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Snoring is more than just an annoyance. Studies suggest that nearly 45% of adults snore occasionally, with 25% snoring regularly. Snoring not only prevents the snorer from getting quality sleep but also disturbs anyone sleeping nearby. If you're the unfortunate person trying to sleep next to a snorer, there are effective ways to manage this issue and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep for both parties.

In this article, we’ll dive into various strategies to drown out snoring using earplugs, white noise machines, noise-cancelling headphones, and more.

Solutions to Block Out Snoring Noise

Earplugs: The First Line of Defense

When it comes to blocking out snoring, earplugs are often the first and simplest solution that people reach for—and for good reason. They are affordable, widely available, and easy to use. Earplugs provide a quick and effective way to reduce noise by creating a physical barrier that blocks sound waves from entering the ear canal. However, not all earplugs are created equal, and their effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the materials, size, and Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).

How Do Earplugs Work?

Earplugs work by attenuating sound, which means they reduce the intensity of the noise entering your ears. They are especially useful for blocking out high-pitched or intermittent sounds like snoring, but their overall effectiveness is determined by their Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the NRR, the more noise the earplugs can block.

For example, an earplug with an NRR of 33 dB can theoretically reduce noise levels by 33 decibels in optimal conditions. However, in real-life use, the reduction might be slightly lower due to improper fitting or individual differences in ear shape.

Finding the Right Fit

One of the biggest factors that determine the effectiveness of earplugs is their fit. If earplugs don’t fit snugly, they won’t block noise efficiently, regardless of their NRR. Earplugs come in different sizes and materials (foam, silicone, wax), so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect fit for your ears.

For instance, foam earplugs are popular because they expand inside the ear canal, creating a tight seal. Silicone earplugs are softer and can be molded to fit the outer ear, which some people find more comfortable for sleeping, especially if they are side sleepers. Wax earplugs provide a more personalized fit as they can be shaped to the exact contours of your ear, but they can feel heavier in the ear.

Types of Earplugs

There are several types of earplugs to choose from, each with its own advantages:

• Foam Earplugs: These are made from soft, expandable foam and are often the most popular choice for blocking out snoring. They are disposable, easy to use, and generally comfortable. Foam earplugs offer high levels of noise reduction, with NRRs typically ranging from 29 to 33 decibels.
• Silicone Earplugs: Silicone earplugs are moldable and reusable, making them a good option for people who find foam earplugs uncomfortable. They sit on the outside of the ear canal rather than inside, which can make them more comfortable for long-term use or side sleeping.
• Wax Earplugs: These are less common but very effective for creating a customized fit. Wax earplugs can be molded to the exact shape of your ear, making them a great choice for people with irregularly shaped ear canals. However, they can be a bit more expensive and less breathable, which can cause discomfort for some users.

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

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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

Combining earplugs with white noise can create an almost soundproof environment, giving you a much-needed break from your partner’s snoring.

The Drawbacks of Earplugs

While earplugs are a convenient and affordable solution, they do have some limitations. For instance, even the highest-rated earplugs may not be enough to completely drown out very loud snoring, especially if the snorer is close to you. Additionally, wearing earplugs for extended periods can cause discomfort or irritation for some people. Over time, prolonged use of earplugs may also lead to earwax buildup, which could cause temporary hearing issues.

Another downside is that earplugs block all sounds, not just snoring. This can be problematic if you need to hear important sounds, such as an alarm clock, your baby crying, or other household noises.

When Earplugs Aren’t Enough

For some people, earplugs alone may not provide sufficient noise reduction. If you find that earplugs aren’t blocking enough noise, you can combine them with other noise-blocking methods like white noise machines or noise-cancelling headphones for added effectiveness.

For instance, pairing earplugs with white noise through sleep headphones can help mask the snoring sound that manages to penetrate the earplugs. Alternatively, you could try wearing earplugs underneath noise-cancelling headphones, such as the Bose QC35, which can effectively block both low and high-frequency snoring noises.

White Noise Machines: Masking Snoring with Soothing Sounds

White noise machines are another popular solution for drowning out snoring. White noise works by producing a consistent sound across all audible frequencies, masking disruptive noises like snoring. 

Types of White Noise

There are several types of "colored" noise, each with its own sound profile:

• White Noise: Evenly distributed frequencies across the spectrum, often resembling the sound of a fan or static. White noise is ideal for masking a wide range of sounds.
• Pink Noise: Focuses on lower frequencies, creating a deeper and more soothing sound similar to rainfall or waves crashing on the shore.
• Brown Noise (Red Noise): Contains even lower frequencies, producing a rumbling sound like distant thunder or the deep roar of a waterfall.

For many people, a white noise machine paired with earplugs provides the right balance of noise reduction and comfort, making it a great solution for those with mild to moderate snoring issues.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: The Ultimate Solution for Loud Snoring

If earplugs and white noise alone aren’t enough to block out very loud snoring, noise-cancelling headphones may be the best option. Noise-cancelling headphones work by detecting external sounds and generating sound waves that cancel out those noises, making them highly effective for low-frequency noises like snoring.

While noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer, they are generally recommended for back sleepers, as the bulky design can make them uncomfortable for those who sleep on their sides. Additionally, combining earplugs with noise-cancelling headphones can provide an extra layer of protection against loud snoring.

Combining Earplugs and White Noise for Maximum Effectiveness

One of the most effective combinations for blocking out snoring is using earplugs together with white noise through sleep headphones. This approach works because earplugs block out a significant amount of sound, while the white noise helps mask whatever remains.

DIY Noise Isolating Earbuds

For those who are handy, creating a pair of DIY noise-isolating earbuds can provide excellent snore-masking performance. Simply punch a small hole in a pair of foam earplugs and insert the earbud drivers. The foam acts as a sound barrier, while the white noise from the earbuds masks the snoring.

Other Noise-Masking Sounds: Rain, Ocean Waves, and More

If traditional white noise isn’t effective, other natural sounds like rain, ocean waves, or forest sounds can provide an alternative. These ambient sounds help mask snoring while creating a calming environment conducive to sleep.

The Importance of Distance and Positioning

In addition to using noise-blocking tools, distance plays a key role in reducing the impact of snoring. The closer you are to the snorer, the louder the noise will be. For every doubling of distance from the snoring source, the noise level drops by about 6 decibels.

If possible, try to sleep as far away from the snorer as the room allows. If sharing a bed isn’t a necessity, sleeping in a separate room or using barriers like a white noise machine between you and the snorer can also help mitigate the sound.

Reducing Snoring Disruptions with Practical Solutions

While this article focuses on ways to block out snoring, it’s worth noting that helping the snorer reduce their snoring can benefit both parties. Simple lifestyle changes, such as encouraging side sleeping, reducing alcohol consumption, and using anti-snoring devices like nasal strips or chin straps, can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of snoring.

For chronic snorers, medical conditions like sleep apnea may be to blame. If the snoring is especially loud and accompanied by breathing pauses, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a snoring partner can be incredibly frustrating, but there are many effective ways to block or mask the sound and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Whether you choose earplugs, white noise machines, noise-cancelling headphones, or a combination of these methods, it’s important to experiment with different options to find what works best for you.

For those dealing with mild to moderate snoring, earplugs and a white noise machine may be sufficient. However, for louder snoring, you may need to invest in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones or combine earplugs with other tools for maximum effectiveness. 

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