I'm a Light Sleeper, and I Swear By These Modern Earplugs for Sleep at Home and While Traveling

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After living in New York for the past four years, I’ve become somewhat of an earplug connoisseur. I’ve spent many nights kept awake by the sounds of nearby rooftop gatherings, the bass of songs playing from the bar downstairs, and loud sidewalk conversations. Since adapting to a remote hybrid work schedule, I’ve also had to figure out ways to focus and get work done despite construction noise humming outside my window, my roommate taking calls in the next room, and even neighbors blasting the volume of a certain workout app (my money is on Peloton) next door.

I’ve tried typical foam earplugs—the kind that come in large plastic tubs and require meticulous rolling and squeezing to fit properly in your ear and often tumble out in your sleep. But my favorite solution for diminishing nearby sounds is wearing Loop earplugs. (Psst: They won a Prevention Sleep Award in 2023.)

What are Loop earplugs?

Loop sells multiple types of earplugs, each designed with a different purpose in mind. There are options for adults and kids, ranging from sleep-appropriate noise blockers to earplugs meant for wearing to concerts and other loud experiences.

The Loop Quiet is for deep sleep and concentration. The Experience earplugs tone down loud noises but still allow you to hear music. The Engage reduces background noise while remaining suitable for having conversations. The Switch is the brand’s newest offering that lets you alternate between three noise reduction modes.

All the styles in the range are made of food-grade silicone and come with four interchangeable ear tip sizes, so you can find the best fit for your unique ear shape. They also come with a keychain carry case for taking them on the go.

Loop earplugs get their name from their modern design, which leaves a small loop barely visible while a silicone tip fits snugly in your ear. You can purchase them in a variety of colors to either show them off as a colorful accessory or opt for something neutral that will blend in, so no one will be the wiser.

How do Loop earplugs work?

All earplugs have a noise reduction rating (NRR). This is a great way to measure how much sound a product will muffle when used properly. The Loop Quiet, which is the most powerful of the brand’s offerings, provides up to 26.1 decibels (dB) of noise reduction, while the Experience reduces noise by up to 18 dB, and the Engage filters out up to 16 dB.

For reference, the highest NRR the best earplugs can get is 33 dB, Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD, a fellow at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, previously told Prevention.

Loop earplugs differ from standard options not just in their looks but also in how they work. Rather than blocking sound, they filter it. First, sound waves enter Loop earplugs through a small opening, then they travel through the hollow circular portion of the device. At the end of the sound tube, an acoustic filter lowers sound frequencies. Lastly, soft silicone ear tips seal the ear canal. Overall, the design mimics the function of the ears, helping create a natural sound.

How I tested Loop earplugs

I received three of Loop’s adult earplugs—the Quiet, Experience, and Engage—to test out earlier this year. So far, I’ve gotten the most use out of the Quiet earplugs, which block out the most noise, and I can say with confidence they really work.

I’ve used the funky-looking earplugs mostly for sleeping more soundly at home. They truly create a quieter environment and stay put throughout the night. I especially appreciate that they came with multiple ear tip sizes, making it easy to create an ideal fit without pinching a large foam plug and hoping for the best.

The Quiet earplugs are also great for travel. I packed the tiny to-go case with me on a two-week trip to Italy this fall. They came in handy for sleeping on flights, on trains, and in Airbnbs. I’m a light sleeper, so I was seriously impressed by how much they helped me snooze in unfamiliar places.

While I don’t reach for the other two Loop earplugs I have as much, the Experience style is a must-have for people who frequently attend loud concerts, and the Engage is helpful for navigating crowded bars and other noisy places where you still want to chat with other people. You can still hear people while wearing them, but they noticeably reduce background noise.

I use them while working from home sometimes. They’re such a relief when nearby construction noise gets irritating or when I can hear my neighbors just a little too well.

In case you missed it: Noise pollution is a serious issue that can impact your overall health over time. If you live in a busy city, you might consider upping your earplug game to deter some of the negative effects of unavoidable noise pollution. However, don’t expect Loop earplugs to completely silence all of the noise around you—that’s a job better left to noise-cancelling headphones.

One Last Thing

Loop’s popular earplugs have thousands of five star reviews from shoppers who say they’re comfortable and effective. “I really like them and I can definitely say that they have changed my sleeping life. They have immensely improved the quality of my sleep and allowed me to sleep through the night next to people who snore,” wrote one reviewer. “They are so much more comfortable than the foamy ones you can get in stores.”

While they’re pricier than what you might find at the drugstore, these are easy to clean and reuse. If you’re sensitive to loud noises or a light sleeper, these are a must-have accessory. Order a pair from Amazon or the Loop website!

Quiet Earplugs

Engage Earplugs

Experience Earplugs

Switch Earplugs

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