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The 16 Best Earplugs for Sleeping That Are Actually Comfortable and Effective

Tune it all out.

Earplugs for Sleeping

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Whether you live in a busy urban hub, the night shift has you sleeping during the day, or your partner snores, the right pair of earplugs might be what you need to get the rest you crave. (Our guide to fixing your sleep schedule can help, too.) "Earplugs can absolutely be helpful when trying to fall asleep," confirms sleep science coach Logan Foley. "A quiet environment is key to getting a full, uninterrupted night of sleep." Plus, earplugs are totally safe to sleep with—though sometimes, after prolonged use, you might notice a build-up of wax.

There are all kinds of earplugs on the market, ranging from inexpensive disposable earplugs to noise-canceling electronic options. But not all earplugs are the same since they vary in material and decibel rating. A good pair of earplugs is not only effective at canceling out noise but is comfortable for sleeping in various positions as well. (Stomach sleepers with neck and back pain; here's how to sleep on your back comfortably.) "When shopping for earplugs for sleep, the most important features are fit, comfort, and noise reduction," Foley tells Byrdie.

To help you find a pair of great earplugs, we chatted with Foley to learn more about sleep health and how earplugs can help. Then we conducted hours of research, evaluating models on their design, fit, comfort, and how well they reduce noise by checking their noise reduction rate (aka how many noise decibels each set was equipped to cancel out.) Here are the ones we liked the best for getting a good night's sleep. 

What We Like
  • Reusable

  • Four tip sizes included

  • Reduces 25 decibels


What to Consider
  • Ear tips run large

Material: Silicone | Colors: White, black, navy, maroon, mint, blush, +more | Sizes: XS–L tips included

Made of ultra-soft silicone with four tip sizes included so you can find the right fit for your ear, these superstar earplugs are as comfy as can be—yep, even for side sleepers. They stay put while you toss and turn, so you won't have to search your sheets in the morning for a rogue bud.

More to the point, these sleeping companions reduce as much as 26 decibels of noise while you doze. Plus, they're washable and reusable, allowing you to minimize your waste and cut down on money spent on achieving quality sleep. Oh, and did we mention they come in a handful of chic colors, like blush, mint, maroon, and white?

Best Overall, Runner-Up

LYSIAN Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

LYSIAN Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Earplugs are recyclable

  • Comes with a bonus pair of reusable silicone earplugs and a carrying case

  • Expand into the ear canal without feeling tight

What to Consider
  • They reduce but don’t completely cancel out sound

Material: PU Foam | Colors: Water blue, green, pink, purple, lake blue, orange, +more | Sizes: One size

Lysian EarPlugs have specifically received stellar reviews on the roommate front for their ability to neutralize the noises around you while you sleep (such as nocturnal footsteps and conversations). They may not be able to completely block the noisiest of sounds, but they are, for sure, the missing component to a restful snooze and a symbiotic relationship with roommates in a busy home. (FYI, this is what happens when you don't get enough sleep.)

These earplugs are made of elastic foam that won’t irritate your ear canal, even if you use them for a long time. They’re also one-size-fits-all because they sponge up and adjust to the shape of your ear canal without feeling dense. Plus, they’re reusable and washable, super soft, and were tested to reduce a total of 38 decibels. And for less than $10, you’ll receive over 50 pairs of colorful earplugs (packed in a tall jar) that are lightweight enough to feel as though you're not even wearing the sleeping accessory throughout the night (or day). Another bonus: They come with an added pair of reusable silicone earplugs and a carrying case.

ANBOW Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Waterproof

  • Redues 32 decibels

  • Comes with travel case

What to Consider
  • Only one size

Material: Silicone | Color: Blue | Sizes: Universal

Anbow earplugs are not only washable and reusable, but they're made of high-grade, BPA-free silicone. Each pair is soft and has a ribbed, umbrella-like design where they narrow out to ensure a comfy fit all night long—just insert, spin, and you're good to go.

We also appreciate that these earplugs have a 32-decibel noise-reduction rating, so you can rest assured that ambient sounds won't disrupt your sleep. Plus, they're not just for sleeping, you can use them for swimming, too (yes, they’re waterproof). You'll get three pairs when you make your purchase, and each pack comes with a storage box, a convenient carrying case, and a waterproof travel pouch. 

What We Like
  • Expands to fit all ears

  • Reduces up to 33 decibels

  • Comes with case

What to Consider
  • Not ideal for smaller ear canals

Material: Foam | Color: Green | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

On a budget? You won't lose any sleep over the price of Flents Quiet Contour’s green earplugs. These earplugs—that cost less than $10—are made of super-soft—and dare we say, snuggly—latex-free foam. The tapered material is designed to compress effortlessly with your fingers, and then expand within your ears for a custom fit.

This 10-pack comes with a small and handy carrying case that can securely hold one pair of earplugs so you can bring a pair on the road if you need to or keep them easily reachable on your bedside table. What's more, you can count on up to 33 decibels of sound reduction while you catch your beauty sleep. And since their design features a flat end, consumers have noted they are super easy to remove.

What We Like
  • Great for narrow ear canals

  • Low-pressure foam

  • Reduces 33 decibels

What to Consider
  • May fall out while sleeping

Material: Polyurethane foam | Color: Beige | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

If you live with a snorer or travel often, it might be worth getting a value pack of disposables—and that’s why we're big fans of Mack's Ultra-Soft earplugs. They’re made with special low-pressure polyurethane foam that compresses and then expands within your ear canal, muffling out sounds and easing away noises so that they appear farther away than they actually are. While Mack’s earplugs focus less on design, their performance proved especially successful for those with narrow ear canals, according to Amazon reviews. However because they do feature a short length, consumers found it was difficult to sometimes remove the earplug from the ear easily.

The cushiony material offers a notably comfy fit in all sleeping positions while reducing an impressive 33 decibels of sound. With 50 pairs, you can bring them on the go and toss them after a single use. They're washable, too, for up to three times of use, so you can also use the same pair for a couple of days if needed.

What We Like
  • Goes over the ear canal rather than lodging within it

  • Comfortable

  • Reusable

What to Consider
  • Texture of the earplug may feel sticky after repeated time

Material: Silicone | Colors: Blue, purple | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

Belchen earplugs are made of incredibly moldable, high-grade silicone that squishes between your fingers, allowing you to gently press it into your ear opening. Once applied, these in-ear earplugs expand within the shape of your ear rather than narrowing out into the inside of the ear canal. This makes for a customized fit and an exceedingly comfortable feel since their stretchy, silicone material doesn’t come in a stiff shape as foam earplugs do. 

While these earplugs only reduce 22 decibels of sound, it is still sufficient muffling to help you drift off to sleep (yet still hear your alarm clock in the morning). In addition, these sleeping earplugs are washable and reusable. You'll get five pairs, which come with a storage box and a smaller travel case.

What We Like
  • Single-use design

  • Self-adjusting foam

  • Reduces 32 decibels

What to Consider
  • May not fit some ear canals

Material: Closed-cell foam | Colors: Pink/yellow | Size: Self-adjusting fit

The Howard Leight by Honeywell two-toned pink and yellow earplugs are by far the best disposables you'll find. Each pair comes individually packaged; if you’re traveling, there’s no need to worry about where to store them safely. The closed-cell material is soft, smooth, and hygienic (they're dirt resistant!), plus it reduces 32 decibels of sound. You could theoretically wash and reuse them, but with a pack of 25 pairs, you can toss them after a single use and still have plenty to spare.

What We Like
  • Individually wrapped

  • Recyclable packaging

  • Expands to fit all ears

What to Consider
  • May fall out while sleeping

Material: PVC foam | Color: Yellow | Size: Self-adjusting fit

Anyone who sleeps away from home often should consider getting this 30-pair box from 3M E-A-R Classic. These individually wrapped earplugs come in little cardboard pillow packs, which are recyclable and easy to toss in a bag, suitcase, or purse. They may feel firm with the initial touch, but once the earplug is inserted into the ear canal, its exposed cell surface texture will soften and expand while resisting any movement and creating an effective noise barrier.

The closed-cell, low-pressure PVC (polyvinyl) foam is non-irritating since the brand specifies that these earplugs are moisture, sweat, and humidity resistant. It conforms to the unique curves of your ear canal, and the cylindrical shape is comfortable in a number of sleeping positions.

What We Like
  • Carrying and travel cases included

  • Reduces 32 decibels of sound

  • Will stay put even on the move

What to Consider
  • May not fit in some ear canals

Material: Memory foam, silicone | Colors: Black/white | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

Dogs, babies, and loud chewers and breathers—it can be hard to drown out the sounds on a plane, but the Matador’s compact travel earplugs kit might help. These travel-proof earplugs will fit right into the last space you have left in your jampacked carry-on and will become the TSA-approved item that neutralizes the noises around you. Each kit comes with three pairs of memory foam earplugs, each with a noise-reduction rating of 32 decibels. While these earplugs don't completely cancel noise, you'll experience a significant reduction in disrupting sounds while you snooze, doze off on a plane, or nap while someone else drives on a long road trip.

Just like a high-quality mattress, the plush and squishy material compresses with minimal pressure and then expands to fit your unique shape. You'll get two silicone cases with zipper closures and handy key rings to travel with right beside you.

What We Like
  • Reusable

  • Removable cord

  • Reduces the sound of high-pitched noises

What to Consider
  • Wrapped in plastic

Material: Silicone | Colors: Orange/blue | Sizes: Universal

Corded earplug options are never the wrong move because you don't have to worry about losing one or both at any point. That goes for work sites, car naps, and travel adventures, of course—and especially anywhere you tend to toss and turn at night. If you're the type of person who can't be trusted with earbud-style headphones, Quality Plugs have your name on them.

These reusable earplugs are made of ultra-soft silicone and twist in for a secure fit. They layer in size with a triple-flange design (their ribbed detailing narrows out from the bottom to the top) and snuggle their way into the ear canal. Each individually wrapped pair is connected by a 25-inch cord, which you can take off and on as needed. If at any point you’re ready to fly solo without the extended cord, know that these earplugs ranked superior on comfortability, noise cancellation, and their ability to stay put.

Best for Side Sleepers

Eargasm Squishies

Eargasm Squishies
PHOTO:

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made with proprietary moldable silicone

  • Gentle on your ear canal

  • Customizable sizing

What to Consider
  • Some reviewers felt the silicone was too squishy

Material: Moldable silicone | Colors: Blue | Sizes: Universal

This pick from Eargasms is 50% larger than many competing brands to provide more material per earplug to ensure you get the best fit. Not only is the fit soft and comfortable in your ears but this material is designed to be broken and molded if you have smaller ear canals. With their 22-decibel rate, side sleepers, light sleepers, and travelers found success in canceling out the noise around them even by splitting the earplug in half. While Eargasm earplugs were originally introduced to the market as a hearing protection solution for concerts, the proprietary moldable silicone material they are made of has become a golden ticket for side sleepers. The shape of the earplug is flat at the head, so whichever final fit works best for you, that feeling of having an earplug poke out and push against the pillow is zero to none.

Best Noise-Canceling

QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds

QuietOn Sleep Earbuds
PHOTO:

QuietOn

What We Like
  • Active noise-canceling technology

  • 28-hour battery life

  • Even cancels out ambient sounds

What to Consider
  • May be too small for bigger ear canals

Material: Polyurethane rubber, stainless steel | Colors: White | Sizes: XS-L tips included

If your standard foam or silicone earplugs aren't enough to block out whatever noise you're dealing with, try these earbuds from QuietOn, which cancel out everything from snoring sounds to city traffic screeches and more with their active noise canceling (ANC) technology. These earbuds may share a design similar to that of regular cordless earbuds, though they don’t have an on-and-off button, can’t connect to Bluetooth, and mute lower frequency sounds in 20 seconds once inserted into the ear canal, such as ambient noise. You’ll get to fully charge these earplugs through their charging case with a USB-C cable. With a single charge, the battery can last up to 28 hours, and because these earplugs are designed with a fixed position and come with different-sized ear tips, they won’t apply pressure to the ear canal for those who sleep on their side. 

What We Like
  • Customizable fit is suitable for children and adults

  • Temporarily reusable

  • Doesn’t cause irritation

What to Consider
  • Sleeping position can impact wear time

Material: Wax | Colors: Clear | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

Wearing something in your ear while you sleep can be uncomfortable when you're not used to it, but these earplugs from PQ will solve that problem easily because of their flexibility. Made with wax instead of the usual silicone or foam, these can be stretched and shaped to fit your ears perfectly (and can even be split in half for smaller ear canals). We also love that even though these are not electronic earbuds, they can be reused up to 10 times per pair. They reduce up to 32 decibels of sound, and if you do decide to separate each earplug in half, you’ll get double their worth. Plus, they’re waterproof, so you can use them when you swim, too.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Earjobs Silicone Putty Ear Plugs

Earjobs Silicone Putty Ear Plugs
PHOTO:

Earjobs

What We Like
  • Made of high-grade silicone

  • Doesn’t leave a greasy film on the ear canal after removal

  • Doesn’t cause a muffled sound

What to Consider
  • Only three pairs come included in one case

Material: Silicone | Colors: Green | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit

Achy ears caused by earplugs aren't uncommon, and usually, that discomfort comes from one of two things:  the pressure of the earplug in your ear or the material the earplug is made of. That’s why we like Earjobs: each earplug is made of a special irritant-free material that is malleable, smooth, and perfect for small or sensitive ears or people who are sensitive to texture.

The Silicone Putty Ear Plugs are sticky, yes, but it's that stickiness that gives them the ability to seal tightly within the ear canal instead of expanding as foam earplugs would. Whether your ear canal is narrow, wide, small, or large, these silicone molded earplugs are flexible and universal in size. They block out up to 23 decibels of noise, given that they won’t cause your ears to ring. And especially good for your little ones, these also worked to prevent any water from entering the ear canal during bathtime. 

What We Like
  • Comes in standard or mini size

  • Features detachable lanyard

  • Caters to those who prefer not to block out noise completely

What to Consider
  • One pair per pack unless duo pack is purchased

Material: Silicone | Colors: Translucent, purple, mint, grey | Sizes: Standard, mini

If you’re someone who feels uncomfortable when too much noise is blocked out, these might be the earplugs for you. Rather than block out all the noise, these just reduce or turn down sound a notch by blocking out various pitches that might bother you or keep you awake. They are hollow, shell-shaped, and made of durable silicone and are a compatible choice for individuals who feel that auditory concerns are affecting their wellness. Plus, they come in modern colors (including translucent) and are sold in completely recyclable packaging. 

What We Like
  • Recyclable 

  • Washable

  • Comes in three different sizes

What to Consider
  • One pair per pack

Material: Silicone | Colors: Translucent and red | Sizes: Standard small

Light sleepers with small ear canals describe Happy Ears Earplugs as “the best of both worlds,” because of how soft, tiny, and effective they are at canceling out noise. Each earplug is oval-shaped, smooth to the touch, and lasts about a year. Because of their shape alone, they’ll slip right into narrow ear canals and ensure up to 25 decibels of noise protection. Reviewers who mentioned often tossing and turning while they sleep gave this pair the seal of approval for staying put throughout the night

What to Look for in Earplugs for Sleeping

  • Noise reduction rate: "Noise reduction rate (NRR) is measured by decibels (dB) and is typically listed in the specifications of earplugs. Higher numbers mean more significant noise reduction," Foley tells Byrdie. "Most earplugs have an NRR between 22 dB to 33 dB. Options within this range will all block out noise, but depending on your specific needs, options on either end of this range may be more appropriate."
  • Fit: When shopping around for earplugs, you'll also want to consider the fit. Many options are self-adjusting, meaning the material squishes down and then expands within your ear canal. You'll also find earplugs in a single universal size, which will be suitable for most people but not everyone, as well as designs with interchangeable tips. "Some people have small ear canals, which may be difficult for regular earplugs to fit," Foley explains. "In this case, sleepers should look for a moldable earplug either made of foam or silicone so they can get a custom fit."
  • Sleeping position: "Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors for choosing an earplug that will be comfortable and fit to your ears," says Foley. "This can be especially tricky for side-sleepers, as many of the bulkier options can create uncomfortable pressure points. Side-sleepers should look for an option that will be flush with the side of their face, rather than earplugs that may stick out."
FAQ
  • Why are earplugs helpful for sleeping?

    If you're trying to sleep in an environment where you're unable to control the noises around you, earplugs are an excellent solution. "Being woken up by a sound during the night can lead to restless sleep, interrupting your REM (rapid eye movement) cycle and making eight hours of sleep feel like four," says Foley. "Earplugs can be a great option for those who need to block out noise from traffic or their sleeping partner's snores."

  • How do you use earplugs for sleeping?

    Aside from inserting earplugs into your ear canal, there's not much to using them while sleeping. For self-adjusting foam or silicone options, press or roll the material with your fingers until it's narrow enough to fit. Next, insert the earplug into your ear and wait about a minute for it to expand back to size.

    "Everyone has different needs when it comes to their sleep, so when thinking about comfort and fit, be sure to consider how you sleep and what you need from an earplug," Foley adds. Earplugs with a flush fit are usually ideal, as they won't put pressure on your eardrums when you roll to your side.

  • Are earplugs for sleeping bad for you?

    Some people experience wax buildup over time, as the plugs can push it to the back of the ear canal. But generally speaking, it's safe to wear earplugs while sleeping. For those experiencing sleep disruption, wearing noise-reducing earplugs to bed can actually provide health benefits by way of high-quality rest.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is an experienced commerce writer with a background in lifestyle and self-care. When researching this roundup, she spoke to a certified sleep coach and considered the NRR, material, fit, and overall design of earplugs from a range of brands and retailers. She pored over user reviews and combed through the specifications of dozens of options before making her final selections. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers beauty, health, and fitness.

Chelsea Avila is a commerce contributor at Byrdie who reports on the beauty and fashion market. For this sleep wellness article, Chelsea trusted consumer insight and their experience using each earplug product listed to help update product descriptions and add new products to the roster. Because she has sensitive skin herself, she made sure to scope through reviews detailing how the material of the earplug interacted with the skin around the ear canal.

Byrdie consulted a sleep science coach:

  • Logan Foley is a certified sleep science coach with a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to various sleep struggles. As the Managing Editor at SleepFoundation.org, she has ample experience researching and testing various sleep products, including bedding, mattresses, and natural sleep aids.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any earplugs for sleeping from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

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