These Are the Best Earplugs For Sleeping, According to Doctors' Criteria
:upscale()/2024/11/12/880/n/49351082/edc331bd6733b5b169e181.97013141_.png)
There are some fundamentals to set yourself up for a good night's sleep, including comfortable bedding, dim lighting, and a quiet atmosphere. But if you live in a noisy place or need to conk out on the go, it can be tricky to block out all the sound around you. That's when you need earplugs.
The best earplugs for sleeping are comfortable and effective, allowing you to drift off to dreamland without being bothered by loud noises. But there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for earplugs for sleeping, according to doctors.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Stacy Silvers, MD, is an otolaryngologist at Madison ENT.
Don Beasley, MD, is an otolaryngologist and owner of Boise ENT.
Anish V. Thakkar, AuD, is the founder and director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Hearing and Balance.
"A soft plug is better overall than hard plugs," both for comfort and noise-blocking ability, says Stacy Silvers, MD, an otolaryngologist at Madison ENT. You want these earplugs to fit snugly without putting too much pressure on your ears, says Don Beasley, MD, an otolaryngologist and owner of Boise ENT. "Although foam earplugs are popular for their softness, my favorite is silicone because they are usually better for those with sensitivities," he says.
Dr. Beasley says he's "all in" with reusable silicone earplugs that are made specifically for sleeping. "I look out for those with some customizable features, like moldable silicone or earplugs with memory foam, to really dial up both comfort and effectiveness," he says.
There are a few caveats with earplugs, though. If you tend to produce a lot of earwax, plugs can push the wax in further, Silvers says. Also, you don't want to get too intense with inserting the earplugs. "Anything you use in general should not be pushed too far into the ear canal," Dr. Silvers says.
While it's tempting to repeatedly reuse your disposable earplugs, it's best to toss them after a few uses or whenever the instructions state, says Anish V. Thakkar, AuD, founder and director of audiology at Los Angeles Center for Hearing & Balance. "Do not use disposable plugs too many times, since they will deform over time and are more prone to pick up bacteria," he says.
If you live in an area that's noisy, Dr. Silvers also recommends considering a noise machine to cover the sounds you don't want to hear. But noise machines can feel distracting to some people, making it even harder to fall asleep. If you prefer to go the earplug route, there are plenty of options. With our expert-backed criteria in hand, we rounded up the best earplugs for sleep — from Loop earplugs to those over at PQ. The road to better Zzz's is right ahead.
:upscale()/2024/11/12/895/n/49351082/593923226733ba838229c8.60656101_loop-dream-e.jpg)
Best Overall Earplugs
Loop Dream Earplugs ($50)
The Loop Dream earplugs are designed to promote restful sleep, offering up to 27 decibels of noise reduction, the highest of any of their products. The plugs great for ears of all sizes as it comes with four sets of Loop Dream™ Ear Tips in sizes XS-L, so that you can adjust the fit to your liking. Loop doesn't sacrifice comfort for design, either. The sleek earplugs come in three colors — lilac, peach, and black — to fit several different aesthetics.
"If you're like me and have roommates who wake up earlier than you do, these are great for drowning out any noises they make in shared spaces. These are also great for those with a partner (or pet) that snores, or who live in a livelier area where the outside world brings a lot of noise into your bedroom," writes Annie Harrigan, editorial coordinator for PS, in a recent review. You can read the full review here.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/895/n/44344577/shopKBPPUF.png)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/85cdaf7ca5acc202_macks-earplugs.jpg)
Best Adaptable Earplugs
Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs ($11, originally $13)
Mack's earplugs have a cult following thanks to their versatility and comfortable feel. These earplugs are pliable and mold to the shape of your ears, allowing for a custom fit. The earplugs, which block out 22 decibels of noise, are also hypoallergenic and relatively inexpensive. Worth noting: You can even use them to block out water while you swim.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/85cdaf7ca5acc202_macks-earplugs.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/fd71f4e7ca2a9765_pq-wax-earplugs.jpg)
Best Earplugs For Small Ears
PQ Wax Silicone Ear Plugs ($17)
PQ's earplugs are made with silicone and wax for a soft feel. In fact, the company calls its earplugs "pillows." Each package contains 28 earplugs that can provide 280 uses. If you have smaller ears, PQ points out that you can break these in half and get even more mileage out of the case. These earplugs mold to your ear and can block out up to 32 decibels of sound. The set even comes with a handy carrying case that's ideal for travel.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/fd71f4e7ca2a9765_pq-wax-earplugs.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/81a93c7e59054e84_schiara-earplugs.jpg)
Best Earplugs For Sensitive Ears
Schiara Ear Plugs ($8)
Schiara ear plugs are made from silicone and can be molded to your ears to block out up to 27 decibels of noise. These plugs are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, too. The Sciara set features 16 pieces in a compact storage case. However, you'll also get an included carrying case that fits a pair to take your noise-blocking on the road. Choose from blue or white shades.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/81a93c7e59054e84_schiara-earplugs.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/900/n/49351082/3d19ea566733bc5fc02718.52251465_loop-quiet-2.jpg)
Best Earplugs For Aesthetic and Versatility
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs ($28)
Loop's Quiet 2 earplugs look like earbuds but have a softer feel. These silicone plugs block up to 24 decibels of sound. They also have a unique shape, with a circle on one end for easy removal. The reusable earplugs come with four ear tip sizes, ranging from extra-small to large, to help you get a secure fit. Choose from 10 different shades.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/900/n/49351082/3d19ea566733bc5fc02718.52251465_loop-quiet-2.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/866/n/49351082/7ee8dbd7ee40c07b_silicone-putty-earplugs.jpg)
Best Budget Earplugs
Up and Up Ultra Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs ($6)
If you're looking for an inexpensive pair, consider the Up & Up Ultra Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs. These earplugs come in a set of 16 and block out up to 22 decibels of noise. The plugs come with their own carrying case for easy storage. You can also wear them while swimming or showering to keep water out of your ears.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2024/11/12/874/n/44344577/shopU3QZA7.jpg)
:upscale()/2024/11/12/903/n/49351082/d6171e667cdcd50a_Commerce_Mini_Bio_Slides_1_.png)
— Additional reporting by Alexis Jones
Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more
Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her passions and areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more