Many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep, and the pandemic certainly hasn’t helped things. Aside from everything else that may be keeping us awake—worries, an uncomfortable bed, the list goes on—it seems like the world has gotten much louder at all times of the day and night. If you have difficulty sleeping when there’s too much noise around you, a good set of earplugs can help you get some rest.
What makes a good earplug?
There are two main factors to consider when choosing an earplug: sound reduction and fit. To get an idea of how well earplugs will reduce sound, look at the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which is used to measure how well hearing protection equipment such as earphones or earplugs blocks out noise. This is measured in terms of decibels (dB). The highest possible NRR level for earplugs is 33 dB. The other important characteristic of an earplug is the fit. It doesn’t matter how good an earplug is if it doesn’t stay in your ear or doesn’t fit snugly enough to block out noise effectively. Earplugs designed for sleeping tend to be softer and often smaller, to make them more comfortable while you’re asleep. Since everyone’s ear canal has its own unique size and shape, it can be tricky to get the perfect individual fit. This often involves a bit of trial and error, since it is difficult to know exactly how a particular type of earplugs will fit until you actually try them out. You may need to experiment with a few different brands and put them to the test. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best earplugs for sleeping
Here are the ten best earplugs to wear while sleeping.
1. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs - $8.99
Made with Comfy Cush Comfort Foam, these Mack’s earplugs are designed to be super soft while providing the ultimate noise protection. They have an NRR of 33 dB, the highest possible.
2. MOLDEX Sparkplugs Soft Foam Earplugs - $12.80
These Sparkplugs earplugs from MOLDEX have a tapered design that allows them to fit snugly and helps them adapt to your ear canal in a comfortable way. They come with a case that can hold a pair of earplugs, which is great for keeping them handy (and clean) while traveling.
3.Flents Protechs Quiet Please Earplugs - $10.39
These Flents earplugs are soft and lightweight and earn positive reviews from users who found them super comfortable, even when sleeping on your side. Their NRR is 29dB, though, which is lower than some other options.
4. 3M Earplugs - $14.32
These 3M earplugs are a good bargain—they come in an 80-pair container at a price that’s only slightly higher than some competitors’ 50-pair jar. They also offer good noise blocking, with an NRR of 32dB.
5. Lysian Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs - $9.79
You will like the price of these Lysian earplugs, which deliver a good value with a respectable 31 dB. The jar also includes a pair of reusable silicone earplugs and a carrying case.
6. Howard Leight Laser Lite Earplugs - $26.95
These earplugs from Howard Leight are made from low-pressure foam that conforms to fit your ear canal snugly. The t-shaped design makes it easier to insert and remove them.
7. HEAROS Xtreme Protection Earplugs - $14.89
These foam earplugs from HEAROS are a bit pricier on a per-pair basis than some competitors, but they promise custom fit that conforms to your ear. They also boast a 33 dB NRR level of noise blocking.
8. Ear Buddy Earplugs - $29.78
The manufacturer assures you that these Ear Buddy earplugs won’t fall out while you’re sleeping and will allow you to enjoy a good night’s sleep—or they will give you your money back.
9. Mack’s Snore Blockers Earplugs - $12.36
As you can probably guess from the name, these earplugs from Mack’s are especially aimed for those who live with a snorer. They have a hollow-end design that ensures comfortable use for side sleepers.
10. Eargasm Foam Earplugs - $12
These soft, moldable earplugs from Eargasm are affordable, adjust to all ear canal sizes, and offer an NRR of 32dB. The package includes a carrying case that holds one pair of earplugs. Next up, find out 7 important reasons to get a good night’s rest.
