Side Sleeper Ear Plug Recommendations

[u/AntiGroundhogDay]

Looking to retire shortly and travel internationally more or less full time out of a ~40l pack while staying in hostels. I'm used to disposable foam earplugs, but they wear out / get gross over time and finding replacements while traveling is not ideal. On the other hand I see reusable earplugs (preferably ones that preserve the sound quality for concerts), but they have large stems: https://smile.amazon.com/Etymotic-ETY-Plugs-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0015WJQ7A

Has anyone found reusable ear plugs suitable for a side sleeper where the stems won't be uncomfortable? Many thanks!

[u/Mari_Kane]

I usually just use Hearos since I don't wear earplugs every night. However, one of my friends is an audiologist and I know that she makes custom ear plugs... Maybe you could ask an audiologist in your area to see if they could make reusable plugs without stems.

[u/bigeyedfish1999 → u/Mari_Kane]

I use hearos as well. They are super soft and comfortable and I have no problems as a side sleeper

[u/simply-jake]

I asked an earplug retailer this question just the other day:

Hey, what are your best ear plugs for sleeping? I'm doing some backpacking soon and need a really good pair of earplugs for sleeping on planes and in hostels. What are the most comfortable pair you sell for sleeping?

Their response:

Hey Jake, I'd suggest the Alpine Sleepsoft. They're our best reviewed, comfy throughout the night and are reusable so will last the trip!

[u/intermediatetransit]

I get really long mileage out of good quality disposable ones if I wash them. They expand quite a bit when they get wet, but they're good to go after a few hours.

[u/AntiGroundhogDay → u/intermediatetransit]

I'm actually in bed with foam ones right now... I wash them off with some water each morning. So far so good after about 4 nights. Will see how long this lasts. :)

[u/Kunie40k]

https://www.nonoise-earplugs.com/en/ I have the motorcycle version from nonoise. The have shorter stems to fit in a helmet. For me the work great for sleeping.

[u/[deleted]]

I use the regular rubber type and just cut the stem shorter. Don’t take it too low, that makes it difficult to get out, but low enough it’s not pushing into your ear when you hit the pillow.

[u/ScrewTheAverage]

Have you looked into silicon ear plugs? We haven't used them yet, but we've heard good things about them, especially for side sleepers.

https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Soft-Silicone-Earplugs/dp/B00Q86L752/

[u/AntiGroundhogDay → u/ScrewTheAverage]

Looks like folks get a few uses out of them, then they get funky so as someone looking to be traveling for an indefinite period of time, finding new ones on the road may be problematic.

[u/FlippinFlags]

If you're traveling with such a big bag why not carry 3-4 sets.. and unless you're a light sleeper I don't wear them all the time unless the other roomies are the loud type etc.

[u/HopefulYam]

I've used Ohropox wax plugs, and like them. They sit on the outside of the ear canal, and don't get as much ear wax on them, and I find them to be more comfortable for long periods, compared to foam or silicone. I also use 3m reusable silicone earplugs, and although they have long stems, I don't see why you couldn't cut them down somewhat.

[u/zyklon_snuggles → u/HopefulYam]

Ohropox wax plugs

Seconding. I got several varieties of ear plugs to test out, and these were by far the best. Only kind I buy now, and it's been years. I also sleep on my side.

[u/starr_wolf]

Loop earplugs are amazing