Written by Peter and Amanda, founders of SLO Sleep.
Short answer: For nightly use, choose soft, reusable silicone. It moulds gently to your ear, suits side sleepers, and one pair lasts. Foam suits people who want a disposable plug that expands inside the canal. SLO Sleep Ear Plugs are soft reusable silicone with their own ivory clip case, for $24.
Does noise really affect sleep?
Yes. A systematic review prepared for the World Health Organization's noise guidelines looked at 74 studies of people living near roads, railways and airports. For every 10 decibel rise in night-time outdoor noise, the odds of highly disturbed sleep roughly doubled for road and aircraft noise, and roughly tripled for rail. In two German studies with full sleep recordings, louder indoor noise events raised the chance of waking (Basner 2018).
Ear plugs cut that noise. In hospital intensive care units, which are loud and bright, ear plugs, eye masks or both were linked to better self-rated sleep (Karimi 2021). In a lab study, healthy adults exposed to recorded ICU noise and light had more REM sleep and fewer arousals with ear plugs and an eye mask (Hu 2010).
What's the difference between silicone and foam?
Practical guidance on how the two types are designed:
| Soft silicone | Foam | |
|---|---|---|
| How it fits | Moulds gently to the ear | Rolled thin, then expands inside the canal |
| Feel | Soft, sits fairly flat | Fills the canal, some people notice the pressure |
| Reuse | Washable and reusable | Usually disposable after a few uses |
| Side sleeping | Comfortable when low profile | Depends on the length of the plug |
| Best for | Everyday use, travel, side sleepers | A disposable option |
Why choose SLO Sleep Ear Plugs?
- Value. $24 regular price, the lowest of the reusable options compared below. $19 in our sale until 7 December 2026.
- Soft, reusable silicone. They mould gently for a comfortable, secure fit, including for side sleepers.
- Case included. A compact ivory clip case keeps them clean and easy to find.
- 30-Night Sleep Easy Promise. If they aren't part of your routine, email us within 30 nights of them arriving and we'll organise a refund or a replacement. You don't need to send used ear plugs back.
- Free shipping over $49, and part of the Complete Routine: all six SLO essentials for $129.
How do the ear plugs sold in Australia compare?
Regular prices on each brand's own Australian site, checked 20 October 2026.
| Ear plugs | Regular price | Material | What's included | Returns and warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLO Sleep Ear Plugs | $24 ($19 in our sale to 7 Dec 2026) | Soft reusable silicone | One pair, ivory clip case | 30-Night Sleep Easy Promise |
| Loop Quiet 2 | $34.95 | Silicone | One pair, four tip sizes, keychain case | 100-day returns, 2-year warranty |
| Loop Dream | $69.95 | Silicone with foam-silicone tips | Plugs, case, tips in four sizes, Double Tips in four sizes | 100-day returns, 2-year warranty |
| Love Nightshift Reusable Sleeping Earplugs | $49 | Washable silicone | Not stated | 30-day guarantee |
| Love Nightshift Earplugs for Sleep (30 pairs) | $29 | Silicone | 30 pairs | 30-Day Better Sleep Guarantee |
Which ear plugs suit which sleeper?
- Side sleepers: low-profile soft silicone. Give a new pair a few nights to get the fit right.
- Travellers: reusable silicone in a small case, so they stay clean and you can find them in your bag.
- Light sleepers at home: a reusable pair you'll actually wear every night, kept by the bed.
- The full kit: pair ear plugs with a contoured sleep mask for light and noise together. See the best sleep masks in Australia.
How do you look after reusable ear plugs?
- Use them in the outer ear only. Don't push them deep.
- Wash them in warm water with a little mild soap, then let them dry fully before they go back in the case.
- Replace them if the silicone loses its shape, tears or turns tacky.
More detail in looking after your SLO products.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep with ear plugs every night?
Many people do. Keep them clean and dry. We're not doctors, so if your ears get sore or irritated, stop and see your GP.
Will I still hear my alarm?
You may not, especially with a well-fitted plug. Test it on a night that doesn't matter first, and make sure you'd hear a smoke alarm.
How much noise do SLO ear plugs block?
We don't publish a decibel rating. They're soft silicone that moulds gently to your ear and softens the noise around you, at home or away.
Do ear plugs help on planes?
They're part of the in-flight toolbox in the 2021 jet lag consensus statement Peter co-authored (Janse van Rensburg 2021). See how to sleep on a long-haul flight.
References
- Basner M, McGuire S. WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: a systematic review on environmental noise and effects on sleep. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(3):519. doi:10.3390/ijerph15030519
- Karimi L, Rahimi-Bashar F, Mohammadi SM, et al. The efficacy of eye masks and earplugs interventions for sleep promotion in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:791342. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.791342
- Hu RF, Jiang XY, Zeng YM, Chen XY, Zhang YH. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Crit Care. 2010;14(2):R66. doi:10.1186/cc8965
- Janse van Rensburg DC, Jansen van Rensburg A, Fowler PM, et al. Managing travel fatigue and jet lag in athletes: a review and consensus statement. Sports Med. 2021;51(10):2029-2050. doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01502-0
Competitor details from au.loopearplugs.com and lovenightshift.com.au, checked 20 October 2026. Prices change, so check each site before you buy.