. Good news for you if you have small ear canals, Eargrace Noise Reduction Earplugs are especially suitable for you!
What We Love
The best choice when you’re looking for stylish earplugs!
Pros:
- Decent noise-blocking feature
- Suitable for those with small ear canals
- Comfortable to wear in long hours
- Comes in three different sizes
Cons:
- These earplugs maybe not suitable for some users
- Hard to put on
Flents Quiet Contour Earplugs
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If you’ve been wondering ‘what are best earplugs for sleeping’, the answer is the ones that do the job well. So well, to the point that you miss your alarm! You can expect this from Flents Earplugs with Case. Your case of annoying neighbors, that buzz during your flight, or anything in between; these earplugs are the solution for that.
Finding the right earplugs for you is basically getting the ones that best suit you. Thanks to Flents Earplugs’ contour, they’re versatile enough to fit different shapes of ear canals, as the external parts of our ear are as identical as our fingerprints.
The bright green and orange color is not only for design purposes. They offer a more practical function; it makes the earplugs easier to locate in case you’re trying to find them in the dark. Flents Earplugs are generally bigger than other earplugs you can find online. And this means they provide better comfort and fit for people with bigger ear canals. With 33 NRR, these earplugs are equipped with the highest rating available.
What We Love
These are probably the most versatile earplugs available in the market today.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- Equipped with 33 dB NRR
- The green color stands out pretty great
- Great contour
Cons:
- Definitely not for those with small ear canals. Wearing these will inflict very uncomfortable disturbance.
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Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Earplugs
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One of the most common issues found in foam earplugs is they bounce back into the original shape immediately. This gives you not much time adjusting them to your ears. But that’s not the case with Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Earplugs. These earplugs compress and expand very well when inserted into your ears. As they fit well into your ears, they are comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side. You won’t have to worry about one of them falling out while you’re sleeping.
If your partner snores or you happen to have inconsiderate neighbors, this is your lifesaving alternative. Yes, Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Earplugs are a little more expensive compared to other good earplugs for sleep on this list. But they’re worth every penny! Say goodbye to your sleep intruders and say hello to a proper night’s rest!
What We Love
Up to the job blocking the noise, but you won’t miss your alarm!
Pros:
- Both compress and expand well
- Reasonably comfortable for those with smaller ear canals
- Proper noise-blocking feature
- Brightly colored; easy to spot if you happen to lose them
Cons:
- May cause discomfort for some users
- More expensive than most earplugs
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Hearos Xtreme Foam Earplugs
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One common theme found in Hearos Xtreme Foam Earplugs reviews is how soft these earplugs are. If you’ve been using earplugs for years, you’ll be able to instantly tell the difference between those earplugs. From how soft they are to how fast they bounce back to their default shape. Hearos can provide you all that and these earplugs are the bang for your buck. Your quest to wondering what are best earplugs for sleeping can stop here.
The company has been around for more than two decades and you can rely on their quality. Although some users have mentioned the quality regressing in recent years. But people are still praising their quality for being one of the most comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side. You don’t get many of those these days.
Equipped with a high level of NRR at 32 dB, a night of sound sleep is guaranteed for you. A hundred pairs of these are retailing at 27 USD per box.
What We Love
These are the softest earplugs you can find out there.
Pros:
- NRR level at 32 dB
- Short and soft
- Comfortable for daily use
Cons:
- Better to use a pair a day
- Long-term and intense use of the product can lead to harmful issues
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Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
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Some of us will not conform to the idea of inserting something into our ears. And that’s totally okay because you have Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs to take care of your restless night. Instead of inserting the device into your ear, you just have to mold them to fit your outermost part of your ears. They work as a shield to block the noise and conform to the shape of your ear opening. All the more reasons that make it a pair of good earplugs for sleep.
One of the downsides of foam earplugs is that they tend to inflict pain after long hours of use. While your sleep may not last that long, wearing them daily can cause serious damage in the long run. That’s why some people prefer to use silicone earplugs. They are equally comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side, if not better.
Keep in mind when you feel uncomfortable after a couple of hours wearing them, take them off immediately. It may be the first sign of how these earplugs are not the best choice for you.
What We Love
You don’t need to insert these earplugs into your ear. They work like a shield in your ear’s outermost part.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and non-allergenic material
- Easy to mold
- Waterproof, you can use it for swimming
- You put them on your ears, not inside them
Cons:
- Leaves wax residue after use, but this is preventable.
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Flents Quiet Please Earplugs
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Low-tech earplugs are meant to muffle sounds from the outside to help you get better sleep. Be it from loud banging music from your neighbor’s room, the food truck garbage, even to your partner’s snore. The reason why Flents Quiet Please Earplugs are so popular online is not only because of their affordable price tag, but it’s also because they work very well.
Design can either make or break a product. Most bullet-shaped earplugs may be suitable for some and if you found yourself not in that group, this can be your answer. Flents Quiet Please Earplugs come in a cylindrical design. They’re built to lie flat in your ear openings, making them comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side.
With an NRR level at 29 dB (the company claims 32 dB), these earplugs properly drown and muffle noises around you. If you or someone you know are a light sleeper, this device can be lifesaving. Moreover, these are suitable for people with small ear canals.
What We Love
The best to conquer sleepless nights.
Pros:
- Designed to lie flat in the ear canal
- NRR level at 29 dB
- Reusable
- Friendly price tag
Cons:
- Must be placed further into the ears for optimal use
- A long period of using (10 – 12 hours) may hurt your ears
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Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
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So, what are best earplugs for sleeping? The answer is Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, according to our review. These earplugs are great in blocking noises and very easy to insert into your ears. Even as they have expanded in your ears, they’re still comfortable to wear.
When it comes to durability, a pack of these earplugs should last you for a good couple of years, considering you’ll only need to change a single pair after 2 – 3 weeks of use. A proper insertion will keep these earplugs inside your ear the whole night. They’ll provide a tighter seal and won’t likely fall out. And when they’re properly sealed, that means you’ll have a sound sleep whenever you use them. The right fit is a big factor in ensuring they drown or muffled noises.
For less than 10 USD, you’ll get 50 pairs of earplugs and that alone is a great deal. You can now say goodbye to those restless nights and get the proper rest you deserve.
What We Love
They provide 33 NRR and these are comfortable earplugs for sleeping on side!
Pros:
- Comfortable for multi-hour use
- Compress really well
- Easy insertion
- Very cheap
Cons:
- Most complaints are about how this latest release is bigger than the originals.
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