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Roll the earplug tightly, pull your earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal, insert with a slight twisting motion, and hold for 10–15 seconds while the foam expands. A proper seal sits flush with the ear canal entrance — not protruding.

No — earplugs reduce noise but don't eliminate it entirely. The body absorbs sound through the skull as well as the ears, so complete silence isn't possible with passive earplugs. High NRR earplugs like Macks Snore Blockers (NRR 32) provide the highest practical level of passive noise reduction.

Foam earplugs insert into the ear canal and offer higher noise reduction ratings (NRR 29–33). Silicone earplugs mould over the ear canal opening — they're more comfortable for some people and fully waterproof, but typically offer lower noise reduction. For sleeping, foam is usually more effective; for swimming, silicone is the better choice.

Soft foam earplugs with a high NRR are the most effective for blocking snoring. Macks Snore Blockers (NRR 32) are our top recommendation. For a reusable option, Alpine Sleep Deep is designed specifically for maximum noise blocking during sleep.

Hold the earplug in place for at least 10–15 seconds. Letting go too early is the most common reason earplugs don't seal properly. The foam needs time to expand and fill the contours of your ear canal.

The most common causes are: not rolling tightly enough before insertion, not pulling the ear up and back, letting go before the foam fully expands, or using the wrong size. If you've corrected all of these and still have poor noise reduction, try a higher NRR earplug.

Earplugs should feel snug but not painful. If they fall out easily, they may be too small. If they cause pressure or pain, they may be too large. Standard earplugs suit most adults; smaller options like Macks Slim Fit or Macks Dreamgirl are designed for narrower ear canals.

Yes, when inserted correctly and replaced regularly. Foam earplugs are single-use — reusing them reduces effectiveness and hygiene. For nightly use, a reusable option like Alpine Sleep Deep is more practical and cost-effective.