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Google Reviews
5 | 87% | |
4 | 8% | |
3 | 2% | |
2 | 1% | |
1 | 2% |
Easy to order quick delivery and very happy with product.
Item deliverd fast
Excellent product, excellent customer service and very fast delivery. I will say, however, that I find the headhand too hot at the moment. This can't really be helped. But if you tend to run hot or get hot flushes, consider this.
We couldn't believe how fast the electric blankets got here from Sydney. Just 3 days by Australia post to Toowoomba. The products have all the features we wanted as well.
They were very helpful when placing an NDIS order and fast.
Found the website easy to use and order what I needed Delivery was very quick Will be ordering again
Was very keen to try this but so hard to as hubby not like it. Tried with earplugs but the cable was annoying
Have been travelling with the pillow and highly recommend
Ear Plugs come in four varieties soft foam plugs, soft silicone putty ear plugs, reusable silicone or plastic earplugs, and swimming earplugs
Ear plugs for sleeping and snoring can be a life saver. Whether it is a noisy neighbour, early riser, teen who plays their music too loud, or the ultimate disturbance to sleeping, a snoring partner (and it is not just the blokes!)
Everything you need to know about earplug types, noise reduction ratings, seal quality, use cases, and choosing the right earplug for sleeping, swimming, travel, or work.
A common misconception is that earplugs "block" sound. In reality, earplugs attenuate (reduce) sound — they lower the volume of surrounding noise by a rated number of decibels, but they do not create silence. A foam earplug with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 32 dB reduces incoming noise by roughly that amount, not to zero.
This is by design. If earplugs could completely block all sound, the wearer would hear their own heartbeat, blood flow, and breathing amplified by the enclosed ear canal — a phenomenon that makes sleep impossible for most people. What earplugs do instead is reduce environmental noise to a level where the brain can take over.
How the brain adapts: When earplugs attenuate noise to a low, consistent level, the brain's auditory processing system progressively "tunes out" the remaining sound — the same mechanism that allows people living near a train line to stop noticing trains. During sleep, this adaptation deepens and the brain effectively filters out residual noise entirely. This effect wears off naturally upon waking. It's why earplugs often feel more effective after the first few nights — the brain gets better at completing the job the earplugs started.
Emergency sounds and alarms: Because earplugs attenuate rather than block sound, safety sounds — smoke alarms, phone alarms, a child crying — remain audible. A standard Australian smoke alarm at 85 dB still reaches the ear at roughly 53 dB through a 32 dB NRR earplug — equivalent to a normal conversation — more than enough to wake most people.
Find the right earplug for your situation.
SleepingMouldable silicone is preferred by side sleepers (sits flat, no pressure). Foam offers the highest NRR for noisy environments. Alpine SleepSoft and SleepDeep are reusable options optimised for all-night comfort. Browse: silicone | foam.
Snoring PartnerThe #1 reason Australians buy sleep earplugs. Snoring ranges from 50-80 dB — a foam earplug with NRR 29-33 dB (Mack's Snore Blockers, Hearos Xtreme Protection, Mack's Ultra Soft) reduces this to a level the brain filters out during sleep. For lighter snoring, mouldable silicone (Mack's Pillow Soft, Mack's Snoozers) is sufficient and more comfortable.
Noisy Neighbours & Street NoiseTraffic, barking dogs, late-night parties — high-NRR foam provides maximum reduction. For persistent noise, pairing earplugs with a white noise machine creates a layered approach — the machine masks residual sound that passes through the earplugs.
Swimming & Water SportsWaterproof silicone earplugs prevent water entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of swimmer's ear and surfer's ear. Essential for anyone with grommets. Mouldable silicone putty creates the best watertight seal; flanged options suit frequent pool use. Browse: swimming earplugs.
Air TravelMack's Flightguard earplugs use a ceramic pressure-relief filter to equalise ear pressure during takeoff and landing. Insert before takeoff, remove after landing. These address pressure rather than just noise — a different product to standard sleep earplugs.
Work & Industrial NoiseHigh-NRR foam earplugs rated to 32-33 dB provide the most attenuation. Hearos Xtreme Protection (NRR 33 dB) and Mack's Safe Sound (NRR 30 dB) are popular workplace choices. For offices, lower-NRR reusable options reduce distraction without isolating from conversation.
| Type | Material | Reusable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Foam | Polyurethane foam | Disposable (3-5 uses) | Sleeping, snoring, work, maximum noise reduction |
| Mouldable Silicone Putty | Soft silicone | Limited (~5 uses) | Side sleepers, swimming, kids |
| Reusable Flanged | Silicone / thermoplastic | Yes — washable, months of use | Sleeping, travel, concerts, long-term value |
| Swimming / Waterproof | Silicone (mouldable or flanged) | Varies | Swimming, surfing, grommets |
| Flight Pressure Relief | Silicone with ceramic filter | Yes — reusable | Air travel ear pressure, altitude changes |
| Kids Earplugs | Silicone (mouldable or flanged, smaller fit) | Varies | Sleep, swimming, events, noise-sensitive children |
| Baby & Kids Earmuffs | Padded headband with ear cups | Yes — long-lasting | Babies, toddlers, loud events, sensory sensitivity |
Disposable foam earplugs are designed for limited use. After 3-5 insertions, the foam loses elasticity and no longer expands fully, degrading the seal and reducing noise reduction. Discard once they accumulate dirt, earwax, or lose their shape. They cannot be washed.
Mouldable silicone putty earplugs (like Mack's Pillow Soft or Hearos Multi-Use Silicone) typically last around 5 uses before the silicone loses its tackiness. Keeping hands and ears clean before handling extends their life, but once the material stops moulding easily, replace it.
Reusable flanged earplugs — including Alpine SleepSoft and SleepDeep — are designed for months of regular use. Washable with mild soap and water, the higher upfront cost works out significantly cheaper per use than disposables over time.
An earplug's noise reduction rating only applies when it forms a proper seal. Without one, sound leaks around the earplug and effective reduction can drop by 10-15 dB. This is the most common reason people find earplugs "don't work."
Silicone earplugs are generally superior to foam for achieving a consistent seal. Mouldable putty conforms to the outer ear shape and seals across the opening without deep insertion — adapting to any ear. Flanged reusable earplugs use multiple soft rings for redundant seal points. Foam earplugs require more technique: roll tightly, pull the ear to straighten the canal, insert, and hold while expanding. If any step is off, the seal fails — which is why foam earplugs often underperform in practice despite high laboratory ratings.
Fit tip: A properly inserted foam earplug should not be visible when looking at someone from the front — if it is, it's not deep enough. For mouldable silicone, the putty should cover the ear canal entrance completely with a gentle suction seal — do not push it into the canal.
Children's ear canals are significantly smaller than adults' — standard earplugs won't fit correctly. Purpose-designed children's earplugs use smaller dimensions and softer materials. For babies and toddlers who cannot safely use earplugs, passive earmuffs are the recommended alternative.
Mack's Kids Size Silicone are mouldable putty earplugs sized for children — they seal over the ear canal entrance without being inserted inside it. Alpine Pluggies Kids are reusable flanged plugs with child-sized tips. The Alpine SleepSoft & Pluggies Kids combo pack provides both a child's and adult pair. Hearos Multi-Use Child Silicone is another mouldable option for smaller ears, suitable for swimming and general noise reduction.
Alpine Muffy Baby earmuffs are designed from 3 months using a soft elastic headband (no hard clamp pressure) — ideal for fireworks, concerts, sporting events, or loud family gatherings. Alpine Muffy Kids suit ages 3-16 with an adjustable headband that grows with the child. Earmuffs are also widely used for children with sensory processing sensitivities where everyday noise levels can be overwhelming.
Earplugs vs earmuffs for children: Earmuffs are the safer choice for children under 3 (no small parts near the ear canal). From age 3-4, mouldable silicone earplugs that sit over the opening can be used under supervision. Flanged insert-style earplugs are more appropriate for older children who can manage insertion independently.
| Factor | Foam Earplugs | Silicone (Mouldable Putty) | Silicone (Reusable Flanged) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Reduction | Highest (NRR 29-33 dB) | Moderate (NRR 22-27 dB) | Moderate to high (NRR 20-28 dB) |
| Seal Quality | Technique-dependent — can be inconsistent | Excellent — moulds to any ear shape | Very good — multiple flanges create redundant seals |
| Side-Sleeper Comfort | Can cause pressure when lying on ear | Excellent — sits flat, no protrusion | Good — low-profile designs available |
| Lifespan | 3-5 uses, then discard | ~5 uses, then discard | Months to years with washing |
| Waterproof | No | Yes — suitable for swimming | Some models — check specs |
For workplaces, offices, accommodation providers, and corporate environments needing earplugs at volume, bulk and dispenser packs offer significant per-unit savings.
For corporate or NDIS procurement enquiries on bulk earplug orders, contact Sleep Solutions directly on 1300 139 350.
We stock only trusted brands known for reliability, performance, and excellent after-sales support in Australia.
Browse our full range of earplugs and hearing protection. Australian-based sleep specialists are available to help — contact us for personalised recommendations based on your sleep needs.
Our range of silicone swimming ear plugs are perfect for swimming and can be used in the pool, for surfing, and are naturally waterproof. We also stock special kids swimming earplugs.
It is important you read the instructions or watch the included videos on how to fit your earplugs to avoid damaging your ears.
We deliver ear plugs into your mailbox across Australia including: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Central Coast, and Cairns and all other metro and urban areas
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We stock Mack's Ear Plugs - America's #1 Selling and #1 Doctor Recommended Earplug Brand. Mack's make the highest quality ear plugs - manufactured in the USA and Sweden. |
Sleep Solutions is NDIS Registered and Approved
Sleeping with earplugs can be very beneficial for those who are sensitive to noise, live in a loud environment, or have a partner who snores. They can help create a quiet, peaceful sleep environment. However, it's essential to use them properly to prevent potential problems:
Despite these risks, many people use earplugs to sleep without any issues. The key is to use them correctly. Make sure to clean or replace earplugs regularly, insert them properly according to the instructions, and choose a pair that fits comfortably. If you notice any discomfort, pain, or hearing changes, stop using the earplugs and consult a healthcare professional. And remember, while earplugs can be a great aid in blocking out unwanted noise, they also block important sounds like alarms or emergency alerts, so consider this when deciding to use them. A peaceful night's sleep is essential for health and wellbeing, and if earplugs can contribute to that, they can be a useful tool.
Finding the right earplugs for sleeping depends on individual comfort, noise blocking capability, and the material of the earplugs. Here's what to consider when searching for the best option:
Remember, everyone's ears and comfort levels are different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best earplugs for your needs. Always read product reviews and consider your personal needs when making your choice.
Silicone earplugs are a popular choice for many people due to their unique characteristics and advantages. Here's why many people choose silicone:
While silicone earplugs offer many advantages, whether they are right for you depends on your specific needs. For example, if you need earplugs for sleeping and find silicone earplugs uncomfortable to lie on, foam earplugs might be a better option. Or, if you need earplugs for loud environments like concerts or construction sites, you might prefer high-fidelity earplugs or earmuffs. The key is to consider what you need the earplugs for, and then choose the type that best meets those needs. Like any product, the best silicone earplugs will be the ones that are comfortable, fit well, and effectively block or reduce the noise in your environment.
Foam earplugs are one of the most commonly used types of earplugs and they offer several benefits. Here's why many people prefer foam earplugs:
While foam earplugs offer many advantages, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Some people find them less comfortable than mouldable options, and they may not be the best choice for water-related activities. Additionally, as they are generally single-use, they may not be the most environmentally friendly choice. However, if you're seeking an affordable, effective solution for noise reduction, foam earplugs are certainly a worthy option to consider. Whether you're trying to concentrate in a noisy office, get some sleep in a bustling city, or protect your hearing at a loud concert, foam earplugs can provide the noise blocking you need.
No — earplugs attenuate (reduce) sound, not block it completely. This is intentional: total blocking would amplify internal body sounds (heartbeat, breathing), making sleep impossible for most people. Earplugs reduce noise to a level where the brain's natural filtering takes over during sleep. Emergency sounds such as smoke alarms and phone alarms remain audible.
Yes. A smoke alarm at 85 dB still reaches the ear at ~53 dB through a 32 dB NRR earplug — roughly conversation volume. Phone alarms can also be placed closer to the bed or set to vibrate as an additional safeguard.
Foam offers higher noise reduction (NRR 29–33 dB) — better for heavy snoring or very noisy environments. Silicone provides a more consistent seal, greater side-sleeper comfort, and longer lifespan (reusable flanged types last months). Many people start with disposable foam, then switch to reusable silicone once they've confirmed earplugs work for them.
Foam earplugs: after 3–5 uses, or sooner if visibly dirty or no longer expanding fully. They cannot be washed. Mouldable silicone putty: around 5 uses before tackiness fades. Reusable flanged earplugs: wash with mild soap and water — they last months or years with proper care.
Earplugs are generally considered safe for nightly use with proper hygiene. Use clean hands when inserting, replace disposable earplugs regularly, wash reusable earplugs between uses, and never force an earplug deeper than it naturally sits. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort, pain, or hearing changes, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
For heavy snoring, prioritise high NRR: Mack's Snore Blockers (foam), Hearos Xtreme Protection (NRR 33 dB), or Mack's Ultra Soft. For moderate snoring where comfort matters more, Mack's Pillow Soft (mouldable silicone) or Alpine SleepDeep (reusable) offer a good balance. Pairing earplugs with a white noise machine provides additional masking for residual noise.
For babies and toddlers (under 3), over-ear earmuffs are safest — nothing enters the ear canal. Alpine Muffy Baby earmuffs work from 3 months with a soft elastic headband. From age 3–4, mouldable silicone earplugs (Mack's Kids Size, Hearos Child Silicone) can be used under supervision — they sit over the ear canal opening rather than inside it.