Best Sleep Earplugs: 7 Foam, Silicone and Reusable Picks

The best sleep earplugs for most people are Mack’s Ultra Soft foam earplugs: a 50-pair box with an NRR of 33, which is the highest rating listed for foam earplugs, at a very low cost per night. The runner-up is the Loop Quiet 2, a reusable silicone pair with a 24 dB SNR rating that is much more comfortable for side sleepers. If you hate anything that goes into the canal, Mack’s Pillow Soft silicone putty sits in the ear opening instead.

Sleep earplugs have to do three things: block enough noise, stay comfortable for eight hours and stay in place when you roll over. No earplug does all of them for every ear, so this guide sorts seven options by type: foam, moldable silicone or wax, and reusable fitted plugs. It is research-based, built from maker pages and listing details; we did not personally use these products, and anything we could not confirm is marked not listed. It is not medical advice, and if you have ear pain, drainage or hearing concerns, talk to a doctor or audiologist.

Our top picks

Top pickMack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs

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Also greatMack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

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Also greatMack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

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Also greatMack's Dreamgirl Soft Foam Earplugs

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Mack’s Ultra Soft foam earplugs, 50 pair, NRR 33
• Best for Side Sleepers: Loop Quiet 2 reusable silicone earplugs, 24 dB SNR
• Best Moldable Silicone: Mack’s Pillow Soft silicone putty earplugs, 12 pair
• Best Value Bulk Foam: LYSIAN soft foam earplugs, 60 pairs, 38 dB SNR
• Best Small Pack Foam: Flents Protechs Super Sleep foam, NRR 29, 10 pair
• Best Wax and Putty Alternative: Peace&Quiet PQ wax earplugs, 15 count
• Best Budget Reusable Set: Clxynd reusable silicone earplugs with 8 ear tips and a case

1. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 50 Pair: Best Sleep Earplugs Overall

• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 33 dB per the listing
• 50 pairs in a box; made in the USA per the listing
• Soft foam that you roll, insert and let expand
• Suitable for sleeping, snoring, travel and studying per the listing
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: Light sleepers who need the strongest block and want a very low cost per night.

Skip if: You are a side sleeper who finds foam bulky, or you want a reusable pair.

Foam earplugs are the baseline for sleep noise blocking, and the Mack’s Ultra Soft is the best-known example. The NRR of 33 is the highest rating you will see on a foam plug. It is a lab rating, so real-world blocking is lower, but it is still enough to take the edge off snoring, traffic and a noisy apartment building.

The 50-pair box makes it cheap, which matters because foam plugs wear out in a few nights and should not be shared. To use them, roll the plug into a thin cylinder, pull the ear up and back, insert, and hold for a few seconds while it expands. A good fit feels snug without pain.

The downside is that foam sits partly in the canal, so some side sleepers find it pushes against the pillow. If that is you, look at the silicone and Loop options.

Pros

• Highest NRR rating on this list
• Very low cost per night
• Large 50-pair box
• Made in USA per the listing

Cons

• Foam can feel deep
• Single or few uses each

2. Loop Quiet 2 Reusable Earplugs: Best Sleep Earplugs for Side Sleepers

• 24 dB SNR noise reduction per the maker
• Flexible reusable silicone with four sets of tips (XS, S, M, L) per retailer details
• Includes a carry case
• Designed for sleep, focus, travel and commutes per the maker
• Price tier: Mid-range

Best for: Side sleepers and people who want one comfortable reusable pair.

Skip if: You need the maximum rating or the cheapest option.

Loop’s Quiet 2 is a fitted silicone plug with a flexible body that sits in the outer ear, which is why it works better than foam for many side sleepers. It will not eliminate noise, because 24 dB SNR is a lower rating than a good foam plug, but it dulls snoring and street sound while staying comfortable.

Reusable plugs need cleaning. Wipe them with a soft damp cloth and keep them in the case, and replace them if they look worn. The multiple tip sizes matter because a poor fit is the most common reason earplugs fail.

Reviewers such as audiologist-written sites have described the noise reduction as dampening rather than blocking, which fits the numbers. Think of them as quieter, not silent.

Pros

• Comfortable for side sleeping
• Reusable and washable
• Several tip sizes
• Carry case included

Cons

• Lower rating than foam
• Higher upfront price

3. Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs, 12 Pair: Best Moldable Silicone Earplugs

• 12 pairs of moldable silicone putty per the listing
• Seals the ear opening instead of going deep in the canal
• Positioned for sleeping, snoring and swimming per the listing
• Rating: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: People who dislike the feeling of foam in the canal.

Skip if: You need a very high noise block or a reusable plug.

Mack’s Pillow Soft plugs are silicone putty that you warm in your fingers and press over the ear opening. Because they sit at the entrance rather than deep inside, many people find them more comfortable lying on a pillow.

They block less than a good foam plug, and the seal depends on how well you mold them. They can pick up lint and hair, so wash your hands before use. Each pair lasts a few nights.

Do not push putty into the canal, and stop using any earplug if it causes pain.

Pros

• Comfortable at the opening
• Moldable fit
• Low cost

Cons

• Lower blocking than foam
• Collects lint

4. LYSIAN Soft Foam Earplugs, 60 Pairs: Best Bulk Foam Value

• 60 pairs in the pack per the listing
• 38 dB SNR per the listing
• Ultra-soft foam for sleeping, snoring and study
• Multiple colors per the listing
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: Households or travelers who want plenty of spare pairs.

Skip if: You have small ear canals and prefer a slim plug.

The LYSIAN gives you a two-month supply of foam plugs for the price of a coffee. The listing rates it at 38 dB SNR, which is a different measure than NRR, so compare SNR with SNR only. The foam is soft and designed to expand slowly, which makes insertion easier.

Bulk foam is useful for roommates, guests or travel kits. Because the shape is a standard cylinder or bullet, some ears will find it too large. If you have small ears, try a slim-fit option.

Overall it is a safe, cheap pick.

Pros

• Large pack
• Soft foam
• Cheap

Cons

• Fit varies
• SNR is not the same as NRR

5. Flents Protechs Super Sleep Foam Earplugs, 10 Pair: Best Small-Pack Foam Earplugs

• 10 pairs of soft foam per the listing
• NRR 29 per the listing
• Positioned for sleep and loud noise
• Teal color
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: People who want to try foam before buying a bulk box.

Skip if: You need the highest rating.

Flents is a long-established brand, and the Super Sleep is its sleep-focused foam. NRR 29 is a little lower than the 33 of the Mack’s, but it is still a solid rating.

The 10-pair pack is a low-risk way to test whether foam works for your ears. If it does, move to a bulk box.

It is a plain, dependable plug.

Pros

• Established brand
• Small trial pack
• Soft foam

Cons

• Lower NRR than the best foam
• Small pack runs out

6. Peace&Quiet PQ Wax Earplugs, 15 Count: Best Wax and Silicone Putty Alternative

• 15 count of soft moldable silicone and wax plugs per the listing
• Seals the ear opening; side-sleeper friendly per the listing
• Positioned for noise reduction and sleeping
• Noise rating: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: People who like moldable plugs and want something more malleable than putty.

Skip if: You live somewhere very warm, where wax-style plugs get sticky.

This is another moldable option in the same family as the Mack’s putty. It seals the opening of the ear canal and is soft enough to sleep on. The count of 15 gives you several weeks.

The seal is only as good as the way you mold it. Warm hands help, and a clean ear opening helps the plug stick. Store them in their container.

If you liked silicone putty but want a different feel, this is the next one to try.

Pros

• Moldable
• Side-sleeper friendly
• Cheap

Cons

• Can get sticky
• Rating not listed

7. Clxynd Reusable Silicone Earplugs With 8 Ear Tips: Best Budget Reusable Set to Try

• Reusable silicone earplugs with 8 ear tips and a case per the listing
• Listing claims 45 dB noise reduction
• Positioned for sleeping and noisy environments
• Rating standard: not listed
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: People who want to try a fitted reusable plug without paying Loop prices.

Skip if: You want a certified, documented rating.

Fitted silicone plugs with multiple tip sizes are a good way to find a fit that works. The Clxynd set includes 8 ear tips and a case at a low price.

Be cautious with the 45 dB claim. Even the best foam plugs carry an NRR of 33, so a bigger number usually reflects a different, less strict way of measuring. Do not rely on it for hearing protection.

Treat it as a budget comfort plug for sleep, not as a protective device for loud machinery or concerts.

Pros

• Several tips
• Reusable
• Low cost

Cons

• Unclear rating claim
• Less documented

Also Consider

Fioobie Pressure-Balance Earplugs

A reusable pair marketed for side sleepers with a pressure-relief design; check the maker for rating details.

Alpine SoftSilicone Moldable Earplugs

A moldable silicone option from a hearing-protection specialist.

3M E-A-R Classic Foam Earplugs

A well-known foam plug in a 50 pair box for a basic foam option.

The Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam

A premium foam plug if standard foam feels too large.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these earplugs. We searched currently sold sleep earplugs, then read maker and retailer listing details for Mack’s, Loop, LYSIAN, Flents, Peace&Quiet and Clxynd, and an audiologist-written review for context on the Loop. We compared noise rating, comfort type, reuse and pack size.

Because rating systems differ, we separated NRR and SNR and flagged claims we could not verify. We limited each brand to two main picks and marked unknown specs as not listed.

Buying Guide

NRR, SNR and decibel claims

NRR is a US rating for hearing protectors, and SNR is a European single-number rating. They are not the same, so compare NRR with NRR and SNR with SNR. Foam plugs tend to reach NRR 29 to 33, and silicone or wax plugs are usually lower. Be skeptical of claims above those numbers. For sleep, a rating of about 20 to 30 dB is often enough to reduce, though not erase, snoring and traffic.

Foam, silicone or fitted plugs

Foam blocks the most and costs the least, but sits deeper and wears out. Moldable silicone and wax sit at the ear opening and feel better for many side sleepers. Fitted reusable plugs last longer and come in several tip sizes, but usually block a bit less than good foam.

Side sleeper comfort

If you sleep on your side, a plug that protrudes will press against the pillow. Look for a low-profile or opening-sealing plug, and test each pair for a few nights. A thin pillow or a pillow with an ear cutout can also help.

Safety and hygiene

Do not share earplugs. Wash your hands before inserting them, replace foam when it is dirty or loses shape, and clean reusable plugs as the maker advises. Stop using any plug that causes pain, itching or discharge, and see a doctor. Do not push plugs deeper than recommended.

When not to block everything

Earplugs can mask a smoke alarm, a baby monitor or a security alarm. Use a vibrating alarm clock or a bed shaker if you must wake on time, and keep a fire alarm where you can hear it. Choose a lighter rating if you need to hear important sounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying the highest advertised decibel number without checking the rating system
• Inserting foam without rolling it first
• Reusing foam plugs for weeks
• Sharing plugs between people
• Using plugs that cause pain instead of trying another style

Which Earplug for Which Sleeper?

For a light sleeper in a noisy building, start with the Mack’s Ultra Soft foam. For a side sleeper, try the Loop Quiet 2 or the Mack’s Pillow Soft putty. For a household, buy the LYSIAN bulk pack. To test foam first, buy the Flents. For a moldable alternative, the Peace&Quiet is a fit.

Many sleepers keep two types: foam for the nights they must block the most, and silicone or fitted plugs for comfort.

Helping Earplugs Work Better

Insert plugs while seated, pull the top of the ear up and back to open the canal, and press gently. If you hear your own heartbeat or breathing loudly, that is normal with a good seal. Pair earplugs with a fan or soft white noise if the remaining sound still keeps you awake, though keep any sound low.

Address the noise source too: heavy curtains, a door sweep and a rug can reduce street and hallway noise. Earplugs are one layer in a quiet bedroom, not a complete fix. If snoring from a partner is the issue, talk to a doctor about it, because persistent loud snoring can have causes worth checking.

How to Insert Foam and Putty Earplugs Correctly

Most earplug complaints come from poor insertion rather than a bad product. For foam, wash your hands, roll the plug between your fingers into a thin, crease-free cylinder, reach over your head with the opposite hand and pull the top of the ear up and back, slide the plug in gently, and hold it in place for about 20 to 30 seconds while it expands. The plug should sit mostly inside the canal entrance, with the end slightly recessed, and you should not feel pain.

For putty and wax-style plugs, warm a piece in your fingers until soft, flatten it into a small disc and press it over the opening of the ear so it seals without going into the canal. For fitted reusable plugs, choose the tip that fits snugly, push gently while twisting, and check the seal by cupping a hand over your ear: if the sound barely changes, the fit is good. If your own voice sounds boomy and the room sounds muffled, you have a seal.

What Else Helps You Sleep Through Noise

Earplugs work best as part of a quiet routine. Keep the bedroom cool and dark, keep a regular sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine late in the day. If street noise is the problem, move the bed away from the window wall, hang thick curtains and add a door draft stopper. If a partner snores, ask them to sleep on their side and talk to a doctor if the snoring is loud or paired with gasping, because that can have causes worth checking.

If earplugs still do not help, consider a sleep mask for light or a low-volume fan or sound machine to mask irregular noise. These tools do not replace each other, and some people use earplugs on the loudest nights and nothing on quiet ones. Try one change at a time so you can tell what helps.

Travel, Naps and Other Uses

The same plugs work on flights, in hostels and during daytime naps after a night shift. For travel, a small pack such as the Flents is easy to carry, and the Loop and Clxynd cases keep reusable plugs clean in a bag. Keep a spare pair in your travel kit because a single dropped foam plug is usually unusable.

Do not use sleep earplugs as protection against very loud sources such as power tools, firearms or concerts unless the maker states that use and gives a rating for it. Hearing protection for work or sport is a different product category, and the safe choice is to follow the guidance from a hearing professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best sleep earplugs?

Mack’s Ultra Soft foam earplugs are our top pick for blocking, and the Loop Quiet 2 is the better choice for side sleepers who want a reusable plug.

Do earplugs really help you sleep?

They can reduce noise that wakes you, but results vary by person and noise type. They will not remove all sound.

What is the difference between NRR and SNR?

NRR is the US rating for hearing protectors and SNR is the European rating. They use different methods, so compare like with like.

Are earplugs safe to wear every night?

Many people use them nightly, but keep them clean, replace foam often and stop if you have pain or discharge. Ask a doctor or audiologist if you have concerns.

Are foam or silicone earplugs better for side sleepers?

Silicone or fitted low-profile plugs are usually more comfortable on a pillow, while foam blocks more but sits deeper.

How often should I replace sleep earplugs?

Foam should be replaced when it is dirty or loses shape, often after a few uses. Reusable plugs should be cleaned and replaced when worn.

Can earplugs stop snoring noise?

They reduce it, not erase it. A higher rating plus a good fit works best.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy Mack’s Ultra Soft foam for the strongest block at the lowest cost, and the Loop Quiet 2 if you sleep on your side. Choose Mack’s Pillow Soft silicone for comfort at the ear opening, the LYSIAN for bulk, the Flents to test foam, the Peace&Quiet for a wax-style seal, and the Clxynd to try a cheap reusable set.

Test a pair for a few nights, check the rating system, and keep important alarms audible. This guide is based on research of listings and maker pages, not on our own use.

Sources

• Mack’s product pages for Ultra Soft foam and Pillow Soft silicone earplugs
• Loop product page for the Quiet 2 earplugs
• Flents product page for Protechs Super Sleep foam earplugs
• Soundly audiologist review of Loop earplugs
• US EPA guidance on the Noise Reduction Rating for hearing protectors

Last updated: October 2026