The best earplugs for sleeping (tested!)

Sleep earplugs can significantly improve the quality of your sleep (and your life). They can even save you from sleepless nights. Earplugs for sleeping can help block out your partner's snoring or simply stop background noise from waking you up. There are several types of sleep earplugs. Which ones work well and which don't? Find out in this article. 

Types of sleep earplugs

There are several types of earplugs for sleeping. They all aim to block out as much background noise as possible so you can sleep better. But choosing the right type of sleep earplug matters if you want the best possible night's sleep. 

Here are the different types:

1. Yellow foam earplugs for sleeping
2. Silicone earplugs for sleeping
3. Custom earplugs for sleeping

Let's look at each type. 

Yellow foam earplugs for sleeping

These are probably the most familiar earplugs. They're almost always yellow, though they sometimes come in other colors. They have a flat bottom and a slightly rounded top. The rounded end goes into your ear. 

You can buy these sleep earplugs at Bol:

Buy foam earplugs

How to insert yellow earplugs

Make sure you insert the earplugs correctly. Here's how:

1. Gently squeeze each earplug and roll it between your thumb and index finger, gradually compressing it into a narrower shape. 
2. Insert the earplug with one hand while gently pulling the top of your outer ear upward with the other. This creates a little more room to position the earplug correctly. 
3. Slowly release the earplug so it can expand and adapt to the shape of your ear canal. 
4. Repeat for your other ear.

You should notice that the sleep earplugs now form a snug seal in your ears, letting in very little background noise. 

Silicone sleep earplugs

These silicone earplugs are designed specifically for sleeping. They also block outside noise, so you no longer hear a snoring partner, for example. Silicone earplugs have advantages and disadvantages compared with the yellow foam earplugs described above. 

We bought these sleep earplugs at Bol.

Buy silicone earplugs

Custom earplugs for sleeping

The final option is to have custom earplugs made. We recommend trying the 2 options above first. If you like sleeping with earplugs, you can then choose a long-term solution. Custom earplugs are a perfect choice for that.

Best earplugs to block out snoring

Being kept awake by a snoring partner is incredibly frustrating. Poor sleep takes a toll on your day. You're tired more often and get less out of your day, and your life. 

It can also put a serious strain on your relationship. You may want to shake your partner awake when they're snoring. But once awake, they have no idea what they've done wrong. From their perspective, they've been unfairly jolted out of a peaceful sleep and feel disoriented. So the culprit's sleep suffers too. That also affects their energy and quality of life during the day. 

In short: it's frustrating and difficult for both of you.

But as the partner who doesn't snore, there's only 1 thing you can do on your side: keep the sound of your partner's nighttime snoring from reaching your ears. 

You can do that with earplugs. But which ones? 

These earplugs are best for blocking out snoring

Ideally, you want earplugs that let in as little sound as possible. But in many cases, foam earplugs are enough for a better, uninterrupted night's sleep. Here's what we recommend:

1. Try foam earplugs first. They're very inexpensive, so you can see how they feel and whether you sleep better with them. In about 70% of cases, these earplugs are enough.
2. Can you still hear your partner? Try silicone earplugs. They let in even less sound. Passive noise reduction is around 90%. These earplugs are a little firmer, but hardly any sound gets through.
3. If that doesn't work either, consider a custom solution. You can have custom earplugs made. This often costs considerably more than the previous options, but it does improve your quality of life. They fit much better than option 2 above and let in even less sound than either of the other options. 

Research on the effects of sleep earplugs 

There has been plenty of research on sleep earplugs. Most studies conclude that wearing earplugs does improve sleep quality. 

For example, a British study was carried out in hospitals. If you're staying overnight, hospitals are exactly the kind of place where background noise keeps waking you up. A nurse might enter your room to give medication to someone you're sharing with, for instance. 

The patients in the study were given sleep earplugs, and their sleep quality did indeed improve.

Quote from the study:
At a cost of £2·50/patient, earplugs were a relatively cheap intervention with notable improvements in sleep for patients.

In short: earplugs reduce the background noise reaching your ears. Background noise, such as a snoring partner, is one reason people struggle to sleep. Earplugs solve this problem. 

Conclusion: the best earplugs for sleeping

The best type of sleep earplug for you depends on several factors. Here's a clear overview of the best sleep earplugs.

In short: try foam earplugs first. Do they work well? You can keep buying them. Do they let in too much sound? Choose silicone earplugs, or have custom earplugs made if you're sure you'll use them long term. 

All these types of earplugs are available at Bol:

Buy sleep earplugs

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• And check out our article on alternatives to AirPods
• Also check out the 3 best earbuds for running
• Check out our hands-on review of the Eardopes B6 pro too. They cost a little more, but the quality is worth it.