Best Earplugs for a Quieter Night’s Sleep
Your sleep is a crucial part of your overall health, but if you are constantly interrupted through the night, this can create havoc with your mental and physical approaches to your daily tasks. Sleep is often disrupted due to sound. Televisions left on, neighborhood traffic, urban sounds, a snoring partner, barking dogs…they all are factors that many would prefer to avoid.
If you struggle with nocturnal noise disruptions, then a good pair of earplugs is definitely a product you should consider. The following article explores some of the best earplugs handpicked from our own reviews to help you decide which may be best for you.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Spaxwlk Noise Cancelling Earplugs
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| #2 |  CozyPhones Sleep Headphones
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| #3 |  Silent Buddy Earplugs for Sleeping
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| #4 |  PQ Earplugs for Sleep
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Using Earplugs
With a wide variety of different styles available, earplugs are designed to help fit snugly, and comfortably in your ear canal to reduce or even block outside noises. Disposable, reusable, and even electronic options are all available to choose from to help you get the best sleep possible.
They also are useful for other situations, such as when you are at a loud concert or using lour equipment. Created with comfort in mind, they are generally very lightweight and come in different sizes to help fit various ear canal sizes.
Benefits of Nighttime Earplug Use
Obviously, the first benefit of using earplugs is the reduction or cancellation of disruptive noises. Loud noises don’t just have the potential to wake you from a deep sleep, they can keep you more mentally alert, and inhibit a deeper sleep cycle: required for a true, restorative rest.
Since adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, losing any of this time can create sleep debts that affect you both mentally and physically as time wears on.
Earplug Types to Consider
Although the concept of earplugs is simple, the many styles available are not. There are multiple materials, shapes, and effects they can apply to help you get the comfort and noise reduction you need.
Wax
Wax plugs are exactly like they sound. They come in a small tablet form that softens with the heat of your hand so you can comfortably fit and form it to the size and shape of your ear canal. They also are waterproof and can be used to help protect your ear from water. However, they have a high melting point and generally cannot be reused.
Foam
Foam earplugs are amongst the most popular. They are inexpensive, disposable, and very effective in blocking sound. With the ability to get up to 5 uses out of them, they are easy to fit into your ears as they compress and then expand to create a personalized fit.
Silicon
Silicon is a very versatile material and comes in both a moldable tablet, as well as a flexible plug. Moldable options soften with the heat of your hand for a customizable fit, while flexible, shaped options fit snugly into the ear canal.
Electronic
Electronic earplugs are unique in that they serve a dual purpose. They both help block sounds as well as provide sound to cover up distractions. Available in different styles, they come in both wireless and wired options.
Headmask/Headphone Style
These headphones and headband style earplugs are more traditional for sound transfer. In fact, they can be used in this manner as well. Soft, flexible speakers are designed for comfort when sleeping and traveling.
Earbud Style
Earbud style plugs sit in the ear canal to reduce outside noises and allow volume control to produce white noise and soothing, relaxing sounds. They differ from more traditional earbuds as they have a lower profile for side sleeping.
Best Earplugs for Your Nighttime Needs
The following earplug options highlight the various choices you can pick from, and are amongst the best you can buy based on consumer reviews. They all are effective for various reasons, and when choosing, always remember to base your choice on personal preferences and what you feel will work best for your own needs.
Spaxwlk Noise Cancelling Earplugs
Specs:
- Material: Silicone
- Noise Reduction Rating: Up to 32db
- Reusable: yes, moldable can be used up to 5 days
- Carrying Case: yes
Best Variety of Silicon Choices for a Perfect Fit
Seven pairs of quality plugs come in this set of silicon options to help you find your perfect fit. It also includes moldable silicone and provides everything you need for canceling noise, a more peaceful sleep, and even swimming. The convenient plastic case makes for ease in portability as well as to helps keep them all organized.
Pros
- Perfect for finding the right size
- Good for water and sound protection
- Comfortable and long lasting
Cons
- Reusable options may be too big for some people
Who These are For:
If you aren’t sure exactly what style or size you need, this set is perfect to allow you to find what is most comfortable. The variety also provides you plenty of options for different uses.
CozyPhones Sleep Headphones
Specs:
- Material: Poly headband
- Noise Reduction Rating: Variable
- Reusable: yes
- Carrying Case: yes
Best Electronic Headphones Created Specifically for Sleep
Cozyphones is the original company to make a comfortable, headband style headphone comfortable enough for sleep. A surround sound speaker system avoids earbud-style plugs, and fits snugly, and is comfortable around the head and over the ears. The thin flexible speaker is easy to take out for laundering purposes and has a flexible, durable cord for use with a 3.5 m universal jack.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Breathes well and is soft
- Speaker placement is adjustable for various sized heads
Cons
- Headphones may slip through the night
- Could stretch out over time
Who These Are For
These are great for both sleeps as well as outdoor activities, such as walking or jogging in cold weather.
Silent Buddy Earplugs for Sleeping
Specs:
- Material: foam
- Noise Reduction Rating: 31db
- Reusable: up to 5 days
- Carrying Case: yes
Best Budget Friendly, Disposable Foam Earplugs
These are some of the most popular foam earplugs since they come in a large bottle and allow you to always have a pair handy. They block sound well and conform perfectly to your ear canal. Easy to soften, the foam expands in your ear for a good seal and stays supple and comfortable. They also come with a carrying case so you can keep them with you wherever you go.
Pros
- Great at muffling and blocking sound
- Snug and comfortable
- Can last up to a week
Cons
- May harbor bacteria if worn too long
Who These are For:
Budget-friendly and easy to fit any ear size, these soft, conforming foam plugs are highly versatile and great for all-night comfort.
PQ Earplugs for Sleep
Specs:
- Material: wax
- Noise Reduction Rating: 32db
- Reusable: yes, with care
- Carrying Case: yes
Best Moldable Wax Earplugs
Wax earplugs are considered some of the best options for a wide variety of uses. They shape easily in the head of your hand, fit perfectly into your ear canal, and stay put. They are also waterproof, and you can make them smaller if needed, making them a great choice for small ears and children. They can be reused with care, and come with a rigid plastic case.
Pros
- Fully customizable
- Comfortable and waterproof
- Blocks background noise
Cons
- Too much heat can make them less effective
- Care must be taken for cleanliness
Who These are For:
If you need a custom fit and want a reusable ear plug, these are a great option to try.
Conclusion
If you are in need of a way to help comfortably block the noise from your snoring partner, neighborhood noises, or city traffic, these are excellent options. Not only can they be used for a wide variety of other needs, but they are dependable, and easy to take with you anywhere you go. Remember to choose your earplugs based on need, and personal preference. We’d love to hear which earplugs are your favorite, and which style you feel is the most comfortable and useful.