Most people lose a red-eye not to the crying baby three rows back but to the engine. Cabin cruise noise sits low in the frequency range, right where foam plugs are weakest, and a badly seated plug turns a 14-hour flight into a long, uncomfortable sit. We compared ten pairs of earplugs for sleeping on planes across four things: how much cabin drone they actually kill, whether they stay comfortable when you rest your head against a window or a travel pillow, whether they help with pressure on descent, and whether you can still hear the announcement that ends your nap.
Our short answer: the Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam pair is the best all-round pick, the Loop Quiet 2 wins for side sleepers, and the Mack’s Flightguard is the one to buy if your ears hurt on landing. Foam plugs block chatter well, moldable silicone wins on comfort, and filtered plugs are the only category that slows cabin pressure changes while keeping announcements audible. No earplug gives you total silence, and anyone promising that is selling a fantasy.
One note on technique, because it decides more outcomes than the brand: on r/travel, travellers who switched from foam to putty or wax plugs did so because foam kept popping out, hurting, and barely sealing. That single habit, not the decibel figure on the box, is what separates a good night from a bad one.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Sleeping on Planes (October 2026)
All 10 Earplugs at a Glance
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs 50-Pair |
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Check Latest Price |
 Becheln Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs |
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Check Latest Price |
 Loop Quiet 2 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Alpine FlyFit |
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Check Latest Price |
 EarPlanes by Cirrus Healthcare |
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Check Latest Price |
 SANOHRA Fly Ear Plugs |
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Check Latest Price |
 Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief |
|
Check Latest Price |
 softvox Airplane Ear Plugs 2 Pairs |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Noinkoti Reusable Silicone 8 Pairs |
|
Check Latest Price |
 VIGOROAD Airplane Ear Plugs 2 Pairs |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs 50-Pair – Best All-Round Disposable
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 50 Pair – 33dB Highest NRR | Made in USA
33 dB NRR
Comfy Cush slow-release foam
50 pairs in a flip-top jar
Pros
- Lowest-pressure foam we tested past hour two
- Huge review base so failures are well documented
- Cheapest route to a guaranteed seal
Cons
- Single use so the jar empties quickly
- Needs rolling into a thin cylinder to insert
- Small canals can resist a full seal
These are the plugs I hand to anyone who wants a single decision made for them. The 33 dB NRR is the highest rating in this roundup, and the Comfy Cush slow-release foam expands gently enough that an hour in, you have mostly forgotten they are there. That combination of strong attenuation and low insertion pressure is the whole reason they earn the top slot.
Reviewers repeatedly mention the same two things: doctors recommending the brand, and the jar format. A flip-top jar of 50 pairs splits easily across a carry-on and a weekend bag, which matters if you fly often enough that a loose pair is always missing.
On the technical side, the spec sheet is honest about what the foam is. It is a low-pressure, low-density foam rated at 33 dB NRR and made in the USA, in a safety-sealed plastic jar. Slow rebound is the important word: fast-expanding foam is what creates the hard pressure point that wakes you up, and this one takes its time.
The weakness is disposability. Each pair is used once, and reviewers with surgically altered or very small canals report struggling to get a full seal, which is the trade you accept for the highest attenuation figure here.
Is the seal as good as the NRR suggests?
Not quite, and the same is true of every foam plug on this list. The NRR is measured against steady broadband noise, while the cabin is mostly low-frequency drone that foam handles worst. A realistic in-cabin result is well under the label.
That gap is why we still rate this number one: even discounted, 33 dB is more than the filtered and flanged picks manage, and the slow-release foam keeps it wearable for a whole flight.
When would I skip it?
Skip it if you sleep on your side and cannot tolerate any canal pressure, or if you lose small objects constantly in dark cabins and prefer a reusable plug on a cord. Foam does nothing for pressure equalisation, so if descent is your problem, look at the filtered picks instead.
2. Becheln Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs – Best Value Reusable
Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs, Waterproof Noise Cancelling EarPlugs for Sleeping, Mowing, Swimming, Airplanes, Concerts
30 dB SNR / 27 dB NRR
Soft moulding silicone
Waterproof, reusable
Pros
- Reusable and washable across many flights
- Waterproof seal also suits swimming and mowing
- Compact case for a carry-on
- Lowest cost per pair among reusable plugs
Cons
- Milder reduction than foam so drone is muted not blocked
- Seal varies between ears
- No pressure relief on takeoff or landing
This is the plug I use when I want one item in the bag for years. The design covers the ear opening instead of being pushed into the canal, which is the same reasoning behind the putty-style plugs travellers on r/travel keep recommending: no canal contact means no pressure point on your dependent ear.
With nearly 29,000 reviews behind it, the pattern is clear. People like the softness, the waterproofing, and the fact that one set covers dozens of flights. The 4.2 average is the lowest here, and the reviews explain why.
Technically it is rated 30 dB SNR and 27 dB NRR, which sounds close to foam until you remember it is sealing the outer ear rather than filling the canal. The seal is shallower, so it mutes the engine hum without erasing it. Weight is 2.12 ounces and the case is a flat sealing plastic type that slides into a passport pocket.
The drawback is fit consistency. A meaningful share of buyers describe the seal as inconsistent between ears, and the rating spread runs from 66% five-star down to 8% one-star, which is a wide spread for a product with this many reviews. It also does nothing at all for ear pain on descent.
Is the low rating a dealbreaker?
No, it is a fit warning. A 4.2 across tens of thousands of reviews means most people are satisfied and a consistent minority are not, and the complaint is almost always sealing rather than comfort. If your canals are unusual, budget time to test the fit before a long flight.
When does it beat foam?
It beats foam on any trip where you swim, shower, or mow on the same weekend, and on flights where the pressure is fine and the noise is only moderate. For a night flight dominated by engine drone, foam still wins on raw attenuation.
3. Loop Quiet 2 – Best for Side Sleepers
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs – Ultra-Comfy Reusable Hearing Protection for Sleep
24 dB SNR
Four tip sizes XS to L
Flat loop ring, no canal pressure
Pros
- Most comfortable over a long night
- Four tip sizes for very small canals
- Holds position when the size is right
- Washable and comes with a case
Cons
- Slips out overnight with the smallest tips
- Muffles rather than cancels
- Reinserting halves the seal
If you curl against the window with a travel pillow, the canal is the enemy and this is the answer. The loop ring sits flat against the ear instead of driving a tip inward, and reviewers describe it as the most comfortable earplugs they have worn. The four tip sizes, XS through L, matter more than the rating suggests.
It is also the number one best seller in the Earplugs category with more than 33,000 ratings, which means the failure modes are unusually well documented. Comfort is near-universally praised; stability and tip choice divide people cleanly.
Technically you get 24 dB SNR in flexible silicone, certified as hearing protection, at 1.06 ounces with a case that measures just over three inches across. The insertion is a twist-to-secure motion, and correctly fitted plugs should not stand out from the ear. Small canals get an XS that most standard plugs simply do not offer.
Two honest drawbacks. The smallest tips are the ones that migrate during sleep, and one-star reviews run at 11% here, the highest share in the roundup, mostly over slipping and sound leakage. Reinserting after a night halves the seal, so this is a nightly-clean item rather than a forever item.
Should I start at XS or M?
Start at M, which is pre-installed, and only move down if you feel pressure rather than a seal. The commonest error is picking the smallest tip by default and then losing the plug overnight. A snug fit that does not ache is the goal.
Does it block the announcements?
Not fully. It muffles rather than cancels, which means higher-pitched sounds such as keys, belt buckles and voices stay audible. If hearing the crew clearly is non-negotiable, pair it with one of the filtered plugs below or keep the volume low on a filtered alternative.
4. Alpine FlyFit – Best for Pressure Relief
Alpine FlyFit | Airplane Ear Plugs for Flying Pressure Regulation
17 dB SNR
Pressure-regulating filter
Reusable up to 100 wears
Pros
- Filter acts like a valve as cabin pressure changes
- Reusable for up to 100 wears
- Silicone-free material for sensitive ears
- Weighs 0.04 ounces
Cons
- Lowest noise reduction here at 17 dB
- Small body is easy to drop
- Fit varies with ear shape
This is the pick for flyers who get ear pain on takeoff and landing rather than for people chasing silence. The filter behaves like a valve, letting cabin pressure change gradually instead of all at once, and that single mechanism is what reviewers buy it for. Just under 11,000 ratings at 4.3 reflects an audience that values the valve over the decibel figure.
It is also the one pick here made from a silicone-free material, AlpineThermoShape, which matters for people who react to silicones after hours of contact. The Dutch design has been through 25 years of development, and it was tested to both US and EU standards.
Physically it is almost nothing: 0.04 ounces, and small enough to pop in and out mid-flight without breaking your sleep. Reviewers mention that it is comfortable to wear with a neck pillow for a long haul, and that 100 wears makes the per-flight maths trivial for a frequent traveller.
The honest drawback is the 17 dB SNR, the lowest attenuation in this roundup. If your problem is the engine rather than your ears, this is the wrong tool. The small, light body is also easy to lose between seats, so keep it in the case.
Does the filter actually stop ear popping?
It slows the pressure change, which is the mechanism that matters, and owners with a history of in-flight ear pain report it working. It is not a guarantee, and some people need a different size before the seal behaves.
Can I sleep in it?
Yes, and that is not a throwaway line: reviewers specifically describe sleeping with these on long-haul flights. The 17 dB figure sounds weak next to a 33 dB foam plug, but the lower the seal pressure, the longer you tolerate it.
5. EarPlanes by Cirrus Healthcare – Best for Recurrent Ear Pain
Original Adult EarPlanes by Cirrus Healthcare Earplugs Airplane Travel Ear Protection (1 Pair)
Up to 20 dB reduction
CeramX pressure filter
Soft latex-free silicone
Pros
- Consistently credited with removing descent pain
- Comfortable enough to sleep through a flight
- Keeps announcements audible
- Companion app times your insertion
Cons
- One pair covers roughly two flights
- Soft tube is harder to grip than foam
- A few buyers report no pressure benefit
EarPlanes has been available since 2001 and tested by US Navy pilots, and it holds the highest rating among the pressure-regulating plugs in this list. The CeramX filter regulates cabin pressure through ascent and descent, and reviewers with chronic ear-pain histories describe it as the thing that stopped their flights from being ruined.
The noise side is modest at up to 20 decibels of reduction, but the useful detail is that speech still comes through. You get a quieter cabin without losing the announcement, which is exactly the balance most full-block foam plugs fail at.
There is a free EarPlanes+ app that alerts you in real time to cabin pressure changes, and the reviewers who love this product follow its protocol, inserting around 20 minutes before takeoff. The body is soft latex-free silicone at 0.8 ounces, and it comes in one-pair, three-pair and multipack formats.
The most cited limitation is lifespan: a pair is typically effective for about two flights, a round trip, before the filter needs replacing. The soft tube is also harder to grip than a stiff foam stem, and a small number of buyers report no pressure benefit at all.
Is the filter worth replacing every two flights?
For a traveller with real ear-pain history, yes, because the alternative is a ruined descent. For everyone else, the multipack formats spread that cost across several trips and remove the decision entirely.
Why do these not block like foam?
Because the vent that equalises pressure has to let sound through. You trade raw isolation for a gentle climb and descent, and you keep hearing the cabin. That trade is why it suits nervous flyers and light sleepers better than a full block.
6. SANOHRA Fly Ear Plugs – Best for Family Flying
SANOHRA Fly Ear Plugs for Flying, Adults
24 dB SNR
Special filter for gradual equalisation
Small and large sizes
Pros
- Equalises pressure gradually on descent
- 24 dB SNR keeps announcements audible
- Reusable for about six flights
- Small size suits narrow canals
Cons
- Some users still feel pain on landing
- Tuned for regular to medium canals
- Must be inserted about 45 minutes before landing
A lot of the reviews on this one come from parents flying with children, which tells you what the design is optimising for. The filter supports gradual pressure equalisation on descent, and 24 dB of SNR takes the edge off cabin noise while leaving announcements audible. It is developed and made in Germany.
At 4.4 across 4,591 ratings, it sits mid-table and holds a consistent tone. Buyers describe it as preventing the ear pain and temporary hearing loss that follows a flight, and they reuse the pair for about six flights.
Does it work for children too?
Reviewers report both children and adults wearing them comfortably, and the filter handles the descent gradually rather than all at once. Sizing runs small and large, with the small aimed at narrow canals.
What is the timing rule?
Insert roughly 45 minutes before landing, or wear them throughout on flights under about 90 minutes. Skipping the timing window is the most common reason reviewers report the relief underperforming.
7. Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief – Best for Red-Eye Flights
Mack’s Flightguard Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs – 26dB NRR, 33dB SNR – Comfortable, Safe, Travel Ear Plugs for Flying Air Pressure Ear Pain, Ear Popping and Noise Reduction
26 dB NRR / 33 dB SNR
Aero Filter pressure relief
Soft silicone flanges
Pros
- Cuts more cabin noise than most pressure plugs
- Soft flanges and an easy-grip stem
- Pressure-chamber tested
- Also works over mountain elevation
Cons
- Some flights still cause residual pressure pain
- Can feel small in average adult ears
- Tight seal muffles conversation
If one pick has to do both jobs, this is the one. Aero Filter technology handles the altitude pressure change while 26 dB NRR and 33 dB SNR handle the noise, a combination no other filter product on this list matches. Reviewers specifically say the extra noise reduction is what lets them sleep.
It also separates itself from its foam sibling in the hand. The flanges are ultra-soft silicone and the stem is firm, so insertion and removal are easy one-handed in a dark cabin, which is exactly where foam plugs fall apart.
It has been consumer tested and pressure-chamber tested, it is drug-free and safe for all ages, and a storage case comes in the box. A useful secondary note from reviews: it also handles the pressure change when driving over mountain elevation, not just flying.
The drawbacks are specific. A minority still report residual pressure pain, some find the circumference small in average adult ears, and the tight seal muffles conversation more than competing designs. There is also no app for timing insertion to cabin pressure.
Why not just buy the foam version?
Foam blocks more noise but does nothing for descent, and a fully sealed plug can leave pressure unvented. This one is the compromise that handles both, at a lower headline noise figure than the foam.
Is the fit an issue for average ears?
Occasionally. Runners-up specifically wish for a larger circumference, so if your previous flanged plugs felt undersized, check the fit early. The soft flanges themselves are the most-praised part of the design.
8. softvox Airplane Ear Plugs 2 Pairs – Best for Carry-On Packing
Softvox Airplane Ear Plugs Pressure Relief Earplugs 2 Pairs, Reusable
25 dB noise reduction
Soft dual-flange silicone
Waterproof case with carabiner
Pros
- Two pairs plus a carabiner so a spare stays packed
- Comfortable seal without canal pressure
- Keeps announcements clear
- Reusable across flights
Cons
- Smallest review base among pressure picks
- Filter-based so less blocking than foam
- Colour options come in pairs only
The practical pitch here is packaging. You get two pairs and a waterproof aluminium case with a carabiner, so one set stays clipped to your bag and the other lives in your passport pocket. Losing a small plug in a dark cabin is a real problem this solves.
The seal is a soft silicone dual flange that closes without pushing on the canal, and reviewers report it reducing engine drone and crying-baby noise while keeping announcements clear. 25 dB of reduction sits neatly between the Alpine and the Flightguard.
It is reusable, so the cost per trip keeps falling, and it weighs 1.13 ounces in a case measuring under three inches. That combination of a spare pair and a clipped case is the feature competitors in this niche rarely bother with.
Be honest about the evidence base though. At 996 ratings this has the smallest review base among the pressure-relief picks here, so the long-worn track record is thinner. As a filter-based plug it will not block like foam, and colour choices come in paired sets.
Is a small review base a reason to avoid it?
Not on its own, but it is a reason to pick a two-pair pack and test the fit before a long flight. The rating is a 4.5, so there is no quality signal to worry about, just less history.
Will I still hear the crew?
Yes. Reviewers describe the filter as taking the harsh edge off without closing you off, which is the behaviour you want if you plan to sleep through most of the flight but not all of it.
9. Noinkoti Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs 8 Pairs – Best for Multi-Pair Value
Earplugs for Sleeping Noise Cancelling Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs Suitable for Swimming Travel Snoring Airplanes Study Work Noisy Places（8Pairs）
32 dB NRR
Three-tier silicone with adjustable depth
Eight reusable pairs
Pros
- Eight pairs at the lowest cost per pair here
- 32 dB NRR gives real blocking
- Adjustable depth suits different canals
- Water resistant for swimming and showering
Cons
- Long stems feel intrusive unless trimmed
- No pressure relief during descent
- Small 840-rating review base
Eight pairs changes the arithmetic. At the lowest cost per pair in the roundup and reusable rather than disposable, this is the pick for a household that flies, for anyone who loses plugs, and for the shared travel kit. Rating is 4.4 across 840 ratings.
The 32 dB NRR is genuinely strong for a silicone design, and buyers point to it for engine hum and snoring. The three-tier stem design lets you set the insertion depth, which is how you tune the fit without reordering.
The construction is a one-piece three-tier silicone with long stems, a triple-protection seal, and high water resistance, which is why the same pair works for swimming and showering. Weight is 1.45 ounces and the plugs are washable.
The side-sleeper issue is the one to plan for. The long one-piece stems can feel intrusive when you lie on your side, and the common workaround reviewers mention is trimming the tips. Like the silicone plugs above it, it does nothing for pressure on descent.
Is trimming the stems a good idea?
It is the standard fix and buyers report it works, but go slowly and only a millimetre or two at a time. Cut too much and the seal that gave you the 32 dB figure is gone.
How does 32 dB compare with the foam?
Close, and in the same noise-reduction territory, though a flanged silicone seal loses more high-frequency energy than expanding foam. For most cabins the difference is small enough that the eight pairs and the washability decide it.
10. VIGOROAD Airplane Ear Plugs 2 Pairs – Best for Not Losing Your Plugs
Ear Plugs for Airplane Pressure Relief, 2 Pairs Adults Soft Silicone Reusable Airplane Earplugs 26dB, with Silicone Connector Cord, Travel Essentials for Flying, Ear Protection Earplugs for Plane
26 dB noise protection
Four-layer flange silicone
Silicone connector cord
Pros
- Connector cord keeps the pair findable in a bag
- Four-layer flanges soften cabin noise
- Soft silicone reported as non-itching
- Two pairs plus storage box and carabiner
Cons
- Smallest review base here at 517 ratings
- Filter relief rather than full blockage
- Flanges can be finicky to seat
The idea worth stealing from this one is the silicone connector cord. Plug earplugs into a small loop and they stay attached to each other, which turns the classic middle-seat disaster of finding one plug and never seeing the other again into a non-issue.
Beyond that, the four-layer flange design seals well enough to take the edge off engine and cabin noise, and reviewers describe the silicone as non-itching and pressure-free over a long flight. It is washable and reusable, which cuts waste against disposable foam.
You get 26 dB of noise protection, a storage box and a carabiner, and a choice of small and regular sizes. It weighs 0.63 ounces, so it is easy to keep in a jacket pocket until the cabin doors close.
The caveat is evidence. At 517 ratings this has the smallest base in the roundup, and while the 4.5 average is high, a high average on a modest number of ratings is worth weighing against more established names. First insertion can also be finicky because of the four-layer flange.
Is the connector cord genuinely useful?
It is the feature reviewers single out most, and it does double duty: you find both plugs in a bag, and you can hang them somewhere in the cabin rather than losing them under a seat. On a red-eye that is worth more than a decibel or two.
Should I expect full blockage?
No. This is filter-based pressure relief with four-layer flanges, not a foam block, so sound is reduced rather than removed. It suits people who want descent comfort and some noise control at the same time.
Earplugs vs Earbuds vs ANC Headphones on a Plane
The question comes up constantly on travel forums, and the honest answer is that the three solve different problems. Earplugs win on the seal and on battery life, earbuds win when you want audio, and ANC headphones win when you want to cover engine drone without putting anything in your ear at all. The Ars Technica forum thread on this question is blunt about the earplug side: if you just want quiet, earplugs shut out a ton of noise and cost nothing to run.
What changes the decision is the second half of the query. An Ars Technica thread and an r/travel thread on ANC sleep earbuds both land on the same point: foam earplugs are the right answer when you do not need music, because a passive seal works with the device off.
There is also a combination worth trying. Layering earplugs under ANC headphones is a recurring tip in travel forums, and it works because the plugs handle the high-frequency leak around your ear while the headphones handle the low-frequency drone. It is uncomfortable if either part is badly fitted, so test it before you depend on it at 30,000 feet.
How to Choose Earplugs for Plane Sleep
Start with the noise, not the rating. A cruising cabin is dominated by low-frequency engine sound, and foam plugs are at their weakest exactly there, which is why a 33 dB foam plug still leaves a hum. The most useful mental model is that foam tackles chatter, moldable silicone tackles comfort, and a filter tackles descent while letting speech through.
Read NRR with a discount. The labelled figure is measured on steady broadband noise in a lab. The rough rule travellers use is to subtract about 7 dB for real-world conditions and halve what remains, so treat any headline number as a ceiling rather than a promise. For cabin drone specifically, expect less.
Decide whether pressure is your problem. A fully sealed foam plug blocks noise well and does nothing for the pressure change on descent, and can leave an ear feeling worse. If you have popped or hurt on previous flights, start with a filtered pick such as the Mack’s Flightguard or the EarPlanes, which vent the change gradually.
Think about your sleeping position next. Side sleepers resting on a window or a travel pillow should prioritise a flat, low-pressure design such as the Loop Quiet 2 or a plug that covers the ear opening rather than entering the canal. Aggressive foam becomes a pressure point after about an hour, and forum accounts describe it keeping people awake longer than the noise did.
Check materials and sizes. Latex-free and hypoallergenic silicone matter for long wear, and small or surgically altered canals often need XS tips or a size change rather than more insertion force. Anyone with a silicone sensitivity has a silicone-free option in the Alpine FlyFit.
Finally, plan for the flight, not the product. In an Ars Technica thread and on r/travel, the practical routine is a bundle: earplugs plus an eye mask, a blanket, and a window or aisle seat chosen for your sleeping style. A plug that works perfectly in a bed can fail against a stiff window shade. And never plug an ear with an active infection, take them out past eight to ten hours, and stop immediately if you feel pain rather than pressure.
How to Insert and Remove Earplugs Without Pain
Foam plugs fail in the insertion, not the product. Roll the plug between your fingers into a thin cylinder, pinch it with one hand, and with the other pull your ear up and back before inserting it gently. Hold it in place for the full 30 to 60 seconds of expansion, and it will feel completely different from one you shoved in and left alone.
Removal is where people hurt themselves. Reach in, pinch the base of the foam where it meets the ear, and rotate it gently while easing it out rather than yanking the stem. Wipe it, drop it, and you have bought one use out of a 50-pair jar. For silicone and flanged plugs the rule is simply: rock slightly, ease straight out, and store them in the case so they do not collect debris in a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ear plugs to use while flying?
For most passengers the Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam pair is the best all-round choice, because 33 dB NRR in slow-release foam stays comfortable for a whole flight. Side sleepers do better with the Loop Quiet 2, whose flat loop ring avoids canal pressure, and anyone whose ears hurt on landing should start with a filtered pick such as the Mack’s Flightguard or EarPlanes.
Do airplane ear plugs really work?
Yes, with a caveat. Foam plugs block high-frequency cabin chatter very effectively but do little against the low-frequency engine drone that keeps most people awake. Filtered plugs do the opposite: they slow cabin pressure changes so your ears do not hurt, while leaving announcements audible. Most travellers end up wanting one of each.
Is it a good idea to wear earplugs on a plane?
For most people, yes. Blocking cabin noise helps you sleep and reduces the stress of a pressurised cabin. Two cautions: avoid them with an active ear infection, and remove them past eight to ten hours of continuous wear. Pain is a signal to stop, not to push through.
How do I stop my ears from hurting when landing?
Insert a pressure-regulating filtered plug about 45 minutes before landing, or follow the timed alerts in the companion app if your pair has one. Swallow or yawn repeatedly during the descent to open the Eustachian tubes, stay hydrated, and stay awake for the last half hour. If pain persists after landing, seek medical advice rather than flying again immediately.
Can you sleep on a plane with earplugs?
Yes, and the plug type matters more than the brand. Side sleepers need a low-pressure design that sits flat against the ear, while people who cannot tolerate any canal pressure do better with a plug that covers the ear opening. Pair whichever you choose with an eye mask and a blanket, because the bundle matters as much as the plug.
Are foam or silicone earplugs better for flying?
Foam blocks more noise and is cheaper per flight, but it is single use and does nothing for pressure. Silicone is reusable, comfortable for side sleeping, and easier to insert, but attenuates less. If descent is your problem, neither is ideal on its own, and a filtered flanged plug is the better choice.
The Verdict: Which Pair to Pack
If you are packing one set of best earplugs for sleeping on planes, take the Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam 50-pair jar. It carries the highest noise reduction in this roundup, the slow-release foam survives a full night, and the 50,000-plus ratings mean nothing about it is a surprise. If you sleep on your side, switch to the Loop Quiet 2 and start at the M tip. If your ears hurt on landing, take the Mack’s Flightguard instead, because it vents the pressure change and still cuts more cabin noise than any other filtered pick here.
Whichever you choose, insert foam slowly, hold it until it has fully expanded, and take the plugs out before the flight ends. That habit alone will do more for your night than the last few decibels on the box.