The Best Earplugs for Sleeping

Are you having trouble getting to sleep at night? Unfortunately, getting a good night’s rest can take time, whether due to a snoring partner, traffic noise, noisy neighbors, or your tossing and turning. That’s why earplugs are such an essential tool for anyone looking for some relief from loud noise. I’m Dr. Amy, an audiologist and expert on all things hearing and ear-related. This article presents the best earplugs for sleeping, so you can go back to getting a great night’s rest.

How We Picked and Tested

I often talk with patients about noise reduction to protect their hearing or get better rest at night with sleep plugs. We chose our top picks based on their performance in terms of noise-blocking capabilities and comfort level when worn for long periods. To test these items, we tested these products for fit, comfort, and noise reduction. Our results are based on objective measurements and subjective feedback.

When to Use Earplugs

Earplugs should be used whenever you need relief from loud noises while sleeping or trying to relax in a noisy environment. Earplugs can also be helpful if you can’t fall asleep due to noise, as sleeping earplugs block out any additional ambient sound that may exacerbate the symptoms.

When Not to Use Earplugs

Earplugs should not be worn if they cause discomfort, irritation, or pain. If you experience pain while wearing earplugs, remove them immediately and seek medical advice if needed. It is also best practice not to wear ear plugs for more than 8 hours at a time as this could lead to pressure buildup inside the ear canal, which can cause dizziness and nausea upon removal.

What is Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)?

When you purchase earplugs, you’ll see a number labeled NRR. Why is that number significant? When you buy earplugs for sleeping, you want to ensure that they block out enough noise to help you sleep. However, it’s important to note that this number is a “best-case” scenario. First, select an earplug type that will fit your ear canal. Even if the earplug has a higher NRR, it won’t mean anything if it isn’t correctly sealing the ear. 

Is sleeping with earplugs safe?

Sleeping with earplugs is generally safe if you follow some basic safety guidelines, such as making sure the earplug fits correctly (without causing any discomfort) and giving your ears some time without earplugs day. It’s important that the ear Additionally, make sure that you wash your hands before inserting the plugs and don’t wear them too often or too long as this could cause permanent damage over time due to changes in pressure within the inner ear canal caused by prolonged use of certain types of plugs.

Top Picks – Best Earplugs for Sleeping

Here are the best options for earplugs for sleeping:

Most Comfortable Earplugs for Sleep

Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

• Super soft and comfortable
• NRR of 33 decibels

We found these earplugs to be the most comfortable of the bunch. Mack’s earplugs are an excellent option for anyone trying to get a good night’s rest. These incredibly soft foam earplugs are made using patented Comfy Cush® Comfort Foam which is super low-pressure for ultimate flexibility and comfort. With an Ultra Noise Blocker that allows only a fraction of sound through while providing maximum sound reduction, you can rest assured you’ll sleep well. Plus, these come in a user-preferred beige color that is an excellent alternative to the bright neon colors you’ll sometimes see in the pharmacy. Mack’s earplugs offer a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 33 decibels and are made here in the USA.

Best Earplug for Side Sleepers

Flare Audio Sleeep Pro

• Innovative design
• Durable titanium stems
• NRR of 32 decibels

Are you looking for a fuss-free, restful night’s sleep? Flare Audio Sleeep Pro earplugs offer innovative earplugs that are you won’t find elsewhere on market: they feature precision-milled titanium stems and two super soft memory foam ball tips that mold perfectly to fit your ear canal. With a surprising 32 dB average attenuation, Sleeep Pro will reduce unwanted noises while preserving comfort.

Sleeep Pro is perfect for side sleepers who struggle to find comfort in their environment. The dual tips provide extra cushioning and ensure a secure and comfortable fit that’s easy to place and remove. Plus, you’ll never have to sacrifice quality or comfort with replaceable, super soft memory foam tips designed with a unique spherical design to fit all ear sizes. Not only that but they’re crafted from tough grade 5 titanium, making them built durable to last longer.

Best for Sensory Sensitivities

Loop earplugs

• Stylish design means they can double as concert earplugs
• Soft silicone, reusable earplugs with a range of ear tip sizes (XS – L)
• NRR of 27 decibels

Introducing Loop Quiet–the perfect way to drown out the noise so you can drift off to sleep. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in a crowded study hall or enjoy peace of mind at night, our earplugs are ready to help! Crafted with unique noise-canceling capabilities, these bad boys reduce up to 27 dB of sound so you can take control of your environment.

Plus, these earplugs provide incredible performance and maintain comfort and convenience. Their soft-touch silicone design allows you to manage your volume without feeling the pinch – literally! Not only that, but they’re also lightweight and reusable, making them extremely easy to wear repeatedly. And with size tips included for XS to L ears, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

Best for Tinnitus Masking

Bose Sleepbuds

• An excellent option for those with tinnitus who need a masking option
• With 50 different sounds available, there is something for everyone – whether your tinnitus sounds like ringing, buzzing, humming, or even music

Bose Sleep Buds II puts your mind at ease and helps you get your rest with the clinically proven sleep technology from Bose. This revolutionary technology has been tested and confirmed by a high-caliber study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the UCHealth CARE Innovation Center. With Sleepbuds™ II, you’ll be able to get the restful night’s sleep that you deserve.

Their library of more than 50 unique sounds and songs sets these state-of-the-art sleep earbuds apart, including Bose-engineered noise masking and relaxation content crafted to provide you with the most calming environment possible. So there truly is something for everyone, whether it be wind chimes, pink noise, rainstorms, thunderclaps, morning dawn crows, or nature sounds. Plus, you can customize your alarm settings and download your favorite sounds onto your buds, making them truly personalized.

Best Budget-Friendly Earplugs

Zalik Super Soft Foam Earplugs

• Soft foam plugs
• 50 pairs in a package for an affordable, disposable earplug option
• Up to 35 decibel NRR

Are you looking for the perfect earplugs for a restful sleep? Zalik earplugs are budget-friendly and made with high-density foam that is non-toxic and safe for your skin. These disposable earplugs are among the best in terms of comfort. Not only do they block out external noise with an impressive 35dB NRR, but their unique foam design means they can fit into small ear canals or ears of any shape or size without you ever feeling uncomfortable. With 50 pairs in each pack and easy portability, Zalik Super Soft Foam Earplugs are a must-have for anyone who needs noise reduction and longs for a restful slumber on a budget.

Best for Wide Ear Canals

Eargasm Squishies Moldable Silicone Earplugs

• Moldable earplugs work well for wide ear canals
• Material is gentle and comfortable
• An added bonus is that they also work well in the water to keep water out of the ear

Created with comfort in mind, their proprietary moldable silicone material is gentle on your ears and conforms to any ear shape. These work exceptionally well for those with wide ear canals which have trouble getting a proper seal in the ear. In addition, the silicone material is easier to work with than wax earplugs. 

Eargasm Squishies come with eight pairs, and they’re 50% larger than leading brands meaning they offer maximum coverage while their ability to be broken apart makes them ideal for a range of ear canal sizes. In addition, with an NRR rating of 22dB, they create an airtight seal to ensure unwanted noise and water stay away.

What about custom earplugs?

Custom molded earplugs are another great option. These earplugs are made specifically to fit your ear canal geometry and even work for small ear canals. You can even select fun colors or create a “swirl” effect with multiple colors. Contact a local audiology clinic to make an appointment for some sleep earplugs. They’ll take impressions of your ears and send them off to the lab to have them made. Then, after a few weeks, you’ll return to pick them up and ensure they fit correctly.

What about cleaning my earplugs?

There are two categories of earplugs: disposable and reusable. If you have disposable earplugs, like the Zalik soft foam earplugs, you’ll want to dispose of them after using them. However, if you have silicone or custom earplugs, you’ll need to clean the earplugs for good ear hygiene regularly. Just like with hearing aids, you’ll want to clean anything that comes in contact with the ear regularly.

How to Clean Earplugs

Dos and Don’ts with Earplugs

Silicone Earplugs vs. Foam Earplugs

Remember that foam earplugs are meant for one-time use. If you choose reusable, silicone earplugs, you’ll want to clean them regularly.

Conclusion:

Finding a good pair of earplugs can make all the difference in enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep or relaxing in a noisy environment without distraction from external sounds. However, everyone’s needs are different when it comes to finding the perfect fit, so it might take some trial and error before settling on one type of plug that works best for you. Our top picks provide excellent noise-blocking capabilities combined with comfort when worn over long periods, making them ideal candidates for relief from loud noises while trying to get some restful sleep!