Tossing and turning all night because of your partner's snoring? Can't sleep through traffic noise or noisy neighbours? You're not alone. Millions of Australians struggle with sleep disruption from unwanted sounds.
The right sleeping earplugs can transform your sleep quality. This guide compares five of the best earplugs for sleeping available in Australia. We've researched comfort, noise blocking, and value based on product specifications and customer feedback to help you choose.
Our top pick for best ear plugs for sleeping is QuietBuds by SleepEZ. They offer the best mix of comfort, performance, and price for Australian sleepers.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Material | SNR | Price (AUD) |
---|---|---|---|
QuietBuds | Soft Silicone | 27 dB | $12.95 |
Quiet 2 | Silicone | 24 dB | $34.95 |
Sleep + Sound Blocking | Silicone | 30 dB | $24.19 |
Loop Dream™ | Silicone | 27 dB | $69.95 |
Chemist Warehouse Foam Plug | Foam | 33 dB | $8.99 |
5 Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping in Australia
1. QuietBuds by SleepEZ – Best Overall Ear Plugs for Sleeping
QuietBuds use soft, moldable silicone that shapes to your ear. This makes them perfect for people with sensitive ears or those who find other earplugs uncomfortable.
These earplugs block up to 27dB of noise. That's enough to reduce snoring, air conditioning, and traffic sounds to a whisper. The silicone stays secure all night, even if you're a side sleeper who moves around.
Key Strengths:
- Fits Almost Every Ear: The moldable silicone provides a custom fit for all ear canal shapes.
- Perfect for Side Sleepers: The soft, flat silicone design prevents pressure points and discomfort.
- Effective Noise Blocking: A 27 dB rating works well for reducing common sleep-disrupting noises.
- Great Value: At just A$12.95, you get six reusable pairs, which provides a very low cost per night
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Reusable: They are easy to clean, which makes them a practical choice for nightly use.
Things to Note:
- The soft material may need to be replaced after a few months to keep its best shape and cleanliness.
- It may take a little practice to get the perfect mold at first, but the custom fit is worth the effort.
QuietBuds are a good solution for anyone who has had trouble finding a comfortable earplug. They offer a simple, affordable, and effective way to get a more peaceful night’s sleep.
2. Loop Quiet 2 by Loopearplugs
Loop Quiet earplugs have a unique round design that sits flush with your ear. They're made from soft silicone and come in multiple sizes to fit different ears.
These earplugs reduce noise by 24dB and work well for daily use. The stylish design means you won't feel self-conscious wearing them. They're reusable and come with a handy carrying case.
Pros:
- Stylish and discrete design
- Multiple sizes available
- Good for noise sensitivity
- Includes carrying case
Cons:
- May not stay secure during sleep
- Can cause ear discomfort for some users
- Performance may not meet expectations for very noisy environments
Loop Quiet’s design appeals to some, but many find them uncomfortable for side sleeping, prone to falling out, and less effective at blocking noise than cheaper alternatives.
3. Sleep + Sound Blocking Ear Plugs by BlockBlueLight
These moldable silicone earplugs are designed to create total silence for deep sleep. Made from high-quality silicone putty, they mould over your ear canal to create a tight seal that blocks disturbing noises.
The earplugs offer 30dB noise reduction and come in a 3-pack. They're specifically designed to lie flat against your ear, making them suitable for side sleepers. The moldable silicone adjusts to your ear shape for a custom fit.
Pros:
- High 30dB noise reduction
- Moldable silicone for custom fit
- Lies flat for side sleeping
- Washable and reusable
- Good value 3-pack
Cons:
- May take practice to mould correctly
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain hygiene
- Higher price point at $24.19
These earplugs work well for light sleepers who need strong noise blocking and don't mind spending time getting the perfect mould.
4. Loop Dream™ by Loopearplugs
Loop Dream earplugs use advanced silicone compounds and offer 27dB of noise reduction. The design focuses on maximum comfort for sleep.
These earplugs feature Loop's signature ring design but with softer materials designed specifically for sleeping. They come with multiple tip sizes and a premium carrying case.
Pros:
- Premium materials and construction
- Excellent 27dB noise reduction
- Multiple tip sizes included
- Designed specifically for sleep
Cons:
- Very expensive at $69.95
- Fit issues common across different ear shapes
- Can cause significant discomfort and pain
- May not provide expected sound reduction
Loop Dream works best for people who want premium earplugs and don't mind paying extra. The high price makes them less attractive for most sleepers.
5. Chemist Warehouse Foam Plug
These disposable foam earplugs offer the highest noise reduction rating at 33dB. They're made from soft foam that expands to fill your ear canal completely.
At $8.99, they're the most budget-friendly option. You can find them at most Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia. They're perfect for occasional use or trying earplugs for the first time.
Pros:
- Highest noise reduction (33dB)
- Very affordable
- Available everywhere
- Good for occasional use
Cons:
- May be too small for some ear canals
- Inconsistent noise blocking performance
- Single-use only creates ongoing costs
- Uncomfortable for side sleeping
These foam plugs work best for people on a tight budget or those who only need earplugs occasionally. They're not ideal for nightly use or side sleepers.
How to Choose the Right Earplugs for Sleeping
Picking the right earplugs depends on your sleeping style, noise levels, and comfort preferences.
Material Types:
- Foam: Highest noise blocking but less comfortable for side sleepers
- Silicone: Good balance of comfort and noise blocking, best for side sleepers
- Thermoplastic: Custom fit with high noise blocking, requires practice
Side Sleeper Considerations: Side sleepers need soft, low-profile earplugs that won't dig into their ears against the pillow. Silicone options like QuietBuds work best. Avoid hard materials or protruding designs.
Single Number Rating (SNR): Higher numbers mean better noise blocking. A rating of 27dB is excellent for most sleeping situations because it significantly reduces snoring (which typically ranges from 20-30dB), traffic noise, and household sounds while still allowing you to hear important sounds like alarms or emergencies.
Reusable vs Disposable: Reusable earplugs cost more upfront but save money long-term. They're also better for the environment. Disposable options work well for occasional use or testing different types.
Hygiene Tips: Clean reusable earplugs with warm water and mild soap. Replace them when they become discoloured or lose their shape. Never share earplugs with others.
Conclusion
All five earplugs in this guide offer good noise blocking for better sleep. Your choice depends on your budget, sleeping position, and comfort preferences.
QuietBuds remain our top recommendation for most Australian sleepers. They offer the best combination of comfort, effectiveness, and value. The soft silicone works perfectly for side sleepers, and the $15.26 price point makes them accessible to everyone.
Whether you're dealing with a snoring partner, street noise, or thin apartment walls, the right earplugs can transform your sleep quality.
Ready for better sleep? Try QuietBuds by SleepEZ - available now with fast AU shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are earplugs safe to wear all night? Yes, quality earplugs are safe for nightly use. Choose soft materials and ensure proper fit to avoid ear irritation. Remove them if you experience any discomfort.
Can earplugs block out snoring completely? Earplugs significantly reduce snoring noise but rarely eliminate it completely. They typically reduce sound by 20-35dB, making snoring much quieter and easier to ignore.
Which type is most comfortable for side sleepers? Soft silicone earplugs like QuietBuds work best for side sleepers. They mould to your ear shape and won't create pressure points when you lie on your side.
Are foam or silicone earplugs better for sleep? Silicone earplugs are generally better for sleep. They're more comfortable for extended wear and work better for side sleepers. Foam plugs block more noise but can be uncomfortable overnight.
How often should I replace reusable earplugs? Replace reusable earplugs every 2-6 months, depending on use and care. Replace them sooner if they become discoloured, lose their shape, or cause irritation.
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