When I was a young girl, I would always read my book in bed before falling asleep. After a long day, reading would calm me and help me slowly drift into dreamland. College changed this because of late night studying and hanging out with friends. And later when I got married, I hardly picked up a book. But that was because I married a snorer.
In fact, my husband starts snoring about 30 seconds after he falls asleep. It’s not a soft, light snore either. It’s deep and loud. For this type of snoring, I needed only the best ear plugs. But the best earplugs to block snoring aren’t easy to find. To solve my problem, I tried just about every earplug brand and type that I could find. And my results are below. Please feel free to use my ultimate guide for finding the top rated earplugs for yourself.
Read my reviews, and they’ll help you find what works for you.
Our Top Best Ear Plugs Comparison Chart
| Products | No. Of Uses | Review |
|---|---|---|
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs | Reusable | Our Review |
Flents Quiet Please Foam Ear Plugs | 50 Pairs | Our Review |
HEAROS Earplugs – Xtreme Ear Protection | 100 Pairs | Our Review |
Mack’s Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs | 50 Pairs | Our Review |
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs | 6 Pairs | Our Review |
Why Get The Best Ear Plugs for Sleep
How Effective Are Ear Plugs?
Well, that depends on your sleeping situation.
For example, if you’re trying to block out a rock concert playing right outside your window, you’re probably out of luck. It’s hard to cancel out extremely loud noises completely.
But if you just want to get rid of some chatty bird noises near your window or a snorer’s snores, ear plugs will be your saving grace.
For example, I went to college in the city. From cars and trains going by to people shouting and playing music, there was always noise coming in from outside at night.
Did earplugs help? At that point and especially in the summer when I had my windows open, even the top ear plugs for sleeping couldn’t block out every noise.
But did earplugs help me sleep better? They definitely did. I was able to at least muffle the loud noises and drift off much easier.
Better yet, blocking out a snoring sleeper who’s laying right next to you is even easier.
Today, now that I’m married to a snorer, he can get as loud as he wants, and almost all of his snores are blocked out when I wear my ear plugs.
Of course, there are other things to consider like comfortableness, cost effectiveness, color, shape and material. Below, you’ll read how to sort through all of that.
How To Choose The Most Effective Ear Plugs
What material are they made out of?
Good earplugs can be made out of most any synthetic material, but the most effective ear plugs are usually made out of an expandable foam. At the very least, the part of the earplugs that goes into your ear canal will be foam. Sometimes, a cover goes over the foam that helps keep the plugs in place.
Ear plugs are made of expandable foam because you want to be able to squeeze them to a small size and get them far into your ear canal.
Once situated, the foam plugs can then expand as much as possible to completely cut off the ear canal from noise.
What size and shape do you require?
Some really good ear plugs work better for smaller ears while others work better for larger ears. It’s best to read ear plug reviews to get the best idea of what type will work for you.
Just remember that whatever size you choose, they should fit snugly in your ears. This means that they should fill up the ear canals and not feel like they’re going to fall out. Most plugs have a contoured, tapered design for this reason.
How comfortable are they?
If you’re going to be wearing these ear plugs every night or on a somewhat regular basis, they need to be comfortable!
Follow the directions on the package for how to insert the plugs. If they feel pokey or itchy on your skin, too tight or like they are going to immediately fall out, you need a new product or at least a different size.
How long can you use your earplugs before needing to replace them?
All earplugs need replacing after a while, but some plugs are designed to last longer than others.
The reason that you can’t use the same pair forever is because the foam will inevitably start to break down, and they’ll start to get dents and creases or holes in them. In addition, you’ll notice that ear plugs can get dirty and sticky after a while, and you don’t want to put dirty objects into your ears for hygiene and safety reasons.
If you’re concerned about the cost of long-term earplug wear, you may want to get a large bulk container of them to save money as well. Alternatively, you can choose a more durable type of plug that will last longer before it needs replacement.
Top 10 Best Earplugs for Sleeping Reviews
Best Earplugs for Snoring
1. Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
For
- Ear plugs mold exactly to your own ear shape after using hot water and following molding instructions
- Plugs will not fall out during wear
- Come with 3 different sizes of foam tips to fit your ears perfectly
- High noise reduction rating (NRR): 31 decibels
- Best earplugs for sleep and other solutions
- Foam tips can be replaced after wear over time
- Plugs remold with ease when you need them to
- Available in 5 colors: Black, Pink, Orange, Red and Blue
Against
- A few of the reviews said that these plugs were not the best ear plugs for snoring because it was not comfortable to wear them at night, but it should be noted that this could be because the molding instructions were not followed correctly. After following molding instructions, ear buds should fit perfectly and be comfortable.
Review
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs are the most recommended ear plugs in general and the best ear plugs for sleeping. They are made of high-quality Thermoplastic, and unlike many other type of ear plugs, they mold to your own ears.
Overall Value for the Money
As the number one product on this list and the top earplugs for sleeping in my book, I highly recommend the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs. You’re getting a pair of high quality custom molds along with three sets of foam tips, and you’re also getting a convenient carrying bag. All of this is available at an amazing price.
I recommend these earbuds for sleeping if you or your partner snore or if you just want to block out extra noise. I also recommend them if you’re looking for other situations in which you might want to block out noise, such as at a rock concert, when shooting a gun or when traveling.
2. Drift to Sleep Ear Plugs Moldex, 20 Pairs
For
- Useful for sleeping as well as other situations in which you want to block out noise
- Smooth surface is non-irritating to skin
- Shaped to fit perfectly into any size ear canals
- Great earplugs to block out snoring
- Super easy to use
- Made in the USA
- Proven to help you sleep better
- Extra soft foam doesn’t make your ears feel uncomfortable
- Package comes with 20 pairs of ear buds
- Convenient pocket carrying case included
- Attractive purple color
Against
- A few of the reviews said that the ear buds did not stay tight enough in the ears while in use, but it’s important to remember to squeeze the buds before putting them in so that they can expand and fill the opening to prevent sound from entering.
Review
Drift to Sleep Ear Plugs Moldex are a great ear plug product for blocking out snoring and other noise while you sleep. Having tried many types of ear plugs, I like these because they are not only effective, but their purple color makes them easy to find! Sometimes, soft foam earplugs can come off in the night while you’re sleeping and tossing and turning, and you can always find these purple plugs much easier than the beige varieties if that happens.
Overall Value for the Money
You’re getting an excellent deal with this product. In the package, you will not only receive 20 pairs of high-quality ear plugs, but you will also get a convenient carrying case to put them in when traveling. It’s important to keep your ear plugs clean, so this is extremely useful. These ear buds work, and they come at an excellent price.
3. Flents Quiet Please Foam Ear Plugs
For
- One of the best-selling brands of ear plugs in the country
- Design is not tapered, so they stay in your ears better
- Foam is free of latex and other skin irritants
- A whopping 50 pairs of these plugs come in a convenient storage case with lid
- Noise reduction rating (NRR): 29 decibels
- White color helps them blend into most skin tones
Against
- Some of the users were disappointed that the light color of these foam plugs showed dirt and grime easier. But keep in mind that there are 50 pairs of the plugs in the package, so they are supposed to be used for a while before being disposed of in order to use a new pair.
Review
Flents Quiet Please Foam Ear Plugs are one of the best earplugs to block out snoring. I have used these plugs and had success with them when it comes to blocking out noise. They have a noise reduction rating of 29 decibels, which is fairly high compared to many other ear plug products.
I like that they are light colored. It makes you look more normal when you’re wearing them around other people, and some people don’t even notice them! They’re also extremely comfortable and easy to put in.
Overall Value for the Money
With 50 pairs of the Flents Quiet Please Foam Ear Plugs in each package, you’re getting a great deal. The cylindrical design is unlike the tapered design of many of the other products, but they seem to work extremely well.
4. OTICMED Foam Ear Plugs for Sleeping
For
- Extremely effective ear plugs for sleeping, traveling, working, gun ranges or construction
- Plugs are made from latex free foam
- Always gentle on your ears and non-obstructive to the ear canal while still blocking out noise
- Some of the best earplugs for sleeping in complete silence
- Made from super soft memory foam
- Free travel case is included with the 50 ear plugs
- Tip design is tapered to help fit snugly inside the ear canal and seal the opening to prevent sound leakage
- Value pack contains 50 pairs of plugs that will last for months or even years
- Fun orange color makes them more noticeable and easier to find!
Against
- Even though these are some of the best earplugs to block out snoring, a few complaints mentioned that they were difficult to insert.
- There is no warranty with this product.
Review
The most effective ear plugs are those that are easy to insert, comfortable to wear and effective where noise cancellation is concerned. I have never personally worn these plugs, but they are the brand that both my husband and my brother use, and they love them.
When they work construction, they have to have brightly colored earplugs in so that their co-workers can see when they are in their ears. Otherwise, someone with ear plugs in just seems like they’re ignoring everyone when they don’t respond to someone talking to them.
Overall Value for the Money
The OTICMED Foam Ear Plugs for Sleeping are a great product. You’ll get a convenient carrying case along with the 50 orange ear plugs and storage container, and this should be more than enough to last one person at least a year. The price is extremely reasonable as well.
5. The Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Ear Plugs
For
- Some of the most comfortable earplugs for sleeping with every night
- Also perfect for rock concerts, construction, shooting ranges and other events and occasions that involve loud activity
- These are the best noise reduction ear plugs because of their super high Noise Reduction Rate (NRR) of 32 decibels
- Some of the most effective ear plugs for those who sleep next to snorers at night
- Never cause earaches or ear pain
- Bright orange color lets others know that you’re wearing plugs
- Instructions for proper ear plug insertion are directly on the bottle
- Special 60 day 100 percent money back guarantee
Against
- These ear plugs have a high NRR, but for this product, that means that they are not as comfortable as some of the other foam ear plug reviews.
- These are great ear plugs for sleeping when there is outside noise that bothers you or a dishwasher going that you don’t want to hear, but they aren’t the top earplugs for sleeping with a snorer.
Review
The Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Ear Plugs are great for sleeping in a loud area. In other words, when you want to drown out external or outside noise, these ear plugs can help. But I don’t feel that they are the best ear plugs for sleeping right next to a partner who snores at night as they don’t quite get the job done.
They do have a high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 32, but when you insert them all the way into your ear in order to achieve this high NRR, it can render them uncomfortable for sleeping.
Overall Value for the Money
The special contours of these ear plugs make them effective at canceling most noise, and you are getting 50 pairs of ear plugs at a great price, but they can be slightly uncomfortable.
6. Flents Contour Ear Plugs – Soft Comfort!
For
- Special curve of these ear plugs offers a special fit that is both comfortable and effective at canceling out noise, especially in small ears
- Some of the most comfortable ear plugs for small ears because of the special contours
- In line with the best ear plugs for snoring because of the super high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 33
- A small case to hold one pair of plugs comes with this product
- 10 pair in the package
- Bright lime green color is great for letting people know that plugs are in your ears
Against
- Some of the available earplug reviews were disappointed that only 10 pairs of plugs came with this product, but don’t forget that these are not cheap, throw-away plugs. They are higher quality, so each pair can be used for longer than some of the disposable brands.
- In some ways, the fit of these ear plugs is better for smaller ears than bigger ears.
- The best ear plugs usually come in a storage container that has a lid, but these ear plugs only come in s small plastic bag and include a 1 pair storage case.
Review
The Flents Contour Ear Plugs offer soft comfort, making them the most comfortable earplugs for sleeping and blocking out noise. This is especially true for those who have small ears and small ear canals like me!
In addition, most of the ear plugs that I see on the market today have a noise reduction rating of around 29 or 30, but these have a noise reduction rating of 33. This is a uniquely high number, but the difference is certainly noticeable. You can’t hear anything when these are in your ears.
Overall Value for the Money
The high noise reduction rating of these ear plugs and their effectiveness at canceling out even strong snoring right next to you makes these plugs well worth the price. Keep in mind that you only get 10 in the package. These are great for small ears.
7. HEAROS Earplugs – Xtreme Ear Protection 100 Pair
For
- Super at reducing noise and protecting your hearing while sleeping, traveling, reading studying or working
- Special patented EZ Grip design helps you remove the plugs easier than ever before
- Silky soft skin makes putting the ear plugs in and taking them out more comfortable
- Foam is soft yet firm enough to stay put in your ears
- Best earplugs to block snoring because of the amazingly high noise reduction rate of 33
- These plugs help protect your long-term hearing
- Special contoured shape helps the plugs to fit better in any sized ear
- Bright blue color is great for letting others know that you have ear plugs in
Against
- Those who have larger ears may not feel that these are the top rated ear plugs. A few of the ear plugs review segments that you’ll read will explain that the HEAROS Earplugs – Xtreme Ear Protection work best for those with regular size to small size ears.
Review
HEAROS Earplugs – Xtreme Ear Protection are some of the best earplugs on the market with a high noise reduction rating of 33. I have used these before and like the way that they work for protecting against snoring noise especially.
Keep in mind that this package contains 100 pairs of ear plugs, but this may be a high number for some folks. If you like the style and effectiveness of these plugs but you don’t want so many pairs, try the other size, which contains only 28 pairs of the plugs and costs less. These can be found here.
Overall Value for the Money
You definitely get the most bang for your buck with these ear plugs! They are some of the best sleeping ear plugs on this top 10 guide, and you also get 100 pairs in the package, which is unheard of! Remember that you can also get the package of 28 pairs if 100 pairs are too many.
8. Eargasm All Ears Earplugs
For
- Great earplugs for sleeping when you simply want to dim the noise around you
- Excellent for those who live and sleep alone and don’t want to be completely cut off from noise while sleeping for safety reasons
- Made of hypoallergenic plush silicone, which means that they are non-toxic and safe for long-term wear
- These ear plugs will help you protect your long-term hearing
- Plugs will never cause pressure pain or ear canal or outer ear itching
- So lightweight that you can hardly feel them in your ear
- Perfect as some of the best ear plugs for snoring, but also good for shooting, playing loud music and riding motorcycles because they don’t completely cut out sound
- Includes two sizes of ear plug shells to help you get the perfect fit
- Special attenuation filters help to reduce overall sound without muffling actual voices or noises
- Fit the carrying case right on your keychain.
Against
- These may not be the best earplugs for sleeping next to a loud snorer or extremely loud noises as the noise reduction rating is only 15 decibels, which is about half of many of the other products on this list. Just remember that this is the case for a reason. These plugs do not completely cut off sound. Rather, they muffle sounds and dim the loudness.
Review
Eargasm All Ears Earplugs are certainly not the top rated earplugs for snoring spouse sleepers who are extremely loud, but they are great when you just want to dim the noise around you. I used to wear them when I slept alone because I didn’t want to completely cut off all sound. If a fire alarm had gone off or an intruder came in, I wouldn’t have heard it.
Overall Value for the Money
These are great ear plugs for those who just want to dim the sound around them while they sleep, and the two sizes with the carrying case are well worth the price.
9. Mack’s Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 50 Pair
For
- State-of-the-art foam that is low pressure
- Slow release foam that fits perfectly in your ear
- Ultra high noise reduction rating of 32 decibels
- These pairs of ear plugs can be used multiple times before needing to be discarded
- Excellent price for 50 pairs of ear plugs
- Best ear plugs in beige
Against
- Remember that the best sleeping ear plugs in a flesh color are not going to be noticeable, and they may be more difficult to find if they drop or misplace them as well. Some users may want to opt for a bright colored ear plug because of this.
- A few of the reviews stated that the design of these ear plugs has changed over time and that they are thinner and taller than they used to be.
- The light beige color of these plugs can cause them to show more dirt after several uses.
Review
The Mack’s Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are another type of the most recommended earplugs to block snoring. If you have larger ears, you again may want to choose a different brand. I have small ear canals, so I like these. But, for example, my husband has bigger ears, and these don’t cut out all of the sound for him.
Overall Value for the Money
These are good ear plugs in a neutral beige color that some people want. When you don’t want people to know that you are wearing plugs, I would highly recommend these. They are being sold in a jar of 50 pairs at a decent price.
10. Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
For
- A top choice for those light sleepers who want to cut out excess noise
- Noise reduction rating of 22 decibels
- Made of high-quality silicone
- Special silicone molds to the exact contours of your ears to make these some of the best sleeping ear plugs for those with any ear shape
- Made in the USA
- Silicone foam is waterproof
- Great for sleeping with snorers or loud noises around and also good for swimmers because the water is blocked out completely
- Clear white color makes the ear plugs hardly noticeable
Against
- You are only getting 12 plugs or 6 pairs of plugs with this product, but they are reusable.
- Because the silicone molds to the exact contours of your ears, it means that they aren’t exactly breathable. As a result, sometimes, these plugs may build up pressure in the ear canal, which can be uncomfortable.
- Noise reduction rating is only 22 decibels, which is more middle of the road and not the maximum.
Review
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs are good quality ear plugs. I find the special contouring and moldable silicone to render these not the most comfortable ear plugs, but they are effective at cutting out most sounds at night. Furthermore, those who don’t like the feeling of foam all the way inside their ear canals may prefer this method of noise reduction.
Overall Value for the Money
This package contains only 6 pairs of silicone foam ear plugs whereas many of the other products contained 50 or 100 pairs. With that being said, the price here is much more inexpensive, and these silicone ear plugs are more reusable than many of the other foam pairs. If you prefer moldable ear plugs, these are highly recommended.
Sleeping With Earplugs
How to Insert Ear Plugs
Insertion instructions will invariably be included with each set of ear plugs. But in general, you can follow the following instructions to properly insert ear plugs.
1. First, wash your hands. You should have clean hands before handling your ear plugs as they will be going into your ear canals.
2. We’ll start with the right ear. Slowly roll the smaller, tapered tip of one ear plug in your right hand’s fingertips. Compress this roll and hold on tightly.
3. Reach your left hand over your head and gently pull up and out on the top of your right ear to open your ear canal.
4. With your right hand still compressing the tapered end of the ear plug, insert the plug well into your right ear canal. The tapered, compressed end should go first. Push it in as far as you can while making sure that it’s still comfortable.
5. Continue to gently push and hold the plug inside your ear for 20 seconds or until it fully expands. Release your fingers before pushing again for a few seconds to make sure the fit is good.
6. Repeat on the other side.
How the Ear Plugs Should Feel in Your Ears
The most comfortable ear plugs should hardly feel like anything. And they should not fall out throughout the night.
If you have great noise canceling plugs, they may be slightly uncomfortable because they are completely shutting off your ear canal and subsequent air flow. This is normal, but don’t allow the plugs to be too uncomfortable or you won’t be able to get to sleep. They shouldn’t give you a headache or give you legitimate pain.
Safety Tips
Make sure that your ear plugs do not stick far out of your ears so that they poke you or cause serious discomfort when you lay your head on its side. If you feel any severe discomfort while wearing ear plugs, take them out immediately.You should never wear your earplugs for the entirety of the day or all day and all night. Furthermore, never use ear plugs if you feel you may be in danger. Never wear them if you need to be aware of possible sounds either, such as while driving or watching children.
Finally, replace your ear plugs when they start to get dirty or disintegrate or according to the ear plug instructions.
Wrap Up and Making Your Final Decision
You started this guide with one question: What are the most recommended ear plugs?Do you have an answer?
We hope you do! We hope that you’ve found the best sleeping ear plugs for yourself and your specific needs because that’s what this guide is all about.
To be sure, finding the best earplugs for snoring spouses can be especially tough. There are so many options out there. I even have trouble sticking to one brand over time, and my preferences have changed over time.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t wait to find a great pair of ear plugs to help you sleep. That’s because getting a good night’s sleep every night is extremely important to your overall health.
In fact, studies have shown time and again that those who get limited sleep end up with more health problems. They are more likely to get colds and the flu as well as serious disease. And they’re more likely to be depressed.
A sleeping spouse doesn’t know that they’re snoring, and you may feel bad using ear plugs to block them out. But you shouldn’t.
Instead, make quality sleep a priority, and simply explain to your spouse that you need your sleep for your health and sanity.
Finally once you find the best ear plugs for you, don’t hesitate to buy them as soon as possible.
With them, you’ll see the amazing things that a great night’s sleep can do for your life and well-being!
