What kind of ear plugs do you like best for sleeping? Every type has its pros and cons. Moldable silicone is low-profile with a very shallow, comfortable and customizable fit, but not everyone likes the feel of the material; foam is classic and tends to offer the highest noise protection, but you need to use a new pair every night; and pre-molded reusables offer the most unique features and the best price savings over time, but can be the trickiest to get a comfortable fit to sleep with.
We got some excellent - and unexpected - feedback about how an industrial hearing protection ear plug used for high-noise manufacturing and motorcycle noise, the Howard Leight Quiet Reusable Ear Plug, actually hit several of those sleeping targets in one shot:
My Go-To Earplugs for Sleeping
I like to wear earplugs when I sleep but for years was looking for a pair that blocked the noise like I wanted, were comfortable when sleeping, lasted for several nights, and weren't messy like the silicone gel plugs. These were the only ones that I was ever satisfied with and I've used them now for over 12 years. I used to get them at my local supermarket but they stopped carrying them. I was trilled to find these guys had them, and in a bulk pack too! I also use them when I'm travelling and want to have some quiet in the airplane or train.
Pros: Comfortable
Effective in keeping out noise.
Reusable (for a few nights at least)
Cost effective
Compact, so you don't get poked when sleepingCons: None that I can think of!
Honeywell's Quiet Ear Plugs are a great choice for sleeping, but not the most common choice! For one, Quiet is primarily marketed as an industrial noise protection plug. For two, reusable plugs usually aren't the first choice for folks looking for noise relief at night, since the firmer material and pre-set shape can get uncomfortable over the hours. This is especially true for side sleepers, who get a lot of success with very soft foam, or moldable silicone or wax and cotton.
Honeywell Howard Leight Quiet Reusable Foam Ear Plugs (NRR 26)
The key is that Quiet is a hybrid type ear plug - and that's why it's such a genius choice for snoring and sleeping. It's got a firmer central stem and a washable and reusable design, which makes it easy to insert and very cost-effective like a resuable ear plug, but it's a resuable foam plug, which means it's also very soft, smooth, and non-irritating. It's comfortable enough for sleeping, with the perks of an extremely inexpensive industrial reusable. With a balance of features and its big potential for cost savings, Quiet is a plug anyone who needs hearing protection for sleeping should take a look at.
Of course, which type of ear plugs for sleeping works best for each individual is very subjective, and can involve some trial and error to figure out. Unfortunately, there's no quick rule to tell what will feel the best and work most effectively for each person. But once you know what you prefer, you can scale up like this smart person did and buy in bulk to save a ton over time. (The Quiet is indeed available in boxes, so you can stock up and then forget about it for a while.) When you need ear plugs to sleep, there's no reason not to have exactly what you need on hand.
Unexpected as it is, Howard Leight Quiet Ear Plugs may actually be the next sleeper hit for sleeping with noise.
(Though if you'd like some other sleeping ear plug options to browse, we've got you covered.)
And until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore
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