I am a light sleeper. An extremely light sleeper. So when I moved to a busy high street above a bustling pub, I feared for the eight hours I’d become accustomed to and relied on. The only answer was, of course, ear plugs.
If you’ve ever shared a room or bed with a snorer, you will feel my pain too. There is nothing more frustrating than watching your partner or friend enjoying a sound doze as you pile pillows over your head, crank up rain sounds in uncomfortable earbuds and do everything in your power not to end up with 25 years to life.
While you can’t control the audio around you, you can zone it out almost entirely and be able to drift off without a care in the world. A noise pollution-free life may just be a cost-friendly purchase away so that nothing can stand in the way of your full reset and recharge.
Yet all earplugs are not created equal. I know all too well the problem with investing in the wrong shaped option, only to be awoken at the crack of dawn by a gust of wind or worse, the weekly rubbish collection. Meanwhile, the wayward plug was on the other side of the bed after having fallen out midway through the night.
Instead of opting for the cheapest you can have delivered, it is worth taking a bit more care and consideration so that you will have ear plugs that will do the job, and last. They come in different sizes and this is crucial in order for them to remain firmly in place in your ears. There are also new, innovative shapes as well as materials that block out sound more efficiently and are reusable and easy to clean.
How we tested
We hit the hay to put these ear plugs through their paces. We popped them in our ears and slept soundly, living above a pub on a busy North London high street. We looked out for size, comfort, ease in use (because it’s not always a case of squeezing them into your drums) and most importantly of all, noise cancellation.
We’ve done the hard work for you and put a whole array of ear plugs through the sleep test to find the ones sure to guarantee you catch Z’s in peace.
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Loop Experience High Fidelity Ear Plugs
If you’ve been experiencing constant sleepless nights and interruptions due to noise, say hello to Loop.
Insert and twist these plugs inside your ears with alternating tips in XS, S, M and L so that they stay firmly in place no matter how much you move around in the night. They get to work filtering sound and reducing noise, but not entirely and so are ideal if you are concerned about missing your alarm or being able to have some level of hearing. They also work for concerts, motorcyclists or for better concentration in a busy office setting. This is a durable set that can be reused time after time.
Buy now £29.95, Amazon
100 Pairs of Howard Leight Laser Lite Individually Wrapped Ear Plugs
While these ear plugs are not completely one use, you will find that they will only stay firmly in place for a few nights on the trot before slipping out and finding them on your pillow the next morning. Luckily they come in a pack of 100 but if you are concerned about wastage, stick to one of the reusable options on this list.
Twist the polyurethane foam and place inside your ears. In short order, they will expand and fill your ear canal to block out any disruptive noise. The plugs are individually wrapped so can easily be slipped into your hand luggage for use while travelling or taken with to your local spin class if you find it’s just a touch too loud.
Buy now £15.49, Amazon
EarHub Soft Silicone Earplugs with Aloe Vera 6s
Drown out the sound of your snoring partner with these earplugs from EarHub that are crafted in silicone. Their soft construction moulds to the shape of your ear to form the perfect fit with a soft kind-to-skin aloe vera enriching. The material is also washable and reusable and they come with a travel case so you can ensure the optimal slumber no matter where you are in the world. They can also be used for swimming but not at depths of more than three metres.
Buy now £8.99, Boots
EarHub Soft Foam Earplugs
While these foam earplugs from EarHub are not reusable, they can be recycled and returned to the brand via their Zero Waste Box. In return, they will give you a discount on your next order.
They are designed in a T-shape to encourage a better and more secure fit - and once inserted, block out 33 decibels of noise for a better and deeper night’s sleep. The plugs are comfortable to the point where you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
Buy now £4.99, Sephora
Pluggers Noise Suppressing Sleep Earplugs
The impact of not getting enough sleep can lead to more serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Before it gets to that level, introduce Pluggers into your nighttime routine and ensure that traffic, snoring or noisy neighbours don’t get in the way of your eight hours. These plugs are reusable and have lasting-power in your ears with a snug fit - and they’re comfortable too. While they block out annoying interruptions, you can still hear crucial noises like alarms.
Buy now £14.00, Boots
Alpine PartyPlug Ear Plugs
These earplugs are specifically designed for parties, festivals and concerts - bascially anywhere with loud music - to protect your ears, especially if you suffer from tinnitus. It keeps noise at a safe volume and you will still be able to make out conversations. The material is soft and hypoallergenic and the plugs are reusable.
Buy now £10.52, Amazon
Senner MotoPro Reusable Hearing Protection
Senner has created these earplugs for motorcyclists to cut down on the likes of wind and noise that can wreak havoc on your ear drums - but you will still be able to hear traffic for safety reasons. They fit perfectly within the ear but are a breeze to remove and there’s no discomfort as you’re racing through the street, even with all-day use.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
Ear Plugs for Sleep Soft Silicone Earplugs
Why is it that every time you have an important task while working from home, there always seems to be construction happening nearby? Buckle down and reclaim your focus with these silicone earplugs that are created with three layers to cut out noise more effectively.
The material offers a universal fit and is hypoallergenic. You can also wash and reuse them and the colour makes it easy to work out which you have been wearing and when it’s time to switch up. You can also use them when you need a lie-in, at festivals and even swimming.
Buy now £4.98, Amazon
Mack's Slim Fit Ear Plugs
Mack’s ear plugs are the number one brand with our friends across the pond. The US label is recommended by doctors to protect your ear drums if you’re dealing with loud machinery and to doze off without annoying interruptions. These are a slightly slimmer version of ear plugs to slip more easily into the canal for better comfort and a better fit.
Buy now £52.06, Amazon
