Best Earplugs for Sleeping: Block Out Snoring & Other Unwanted Noise

My partner snores, but there is no way I can kick her out. Sleeping next to her is somehow disgusting unless am wearing my best earplugs for sleeping.

When it comes to quality sleep, it’s not easy to sleep next to someone who snores without an ear plug. I have been there and I know what am saying.

The best thing you can do to yourself is getting the best earplugs for sleeping. Using earplugs for sleeping will save you from the agony of many sleepless nights.

Another option I had was to buy the best stop snoring mouthpiece for snoring, however, my partner was upfront about it. She will not use them due to reasons best known to her.

If you are in the situation I was some few months ago, you realize how important sleep iswhen you wake up tomorrow after 8 hours of proper uninterrupted sleep, sleep is a beautiful feeling unmatched and incomparable.

There’s nothing quite like lying down in your own comfy bed and closing your eyes in bliss, after a long day of work and stress. Unfortunately, I’m a light sleeper. The slightest noise will wake me up and then I’ll spend five to ten minutes grumbling, that is why I had to look for the best earplugs for snoring.

And if you’re like me, you’ve also searched for something to help you sleep without noise intrusions at night. If that’s the case, stay tuned. I’ll tell you what you need to know to find the perfect set of earplugs for you.

Things to Consider When Buying Ear Plugs for Sleeping

So you’ve decided that buying the best ear plugs would be safer than trying to smother your snoring spouse with a pillow or throwing the noisy party animal neighbors with pointy rocks. Good for you. Buying earplugs is a better option, and you won’t end up with a criminal record. Now you need to keep in mind that when you choose earplugs, two important criteria should be fulfilled: Noise reduction rating and comfort.

1. Noise Reduction Rating

The noise reduction rating is basically the scale on which earplugs are judged for their noise-blocking capabilities. The higher the noise reduction rating (NRR), the more effective at blocking out noise the earplugs will be. The best possible noise reduction rating is 34 (called 34NRR) but the best earplugs for sleeping have rating of 28 – or better referred to as 28NRR. In general, foam earplugs are considered superior in noise reduction to silicone earplugs, but more on this in the Silicone vs. Foam discussion below.

2. Comfort

You will likely be wearing your earplugs on a regular basis and for more than a few months (not continuously!) so when choosing the best earplugs for snoring you have to make sure that they are comfortable and fit well in to your ears. It can be a bit hard to know the size of a set of earplugs when shopping online, so be sure to read product descriptions thoroughly. Take into consideration that earplugs that don’t fit comfortably could cause earaches, itchiness or irritation. Silicone earplugs are usually more comfortable and therefore consider the best earplugs for sleeping, as you’ll see in our comparison below. What you want is a set of earplugs for snoring  that are so comfortable that you completely forget you have them in your ears.

With a good balance between noise reduction and comfort, you will find the best ear plugs for quiet and peaceful sleep.

The Top Rated Sleeping Earplugs

What kind of earplug you choose is up to you and what you would prefer. We’ve done some investigation and here are the seven best earplugs for sleeping that will help you sleep better with your snoring roommate.

1. Flents Super Sleep Comfort

The Flents Super Sleep are specifically manufactured to help promote restful and noiseless sleep. It is made of soft foam, and that has been manufactured in such way that it can easily be placed into your ear. These earplugs are made a little shorter than many other foam earplug products for better fit and less pain after continuous use. They are also convenient to use for people who have smaller ear canals and find that other earplugs do not fit as well and can cause earaches. The company behind Flents Super Sleep believe that because their earplugs effectively create silence, you will find it easier to fall asleep with the earplugs nestled inside your ears.

Flents Super Sleep Comfort have an amazing noise reduction rating and are soft and easy to use. They are popular with earplug users and are a good choice for people who need to use smaller earplugs because of sensitive ears or small ear canals. With these earplugs, you will be able to enjoy silence but it doesn’t completely block out every sound, so you will still be able to hear your alarm clock going off. When inserting the best earplugs for snoring you might initially hear your own heartbeat and the blood rushing through your veins, but that will not last long. When you look closely at these earplugs, they look like a very good product and judging by the reception it had from the global market, and they best earplugs for sleeping.

Pros

• Can be used more than once. A pack of ten could perhaps last up to a month if you use it right. They can be washed and then left to dry.
• On top of being earplugs fitted to use during sleep, they can also be used when flying to reduce pressure changes inside the inner ear. They are reported to be highly effective for people who need to use earplugs on flights and are considered to be more comfortable than earplugs that are made especially for flying users.
• These earplugs were made specifically with side sleepers in mind. Their shorter form means that they will not stick out of your ear during sleep, making them more comfortable for sleeping with.
• The earplugs also come with a plastic little carrying case for convenient storage.
• Noise reduction rating of 29NRR.

Cons

• Some customers have found that they aren’t as effective in keeping out all the nightly noises that can keep them awake, perhaps because the earplugs were too small for their ears.
• These earplugs aren’t being shipped internationally at this point, with shipment only in the United States.
• The Flents Super Sleep Comfort Foam Ear Plugs are not recommended for use by children.

2. Howard Leight Max 1

The Howard Leight Max 1 soft foam earplugs have a contoured bell shape that makes them much easier to be used than ‘normal’ shaped earplugs to place inside the ear. They also aren’t as likely to fall out of your ear thanks to their unique shape.

The Howard Leight Max 1 earplugs were manufactured to be soil-resistant and won’t get as dirty as quickly as some other earplugs. These smooth earplugs are good for long-term use, despite being disposable earplugs. These earplugs may look like delicious sweet treats but are actually very effective in noise reduction. For safety, you should perhaps keep them away from kids who could mistake them for something edible.

This best earplugs for sleeping also promise to stay cleaner for longer, promoting hygienic ear protection, thanks to the smoothness of the foam used to make them. Any frequent earplug user knows that it is important to keep dirt out of the ear as it can cause painful infections.

They have one of the highest possible noise reduction ratings and are excellent for use in loud environments. These earplugs will help you block out any disturbing noises from the outside world during the night as well as protect your ears from loud and damaging noises that are associated with construction, airfields, and heavy traffic. In addition they  are considered the most popular foam earplugs in the world, and that says a lot about this product.

The earplugs are trusted by construction companies to protect employees who are exposed to very loud (and irritating) noises during their working shifts. If they can protect the ears of construction workers from noise, you can be sure that you will be able to get a night of silent and peaceful sleep with these earplugs in your ears. The manufacturers of these earplugs have proudly backed their product since its inception and still stand by their promise of quality and customer satisfaction.

Pros

• These versatile earplugs can also effectively be used for noise protection on farms and in factories where loud noises can lead to hearing loss or damage to the eardrums.
• The Howard Leight Max 1 earplugs have a very high noise reduction rating and are very effective in blocking out noises when compared to lesser earplugs.
• It would be safe to sleep with the Howard Leight Max 1 earplugs in your ear, and they won’t cause pain after wearing them during sleep.
• Being uncorded, these earplugs don’t have a cord that will be encumber-some and get in the way.
• Thanks to the non-irritating foam that is also self-adjusting as well as effectively non-allergenic, these earplugs can fit into any ear, no matter the size of the ear canal.
• The Howard Leight Max 1 earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating of 33NRR

Cons

• It has been reported that these earplugs have irritated some users’ ears and caused slight pain after using them continuously for a few days.

3. 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs

The 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs are the leaders in innovation and was credited as the world’s first foam earplugs. The foam used in the making of these earplugs nicely conforms to the shape of your ears for superior fit and comfort that is hard to match.

The 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs are available in a corded and uncorded option for your convenience. The corded earplugs are good for short-term use, and the vinyl can easily be hung around the neck when you don’t want them in your ears. The uncorded earplugs are a better choice if you don’t really like cords that could get tangled.

The 3M E-A-R are non-invasive and are less noticeable than most earplugs if that is something that matters to you. The quality of these earplugs have made them the favorite standard on the earplug market and although their noise reduction rating may not be the highest, the comfort and efficiency of these earplugs must also be taken into consideration. It is worth noting that a comfortable earplug will be the wisest choice, as an earplug with a noise reduction rating that doesn’t fit your ear will be completely useless.

Pros

• Moisture-resistant for your comfort and convenience.
• These earplugs are also fire resistant for added safety and peace of mind.
• No ear sweating while wearing them so no irritating itching will be experienced.
• These earplugs are available all over the world.
• Noise reduction rating of 29 NRR

Cons

• Some people may find these earplugs to be a bit harder than other earplugs.

4. Ohropax Wax Earplugs

The Ohropax Wax Earplugs are manufactured in Germany and offer superb noise-blocking as well as efficient water-blocking for swimmers or anyone who would want to keep their ears dry to prevent ear infections. The Ohropax Wax Earplugs are made from a compound of soft wax that is covered with cotton. These earplugs are also terrific for noise reduction during sleep. They can be successfully used in noisy work areas as well as other loud places.

Many people only have to see that these earplugs are manufactured in Germany to be convinced of superior quality, but it is their experience in creating effective earplugs that should impress you.

The science and expertise that is being combined to make these wax earplugs are a winning recipe that has resulted in earplugs that satisfy and please every earplug user that try them out. Although wax earplugs have not been very popular in the recent past, these earplugs have gained a loyal following and are giving doubters reason to try wax earplugs for themselves.

Pros

• Some people have found that one earplug torn into two pieces can work effectively for both ears, especially for people with really small ear canals.
• The wax will warm up to your body temperature once the earplugs have been inserted in your ears and this will make them so soft that you’ll hardly feel them.
• the Ohropax Wax Earplugs can be used more than once if used correctly.
• These wax earplugs won’t collect as much earwax or residue as other wax earplugs do, staying clean and hygienic for longer.
• The Ohropax Wax Earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating of 22NRR.

Cons

• These earplugs could take a while to get used to because of their uniqueness.
• There have been reports of wax dripping with the Ohropax Wax Earplugs.

5. Hearos Ultimate Softness Earplugs

These soft foam earplugs are recommended by professional medical personnel and are very comfortable. They have great noise reduction, and although they are disposable, they can be used a few times if they are used correctly but is not recommended that they are used for more than three or four days. The Hearos Ultimate Softness Earplugs are made of memory foam that makes them fit very well and comfortably in your ear. They’re coated with a soft polymer and are described as attractive earplugs. Not that looks matter, but still, looking stylish never hurt anyone.

Pros

•  Don’t cause itchiness or earaches
• The earplugs are safe to use during sleep
• They are well suited for people with smaller ear canals
• Noise reduction rating of 32NRR

Cons

• These earplugs don’t go well with moisture and should be kept as dry as possible for best results and longer life.

6. Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs

The Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs have a tapered shape, and for this reason, they are much easier to insert into your ear, no matter what your ear canal size may be. With a longer body, they are easier to grasp and hold onto as well. Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs are specially manufactured with foam that is intended to be softer and more comfortable than the foam used by its competitors. Thanks to a smooth surface, these earplugs aren’t as likely to irritate your ears. These earplugs offer superb noise reduction abilities that will impress even the toughest customer.

The Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs are proudly made of PVC-free foam and is not irritating to sensitive skins or ears. These uncorded earplugs are not only recommended for anyone looking for a night of restful sleep, but also for anyone who needs to block out noises during the day at work or during studying. These earplugs are functional and effective.

Pros

• The Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs are very durable products that can be used for long periods without its quality deteriorating quickly.
• You won’t likely get an earache after continuous use of the Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs.
• The earplugs can be used for up to five days before needing replacement, and even then it won’t be less efficient.
• The Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating of 33NRR.

Cons

• The Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs must be kept in an air-sealed container to prevent them from drying out. These earplugs won’t be as comfortable or efficient if they have dried out.

7. Liberty DuraPlug

The Liberty DuraPlug Foam Earplug set is a good choice if you’re looking for soft earplugs that will insert and remove easily – it has a tapered shape to ensure easy insertion into your ears. These earplugs are highly effective in blocking out intrusive noises, and are very gentle; they could be just what you need. The Liberty DuraPlug aren’t as likely to irritate sensitive ears.

The Liberty DuraPlug have a very good noise reduction rating that means you will be able to effectively cut annoying and intrusive noises from your ears when you want to sleep. These earplugs are very soft and comfortable, and we have already established the importance of comfort.

Pros

• They are small and will fit in your ears, even if you have trouble with making most earplugs fit.
• They are safe to use for children.
• Have an amazing noise reduction rating of 32NRR.

Cons 

• Some user reports that the earplugs do not always to expand effectively.

Common Materials Used to Make Ear Plugs

Earplugs are either made from silicone or foam, with the exception of wax earplugs. There are positives and negatives to consider for both types of earplugs. Take all of the following information into consideration when you go earplug shopping.

1. Silicone

Positives

• Silicone earplugs won’t likely cause itchiness in your ears.
• Most silicone earplugs can be reused for up to three times (in some cases even more).
• Silicone earplugs are soft and comfortable.
• Silicone earplugs do not enter your ear-canals and won’t cause pain in your ears.

Negatives

• Silicone earplugs have lower noise reduction ratings than foam earplugs.
• Silicone earplugs can be a bit more stubborn than its foam competitors, and it is sometimes difficult to get them to stay put in your ears.
• Silicone earplugs could sometimes be problematic in getting them fixed to your ears.

2. Foam

Positives

• They do not hurt the sensitive skin of your ears.
• Offer superb noise-blocking, and these products usually have great noise reduction ratings.
• Foam earplugs are very easy to use.
• Available in a wide range of sizes for all kinds of ears.
• Foam ear plugs are not likely to fall out of your ears.

Negatives

• It isn’t recommended to use foam earplugs more than once, and they will not be as effective after being used.
• Sometimes after continuous use, a feeling of pressure inside the ears could be experienced.
• Using foam earplugs could lead to itchiness after having them for some time in your ears, partly because of your ears sweat.

Note: This simple and basic comparison should only be considered a guideline, and you should decide for yourself what kind of earplugs you’ll be most comfortable with on the inside of your ears. They will, after all, be going in your ears!

3. Wax

Wax earplugs are considered specialized earplug  added to the earplug world. It is not always recommended to be used more than once (there are exceptions, as with all rules) and in fact not very popular with most earplug users. But those who do like wax earplugs are devoted and swear by them. It is simply a matter of personal preference.

Wax earplugs are made of wax that will use your body temperature to melt slightly and seal your ear, thereby blocking out any obtrusive noises. Wax earplugs are considered more effective for this reason.

Some users complain about the wax dripping out of their ears during sleep, but this isn’t a recurrent complaint, while some people prefer wax earplugs because they feel less evasive than other kinds of earplugs.

Active and Passive earplugs

There are two categories into which the best ear plugs can be put when getting technical: Active earplugs and passive earplugs. Passive earplugs are the ‘normal’ earplugs that everyone knows – the wax or silicone earplugs, etc. These earplugs do their work by basically blocking any noise from entering into your ear.  Active earplugs are different in that they are more technical than their passive kin. Passive earplugs are great for noises like snoring, children laughing and barking dogs outside your window. Active earplugs are better suited to preventing low-frequency noises like loud music and traffic sounds coming through your walls. Active earplugs are ‘actively’ busy – it produces its own sound that cancels out the outside noises.

In this discussion, we’ll be focusing on passive earplugs, as active earplugs are more specialized and expensive.

The Science Behind Earplugs

The reason earplugs considered a practical solution to noise disturbance and improving sleep quality is simple, but proven. The time you can spend more in a noisy environment is directly proportional to the number of decibels dropped. For example, if you are at a construction site with a noise level around one hundred decibels, you can safely spend fifteen minutes more for every three decibels dropped.

So if you’re wearing earplugs that can block out the noise level by fifteen decibels, you can spend four hours on the site without possibly permanently damaging your hearing. Or that is what I’ve calculated. I could be wrong, and math was never my strongest subject at school. At age end of my conclusion: if you wear good earplugs, your hearing ability will be safer.

We all know how important sleep is for our physical and mental health. The problem is, we don’t always appreciate the importance of sleep until we’ve spent a very long night tossing and turning or shoving our fingers in our ears to block out noises keeping us awake. The groggy mental fatigue and irritation we feel the next morning is detrimental to our health. As well as our safety and anyone who annoys us before we had at least three cups of steaming coffee.

According to this study every three adults don’t sleep enough every night. Everyone knows that the right amount of undisturbed sleep for an adult between the age of eighteen and sixty years is at least seven hours a night, but we also know that it is easier said than done. There are many reasons why people don’t sleep well at night. We will be discussing some reasons and a simple but effective solution.

Noises at night that can keep even the most determined or tired sleeper awake at night and that makes us feel like we could scream in frustration. But thanks to a combination of science and innovation, there is a practical solution that actually works. Earplugs. Yes, that’s right, earplugs. These little objects may seem like chewy treats or just plain rubbish, but the power of the best earplugs for snoring should not be underestimated. With the right earplugs in your ears, you can have a wonderful night’s sleep without having to worry if you will hear your alarm clock the next morning.

In 2015 a field test was done in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to test the effectiveness of earplugs and it was found that earplugs really do work; not only will the right kind of earplug block out noises, but it can help prevent temporary hearing loss after prolonged exposure to loud music.

In a slightly different kind of test, it was found that patients that were admitted to the ICU also benefited from the use of earplugs, they could rest easy and recover from their individual injuries in peace thanks to the earplugs keeping out unwanted noises. In short, earplugs are good for sleep, whether you’re at home next to a snoring beast (that you love when they’re not snoring) or in a hospital and in need of recuperation.

 A Quick History on Earplugs

We take earplugs for granted as just another thing that exists, and considering that it has been around since before 1850BC, it’s no wonder why. These little products have happily protected humanity’s ears for many decades. The first earplugs were made from wax, beeswax to be specific. Later, paraffin wax was used and eventually people started making earplugs from other materials like foam, cotton, and silicone.

Extra Uses of the Best Earplugs

Did you know that damaging your hearing can be prevented by using earplugs? Earplugs are small but versatile. They are awesome in helping as sound blockers at night when you want to sleep, but their usefulness does not end there. Hearing loss can occur in two forms – Tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. With Tinnitus a roaring or ringing noise is heard in the ear, and with the sensorineural hearing loss, your ear won’t be able to hear sounds normally anymore. Both are debilitating and terrible effects of damage by noise. Many people have been affected by these conditions, including some very famous persons. It is rumored that Van Gogh cut off his own ear because he was suffering from Tinnitus. Even Brian Johnson from AC/DC has suffered from being exposed to loud music for too long.

More than 5% of the whole world’s population has some form of disabling hearing loss. That means more than thirty-four million children and four hundred million adults are affected by hearing loss. It is believed that by the year 2050 more than one in every ten people will have hearing loss that is disabling them in some way or another. That means more than nine hundred million people will have hearing loss. Those are some sobering statistics. There are may reasons for hearing loss but these statistics shows that it is not uncommon and damage of the Hair cells inside your ears by loud noises is an important cause.

Of course, there are many reasons to use earplugs, protection from loud noise being the most prevalent one, followed by a need for quiet sleep. Here are a few more ways that earplugs prove their worth:

1. Swimming

People with perforated eardrums know the pain and discomfort that occurs during swimming. Water entering the ear can also cause painful ear infections. Swimmer’s ear is a very common problem with children who has been swimming without good protection for their ears. The simple but effective solution for all of this is earplugs. By using the right kind of earplugs, even people with very sensitive ears can enjoy swimming without dreading the painful side-effects.

2. Motorcycling

Not many people will associate earplugs with motorcycling. It doesn’t sit well with the “macho” image most people have of motorcycling. But motorcycling can cause ringing in the ears because the level of noise while riding the motorcycle. In fact, motorcycling can actually cause hearing loss if preventative measures are not taken. The best way to prevent hearing loss while riding on your motorcycle? You guessed it right, get the best noise canceling ear plugs! With a good pair of earplugs, you can enjoy all the pleasures of riding on your motorcycle without all of the dangerous negative effects.

3. Flying

Many people use earplugs when they’re flying. Your eardrums could hurt because of the difference between internal and external pressures experienced on an airplane during a flight. Earplugs help by sealing the ear and can prevent you by having blocked ears as well as preventing dizziness, ringing in the ears and many other problems associated with flying.

4. Studying

Almost everyone has had that moment when they need to study, but every single noise is distracting them. The people next door are having the loudest party they’ve had the entire time they’ve lived next to you, the traffic decided to become congested and loud just as you sat down at your desk and the old lady that lives upstairs has suddenly decided to take up tap dancing. How can you study when the world around you is determined to be as noisy as possible? Well, earplugs could solve your problem easily and pretty effectively. By using a good pair of earplugs, you’ll be able to learn in tranquil silence even if the building around you is being demolished.

5. Meditation

Proper meditation needs absolute silence to allow you to block out the world and find your inner peace. This can be hard to achieve with all the noise that is constantly bombarding our ears. But if you can find a good pair of earplugs, you will be able to effectively block out any outside noises and calmly meditate for hours on end.

6. Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s Disease is a lesser-known disease that is caused by inflammation or fluid in the ear labyrinth. It has many symptoms that can be mistaken for other diseases, but a visit to your doctor should help you diagnose your symptoms correctly. This disease affects a person’s balance and hearing. The symptoms include loss of balance, ringing in the ears, a falling sensation, vomiting and hearing loss. This disease can happen suddenly and last for a few hours, disappearing just as suddenly only for it to return again very soon. One of the main treatments for this disease is protecting the ear from any loud noises. Soft earplugs will help with this, so it is easy to see the usefulness of a good pair of earplugs.

8. Noise Canceling Earplugs for Musicians

A very large chunk of the blame for probable causes of hearing loss goes on the shoulders of music and music-related activities. This risk can, fortunately, be minimized by wearing effective protection in the form of earplugs. Some very specialized earplugs have been manufactured to address this problem. Although standard earplugs usually won’t be effective for blocking out the kind of musical noise that can cause damage to your ears, it is believed that wearing earplugs in areas like discos, musical festivals and pubs can at least protect your ears from a bit of damage that is caused in noisy places. The best noise canceling earplugs that are used in the protection of the ears from music-related damage will help to lessen the level of exposure to the inner ear. These earplugs are usually “pre-molded” can be found in a massive range of colors, styles, designs and of course, prices.

It is very important that the earplugs fit into your ears comfortably and snugly, or it won’t be as effective and could cause pain and even inflammation. At first, these earplugs were intended for use by music professionals but can now be purchased by anyone who may need for them. If your biggest problem is having a quiet environment at night when you want to sleep, you don’t have to worry about buying a specialized earplug like the musician earplug, but if you are exposed to loud music on a regular basis and worry about the dangers that could pose to your hearing, these earplugs are almost a must-have for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safe way to use the best earplugs for sleeping?

The first thing to do when using earplugs is the same as most tasks that involve touching sensitive parts of your body: Wash your hands and make sure that any moisturizers and other lotions and oils or sunscreens have been completely washed off. You do not want to carry any bacteria or tiny foreign objects into your ear. Be sure that your hands are dry. Then you must make sure that the earplugs that you want to use are nice and clean.

Not only will the best earplugs for snoring be rendered useless if you do not insert them correctly into your ear, but you could also damage your eardrum if you do not remove them the right way. Here’s how to do it:

Silicone earplugs: These earplugs are easy to insert into your ears because they come in many sizes and are generally very soft; you just have to buy the right size, and it will simply slide into your ear. No hassles.

Foam earplugs: Putting foam earplugs into your ears takes more than simply sliding them in because of their texture. Hold the foam earplug that you want to use by its large end, between your forefinger and your thumb. Now you should roll and squeeze the foam earplug until it is flat. Next, open the ear canal of the ear that this earplug will be going into by lifting and pulling the ear gently back by the outer ear. If you’ve pulled your ear to the correct angle for earplug insertion, the earplug will now easily slide into your ear. You should know after half a minute or so whether or not the earplug has gone in right and is sitting comfortably and snugly as it should. This may sound incredibly complicated, but after you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll find it very simple.

Wax earplugs: Wax earplugs are easy and uncomplicated to use. Simply mash the earplugs between your forefinger and thumb right before you want to use it until it has become soft. They will then effortlessly enter your ears and mold to the shapes of your ear-canals.

The best way to tell if you’ve put your earplugs in your ears correctly is to expose yourself to noise. Once in a noisy area you should cup your hands over your ears and if you do not hear a difference in the level of the noise you have successfully inserted your earplugs. If the level of the noise is noticeably less, you should remove the earplugs and try again. You will be able to do this right the first time after a few times practicing.

Removing earplugs the right way may seem like no big deal to most people, but doing it right is, in fact, the most important part of using earplugs safely. Follow these steps to make sure you remove your earplugs without damaging your ears in the process:

Very gently and very slowly pull down the earplug before pulling it from your ear. This way you gently break the seal that was formed between your ear and the outside world. You want to do this very gently because if you simply yank the earplug from your ear without slowly breaking the seal, it will lead to damage to your eardrum.

How do you choose the right kind of earplugs for sleep?

This is a good question, actually, because there are so many earplug products to choose from. And of course, every product promises to be the best earplugs you could possibly find. When choosing earplugs to use during sleep, you should preferably go with the softer kind as they are gentler and much more comfortable in general. The color of the earplug is a matter of taste and won’t affect the results you’ll get from your earplugs. There are several kinds of earplugs to choose from:

• Disposable earplugs – These earplugs are normally made of soft foam and are considered very comfortable for use during sleep. Disposable earplugs are also available in different sizes and can be bought corded or uncorded. These earplugs aren’t recommended to be used more than twice, but some earplugs users find that they can reuse disposable earplugs if they are treated hygienically.
• Reusable sleep earplugs – Reusable earplugs are usually made of soft material like silicone. In general, reusable earplugs are more durable earplugs and could be used several times without sacrificing efficiency. Many earplugs users buy one box of reusable earplugs and find that their stock of earplugs lasts for more than six months or even up to a year.
• Moldable earplugs – Moldable earplugs are actually a good idea if you are having a hard time finding comfortable earplugs. The moldable earplugs are made of silicone or wax and can be molded to fit snugly into your ear. They are a little more complicated to use for some people, but others find them easier to use, it is a matter of opinion and preference.
• Custom earplugs – These earplugs can be a bit more expensive, but are considered a really good option. Custom earplugs are made by a hearing professional, and a pair of earplugs will be made especially for your ears. An impression will be taken of your ears that will be sent to specialty manufacturers and soon after you will have earplugs that fit perfectly into your unique ears.

How safe are sleeping earplugs?

For the most part, earplugs are safe to use. As with any product you use, though, some basic rules and guidelines should be adhered to in order to ensure safe and effective results are achieved. Many people fear that using earplugs continuously will cause them to have ear infections or even cause tinnitus. Usually, any problems people experience with their ears are related to their earwax and not the use of earplugs.

It is known that using earplugs regularly can cause wax build-up because it prevents the wax from escaping from your ear during the night, but if you regularly see your doctor and have your ears checked for wax build-up you can safely use earplugs in the long run. By ensuring that you insert and remove your earplugs correctly and using the right size, you won’t be putting your ears at risk. You should, however, make sure that when you insert an earplug that there is no discomfort and also that the earplug isn’t soiled with earwax when you remove it. A dirty earplug means that there is a wax build-up in your ear. If you experience a feeling of built-up pressure in your ears, it would be wise to visit your doctor or an ear specialist. Here are a few basic rules for using earplugs without putting your ears at risk:

• Make sure you don’t use an earplug that is too big for your ear. It will cause pain in your ear and won’t work as effectively as it should.
• Don’t lick or spit on your earplug to help it slide into your ear. Your mouth is filled with bacteria and spreading them to your ear is asking for trouble in the form of infections and inflammation.
• Keep an eye on the color of your earplugs if you’re using reusable earplugs. Once they discolor, you should get rid of them. Wax could be building up on the surface and bacteria could more easily stick to it when you handle it and end up in your ear.
• If you find it difficult or even painful to insert an earplug into your ear, consider using a very small amount of petroleum jelly to lubricate the earplug. It could make it an easier insertion as well as perhaps more comfort in general. It will also help to prevent skin irritation and keep the earplug nestled in your ear. Of course, you should make sure the petroleum jelly product you want to use for this purpose doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients or anything you are allergic to. Using this form of lubrication could perhaps delay the deterioration of your foam earplugs, and could also cause the earplugs to become soiled faster, so be sure to clean the earplugs thoroughly or dispose of them after use.

What is the cost of the earplugs?

As with everything in life, there is a price for quality and satisfaction. A great thing about the best earplugs for sleeping, though, is their relatively inexpensive prices. Now I know that browsing through all the available information on the internet can take precious time. That’s why I did some research for you and got together an idea of what the best ear plugs cost in general. You are welcome.

A very brief price comparison of our favorite earplugs follow here and is meant as a guideline for anyone who needs to invest in some earplugs. Here are the prices at the time of writing. Remember these prices can change at any time, without warning, so please keep that in mind.

Flents Super Sleep Comfort Foam Ear Plugs

One pack with 10 earplugs per pack will cost you about $6.86

Howard Leight Max 1 Earplugs

20 Earplugs will cost you about $4.58

3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs

A case of 200 earplugs will cost you about $26.03

Ohropax Wax Earplugs

12 Earplugs will cost you about $6.80

Hearos Ultimate Softness Earplugs

A pack of 20 earplugs will cost you about $5.56

Moldex 6800 Pura Fit Earplugs

A pack of 200 earplugs will cost you about $58.50

Liberty DuraPlug Corded Disposable Foam Earplugs

A case of 100 earplugs will cost you about $27.41

You should keep in mind that the cheapest option will not necessarily be the product with the lowest quality and the most expensive product won’t be a guaranteed success. In the end, it all depends on what kind of product you need for your specific situation and ears.

Conclusion

Millions of earplugs are sold every year. With earplugs being used on construction sites to protect the hearing of the workers, as an aid in protecting musicians’ ears and helping people sleep peacefully it is not hard to understand why earplugs are so popular. However, the effectiveness of an earplug depends on more than just the quality of the product. How you use the earplug is also an important factor. You have to insert the earplug correctly, use it as it was intended to be used, practice good ear hygiene and be sure to use earplugs that are comfortable. If the earplugs aren’t comfortable, you won’t keep them in long enough actually to protect your ears or be effective noise silencers.

You have been given ample information on what kind of earplugs there are to choose from, how to use them safely and a list of our best picks. I have given you the general prices and pros and cons of using specific earplugs. You have also been given some information on the various other uses earplugs have. Now it’s up to you to pick your favorite earplugs and start enjoying silent sleep tonight and every following night.