There are few things as important in life as getting a good night’s rest. If you want to function at your best possible level during the day, it requires getting a deep and restful sleep during the night. There’s really no way around it, which means that finding ways to get better sleep should be an imperative task for everybody.

One major distractor when it comes to sleeping through the night is sound. Whether it’s lousy weather, noisy pets, or a household of teenagers, by eliminating loud and jarring noises, you’re certainly more likely to sleep peacefully through the night.

While it may be impossible to have control over all the sound elements in your home, you can take control over how much of them you actually hear. Investing in the best earplugs for sleeping are the essential solution for this. While there are plenty of earplugs on the market, finding ones that will be safe and comfortable for sleeping is essential.

We've taken a look at everything that's on the market and rounded up our picks for the best earplugs for sleeping. Put on a pair of these for a deep and restful sleep.

Made with extra-soft, lightweight silicone, the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs provide a comfortable fit and can stay in your ears all night long without any kind of irritation or pain. Made with materials that prevent itchy ears and discomfort, these earplugs make a great choice for those wanting to use them for long term sleeping use.

Additionally, they are made with a three-layer flange ergonomic design that safely seals to the ears without the pain of hard edges or heavy pressures. The Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs are actually specifically designed for side sleepers, so those who have extra pressure on their ears from sleeping on the sides of their faces need not worry with the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs. The Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs come with two different sized plugs so that you can find the perfect fit for your ears.

In terms of sound elimination, the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs lower sounds by 30dB to 32dB depending on the plug size, making these earplugs ideal for those dealing with a snoring partner. Additionally, the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs are wonderful for blocking out unwanted noise while traveling or trying to study. Simply put, if you need silence, the Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs can provide it for you no matter where you are or what position you are in.

The Hearprotek Sleeping Ear Plugs come with a detachable cord that helps you keep track of your earplugs, as well as a milled aluminum case. The case has a carabiner attached, so you can easily attach it to your backpack, pant loops, or bed stand.

Key Features
  • Made with lightweight silicone
  • Seals the ears to block out noise
  • Made with ergonomical, 3-layer design
Specifications
  • Material: Silicone
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 30 to 32 dB
Pros
  • Comfortable for side sleepers
  • Comes with aluminum case
  • Comes with multiple sizes
Cons
  • Only two sizes available
  • dB noise reduction rate differs depending on size

Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds are the latest technology from Bose, and they’re popular amongst those who want to have a more soothing sleep. Made to help cover unwanted noise, including everything from snoring partners and noisy children to barking dogs and creaking house noises, these earplugs help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the entire night.

Along with blocking out sound, the Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds play pre-loaded sounds to help you better sleep and relax. While Bose is known for pioneering noise-canceling technology, recent research has shown that noise masking is ideal for getting a more enriching night’s rest.

Additionally, with up to 16 hours of use, you don’t have to worry about your Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds turning off during the middle of the night. Simply link your earplugs up with the Bose Sleep application to have full control of the sounds, volume, and even an alarm setting that only you will hear.

Because of their size, the Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds stay put throughout the entire night, and they’re also even comfortable for side sleepers. Three ear tip sizes are included in each purchase, ensuring that you can find the best fit for your ears.

The Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds come with a convenient storage case that not only keeps your Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds protected from unwanted damage, but also charges them so that they are ready to use no matter where you are. Additionally, a drawstring travel pouch is included with the Bose Noise Masking Sleepbuds to make travel easier.

Key Features
  • Plays sounds to help block out noise
  • Stay in place no matter what position you sleep in
  • Battery can be recharged (16 hours of play time)
Specifications
  • Material: Electrical components
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Noise Reduction Rating: None
Pros
  • Three sizes included
  • Plays soothing sounds
  • Comes with charging case
Cons
  • Spotty quality control
  • Can disconnect from smartphone
Best value

3. PQ Wax Earplugs

8.50 / 10
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PQ Wax Earplugs come in a pack of 12. These noise-canceling earplugs are made out of a pliable wax material that ensures a perfect fit in any size ear. In fact, the PQ Wax Earplugs fit so well, they can also be used for swimming!

When used out of the water, these earplugs help drown out the noise of snoring, television, or any other sound that is preventing you from getting a good night’s rest. With a 32dB sound drop, the PQ Wax Earplugs provide a sound reduction that is hard to beat.

The PQ Wax Earplugs come in a plastic case that can easily be brought with you anywhere you’re going or simply be kept on your bedside table, for those nights when you just can’t get to sleep because of noisy house guests. The wax material provides such a custom fit that no matter what position you prefer to sleep in, the PQ Wax Earplugs will be a comfortable fit. Furthermore, for those with smaller ears, the PQ Wax Earplugs can be cut into pieces, getting you more for your money and an even more precise fit for some.

The PQ Wax Earplugs are extremely reliable in their fit and will not fall out during use, no matter how much you toss and turn throughout the night. Easy to use and carry with you, these earplugs are also 100 percent waterproof and made with non-toxic, hypoallergenic material. Additionally, the PQ Wax Earplugs are latex-free, making them a safe option for children and adults of all ages.

Key Features
  • 12 earplugs included per package
  • Can be molded to most ear sizes
  • Provides 32 dB of sound reduction
Specifications
  • Material: Moldable wax
  • Warranty: None
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 32 dB
Pros
  • Waterproof
  • High decibel sound reduction
  • Moldable
Cons
  • Disposable
  • Too small for some ears

The Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs come with the plugs themselves, a neck cord, and a carrying case. The earplugs work to replicate the natural response of the ear, keeping sound quality as clear as possible while still lowering volume. For this reason, sounds don’t come through muffled.

For sleepers who only want to lower the sound of noises around themselves while they sleep without totally blocking them out, the Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs can do the job.

Reducing the risk of hearing damage, the Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs can also be used at loud events including airshows, concerts, and athletic events, in addition to sleeping. Hearing loss is often cumulative and irreversible, but thanks to the technology of earplugs, it is also completely preventable, When plugged into the ear, the Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs reduce sound evenly by 20dB.

The Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs fit most ear canals and are reusable. However, with heavy use, the earplugs should be replaced every three to six months if you experience weakening ear tips. The Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs come with a neck cord and carry case.

The Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs are true to the ear, mirroring noises exactly as they would sound to the ear while lowering the volume at the same time. If you’re a heavy sleeper who just needs a little bit of help toning down loud noises from pets, children, or construction, the Etymotic ETY-Plugs High Fidelity Earplugs can help you get a solid night’s rest. Just be aware that since they stick out of your ear a bit, they're only appropriate for those who sleep on their backs.

Key Features
  • Lowers outside sound while still providing clarity
  • Reduces sound by 20 dB
  • Aids in hearing protection
Specifications
  • Material: Plastic
  • Warranty: None
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 20 dB
Pros
  • Includes neck cord and carrying case
  • Speech is clear, not muffled
  • Unique and accommodating design
Cons
  • Lower decibel sound reduction
  • Not comfortable for side sleepers

Made with concert events in mind, Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs are all about ear safety. These earplugs reduce loud sounds by up to 22dB, helping to both protect your hearing while also canceling out high volume noise.

Made with cutting-edge technology, the Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs lower the volume of surrounding sounds without affecting sound quality. For this reason, these earplugs are also a great option for those who want to drown out unwanted noise while they sleep while still being able to hear an alarm in the morning.

Canceling out specific frequencies, the Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs are ideal for those who still want to have some perception of the sounds around them while in bed without having to be subject to the volume of these noises.

The Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs come in a nearly invisible design, made with a clear outer shell and silicone earbuds. When compared to more bulky earbuds, these ones make for a much more comfortable fit, perfect for sleeping. The Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs are also ideal for people who are merely sensitive to sound, not wanting to block it out completely, yet hoping to lower the amount of stimulation they get from loud noises.

The Vibes Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs are made with a hypoallergenic silicone, so you don’t have to worry about having any kind of allergic reactions to the product itself. They also come in multiple sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for your ears.

Key Features
  • Decrease outside sound while retaining quality
  • Discreet design
  • Multiple sizing options
Specifications
  • Material: Plastic, silicone
  • Warranty: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 22 dB
Pros
  • Different sizing options
  • Portable case included
  • Reusable earplugs
Cons
  • Lower decibel sound reduction
  • Less comfortable for side sleepers

The Hush Smart Earplugs are made for people who want to enjoy a long, uninterrupted sleep. Their thin wireless shape is designed to contour to the ear and provide a fit that is both comfortable and easy to sleep in.

These earplugs work in two ways, blocking out unwanted noise while also combining soothing sounds, to help create a regulated and balanced sound environment. They can also be connected wirelessly to your smartphone so that you can still hear notifications and emergency calls when they’re in use.

When you wear the Hush Smart Earplugs, you can choose between a range of soothing sounds to ensure you get a solid night’s rest. Some of these sounds include white noise, raindrops, and forest noises.

Additionally, you can also set a personal alarm that will only sound via the Hush Smart Earplugs so that you don’t wake up a sleeping partner. The Hush Smart Earplugs have long-lasting battery life, playing soothing sounds for between 5 to 8 hours on average.

Reducing noise by 30dB, these earplugs block out outside noises while also covering them up with 60dB soothing sound. Designed for sleeping, the Hush Smart Earplugs come with six different pairs of foam tips and three different pairs of silicone tips, so that you can find the perfect fit no matter the size and shape of your ears.

The Hush Smart Earplugs can be charged in their portable charging case, also making them great for travel. The charging case can provide three full on-the-go charges, so whether you’re trying to get some shut-eye on a plane, in a bed, or during your local commute, these earplugs will help you make that happen.

Key Features
  • Designed for a comfortable sleep
  • 5 to 8 hours of battery power for playing soothing noise
  • Connects to smartphone for notifications and alarms
  • Molds to contours of ears
Specifications
  • Material: Electronic components
  • Warranty: None
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 30 dB
Pros
  • Comes with a charging case
  • Connect wirelessly with smartphone
  • Plays soothings sounds
Cons
  • Battery doesn't last all night
  • Can experience connection problems with smartphone

Mighty Plugs provide some of the best sound blocking from earplugs on the market today. Lowering outside sounds by 34dB, these earplugs will block out snoring from a sleeping partner, as well as any other major noises that prevent sleep.

Along with being one of the most recommended brands of earplugs for sleeping, Mighty Plugs can also be used at concerts, loud events, while motorcycling, and during travel. As an added bonus, Mighty Plugs are completely waterproof, making them a great swim accessory come the warmer days of summer.

Made from the purest natural beeswax, the Mighty Plugs contain no harmful chemicals like the ones that can be found in foam or silicone earplugs. Furthermore, they are completely hypoallergenic and made under rigorous quality control protocols to ensure that each pair is up to Mighty Plugs’ high standards of noise reduction and hearing protection.

These earplugs are safe to use with any age group and can be molded to fit any ear shape. Because of their pillow-like texture, even side sleepers won’t need to worry about discomfort while they sleep. The Mighty Plugs provide a pain-free experience and stay in place for the entire night.

Mighty Plugs are used by the USA military and approved for shooting ranges, so you can be certain that distracting evening noises won’t be keeping you up at night while you’re using these high-quality earplugs. Mighty Plugs is a 25-year-old family-owned company that has built its reputation on creating one of the best solutions for light sleepers around the world.

Key Features
  • Made with pure beeswax
  • Perfectly molds to ear shape
Specifications
  • Material: Beeswax
  • Warranty: None
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 34 dB
Pros
  • Made with all-natural materials
  • Waterproof
  • High dB sound reduction
Cons
  • Can dry out
  • Can be sticky

Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs lower sound by a whopping 31dB, making them one of the best products for blocking out sound. While these earplugs can be used for shooting, travel, swimming, and concerts, they are also ideal for getting a great night’s rest.

The Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs can be easily and quickly fitted to any ear shape, providing a custom molding that is never painful and stays secure throughout the entire evening. To achieve the perfect fit, simply heat the Decibullz molds in boiling water, and then let the thermoplastic cool for a bit before inserting them into your ears and shaping them to an exact fit. If you don’t get the exact fit you’re looking for after your first molding attempt, simply remold the earplugs again until you’re able to achieve it.

Made in the USA, the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs come with two Decibullz thermoplastic custom molds, three sets of triple flange tips (in small, medium, and large sizes), one set of max protect medium foam tips, and an earplug carrying case that makes it easy to travel with your Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs and use them on the go.

Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs’ design came about when Kyle Kirkpatrick, an Olympic-level gymnastics coach and extreme athlete, was tired of earplugs falling out of his ears. For this reason, he consulted audio engineers and material specialists to help create a high-level earplug that was comfortable, reliable, and perfect for any sort of activity, including sleeping peacefully throughout the night.

Key Features
  • Earplugs are custom molded
  • 31dB noise reduction
  • Earplug pouch included
Specifications
  • Material: Thermoplastic
  • Warranty: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 31 dB
Pros
  • Custom molded and can be re-molded
  • High dB sound reduction
  • Comes with carrying pouch
Cons
  • Difficult to mold
  • Poor comfort, especially for side or stomach sleepers

The Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs have a discreet, ready-fit design that makes them comfortable for sleeping and great for use at public activities, including concerts, sporting events, and airplane travel. Made with patent-pending innovative attenuation filters, the Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs help to reduce noise evenly while maintaining the full spectrum of sound. For light sleepers, this means that you can block out distracting noises to get a fulfilling night’s rest while still being able to perceive an early morning alarm clock.

These earplugs are made with hypoallergenic soft silicone, making them non-toxic. The Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs don’t cause itching, irritation, or any kind of pain, so they won’t wake you up in the middle of the night because of discomfort. Additionally, the Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs come with two different sized earplug shells to help wearers find the perfect fit no matter what size their ears are.

The Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs come with an aluminum case that can easily be kept on your keychain. The case’s anti-stick interior makes it so that you’ll never have any trouble removing the earplugs from their case. Additionally, a waterproof seal makes it safe to bring these earplugs with you anywhere, protecting them from moisture and debris.

Whether you’re trying to catch a nap on a plane or get a solid night’s sleep in your own bed, the Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs can help you achieve it. Based out of Southern California, Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs come from a team that believes earplug wearers still want to interact with the world around them — just at a different volume level.

Key Features
  • Made with hypoallergenic silicone
  • Uses patent-pending attenuation filters
  • Multiple sizes included for perfect fit
Specifications
  • Material: Silicone
  • Warranty: 30 days
  • Noise Reduction Rating: 21 dB
Pros
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Comes with multiple sizing options
  • Comes with aluminum case
Cons
  • Silicone gets slippery
  • Flimsy design

Earplugs for sleeping come in a wide array of styles. They can range from small foam fillers that block out sound from reaching your eardrums to digital devices that play continuous white noise, keeping you from waking up because of distracting noises in the middle of the night.

If you’re not sure which type of earplug is best for your sleeping habits, it’s good to start your shopping process off by determining what kinds of noises and distractions wake you up during the evening on a regular basis, and what type of sleeper you are.

What Type of Sleeper Are You?

Are you a side-sleeper, back-sleeper, or front-sleeper? Even a detail as minute as this may make a difference in improving your shopping experience. If you find that you are a light enough sleeper that a simple creak from a floorboard is going to wake you, you’ll likely want to look into earplugs that provide some sort of ambient noise. If it takes a loud door slamming or barking dog to wake you up, you’ll probably do best with earplugs that focus more on blocking out major noises and lowering the volume of outside sounds.

Safety and Sound Control

Earplugs are excellent devices when it comes to getting your sleep. However, it’s also important to be aware of all of their safety measures before using them. Always be sure to read through your earplugs’ instruction manual before you use a new pair of earplugs. Additionally, make sure you keep your earplugs set at a reasonable volume (if you’re using digital earplugs that emit sound) so as not to damage your hearing.

Individual Models and Differing Technology

It’s probably time to start considering earplugs from sleeping if you’ve got a snoring partner, a noisy household, or a tendency to wake from the smallest of sounds. In this guide, you’ll learn about a range of earplugs and what sets them apart from each other. Different earplugs will have different features, and along with the earplug’s technology, it’s also a smart move to consider their price points and how they relate to your budget.

If you’re ready to get informed about earplugs, now’s your chance. The more you know about individual earplug models, the better decision you’ll be able to make when purchasing a pair for yourself. And the better a pair you purchase, the better night’s sleep you’ll be getting.

Earplugs are one small, simple way to ensure that you get the most out of your days. Read on to learn which pair of best-selling earplugs will help you rest peacefully throughout the night, no matter how many sounds are happening around you.

Resources — PurpleHow Sleep Works

FAQ

Q: Is it safe to wear earplugs to sleep?

Earplugs are, in most cases, safe to use while sleeping. However, there is a possibility that frequent use can cause some minor issues in the long run, like the buildup of earwax. Noise from the environment may disrupt your sleep. Sometimes, disrupted rest may be an issue when trying to sleep in different surroundings like on a plane.

Earplugs are beneficial in that they can significantly decrease the amount of sound entering your ears. This may help you get to sleep in noisy surroundings. Studies show that earplugs offer a safe as well as an affordable method of improving sleep quality.

Q: Can earplugs block all noise?

There are no earplugs that block out all noise. There is a good reason for having no soundproof earplugs. If you try blocking your ears with your fingers, you can still hear louder sounds. The louder noises become attenuated.

Noise vibrations get to the eardrum through the air and your eardrum. This is referred to as air conduction. Your cranial bone transmits sound vibrations to the eardrum as well, and this is referred to as bone conduction. All the signals eventually reach the brain, which converts them to sound. This is why soundproof earplugs do not exist.

Q: What can I do to find the peace I want while sleeping?

Soundproof earplugs are not an option. However, there are great earplugs that attenuate noise. You may find that other earplugs attenuate more noise than others. More significant attenuation may sound good, but remember, you may want to still hear noises such as the alarm clock, doorbell, etc.

Earplugs that have a sound filter offer a better solution. A sound filter ensures that any background noise is attenuated. But, you can still hear some noises like your alarm clock or doorbell. If you sleep next to a person who snores loudly, you can get customized earplugs that come with no filter. Such earplugs offer the maximum achievable attenuation.

Q: Which are better: foam or silicone earplugs?

You will find that most earplugs are either silicone or foam, though a few are made of wax. You insert foam earplugs into the ear canal. However, silicone earplugs cover the entrance of your ear hence offer less ear penetration. It is quite easy to remove silicone earplugs.

Foam earplugs are typically inexpensive compared to silicone models. On the other hand, you can reuse the silicone earplugs. Foam models are great for sleeping because they block out background noise. Foam earplugs are also soft and comfy.

Q: How can I clean my disposable earplugs?

Most earplugs, especially the foam models, are designed for one-time use. But, you can still clean them and reuse them again. Cleaning is essential because it helps prevent contamination, hence reducing the risk of getting an ear infection.

You will notice that disposable foam earplugs typically start itching within a week. You can try washing them with shampoo, leave them in warm water for a short while and finally rinse them. It is advisable to clean them when you come out of bed to give them time to dry.

Q: Is it harmful to wear earplugs every night?

There are some risks associated with wearing earplugs every night. They include ear infections, muffled hearing, impacted ear wax, and pushing the earplug deep into the ear canal. Impacted earwax means it is unable to drain correctly, and this can lead to ear infections.

Improper cleaning of the earplugs may encourage bacterial growth, which can cause ear infections. It is advisable to give your ears a chance to drain the earwax. You can find alternatives to sleeping with earplugs such as running a fan, playing soothing songs, or using essential oils while sleeping.

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