Best Earplugs

Best Earplugs UK (2024)

Last updated: 30.11.2024 Reading time: 5 Min.

If you're a light sleeper, earplugs can really tansform your nights - and your life.

Whether you need to block out the growl of a snoring partner, reduce city noise, or sleep better while travelling, earplugs have got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best earplugs for sleeping in the UK and share tips to help you choose the perfect pair. 👇

best earplugs for sleep
Stylish Choice

Loop Earplugs Quiet

Loop Quiet Earplugs are made of soft silicone and come in a range of stylish colour options.
  • Super soft silicone
  • 26 dB
  • Ideal for deep focus & restful sleep

Tell me more about Loop Quiet Earplugs

Loop Quiet Earplugs are made from soft silicone and are designed to fit comfortably and securely in your ears when sleeping or working.

They can reduce noise by up to 26 dB.

These earplugs are available in a range of colour options, and each set includes earplugs, a carry case, and four sizes of silicone ear tips (XS, S, M, L).

Silicone is easy to clean and you can re-use your Loop Quiet earplugs night after night.

Conveniently, Loop also offers a 2-year warranty and a 100-day free returns policy, even if you have used the product. 

Advantages

Soft & comfortable fit

Available in a range of stylish colour options

Re-usable and washable

100-night trial period

2-year guarantee

Disadvantages

Noise dampening not as effective as with foam earplugs

Quite expensive

Small Fit

Ziebioo Super Soft Foam Ear Plugs

The Ziebioo Super Soft Foam Earplugs are crafted from ultra-soft foam, providing a comfortable fit for extended wear.
  • Ultra-soft foam material
  • 36 dB
  • Ergonomic design for secure fit

Tell me more about Ziebioo Super Soft Foam Ear Plugs

The Ziebioo Super Soft Foam Ear Plugs are designed to fit snugly within the ear canal, ensuring stability during activities such as high-intensity exercise or all-night wear.

They effectively reduce noise by up to 36 dB, making them suitable for environments with significant noise levels.

These are also slim-fit earplugs, perfect for people with smaller ear canals.

The hypoallergenic foam material is gentle on sensitive skin, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort.

These Ziebioo foam ear plugs are also easy to clean, enabling reuse over multiple occasions.

Reasons to buy

Soft and comfortable fit, particularly for smaller ear canals

High noise reduction rating

Hypoallergenic material suitable for sensitive skin

Reasons to avoid

May not provide as much noise dampening as some specialised earplugs

Will feel a bit loose for people with larger ear canals

Natural Choice

Quies Natural Wax Earplugs

Quies Natural Wax Earplugs are crafted from natural wax and offer a comfortable, mouldable fit for all ear sizes.
  • Natural wax
  • 27 dB
  • Ideal for sleeping, studying, and relaxation

Tell me more about Quies Natural Wax Earplugs

The Quies Natural Wax Earplugs are designed to adapt perfectly to the shape of your ear, providing effective noise reduction for a peaceful environment.

The natural wax material softens with body heat, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, even for extended use.

These earplugs reduce noise levels by up to 27 dB, making them suitable for sleeping, studying, travelling, or simply relaxing.

Each pack contains eight pairs of individually wrapped earplugs for hygiene and convenience.

Reasons to buy

Soft, mouldable material for a custom fit

Hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive ears

Effective noise reduction

Compact and hygienically wrapped

 

Reasons to avoid

Not as durable as silicone earplugs

Some people don't like the feel of mouldable wax earplugs

Bestseller

Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs

Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs are made from mouldable silicone, providing a snug and secure fit for maximum comfort.
  • Mouldable silicone
  • 22 dB
  • Perfect for sleeping, swimming, and loud environments

Tell me more about Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs

Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs are designed to mould comfortably to the unique shape of your ear, creating a secure seal to block out unwanted noise.

These earplugs reduce noise levels by up to 22 dB, providing a quieter, more peaceful experience.

They are particularly beneficial for swimmers, as the watertight seal helps prevent water from entering the ears.

Each pack contains six pairs of earplugs in a compact storage case for hygiene and convenience.

The silicone is reusable and easy to clean, ensuring excellent value and long-lasting use.

Reasons to buy

Mouldable for a custom, comfortable fit

Suitable for multiple uses, including sleeping and swimming

Easy to clean and reusable

Reasons to avoid

Noise reduction is less effective than some foam earplugs

Silicone may not suit individuals who prefer deeper ear canal insertion

How to choose the best earplugs

There are many different types of earplugs available, and it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure the ones you're choosing are comfortable and effective.

You'll need to consider some of the following points:

Consider the size of the earplugs

Earplugs work best when they fit snugly in your ear canal and stay in place all night, even if you move around.

A secure fit prevents discomfort or slippage.

earplugs of different sizes

If you have smaller ear canals, it's important to look for compact-sized earplugs, since ones that are too large will end up hurting after a period of time.

Do you want disposable or reusable earplugs?

Your lifestyle and preferences will influence what type of earplugs will suit you best:

  • Disposable earplugs: Made from wax or foam, these are ideal for occasional use. Wax earplugs are single-use only, while foam earplugs can be reused a few times.
  • Reusable earplugs: Silicone earplugs are washable and durable, making them a great eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

Silicone earplugs will be more expensive at the start, but they'll be more cost-effective in the long term.

What Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) do you need?

The Noise Reduction Rating [1] (NRR) tells you how much noise the earplugs can block, measured in decibels (dB).

For example, a NRR of 30 tells you that the earplugs can reduce noise by 30 dB.

If you're dealing with loud snoring or city noise, opt for earplugs with a higher NRR rating.

What will the earplugs be used for?

Not all earplugs are designed for every purpose, so choose ones tailered to your needs.

  • Earplugs for sleeping: Soft and ergonomic earplugs are ideal for lying down comfortably.
  • Earplugs for concerts and events: Select earplugs can filter harmful frequencies while still allowing you to enjoy the music.
  • Earplugs for swimming or sports: Waterproof and durable earplugs work best.

It's important to match the earplugs to their intended use.

earplugs for swimming

Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the earplugs meet your specific requirements.

How easy are they to use?

Good earplugs should be easy to insert and remove, fitting comfortably in your ear without pressure.

For reusable earplugs, choose ones that are easy to clean and built to last.

If you're looking for a really good all-rounder, something you can use for sleep, work, and play, we'd recommend checking out the range of stylish Loop Earplugs.

Check out these Loop options:

Different types of earplugs and how to use them

There are dozens of different types of earplugs available, each with a number of key features and best practices.

different types of earplugs

Let's look at the most popular ones:

Wax earplugs

Wax earplugs are made from malleable natural wax that moulds perfectly to your ear canal. 👌

  • Comfort: Soft, hypoallergenic, and ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Single-use: Designed for one-time use, ensuring optimal hygiene.
  • Waterproof: Suitable for swimming and water sports.
  • Best for: Those seeking a simple, comfortable, and effective solution for noisy or aquatic environments.

How to insert wax earplugs properly:

1️⃣ Remove the cotton cover (if applicable): Unwrap the wax earplug by removing its protective cotton layer.
2️⃣ Soften the wax: Gently warm it between your fingers to make it more pliable.
3️⃣ Insert the plug: Place the wax ball into your ear canal and push it in gently.
4️⃣ Adjust: Pull your earlobe downward to release air and ensure a snug fit.

Make sure the wax completely seals your ear canal to block out noise or water.

Foam earplugs

Foam earplugs, often made from PVC or polyurethane, are among the most popular types of earplugs available.

  • Noise isolation: They compress to fit snugly in your ear canal, offering excellent sound reduction.
  • Versatility: Available in disposable or reusable options for frequent use.
  • Affordable: An economical choice for daily use.​​
  • Best for: Those needing maximum noise reduction at an affordable price, perfect for sleeping or working in loud environments.

How to insert foam earplugs properly:

1️⃣ Check the earplug: Ensure it’s clean and in good condition before use.
2️⃣ Roll the foam: Compress the foam between your fingers into a thin, cylindrical shape.
3️⃣ Position it: With one hand, gently pull your earlobe upwards while inserting the earplug with the other hand.
4️⃣ Hold in place: Keep the earplug in position for 30 - 60 seconds to let it expand and seal the ear canal.

Avoid twisting or deforming the foam to maintain its effectiveness.

Silicone earplugs

Silicone earplugs are versatile, offering effective noise and water protection.

  • Reusable: Washable and durable, making them a long-term, cost-effective option.
  • Noise reduction: Ideal for low to moderate noise levels without putting pressure on the ear canal.
  • Design: Discreet, often transparent, and suitable for smaller ear canals.
  • Best for: Musicians, swimmers, and regular users looking for comfortable, reusable earplugs.

How to insert silicone earplugs properly:

1️⃣ Insert gently: Place the ribbed end into your ear canal, using a light, rotating motion.
2️⃣ Adjust: Pull your earlobe upwards and backwards to remove air and ensure a comfortable fit.
3️⃣ Check placement: Make sure the earplug sits securely without causing discomfort.

Regularly clean silicone earplugs to prolong their lifespan and maintain hygiene.

Some people swear stuffing cotton into their ear canals also works, but we'd advise against these make-shift earplugs.

Here's a quick overview of how to insert earplugs:

how to use foam earplugs

So why use earplugs?

By reducing disruptive sounds, earplugs are an invaluable tool for:

  • Sleeping peacefully next to a snoring partner
  • Blocking out noise from neighbours or traffic
  • Protecting your hearing during concerts, loud events, or noisy workplaces

They're affordable, easy to use, and versatile, helping to enhance sleep quality and maintain overall health and well-being.

Another look at our best earplug options:

Frequently asked questions

  • Why would you need to use earplugs?


    Many people find excessive noise highly disruptive.

    The body actually releases stress hormones like adrenaline when subject to loud noises, and noise pollution [2] can have severe mental health and other health implications.

    This is where earplugs come in handy. 

    You may want to use earplugs in the following situations:

    • Earplugs for sleep: Most of us sleep best in a quiet environment. Earplugs are especially useful for light sleepers or those sharing their bed with a snoring partner.
    • Earplugs for concentration: Background noise can be a distraction at work and during other daily activities. Earplugs help by muffling sound levels, allowing you to focus more easily. 
    • Earplugs in noisy environments: Prolonged exposure to loud noises (over 85 dB) can cause permanent hearing damage. This is why earplugs are recommended for use in excessively noise environments, like concerts, constructions sites, and firework displays. 

    You may also want to use earplugs in other situations, like while swimming, to protect your ears.

  • Where can you buy earplugs?


    Earplugs used to only be available in pharmacies or health stores, but you can now find the best selection - and the best prices - when shopping online.

  • How should you clean earplugs?


    Many earplugs, like foam and wax earplugs, are created for single-use purposes and should be disposed of after each use.

    Silicone earplugs, in contrast, are reusable and need regular cleaning.

    Simply wash them with warm water and soap and allow to air dry before storing them in a hygienic travel case.

  • Is it dangerous to sleep with earplugs?


    Sleeping with earplugs is not harmful.

    But, it's important to clean your earplugs daily to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.

    If you use earplugs every night, it's also recommended to rinse your ears in the shower for about 10 seconds each day - this helps prevent the build-up of earwax. 

  • Can a child or baby use earplugs?


    There are ear protection options specifically designed to fit the smaller ear canals of children and babies. 

    That said, doctors advise against using earplugs for babies under the age of 2.

  • What are good alternatives to earplugs?


    Some people don't like wearing earplugs, and noise-cancelling headphones can be a good alternative.

    Of course, these are much more expensive than earplugs, but they can be a worthwhile investment that'll last for years. 

  • What other sleep aids can help me sleep better?


    Earplugs aren't the only tools designed to help you sleep better.

    You can also look at meditation apps, white noise machines, weighted blankets, sleep masks, sleep aid devices, ASMR sounds, and relaxing pillow sprays to help you get better sleep. 

  • References

Lily

Senior writer

Lily is a dynamic and adventurous individual with a passion for both writing and exploring the world. Her love for travel fuels her creativity, inspiring the vibrant stories she weaves with her words.
 

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