How to put in earplugs the right way (so they stay in all night)

Lots of people who say earplugs do not work for them are wearing the wrong size, or putting them in the wrong way. The good news is that both are easy to fix. Once you know how, it takes about ten seconds.

How do you put in earplugs for sleeping?

These steps are for soft silicone sleep earplugs, the kind you wash and use again.

• 1. Wash your handsClean hands mean a clean earplug. It only takes a moment.
• 2. Pick the medium tipMost people start here. You can always change it later.
• 3. Hold it by the bodyNot by the soft tip. That way the tip keeps its shape as it goes in.
• 4. Twist it in gentlyRest the tip at the opening of your ear and turn it a little as you press. Stop as soon as it feels snug.
• 5. Let go and lie downRoll onto your side. If it feels like a seal, you are done. If it feels like pressure, go one size smaller.

Snug, not pushed. If you have to force it, the tip is too big

How far in should earplugs go?

Not far at all. A sleep earplug only needs to close the opening of your ear. The tip sits in the outer part of your ear canal, and you should still be able to see and hold the earplug once it is in.

Pushing it deeper does not make it work better. It just makes it sore, and it can push earwax further in. If you cannot easily grab it with two fingers, it is in too far.

Is there a trick to getting a better seal?

Yes. Reach over your head with your other hand and gently pull the top of your ear up and back. This opens your ear a little, so the earplug slides in more easily. Let go once it is in place, and your ear settles around it.

How do I know which tip size is right?

Try this simple test after a few minutes lying down:

• It presses or achesGo one size smaller.
• Sound gets in easilyGo one size bigger.
• It feels sealed and you forget it is thereThat is your size.

Your left and right ears can need different sizes. That is normal. Give each size a full night before you decide, because the very first night always feels a little strange.

Why do my earplugs fall out at night?

Usually the tip is too small, or your pillow is pushing on the earplug when you lie on your side. A shape that sits low in your ear, with something to hold it in place, makes a big difference. There is a full guide on why earplugs keep falling out, and one on why earplugs hurt when you sleep on your side.

How do you take earplugs out?

Hold the body and gently twist it out, the same way it went in. Do not yank it out fast, because that can feel like a pop. Then rinse it, let it dry, and put it back in the case. Here is how to clean silicone earplugs the right way.

Questions people ask

Should earplugs hurt when you put them in?

No. A good fit feels snug, not sore. If it hurts, try a smaller tip. If it still hurts after a few nights, stop wearing them and ask a doctor.

Can I sleep on my side with earplugs in?

Yes, if the earplug sits low in your ear. Bulky earplugs stick out, so your pillow pushes them in. A low shape lets your pillow press on your ear instead of the earplug.

How long does it take to get used to earplugs?

Most people feel used to them after one or two nights. The first night can feel a bit odd, so give it a fair try before you decide.

Is it OK to wear earplugs every night?

For most people, yes, as long as they are clean and the right size. If you have an ear problem, ask your doctor first. Read more in is it safe to wear earplugs every night.

Every Vespré shape comes with several tip sizes and 30 nights to decide. Used returns are fine.