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Whether you share your bed with a snoring partner, cohabitate with loud roommates, or live in a bustling, noisy neighborhood, there are many reasons why noises may be keeping you from a good night’s sleep. Along with investing in items like sound machines, fans, and headphones, the best earplugs for sleeping can help you get a more restful night of sleep. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right pair for you and your routine.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Earplugs for Sleeping
Earplugs are pretty simple in design and application. They’re usually made from either silicone or foam, and you stick them inside your ear canal. When properly inserted, they can help reduce noise. Some people use earplugs to protect their hearing in loud environments like concerts, but they’re also ideal for sleeping.
Material and Size: When shopping for the best earplugs for sleeping, there are two things you want to consider: material and size.
Both silicone and foam earplugs work well to block out noise comfortably, though it ultimately depends on what you prefer. The difference comes down to reusability. Silicone earbuds are often reusable and washable. As long as you don’t lose track of them, you can expect a long lifespan from them.
Foam earplugs, on the other hand, have shorter periods in which they can be reused. They are also harder to clean. However, they also have their advantages. Foam earplugs are often sold in bulk and they are also very soft to wear for hours throughout the night. Foam earplugs can also mold easily to your ears.
Comfort is key when it comes to successfully using earplugs for sleep, so you want to make sure you opt for earplugs that fit your ear canals. Some silicone earplugs come with interchangeable tips that fit different ear sizes. If you’re shopping for foam earplugs, you’ll want to make sure you specifically get earplugs for small ears if you have narrower ear canals, since the foam earplugs do not have removable tips.
What Are the Best Sleeping Earplugs?
Here are the top earplugs for sleeping, from foam models for added comfort to pairs designed for small ears.
1. Loop Quiet Noise Reduction Earplugs
If you’re looking for a long-lasting pair of silicone earplugs that you can regularly depend on, look no further than Loop’s earplugs. Made from flexible silicone, these earplugs come with eight different adjustable tips so you can find your perfect fit. They’re soft on your ears, and they help reduce noise throughout the night. They’re excellent for sleep, but you may even want to use them when traveling, too.
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2. Flents Earplugs
Flents’ earplugs have a noise reduction rate of 33 decibels, which is significant compared to many models on the market. These earplugs are made from extra-light foam that better fits to your ear canal for a more customized fit. They’re also sold in bulk so you can stash a pair in your luggage or elsewhere around the house.
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3. PQ Small Earplugs
While standard foam earplugs fit most ears, they won’t feel very comfortable if you have small ears. In such a case, you need earplugs for small ears, like this pair from PQ. The brand makes comfortable, effective, and eco-friendly foam earplugs for small ears. These earplugs come in a 40-pair pack, each of which can be used up to 20 times. They also come with a convenient travel case.
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