5 Best Ear Plugs for Sleeping in Australia 2025

Last update: 23 November 2025

If you are a side sleeper, you know the struggle: standard earplugs stick out too far, and the moment your head hits the pillow, the pressure drives the stem painfully into your ear.

Finding earplugs that are effective enough to block a snoring partner (typically 50–60dB) but flush enough to be comfortable for side sleeping is a difficult balance.

In this guide, we analyzed the best sleeping earplugs available in Australia for 2025. We focused specifically on "Flush-Fit" designs for side comfort and SNR ratings to ensure they actually block noise.

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	Best For	Material	Noise Reduction (SNR)	Price (AUD)
QuietBuds	Overall Value & Side Sleepers	Soft Silicone	27 dB	$12.71
Loop Dream™	Premium Materials	Hybrid Silicone	27 dB	$69.95
Sleep + Sound Blocking	Heavy Noise Blocking	Silicone Putty	30 dB	$24.95
Loop Quiet 2	Discrete Design	Silicone	24 dB	$34.95
Chemist Warehouse Foam	Budget/Occasional Use	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 suitable for people with sensitive ears or those who find other earplugs uncomfortable.

The standout feature of QuietBuds is the moldable silicone design. Unlike pre-molded plugs that have a set shape, this material flattens completely against the outer ear. Theoretically, this eliminates the 'stem' that usually digs into a side-sleeper's ear, ensuring a flush fit against the pillow.

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 move around frequently.

Key Strengths:

• Moldable Design: The silicone provides a custom fit for different ear canal shapes and sizes.
• Flush-Fit Profile: The flat silicone design minimizes pressure points when lying on your side.
• Effective Noise Blocking: A 27 dB SNR rating works well for reducing common sleep-disrupting noises.
• Great Value: At just A$12.71, you get six reusable pairs, which provides a very low cost per night.
• Reusable: Easy to clean with soap and water, making them practical for nightly use.
  

Things to Note:

• The soft material may need to be replaced after a few months to maintain optimal 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 practical solution for anyone who has had trouble finding a comfortable earplug. They offer a simple, affordable, and effective approach to getting a more peaceful night's sleep.

2. Loop Quiet 2 by Loopearplugs

Loop Quiet earplugs feature a round design that sits flush with your ear. They're made from soft silicone and come in multiple sizes to accommodate different ears.

These earplugs reduce noise by 24dB and are designed for daily use. The design is discrete, and they come with a carrying case for portability.

Pros:

• Stylish and discrete design
• Multiple sizes available
• 24dB noise reduction
• Includes carrying case
  

Cons:

• May not stay secure during sleep for all users
• The fixed design may cause discomfort for some ear shapes
• Performance varies based on fit quality
  

Loop Quiet's design has aesthetic appeal, though the fit and retention during sleep can vary depending on individual ear anatomy.

3. Sleep + Sound Blocking Ear Plugs by BlockBlueLight

These moldable silicone earplugs are designed to create a tight seal for blocking disturbing noises. Made from silicone putty, they mould over your ear canal opening to create a custom fit.

The earplugs offer 30dB noise reduction and come in a 3-pack. The moldable design allows them to lie flat against your ear, which is beneficial for side sleeping positions.

Pros:

• High 30dB SNR rating
• 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 $24.95
  

These earplugs work well for those who need strong noise blocking and are willing to spend time getting the proper mould technique.

4. Loop Dream™ by Loopearplugs 

Loop Dream earplugs use advanced silicone compounds and offer 27dB of noise reduction. The design focuses on comfort for sleep with Loop's signature ring design made from softer materials.

These earplugs come with multiple tip sizes and a premium carrying case. The construction quality is high, with premium materials throughout the design.

Pros:

• Premium materials and construction quality
• 27dB noise reduction rating
• Multiple tip sizes included for different ear sizes
• Designed specifically for sleep use
• Includes premium carrying case
  

Cons:

• Very expensive at $69.95 compared to alternatives with similar SNR ratings
• Fixed shape design may not suit all ear canal geometries
• Higher investment risk if the pre-formed shape doesn't fit your specific ear anatomy
  

While Loop Dream is marketed as a premium solution, the fixed shape and higher price point ($69.95) are significant factors to consider.

For users with unique ear shapes, a fixed silicone ring may not offer the same custom seal as moldable silicone, making it a risky investment at this price point compared to more affordable alternatives. 

5. Chemist Warehouse Foam Plug

These disposable foam earplugs offer a noise reduction rating of 33dB. They're made from soft foam that expands to fill the ear canal.

At $8.99, they're the most budget-friendly option and are widely available at Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia. They're suitable for occasional use or first-time earplug users.

Pros:

• Highest noise reduction (33dB)
• Very affordable
• Available everywhere
• Good for occasional use

Cons:

• May be too small for larger ear canals
• Inconsistent noise blocking depending on insertion technique
• Single-use only creates ongoing replacement costs
• Protruding design 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 optimal for nightly use or side sleepers due to the protruding design.

Why Design Matters for Side Sleepers

For side sleepers, the profile of the earplug is the most critical feature.

The Problem: Rigid foam plugs or plugs with plastic stems often protrude from the ear canal. When pressed against a pillow, this leverage can cause inner-ear pain or discomfort that interrupts sleep.

The Solution: Look for 'Flush-Fit' or 'Moldable' designs. Because these reshape to fit the opening of the ear rather than sticking out, they minimize contact with the pillow. Moldable silicone (like QuietBuds) and wax-based options (like Ohropax) are engineered to spread flat against the ear's surface, eliminating the protruding stem that creates pressure points.

What to Avoid: Pre-formed foam plugs and rigid designs with fixed shapes that extend beyond the ear canal opening. These create a lever effect when compressed against a pillow, which can cause pain in the inner ear canal.

Understanding SNR (And Why 27dB is Sufficient)

You will see 'SNR' listed on many product specifications. This stands for Single Number Rating.

The Data: An SNR of 27dB (like QuietBuds) is designed to reduce noise volume by roughly 27 decibels.

The Context: Most snoring falls between 50-60dB. Reducing this by 27dB brings the noise down to a library-whisper level (around 23-33dB), which is usually enough to allow sleep without blocking safety alarms. Similarly, traffic noise (typically 70-80dB) would be reduced to 43-53dB—roughly the level of quiet conversation.

Why Higher Isn't Always Better: While foam plugs may advertise 33dB reduction, they often don't maintain a proper seal throughout the night, especially for side sleepers. A well-fitted 27dB plug that stays in place will outperform a poorly-fitted 33dB plug. Additionally, very high noise reduction can make you sleep through important sounds like smoke alarms or emergency alerts.

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 SNR ratings but often uncomfortable for side sleepers due to protruding design
• Silicone (Moldable): Good balance of comfort and noise blocking, best for side sleepers
• Silicone (Pre-formed): Fixed shape may not fit all ear geometries, requires trying to determine fit
• Wax: Natural feel, lies completely flat, good for moderate noise and sensitivities

Side Sleeper Considerations

Side sleepers need soft, low-profile earplugs that won't create pressure points against the pillow. Moldable silicone options like QuietBuds or natural wax plugs like Ohropax are designed to sit flush. Avoid hard materials or protruding designs that extend beyond the ear canal opening.

Noise Reduction Ratings

Higher SNR numbers indicate greater theoretical noise blocking capability. A rating of 24-27dB is generally sufficient for most sleeping situations because it significantly reduces snoring, traffic noise, and household sounds while still allowing you to hear important sounds like alarms. Very high ratings (33dB+) may be excessive for sleeping purposes.

Reusable vs Disposable

Reusable earplugs cost more upfront but save money over time. They're also better for the environment. Disposable options work well for occasional use or testing different types before committing to reusable options.

Hygiene Tips

Clean reusable earplugs with warm water and mild soap after each use. Replace them when they become discoloured, lose their shape, or show signs of wear. Never share earplugs with others to prevent ear infections.

Conclusion

All six earplugs in this guide offer 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 design, effectiveness, and value. The moldable silicone design works well for side sleepers, and the $12.71 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 improve 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 moldable silicone earplugs like QuietBuds or natural wax plugs like Ohropax work well for side sleepers. They mould to your ear shape and sit flush, preventing 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 may have higher SNR ratings but can be uncomfortable overnight and often protrude too much for side sleeping.

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.