If you too are part of the 54 to 64% of English people who wake up at night because of noise pollution, earplugs are one of the best solutions that will allow you to sleep well on both ears in addition to a good mattress. Wax, silicone or foam: what to choose? This comparison will guide you in your choice.
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Our selection
"These earplugs have a special shape designed to reduce pressure points in the ears of side sleepers. They adapt perfectly to the morphology of the…"
"All Mack's Pillow earplugs are doctor-recommended for optimal ear protection. That's why they're perfect for swimming, sleeping, concerts, showering or flying."
"Comfortable to wear, Bose Sleepbuds II effectively mask all kinds of noise. With these earplugs, you'll have several varieties of sounds and even white noise…"
"This is a custom solution that promises you a good night's restful and uninterrupted sleep. In addition to effectively isolating noise, these sleeping earplugs can…"
These earplugs have a special shape designed to reduce pressure points in the ears of side sleepers. They adapt perfectly to the morphology of the ears with an efficiency between 30 and 32 dB.
14,39 £ on AmazonSide sleepers often experience pressure building up around their ears, which can cause uncomfortable nights of sleep. Wearing earplugs can cause more discomfort for these sleepers. Hearprotek interchangeable tip earplugs are designed for side sleepers and offer decent noise reduction.
They feature an ergonomic dual-layer design, using air pockets between the layers as additional sound insulation. Hygienic and gentle on the ear canal, they are made of soft, washable silicone. A small carrying case and backpack hook are included for added convenience. Not limited to sleep, these earplugs can also be used as hearing protection in noisy environments such as concerts, shooting ranges and construction sites.
All Mack's Pillow earplugs are doctor-recommended for optimal ear protection. That's why they're perfect for swimming, sleeping, concerts, showering or flying.
7,96 £ on AmazonUnlike foam earplugs, these "putty" models cover the outer opening of the ear, rather than plugging the ear canal. This makes them more comfortable for people who find foam earplugs irritating or too pressurized. Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty has a noise reduction level of 22 decibels and is best suited for reducing constant background noise.
They're easy to mold to your ear opening and are comfortable to wear, though some find them a bit too big or waxy to the touch. In addition to providing good insulation during sleep, they also reduce pressure in the ears. They are also waterproof so they can be used in water.
Comfortable to wear, Bose Sleepbuds II effectively mask all kinds of noise. With these earplugs, you'll have several varieties of sounds and even white noise to improve your sleep habits and quality.
216 £ on AmazonBose Sleepbuds generate white noise that's gentle on your ears. They connect to an app that offers a library of white noise and nature sounds for you to choose from. Volume and playback time can be changed. An alarm function is also available if you want to use the sounds to wake you up. If you suffer from tinnitus, these Bose earplugs will be your best allies.
Three earpieces come with the product. So you can choose the one that best suits your ears. The Sleepbuds need to be recharged daily and will hold a charge for about 8 hours to give you uninterrupted sleep. Nevertheless, they do not completely mask snoring.
This is a custom solution that promises you a good night's restful and uninterrupted sleep. In addition to effectively isolating noise, these sleeping earplugs can also be washed and therefore reused.
27,78 £ on AmazonThese moldable silicone earplugs are designed to give you a custom fit. It takes about 10 minutes to make the two earplugs, and users say it is easy to do. In addition to effectively blocking sound, these earplugs can be washed, making them very eco-friendly.
Since they are made of an excellent material, they hold very well in the ear canal even when you put them under pressure. To mold them, simply follow the instructions while respecting the color codes of the materials. Then, mix the two color halves until they have a homogeneous color. Finally, place the material in your ears, press on it, then apply more pressure on the center of the silicone and you're done.
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Your guide :
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In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Hearprotek, 2 pairs of earplugs for sleeping
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Mack's Pillow, soft silicone ear plugs
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Bose sleepbuds II
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Radians, custom molded earplugs
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These earplugs have a special shape designed to reduce pressure points in the ears of side sleepers. They adapt perfectly to the morphology of the ears with an efficiency between 30 and 32 dB.
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All Mack's Pillow earplugs are doctor-recommended for optimal ear protection. That's why they're perfect for swimming, sleeping, concerts, showering or flying.
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Comfortable to wear, Bose Sleepbuds II effectively mask all kinds of noise. With these earplugs, you'll have several varieties of sounds and even white noise to improve your sleep habits and quality.
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This is a custom solution that promises you a good night's restful and uninterrupted sleep. In addition to effectively isolating noise, these sleeping earplugs can also be washed and therefore reused.
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Material
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Extra-soft silicone
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Silicone
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Silicone
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Silicone
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Comfort of use
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Reusable
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Noise reduction
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30 to 32 dB
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22 dB
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15 - 20 dB
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Use
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For sleep, for airplanes, concerts, construction sites, shooting ranges
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For sleeping, swimming, showering, water sports, noisy events, on the plane etc.
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For sleep
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For sleeping, shooting sports, sporting events, construction sites, mowing a lawn, assembly lines, auto racing, swimming, flying, etc.
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Since you will be wearing your earplugs for several hours and even more so at night, they must be comfortable so as not to disturb your sleep.
To this end, make sure that your sleeping earplugs are hypoallergenic and soft, and that they adapt to the shape of your ear canal. The best thing to do is to try disposable models before investing in reusable ear protection.
After that, there are a few things to keep in mind. To make sure you are choosing quality and safe sleeping earplugs, make sure your future purchase complies with the current EN - 352 - 2 hearing protection standard that governs earplugs. Also make sure you are not allergic to the material the plug is made of.
Ear plugs reduce the surrounding noise level so you can sleep peacefully. According to studies, for perfect sleep, the noise outside your ears should not exceed 30 dB or decibels.
The level of noise reduction (NRR) differs depending on the type of earplugs you are considering, whether they are wax or acoustic filter. But in general, the various devices effectively reduce noise in the range of about 22 to 35 dB.
Earplugs are usually made of foam, cotton, silicone or wax. The ancestor, the famous Wax Earplugs are still popular with many users. However, users looking for better noise reduction are now turning to foam or silicone models.
Also, some materials can be stickier than others, and some may be less comfortable for some users. If you have long hair, for example, avoid sticky materials. Also, make sure your skin can tolerate the type of material. This is because earplugs are made, in general, for extended use while sleeping or at work.
What works best for others probably won't work on you. Poorly fitting plugs won't give you enough noise reduction. If the earplugs are too big for your ear canal, they will constantly slip out. If they are too small, they can become uncomfortable. Make sure the brand's proposed ear tips fit your ear canals well and offer comfort while you sleep.
When buying ear plugs, you should consider whether the product is disposable or reusable. Indeed, apart from wax models which are, in general, disposable, foam and silicone ones can be either reusable, more economical but requires more maintenance, or disposable. The latter require you to buy a good quantity, depending on your use, which represents additional expenses.
As a reminder, repeated use of earplugs that are not made for this purpose can cause problems to your ear canal. You should always follow the medical instructions on the box of your product. This is why you must evaluate your needs. Nothing prevents you from having both for more flexibility!
The wax earplugs are adjustable to the ear and designed to completely seal the ear canal entrance. Although some users find them a bit too greasy or sticky, these ear protectors were designed to emphasize durability and comfort.
So if you have particularly long hair, be very careful if you plan to wear this type of plug in your ears. Put your hair in a high bun. Wax earplugs are moderately effective, but easy to put in. Single use, but great value, wax earplugs are safe, low allergy, and ideal for extended use.
Earplugs made of foam are according to users, by far the most effective at blocking noise. For deep sleep, they're the best. To do this, you need to insert them properly into your ear, as it is this internal positioning that makes them so effective. They've actually been ingeniously designed to lie flat inside the ear canal. This makes this device a wise choice for side sleepers.
Since foam plugs are also very malleable and expandable, they fit most ear canal sizes while providing a more complete seal when inserted. However, some users don't like this amount of pressure in their ear over time.
Silicone earplugs are easy to use and comfortable. This is because there is no pressure in the ear canal. This type of earplug is placed at the entrance, not inside the ear. Unlike foam earplugs that expand once in place, silicone earplugs have a medium to high level of effectiveness depending on the manufacturer.
This type of earplug is most often used for swimming since it is waterproof. In addition to reducing noise while sleeping, these ear protectors are perfect for those who work in a noisy environment, but don't want to cut themselves off from the outside world.
Generally made of silicone, foam or wax, earplugs are among the most effective individual protections against environmental noise. Thus, they can be worn on a construction site, on a plane or while sleeping. Their main function is to protect the eardrums from hearing damage by reducing the noise by about 30 to 35 dB.
Earplugs are quite comfortable to wear. But this is not always the case once you sleep on your side. If the plug is long enough, you may hurt your ears.
Earplugs also come in two versions: disposable and washable/reusable. Once you have found the best models that fit you well, you can switch to the washable version to save money.
However, this device should be used sparingly, especially for people with particularly sensitive ear canals. Indeed, earplugs can create humidity and heat in the ear, thus promoting the development of bacteria. You should also know that to be effective, earplugs must be the right size and well adjusted to the size of your ear canal to guarantee a perfect level of noise reduction and ideal for quality sleep.
As its name suggests, it is a device that helps to relax before sleep. It emits noise (including white noise) that gives the user an instant soothing sensation. In terms of comfort, the sound therapy device may bother the user if he or she is particularly sensitive in the ears. Hence, the importance of adjusting the volume of the device according to your sensitivities and desires.
While sleeping earplugs can reduce noise by about 30-35 dB, the sound therapy device works differently. Instead of reducing the surrounding noise, it will mask it with other noises and sounds that will transform your bedroom into a real peace conducive to relaxation.
The way it works is very simple. Simply select a sound of your choice by pressing a button to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep in your bedroom. It can be the sound of waves at the seaside, the sound of wind, nature, etc. A sleep and sound therapy device is also effective for people suffering from insomnia and sound hypersensitivity.
While earplugs can be disposable or reusable, sleep devices must be properly maintained to prevent the speakers from becoming obstructed. Thus, it is advisable to regularly dust the device, using a soft cloth or a feather duster to prevent malfunctions and breakdowns of all kinds.
In short, the choice between sleeping earplugs and sleep and sound therapy devices is yours. However, there's nothing to stop you from using them alternately to preserve your eardrums and help you fall asleep quickly at bedtime. For about 5€, you can buy entry-level sleeping earplugs and about 15€ for a cheap sleep and sound therapy device.
1. To protect yourself from unwanted noise
The nightly noise of the neighborhood, the noise of household appliances, the vacuum cleaner, the lawn mower, the snoring of your partner ... All this hinders the quality of sleep and prevents you from resting. The earplug for sleep is an excellent way to protect yourself from these different types of noise and to fall asleep more quickly.
2. To rest and stay focused
Sleeping earplugs are not limited to their main function. Some of the more versatile models can also be used in the workplace and anywhere outside the home. With this hearing protection in your ears, you can work quietly among chatty colleagues or at home near noisy neighbors. Nothing and no one can stop you from focusing fully on what you're doing.
3. For the comfort they provide
Perfectly fitted to the ear canal, sleeping earplugs are comfortable to wear. Most are super hygienic since they are washable and therefore reusable. This saves you money. Made of good quality material, the earplug does not irritate the inside of the ear.
4. For their practicality
The advantage of such a device is that it also allows you to communicate with other people even when you wear them. Practical, earplugs are easy to put in place and simple to clean. They are also inexpensive compared to other anti-noise devices.
5. To get to sleep quickly and soundly
There's nothing like a quiet environment to help you get to sleep quickly. With sleeping earplugs, especially if they have white noise or other relaxing sounds, you'll soon fall into a deep sleep. With sleep earplugs, you'll be productive the next day!
In our opinion, the best brands of earplugs for sleeping in 2022 are :
The Hearprotek store is managed by Taipuda Technology Co, Ltd, a company specializing in the distribution of high-quality earplugs. The brand is committed to providing hearing protection and ear prevention products for sleeping, swimming, showering, studying, traveling, watching noisy concerts.
Founded 1964, the Bose brand has a rich experience in audio equipment. Its home theaters, noise reduction headphones, wired, wireless, bluetooth headphones, etc. as well as its hearing protectors are of exemplary quality and robustness. We would like to highlight its high-tech development methods, which have earned it the title of a leader for over 50 years.
It is a prestigious brand that markets a range of earplugs designed for travel, entertainment, swimming, sleeping and overall noise reduction. Products whose quality and effectiveness have been praised by doctors in the United States and by many users. Since 1962, its original Mack's® Pillow Soft® silicone earplugs have been the world's number one selling earplugs.
It is a Dutch company that specializes in the design, production and distribution of hearing protection products such as earmuffs, earplugs and more. Its products are often at the top of comparisons and their quality and performance are no longer to be proven to users. Concerned about the well-being and satisfaction of its customers, the brand offers hearing protection for toddlers as well as older children.
Radians was created in 1997 to introduce a new product, the AV, a combination of hearing (audio) and eye (visual) protection. Over twenty years later, Radians offers a full line of safety products including safety glasses, RadWear® high visibility clothing, hearing protection, hand protection, helmets and more. Recently, the brand won ISHN 2021 Reader's Choice Awards for its retractable tether vests and tool clips, as well as its state-of-the-art THRAXUS ™ safety glasses.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Don't push the plugs too far into your ears
You can hurt your eardrum if you push them in too far. Either way, you can have peace of mind because even the longest earplugs available on the market have been well calculated not to reach the eardrum when fully inserted into the ear canal.
Keep your hands clean
Roll the earplug with clean fingers until it is narrow enough to fit in your ears. Having clean hands is important to prevent possible infection from outside dirt.
Inserting the foams
If you are using earplugs made of foam, keep your fingers on your ears until the foam expands to fill your ear canals.
Using disposable plugs
If you are using disposable earplugs, especially foam ones, be sure to replace them after a few days of use. Wash them properly to extend their life.
Cleaning the earplugs
To extend the life and effectiveness of earplugs, you can try washing them daily with warm water and mild soap. Make sure they dry completely before putting them back in.
No. Sleeping with earplugs is safe if you don't have a hearing problem. In any case, it is a temporary solution to avoid waking up in the middle of the night because of unwanted noises such as traffic or snoring. Therefore, it is best not to wear earplugs every night as this can cause earwax buildup and a temporary decrease in hearing.
The use of earplugs on children is indicated only for short durations since they are placed directly in the ear canals. Since these devices are small, they can be easily lost. This is not very practical, especially if you plan to use them on small children. There is a high probability that toddlers will swallow them. Instead, opt for a baby earmuff that is scalable and can fit young children as well.
Single-use, the famous earplugs offer effective hearing protection of 27 decibels. They are earplugs made of wax or silicone that have already proven themselves in both quiet and noisy environments. When the earplugs are inserted correctly into the ears, their foam expands and forms a tight seal that isolates the user from surrounding noise.
Both options have their advantages. Studies have shown that a white noise device like a musical baby nightlight, for example, can help people fall asleep faster and are 40% more effective compared to basic earplugs. However, if you sleep right next to a snorer, you will need hearing protection that is a little closer to the ear canal. Also, earplugs are much more portable than white noise machines, which means you can take them with you when you're on the go.
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