How to Sleep with AirPods In

Lots of people love winding down with some audio, maybe a podcast, a playlist, or just some white noise to drown out the world. AirPods are a go-to for many because they’re small and wireless, but sleeping with them? That’s a whole different game. They can slip out, feel awkward, or leave your ears annoyed by morning. Still, plenty of folks figure it out every night. This guide pulls together real, no-fuss tips from people who’ve been there, so anyone can tweak their setup and snooze with AirPods in peace. It’s all about keeping it simple and doable, no matter how someone likes to sleep.

Why People Sleep with AirPods

Before jumping into the how-to, it’s worth knowing why folks even bother. Some can’t drift off without sound, think city dwellers dodging traffic noise or people who just sleep better with a story in their ear. AirPods fit the bill because they’re handy and cut the cord chaos. But they’re not built for sleep, so it takes a little know-how to make it work without waking up to a scavenger hunt or sore ears.

Common Reasons for Nighttime Audio

• Blocking Noise: Sirens, snoring roommates, or a creaky house can keep someone up. AirPods, especially the Pro models with noise cancellation, help tune that out.

• Relaxation: A quiet audiobook or soft music is something people enjoy to unwind.

• Habit: Some people just get used to it, like a nighttime ritual they can’t ditch.

What Makes Sleeping with AirPods Tricky

AirPods are great for a commute or workout, but bedtime brings some quirks. People run into a few hiccups when they try to sleep with them, and understanding those helps figure out what to tweak.

Fit and Comfort Issues

AirPods aren’t flat or flush, they stick out a bit, especially the Pros with their silicone tips. Side sleepers often feel them pressing into their ear against the pillow, which can get old fast. The original models might slip out more, while Pros can feel snug but bulky.

Losing Them in Bed

They’re tiny. Roll over a couple times, and good luck finding them in the sheets come morning. Plenty of people wake up playing hide-and-seek with a rogue AirPod.

Earwax and Cleanliness

Ears get waxy, and AirPods can pick that up overnight. Some notice their buds get greasy or clogged, which means extra cleaning. Plus, keeping them in for hours can mean more wax ends up on the AirPods.

Position and Pressure

Lying on an ear with an AirPod in can feel fine for a bit, but hours of pressure might make it less comfy by morning. It’s not a big deal for everyone, but it’s something folks mention.

Tips for Sleeping with AirPods In

Here’s where the rubber meets the road, practical ways to make AirPods work for sleep. These come straight from people who’ve tinkered with it, so they’re grounded in real experience.

Pick the Right Pillow

A pillow can make or break the whole setup. Something soft lets the ear sink in a little, easing the pressure on an AirPod.

1. Go Soft: A squishy pillow, like one with feathers or memory foam, molds around the ear instead of pushing back. Hard pillows tend to press the AirPod in deeper, which isn’t fun.

2. Try a Hole: Some people grab pillows with a dip or hole in the middle, sometimes called “ear pillows”, so the AirPod doesn’t touch anything. Travel neck pillows work too if the ear sits in the gap.

3. Shape It: If the pillow’s malleable, someone can press a little indent with their hand before lying down to give the ear some breathing room.

Adjust Sleeping Position

How someone sleeps changes the game. Side, back, stomach, each has its quirks with AirPods.

1. One Ear Only: Stick to one AirPod in the ear that’s not against the pillow. If they sleep on their left side, pop it in the right ear. Switch it up when rolling over.

2. Back Sleeping: Lying flat keeps both AirPods in play with no pressure. It’s the easiest way if they’re cool with that position.

3. Stomach Tweaks: For stomach sleepers, turning the head to one side and using one AirPod works. The other ear stays free.

4. Hand Trick: Some rest their head on their hand, letting it cup the ear and take the weight off the AirPod. It’s a small tweak that can help.

Tweak How They Fit

AirPods don’t have to go in the usual way. People get creative to keep them comfy and secure.

1. Upside Down: Flip them so the stem points up instead of down. It shifts where they sit in the ear and can feel less bulky against a pillow.

2. Switch Ears: Put the left AirPod in the right ear and vice versa, flipped upside down. Some swear it locks them in better for side sleeping.

3. Pro Tip Sizes: With AirPods Pro, trying different silicone tip sizes matters. Too big, and they dig in; too small, and they fall out. Medium often hits the sweet spot for most.

Keep Them in Place

Nobody wants to fish AirPods out of the blankets at 3 a.m. A couple tricks help them stay put.

1. Headband Hack: A soft headband or sleep mask over the ears can hold AirPods in. It’s low-tech but works for restless sleepers.

2. Fit Check: Before lights out, give them a gentle wiggle to make sure they’re snug but not jammed in too hard.

3. One at a Time: Using just one cuts the odds of losing both. If it drops, it’s only one to track down.

Manage the Audio

What someone listens to, and how loud, shapes the whole experience.

1. Low Volume: Keep it quiet, loud stuff can be too much and disrupt the vibe. Something soft like nature sounds or a dull podcast does the trick.

2. Mono Mode: On an iPhone, flip on mono audio (Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual) so one AirPod plays everything. No missing half the story.

3. Sleep Timer: Set the audio to cut off after an hour or so. Apps like Spotify or Apple Podcasts have this built in, so it’s not draining the battery all night.

Clean Them Up

AirPods can get grimy fast when they’re in ears for hours. A quick routine keeps things fresh.

1. Wipe Down: After waking up, a soft cloth with a dab of water or gentle cleaner gets rid of wax and oil. Skip the harsh stuff like alcohol, it can mess up the finish.

2. Check Tips: For Pros, pop off the silicone tips and rinse them with water now and then. Dry them before snapping them back on.

3. Ear Care: A cotton swab around the outer ear keeps wax from building up too much. No deep digging, though, that just pushes it in further.

Side Sleeping with AirPods

Side sleepers have it toughest, so they deserve their own spotlight. Most complaints about AirPods at night come from folks who can’t sleep any other way. Here’s how they cope.

Why It’s Tough

The ear hits the pillow, and AirPods, especially Pros, stick out enough to feel it. Original AirPods might slide out more, but they’re less intrusive when they stay. Either way, it’s about finding a balance.

Workarounds That Help

1. Pillow Swap: A softer, deeper pillow lets the ear nestle in without squashing the AirPod. Memory foam or bamboo-filled ones sink more than stiff cotton.

2. Upside-Down Trick: Flipping them upside down shifts the pressure off the stem. It’s a weird look if someone’s watching, but who cares in bed?

3. One-Ear Rule: Stick to the top ear only. If they roll to the other side, swap it over half-asleep, it becomes second nature.

4. Arm Buffer: Resting the head on an arm or hand creates a gap between ear and pillow. It’s not perfect, but it softens the contact.

Back and Stomach Sleepers

Not everyone’s a side sleeper, and that’s a win with AirPods. These positions dodge a lot of the hassle.

Back Sleeping Made Easy

Lying flat means no pillow pushing on the ears. Both AirPods stay in, no fuss. They might still slip if someone’s a wild sleeper, but it’s rare. Noise cancellation on Pros shines here, blocking out the world without extra effort.

Stomach Sleeping Tweaks

Head to one side, one AirPod in the top ear, it’s a solid setup. The other ear’s free, so there’s no pressure to worry about. Flipping the AirPod upside down can help it sit better if the stem feels off.

Things to Watch Out For

Sleeping with AirPods isn’t all smooth sailing. People flag a few quirks worth keeping in mind.

 Battery Life

AirPods don’t last forever on one charge, about 5-6 hours, less with noise cancellation on. If someone’s a long sleeper, they might cut out before morning. A timer helps avoid running them dry.

Wear and Tear

Rolling on them or letting wax build up can gunk up the works. Some folks notice their Pros’ transparency mode quits after months of sleep use, though that’s not common. Cleaning helps them last.

Morning Hunt

They fall out. It happens. Checking under the pillow or in the sheets is part of the gig for some. One-ear users have it easier, just one to lose.

Options If AirPods Don’t Cut It

Sometimes AirPods just don’t click for sleep. People try other gear that might fit the bill better.

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

Bluetooth Headbands

A headband with flat speakers sits over the ears, no pressure involved. They’re cheap online, though some find the quietest volume too loud with iPhones. An old tablet or Android might fix that.

Wired Earphones

Old-school wired buds stay put and don’t die mid-snooze. They’re a backup if wireless feels too fiddly, though the cord can tangle.

Other Earbuds

Some swear by flatter buds like Anker’s A10s or older AirPods (Gen 1 or 2) for less bulk. It’s about what feels right in the ear.

Conclusion

Sleeping with AirPods in doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few tweaks like a softer pillow, a flipped fit, or just sticking to one ear, anyone can make it work for their nighttime routine. It’s all about figuring out what feels right, whether they’re blocking out a noisy apartment or enjoying a podcast. Sure, they might still slip out or need a quick wipe-down, but tons of people pull it off every night without a hitch. The key is playing around with these ideas and finding a setup that clicks. At the end of the day, it’s just about getting cozy and enjoying some audio while catching those Zs.

No one’s saying it’s perfect for everybody, though. If AirPods don’t cut it, there’s other gear like headbands or flatter buds to try. It’s less about forcing it and more about keeping things easy and practical. People can mix and match these tips, see what sticks, and roll with whatever gets them through the night.

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