News

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any medical condition, health concern, or are experiencing symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional or your doctor. Always seek the guidance of a medical professional before making any decisions related to your health.

Struggling to keep your AirPods in place while catching some Z’s? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a relaxing podcast or calming sleep sounds, your AirPods can make falling asleep easier, if they stay put. In this guide, we’ll explore simple, real-world tips to help your AirPods stay snug all night long without discomfort. Let’s dive into the solutions that’ll keep you sleeping soundly, with your AirPods exactly where they should be.

Why Do AirPods Fall Out While Sleeping?

AirPods are designed for convenience and quality sound, but their universal fit doesn't suit every ear. Here's why they might not stay put while you sleep:

1. Universal Fit Design: Apple’s standard AirPods follow a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not accommodate the unique shape of every individual’s ear canal.

2. Movement During Sleep: Tossing and turning at night can easily dislodge AirPods, especially if they aren’t snugly secured.

3. Sweat or Oil Build-Up: Natural sweat or oil production during sleep can create a slippery surface, reducing grip.

4. Sleeping Position: Side sleepers often experience discomfort or pressure on the ear that displaces the AirPods.

Tips to Keep AirPods in Place While Sleeping

Struggling to keep your AirPods secure while sleeping? With a bit of preparation and the right techniques, you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort and sound throughout the night. Below, we’ll dive deep into practical solutions and accessories to help keep your AirPods firmly in place.

1. Choose the Right AirPods or Accessories

Opt for AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro are a game-changer for anyone who struggles with standard AirPods slipping out. Unlike the original AirPods, AirPods Pro come with replaceable silicone tips in multiple sizes (small, medium, large, and extra small). This design allows you to select the tip that best fits your ear canal. Properly sized silicone tips create a gentle seal, improving both sound quality and fit.

The key to using AirPods Pro effectively is the Ear Tip Fit Test, available through the Apple settings on your device. This test ensures the chosen tips provide an optimal seal for both sound isolation and secure placement. If you're still experiencing issues with slippage, pairing AirPods Pro with additional accessories, such as memory foam tips or hooks, can further enhance their grip.

Use Memory Foam Tips

Memory foam tips are a popular aftermarket accessory designed to improve the fit of AirPods. These tips, such as those from Comply, expand to mold perfectly to your ear canal, offering a snug, customized fit. Memory foam is not only soft but also durable, meaning it stays comfortable during extended use, such as sleeping.

To use memory foam tips effectively:

• Squeeze the foam tips gently before inserting them into your ears.

• Hold them in place for a few seconds to allow the foam to expand and create a seal.

Memory foam tips also block ambient noise better than silicone, ensuring a quieter sleeping environment. Additionally, they are ideal for users with unique ear shapes that standard silicone tips can’t accommodate.

Try Ear Hooks or Covers

Silicone ear hooks and covers, such as AhaStyle or EarBuddyz, are designed to secure AirPods by creating additional support around your ear. These hooks attach to the AirPods and fit over the outer part of your ear, anchoring the earbuds in place even as you move in your sleep.

Here’s why they work well:

• The hook design prevents AirPods from slipping out, especially for side sleepers or those who toss and turn.

• They’re lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for all-night wear.

When selecting ear hooks, ensure they are compatible with your AirPods model. Many hooks are thin enough to allow AirPods to fit into their charging case without removal, adding convenience.

2. Adjust the Fit

Twist the AirPods

Sometimes the simplest adjustments make the biggest difference. Twisting your AirPods upon insertion helps them grip your ear canal more effectively. Instead of placing them straight into your ears with the stem pointing downward, try the following:

1. Insert the AirPods into your ears.

2. Rotate them slightly so the stems angle upwards or horizontally.

This twisting motion changes how the AirPods sit in your ears, allowing them to find a more secure position that matches your ear shape. This method works particularly well for standard AirPods that don’t have silicone tips.

Use Waterproof Tape

Adding friction to the smooth surface of AirPods can help them stay in place. Waterproof tape, such as 3M Nexcare tape, is an affordable and effective DIY solution. Here's how to use it:

1. Cut small strips of waterproof tape using scissors or a hole punch.

2. Place one strip near the top and another near the bottom of each AirPod.

3. Insert the AirPods into your ears.

The textured surface of the tape provides additional grip, preventing slippage. Bonus: waterproof tape is thin enough to leave on your AirPods while storing them in their charging case.

3. Invest in Sleep Accessories

Specialized Sleep Headbands

Sleep headbands with built-in pockets for earbuds are an excellent option for restless sleepers. These headbands are made from soft, breathable materials and are designed to hold AirPods (or other earbuds) securely against your ears.

Why they work:

• The headband keeps AirPods in place by limiting movement during sleep.

• They provide added comfort by distributing pressure across your head rather than on your ears.

Some popular sleep headbands, like SleepPhones, even come with integrated speakers, but you can easily use them with your existing AirPods. For optimal results, choose a headband with adjustable sizing for a snug fit.

Contour Pillows

For side sleepers, a traditional pillow can press against the ear holding the AirPod, causing discomfort and increasing the likelihood of the AirPod slipping out. Contour pillows solve this problem by providing space for your ears.

Key benefits of contour pillows:

• They feature ear cutouts that reduce pressure on your ears and AirPods.

• They promote proper neck and spinal alignment, improving overall sleep quality.

These pillows are available in memory foam and other materials, making them both practical and comfortable for sleeping with AirPods.

4. Modify Your Sleeping Position

Sleep on Your Back

Your sleeping position plays a significant role in how secure your AirPods stay. Sleeping on your back minimizes contact between your head and the pillow, reducing the risk of dislodging your AirPods.

Tips for back sleepers:

• Use a supportive pillow to keep your neck aligned.

• Place a small cushion under your knees to maintain a neutral spine position.

Back sleeping not only helps keep your AirPods secure but also reduces pressure on your ears, making it an ideal position for comfort and stability.

Experiment with Side Sleeping Adjustments

If sleeping on your back isn’t comfortable or practical, side sleepers can make adjustments to minimize discomfort:

• Use a contour pillow with ear cutouts (as mentioned above).

• Place a folded towel or soft fabric under your head to create a space for your ear.

5. Try Specialized Earbuds for Sleep as an Alternative to Airpods for Nighttime Use

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

6. Additional Tips and Tricks

A soft sleep mask can be an excellent tool for keeping your AirPods in place while you sleep. Many sleep masks are designed with straps or fabric sections that extend over your ears, gently holding your earbuds in position. Some advanced models even feature ear loops or wraparound designs, offering extra security without adding pressure. These masks not only help stabilize your AirPods but also provide the added benefit of blocking out light, which can improve your overall sleep quality. By integrating a sleep mask into your nighttime routine, you can enhance both comfort and functionality, making it easier to drift off without worrying about losing your AirPods.

Anti-slip accessories are another practical solution to prevent your AirPods from slipping out. Products like Setex anti-slip stickers adhere directly to the surface of your earbuds, adding a subtle grip that keeps them in place during movement. These stickers are thin and lightweight, so they don’t interfere with the AirPods' design or their ability to fit into the charging case. Their textured surface creates friction, reducing the chances of your AirPods shifting or falling out, even during restless sleep. This simple, affordable solution is particularly effective for those who find their AirPods slipping due to the natural contours of their ears.

Maintaining cleanliness is a small but crucial step in ensuring your AirPods stay secure. Over time, earwax, oil, and dirt can accumulate on both your AirPods and in your ears, reducing friction and making it easier for the earbuds to slip out. Regular cleaning of your AirPods with a soft, dry cloth and a gentle cleaner helps preserve their grip. Similarly, keeping your ears clean and free of excess wax not only improves hygiene but also ensures a better fit. By incorporating routine cleaning into your habits, you can improve both the functionality of your AirPods and your overall listening experience.

Conclusion

Keeping AirPods in while sleeping doesn’t have to be a nightly struggle. With the right techniques, accessories, and a little trial and error, you can enjoy uninterrupted sound and a comfortable fit. Whether it’s adjusting the way you wear your AirPods, investing in memory foam tips or ear hooks, or trying out sleep-friendly alternatives like specialized earbuds or headbands, there’s a solution for everyone.

The key is finding what works best for your unique sleeping habits and preferences. By taking steps to secure your AirPods, ensuring proper hygiene, and experimenting with different tools, you can create a seamless bedtime routine that combines comfort with your favorite sounds. Sweet dreams are just a few adjustments away!

FAQs