We all know how vital a good night's rest is for long-term health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ages 18-64 should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and experts say that a lack of ZZZ's can lead to early signs of aging and even affect daily functioning.
I'm a light sleeper and sensitive to loud noises. Unfortunately, I have the unpleasure of living below a noisy neighbor whose footsteps sound like they're clogging at all hours of the night. (They also sometimes like to vacuum before sunrise.) And my apartment is on ground level, so I'm in earshot of the building entrance and street noise. So, what do you do if you live in an environment that keeps you from getting your proper beauty rest?
I've tried every drugstore earplug out there. They're either too big and fall out in the middle of the night or feel so uncomfortable that they cause pressure pain and scabbing. After doing some research, I came across the Loop Quiet earplugs, which are earplugs that promise to reduce noise and not hurt my ears. I was hooked after one night and have been wearing them every night for nearly three years. And they were just named a Shop TODAY Travel Award winner for best earplugs for travel.
Recently, Loop launched an all-new earplug designed specifically for sleeping: Loop Dream.
Loop Dream Earplugs
- Great for side sleeping
- High decibel reduction
- Need to get use to inserting
Decibel reduction: 27 dB | Best for: Sleep
As a diehard Loop fan, I was thrilled to see they had a new launch specifically for sleeping, I even got to try out them out prior to their release. While they have the same idea as the original silicone earplugs, I found the new modifications really provide a better fit and overall comfort for side sleeping.
Why I like Loop Dream earplugs
For starters, the physical design of the Dream earplugs has a smaller and softer silicone body, which makes sleeping on your side so much more comfortable. They sit closer to your ear canal and don't stick out. The brand also made the tip oval shape, which they say helps it remain in place. Inside the silicone tip is lined with foam, which I found to provide a bit more cushion when sitting inside your ear.
The brand also notes that this new model has a 27 dB of noise reduction, the highest reduction they now offer. Don't get me wrong, the Quiet definitely muffled all the ruckus around my sleep environment but the Dream options drown it out a tad more. I sleep soundly and can still hear my alarm in the morning.
What I like about Loop earplugs
- Reusable and washable: Both options of the Loop earplug tips are made of silicone, so I find the material to be much gentler on the delicate skin in my ear canal than other brands and styles.
- Customizable: The plugs come with four interchangeable size caps (XS - L), so I was able to pick a size that felt the most comfortable on me. I was relieved to finally find something that didn't feel too large in my ears or fall out in the night. (Though, according to the brand, if the earplugs don't reduce enough sound or "seal," you should try a larger size.)
- Sleek and stylish: The earplugs, no matter the model, come in different colors. For my newest pair, I have "Lilac" and it doesn't get lost in my white bedding whenever I removed them. Overall, each design looks like just another pair of wireless earbuds. So, if you're just wanting to mute the noises during the day — whether you're riding the subway or sitting in a noisy office — people might just think you're listening to some tunes. Plus, it comes with its own carrying case.
What I love most about Loop Dream (and Quiet!) is how easy and comfortable they are to wear. With foam earplugs, I have to roll them, insert them into the ear canal and then wait for them to expand. To wear these, you simply pop them into your ear canal, making sure the entire silicone tip is inserted. There was some trial and error at first, but I found that twisting the loop handle up helped create the seal.
The packaging for each pair includes a QR code that links to helpful video tutorials, ensuring there's no confusion on how to properly insert them. After a couple of uses, I noticed they were consistently comfortable to wear throughout the night while staying put! Plus, they're side-sleeper approved — I didn't experience any discomfort while lying on my side or stomach.
I asked Dr. Michelle Kraskin, Director of Audiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, whether one type of earplug (foam versus silicone) was better than the other. She says that it's up to personal preference, but to make sure you are using them correctly. "I think the issue with foam is that people don’t actually insert them appropriately, so I think if you’re not using them appropriately, they are a waste."
Are earplugs safe to wear overnight?
I've been wearing a version of Loop earplugs every night for the last couple of years, not only have they remained durable but I've had minimal issues and discomfort. The brand even offers replaceable tips, which come in a pack of three, so it makes "replacing" much more affordable. Plus, my sleep has felt restored, and I am finally getting a full night's rest again.
In terms of ear safety, Kraskin says wearing plugs overnight is absolutely fine, but to just keep a few things in mind. "I would caution you don’t want to have any active ear infections, [and] you don’t want to have draining ears if you are using them. If you develop a rash, obviously, immediately discontinue use," she says. She also advises not forgetting to allow your ears to breathe in general throughout the day. "You don’t want to create a moist environment that will be breeding bacteria and germs."
What to consider
Speaking of, the minor challenge I found with the silicone tips (and it could just be a "me thing" since I am a hot sleeper) is that I notice my inner ears will feel "sweaty" when I take them out in the morning. If this happens to you, you'll just have to be diligent on gently absorbing the moisture with a tissue or Q-tip, since Kraskin says that could cause bacteria to grow.
I will note, since I immediately dry the moisture, I haven't had a single ear infection since wearing any type of Loop option.
More Loop Earplugs to shop
Loop Quiet 2
Decibel reduction: 24 dB | Best for: Focus, sleep, travel
As I've mentioned, I'm a longtime Loop fan, and the Quiet will always hold a special place in my heart. The brand has since discontinued the original Loop Quiet and now offers Loop Quiet 2.0, which has slight modifications in design. If the Dream didn't exist, I would still be wearing these nightly. Now I bring them along with me as an extra pair for work, traveling on airplanes and anytime I need to lower the noise around me.
Loop Experience Ear Plugs for Concerts
Decibel reduction: 17 dB | Best for: Concerts
Unlike the Quiet, these earplugs have a noise reduction rating of 17 decibels, which preserves your sound experience while also reducing any excess noise pollution.
Loop Engage
Decibel reduction: 16 dB | Best for: Socializing
The brand says their Engage ear plugs helps you stay aware and interactive with your surroundings and conversations, all while limiting sound that might affect how you interact.
Loop Switch
Decibel reduction: 17, 21, 25 dB | Best for: Focus, concerts, travel
According to the brand, this addition is a 3-in-1 product and features all three types of the brand's options. It has a switch to toggle between Quiet for focus, Experience for concerts and travel and Engage for social settings. While this version won't be comfortable to sleep in like the Quiet, I love wearing the Switch in the office when I need to stay focused; they've reduced background chatter just enough to help me stay in the zone. And since I can adjust the noise level, they still allow me to hear if someone calls my name or talk to anyone who approaches my desk. I've found myself working more productively and not feeling too distracted.
Meet our expert
- Dr. Michelle Kraskin is the Director of Audiology at Weill Cornell Medicine
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has been wearing Loop Earplugs nightly since she moved to Manhattan in early 2022. Garlin has been with the team over two years covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, viral beauty and sales.
