Best Earplugs For Sleeping
What Are The Best Earplugs For Sleeping?
Do you find yourself struggling to sleep while the rest of your house is awake? Do you have a sleeping partner whose snore could wake the dead? If keeping all outside disturbances out of earshot is an absolute must for your sleep schedule, a traditional white noise machine might not be potent enough. You may want to consider switching to full-blown earplugs for sleeping.
Earplugs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) between 27 to 32 can help you get the elusive night’s sleep you need. They’ll block out annoying sounds while still letting you hear your alarm clock or a late-night emergency call. Our guide is here to help Aussies find the absolute best earplugs for sleeping, from high-end noise-cancelling electronic ones, easy-to-use earplugs, to block out snoring to low-profile options for side sleepers.
If you’re not so familiar with the types of earplugs that exist today, scroll down to our Buyer’s Guide for a quick breakdown of the key features you should be evaluating. Then head back up here to review our top picks.
Our picks: Australia’s top-rated Earplugs for Sleeping
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Spatial Audio and World-Class Noise Cancellation, Black
| Brand | Bose |
| Colors | Black |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Headphones jack | Usb |
| Model name | Bose Ultra Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds. Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earbuds With Spatial Audio And World-Class Noisy Cancellation. Black |
About this item
- SPATIAL AUDIO EARS: Enjoy a truly immersive audio experience. The audio is placed directly in front you, making your music more real than ever.
- WORLD-CLASS QUIETNESS: CustomTune Technology analyzes each ear and adjusts sound to offer a premium, custom-tailored listening experience.
- CUSTOMISE YOUR FIT FOR COMFORT ALL DAY: Choose from nine different soft eartips, and stability bands for a snug fit.
- Three listening modes: Quiet Mode focuses on world-class noise cancelation, Aware Mode lets you hear the surroundings and Immersive Mode engages in Bose Immersive audio and full noise cancellation.
- The battery life of these Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones is up to 6 hours (up to four with Immersive Audio). A 20-minute charging time gives you an additional 2 hours.
- Clear Calls, Easy Controls: The noise-rejecting mics eliminate background noise to make calls clearer. Touch controls allow you to easily adjust the volume, skip tracks, change modes, and answer calls.
- Listen with one earbud: You can listen to your favorite music or answer calls through either a pair of earbuds or a single – whatever you prefer.
Highlights
Are you looking for something a little more sophisticated than two chunks of foam or silicone? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are a pair of comfortable, electronic earplugs that used their renowned noise-masking technology to help you better fall asleep and stay that way. This slick digital solution is combined with a form fitting design that comfortably seals itself within your ears, creating an added passive sound blocking layer.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds also comes with a companion app for your smartphone that allows you to add an array of peaceful soundscapes to help you relax as you fall asleep. They offer everything from the rainforest’s peaceful ambience to more abstract sounds like colour noise and abstract tones. You can also set the alarm right within the Bose app that will play your wakeup call through your Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, so there’s no risk of not hearing your morning alarm.
These high-tech earplug alternatives are currently sitting at 4.0 stars out of 2,560+ reviews on Amazon. Although many purchasers credit them with dramatically improving the way they sleep, some have mentioned them being less comfortable for frequent side sleepers.
These Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are extremely comfortable and light!. Even for people that sleep on their sides. The sound they put out is unbelievable, very much surround sound. I am a very light sleeper and these keep me asleep all night!!
You can get your own Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds from Amazon, with the option to return them if they aren’t helping you get better sleep. Bose promises they will last up to 6 hours per charge, and most reviewers said they had no issue with the batteries lasting through the night.
Final Verdict: The price tag may be a lot to swallow if you initially came here for traditional earplugs. Even so, we think the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds will last you much longer and offer a lot of added sleep benefits besides blocking out the snoring and high-pitch noises. They’re a great hybrid solution if you like the idea of a white noise machine or ambient music but need something with more noise-blocking power.
2. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs (50 Pair) – Best Overall
- Price: $28.95
- Quantity: 50 Pair
- NRR: 33
- Material: Soft Foam
- Colour: Beige
- Storage: Plastic tub
- Returns:14-day Amazon returns policy.
Highlights
For the best model of the classic foam earplugs, look no further. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs have perfected the design with a soft, flexible material that will stay comfortable and sealed all night. They hold an NRR of 33db, which should be more than sufficient to block out even the heaviest of snorers! Add to that the softer foam material and smaller stem makes it suitable for side sleepers or the ones with smaller ear canal.
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are perhaps the most tried and true options on the market, with a staggering 4.5-star rating across 21,000+ reviews. Although the vast majority of purchasers found them comfortable and practical, we found a few people who thought they were just a little too short to be effective.
Here’s what Allan. had to say about his earplugs:
Tried so many earplugs but these are the best and softest! I live in a city townhouse that has a tram track right outside, 4 train lines and a lot of drunk people. It muffled them all out and does not eliminate the noises completely which it shouldn’t because that doesn’t exist.
You can get a tub of 50 pairs for about $23, which should come out to just shy of a two-month supply if used every night. If you’re not thrilled after using your first pair, you do have the option to send them back via Amazon’s 14-day return policy.
Final Verdict: As the old expression goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. We could say nothing more accurate for these simple but highly effective noise-cancelling foam earplugs. At just under $0.50 a pair, they provide an exceptional value to boot!
3. PQ Wax Ear Plugs for Sleeping – Best Moldable
28 Silicone Wax Earplugs for Sleeping and Swimming, Gel Ear Plugs for Noise Cancelling, Sleeping Earplugs, Sound Blocking Level of 32 Db – 28 Pillows (Classic Wax Silicone)
| Brand | Peace&Quiet |
| Colors | Classic Wax Silicone |
| Material | Silicone |
| Size | Pack of 24 (24 Count) |
| Style | 28 Plugs. Small Case with Plugs |
About this item
- COMFORTABLE COMFORT FOR DAILY USAGE – Noise can be overwhelming when you are working, studying or relaxing. The PQ wax sleeping ear plugs are your barrier against annoying noises, as they have been tested and proven for noise cancellation.
- 28 SOFT Pillows = 280 Usages – you get 28 Bonus Pillows. Each ear plug pillow can be broken in half to extend its usability. Each package comes with a carrying bag so that you can take your noise-cancelling ear plugs anywhere.
- The PQ Wax gel swimming earplugs protect your ears when you are taking a bath or swimming. The wax earplugs do not fall out or press on your ears as rubber ear plugs.
- SNUGLY FITTED FOR ALL EARS – Our earplugs are designed to fit all ears, including those with small sized ears. These sleeping ear plugs don’t stick up from your ears so they work for side sleepers too
- They are completely safe to use and don’t cause pressure or discomfort even after wearing them for a long time. These earplugs are safe and comfortable to wear. We will reply within 10 hours.
Highlights
Do you dislike the feeling of expanding foam earplugs? Consider switching to the reusable silicone ear plugs from PQ wax Ear Plugs. The soft, moldable material of these ear plugs conforms to your natural ear shape with just a bit of rolling and pinching. Most earplugs are made of silicone, and side sleepers in particular prefer it because its appearance is less noticeable. It can also be used multiple times without needing to clean them every morning.
Amazon says that these are rated at 32db NRR, which is slightly lower than the average. However, they still do an excellent job of noise cancellation. PQ Wax Ear Plugs have a rating of 4.4 stars. Most negative reviews are from customers who discovered they preferred other types of earplugs.
Many of the reviews are similar to this:
Since I received them, I have used them every night. Cleanse with warm soapy water in the morning. Since I started using it, my sleep has improved and become deeper. I’ve been using foam type earplugs for over 10 years. The problem with them is that they always fall out during sleep.
With your order, you’ll receive six pairs of earplugs in a small plastic carrying case. You can get many years of use from your purchase with a little care! If you don’t like the silicone after your first couple of nights, PQ Wax Ear Plugs offer a 60-day guarantee.
Final Verdict
The biggest advantage of silicone over foam earplugs is that they create a perfect sealing without a constant feeling of pressure. The silicone earplugs are also less likely to fall out at night, and they don’t stick out of the ear. The 60-day warranty is a good bet if you are on the fence.
4. Alpine Hearing Protection FlyFit Airplane Ear Plugs
Pressure Regulating Reusable Ear Plugs Prevent Ear Pain – Soft Travel Ear Plugs – Sleep or Chat with the Hypoallergenic No Silicone Earplugs
Alpine Hearing Protection FlyFit reusable earplugs are a great option if you want to block out unwanted noises but worry about not hearing important sounds. These earplugs are designed to reduce noise by using a patented alpine acoustic materials. This filter is unique in that it reduces low-frequency sounds such as traffic and snoring, without blocking higher-pitched sounds.
Also, they are highly praised for their comfort and durability. Based on almost 6240 reviews and 4.3 stars, customers are most likely to purchase acoustic filter earplugs that block their particular noise problem. Alpine Hearing Protection FlyFit Reusable Earplugs are a great product.
| Brand | Alpine |
| Material | Silicone |
| Size | Pack of 1 (Count) |
| Style | Silicone |
| Reusability | Reusable |
About this item
- ELIMINATES PRESSURE: Altitude changes can cause pressure in your ears. Alpine FlyFit filters are designed to regulate pressure, like a valve. This allows your ears to adapt. No more pain during takeoff or landing.
- Filters annoying flight noise: Traveling is tiring and you sometimes need to take a break. The AlpineAcousticFilters reduce ambient noise while still enabling speech to come through! You can enjoy your trip whether you are awake or asleep.
- Comfortable during long flights: The earplugs for airplanes are made from a reusable, hypoallergenic material that adapts to your ear canal. Minigrip makes it easy to remove the earplugs. FlyFits can be used as a neck pillow to help you sleep during your flight.
- Tested and certified to achieve noise reduction of 17 dB in accordance with US and EU Regulations. AlpineThermoShape is hypoallergenic and sustainable, without silicone. No allergic reactions!
- Alpine has 25 years of R&D expertise and is a leader in hearing protection. All products are produced and designed in The Netherlands. With a wide range of earplugs, you can enjoy your favorite activities without worrying about damaging your ears!
5. Earjobs(tm) Silicone Putty Ear Plugs - Best Budget
Highlights
- Price: $8.99
- Quantity: 3 Pair
- NRR: 22
- Material: Silicone
- Colour: Green
- Storage: Plastic Case
- Returns: 14-day Amazon returns policy.
It’s impossible to quantify the value of a good night’s sleep but $.50 per night spent on disposable foam earplugs adds up. Earjobs ™ Silicone Putty Ear Plugs are a great option for those looking for an economical solution or who don’t wish to spend a lot of money on their first pair. The SNR 22 rating places them as the lowest level of noise reduction on our list. However, for most people it will be a significant improvement. To give a comparison, 22db would be the equivalent of turning a pair earbuds down from maximum volume to around 70%.
Earjobs, despite its eyebrow-raising name, has a 4.2 star rating from more than 20 customer reviews. Only a few reviews have been below 4 stars, and they all seem to be from people who tried to use the product while swimming.
Users who use them report great results:
These are for use at night. This is an excellent product. It never falls out, even when I toss and flip. It works great to wash them. The only thing I would change is the colour. Teal is not my favourite colour. – Raf Fez
We want to know who is judging Raf’s fashion accessory taste at night. Earjobs doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee for their budget earplugs. But at this price we think that the risk is low.
Final Verdict: Earjobs offer a good quality, no-frills option for Australians who need some peace and quiet but don’t want to spend a lot. This 3-pack will delight anyone who is willing to use silicone earplugs.
How to choose the right ear plugs?
Earplugs may be the easiest item we have covered on our website. There are a few other things to think about before you check out.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
All earplugs are rated for noise reduction. This rating is expressed in decibels and measures how effective the earplugs are at reducing sound. The lowest level of reduction is usually 20 decibels, and the highest is 32.
Noise ratings of less than 27 NRR can be used to block out some soft sounds, but they are still irritating. The earplugs are usually effective at blocking out the most common sounds, including snoring from your partner, human speech, barking dogs, and noisy neighbors.
Materials
Most earplugs are made of silicone, but there are some exceptions. They can be molded to fit your ear canal. Foam earplugs tend to be one-time uses, while silicone earplugs can be used multiple times.
The earplugs should not be too large, as they may rub on the pillow while sleeping sideways. They may also fall out. For side sleepers, silicone putty or softer foam is usually better.
It is important to wash reusable earplugs in warm soapy water, or with alcohol, and then let them air dry. This will keep your ears healthy and clean.
Stores
Many foam earplugs are packaged in plastic tubs that are about the same size as a large soup can. Silicone earplugs are often packaged in small plastic cases which can fit into a thin nightstand drawer.
Quantity
Order enough to last you a long time, whether you are splitting the pack with another person, leaving it in different places, or you tend to lose small items.
Wrapping up
We recommend that you take stock of your needs and preferences before buying an earplug tub (or the fancy Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds). Will the feeling of foam expanding inside your ears keep you awake? You may need to block a passing rumble or even your chatty roommates.
Make a list of the most important needs you have before you commit your money. Check back for Australia’s top sleeping earplugs when you’re ready.
