Loop Quiet Earplugs review

We all know how vital a good night's rest is to long-term health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults ages 18-64 should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and experts say that a lack of zzzs can lead to early signs of aging and even affect daily functioning.

I'm a light sleeper and sensitive to loud noises. Unfortunately, I have the unpleasure of living below a noisy neighbor whose footsteps sound like they're clogging at all hours of the night. (They also sometimes like to vacuum before sunrise.) And until just recently, my first-floor apartment was in earshot of the building's loud entrance buzzer. So, what do you do if you live in an environment that keeps you from getting your proper beauty rest?

I've tried every drugstore earplug out there. They're either too big and fall out in the middle of the night or feel so uncomfortable that they cause pressure pain and scabbing. After doing some research, I came across the Loop Quiet earplugs, Amazon's No. 1 bestselling earplugs that promise to reduce noise and not hurt my ears. After seeing it has nearly 25,000 five-star ratings, I decided it was worth a shot — and after one night, I was hooked!

One writer swears by these ear plugs for sound sleep.

What I love most about Loop Quiet is how easy and comfortable they are to wear. With foam earplugs, I have to roll them, insert them into the ear canal and then wait for them to expand. To wear these, you simply pop them into your ear canal, making sure the entire silicone tip is inserted, then twist the loop handle up to create the seal.

The packaging includes a QR code that links to helpful video tutorials, ensuring there's no confusion on how to properly insert them. After a couple of uses, I noticed they were consistently comfortable to wear throughout the night while staying put! Plus, they're side-sleeper approved — I didn't experience any discomfort while laying on my side or stomach.

I asked Dr. Michelle Kraskin, Assistant Director of Hearing and Speech Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, if one type of earplug (foam versus silicone) was better than the other. She says that it's up to personal preference, but to make sure you are using them correctly. "I think the issue with foam is that people don’t actually insert them appropriately, so I think if you’re not using them appropriately, they are a waste."

I've been wearing my Loop Quiet earplugs every night for the last four months and not only have they remained durable (even through weekly washings), but they've also allowed my sensitive ears to fully recover from the effects of my last foam earplugs. Plus, my sleep has felt restored, and I am finally getting a full night's rest again.

In terms of ear safety, Kraskin says wearing plugs overnight is absolutely fine, but to just keep a few things in mind. "I would caution you don’t want to have any active ear infections, [and] you don’t want to have draining ears if you are using them. If you develop a rash, obviously immediately discontinue use," she says. She also advises to not forget to allow your ears to breathe in general throughout the day. "You don’t want to create a moist environment that will be breeding bacteria and germs."

According to Kraskin: Everyone — from people who sleep with noisy partners to those (like myself) living in noisy spaces. She mentioned there are many other different benefits for ear and noise protection, not just for sleeping.

"I think, in general, [for] anyone who is exposed to loud noises on a consistent basis. Someone who’s always riding the subway, somebody who’s outside their apartment building and they’re doing construction for the next six months and they’re walking past that every day," said Kraskin. "I’m big on ear protection for anyone who goes to a concert." Luckily, Loop has an earplug designed exactly for those kinds of high-volume situations:

I have yet to try the Experience versions, but Loop recently sent me its brand-new earplugs to try: Loop Engage. According to the brand, this latest addition is meant to be worn in social gatherings without compromising conversation. I've been wearing them in the office when I need to stay focused, and they've reduced background chatter just enough to help me stay in the zone. However, they still allow me to hear if someone calls my name or talk to anyone who approaches my desk. I've found myself working more productively, and I just love how sleek they look.

Kraskin mentions, as regulated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards, that exposing yourself to over 85 decibels in an eight-hour workday can be harmful to hearing. To put that into perspective, the Hearing Health Foundation says average office noise comes to about 70 decibels. The brand says the Loop Quiet earplugs reduce noise by 27 decibels, which can ultimately help with focus, calmer traveling and, of course, sleep. And even though I could still hear some outside noises while wearing them, these plugs lowered the noise level enough to where it no longer jolted me out of my sleep.

After trying these firsthand, I can say I'm a big fan — and I may just have turned Dr. Kraskin onto something. Although she has yet to try them, she says they could be a great alternative to more expensive custom options she normally suggests. "[Loop Quiet earplugs] are way cheaper, way easier and if it works great, you don't need to spend the $200," she says. I'm happy I found Loop first!

Shannon Garlin is an Associate Editor for Shop TODAY.