“If flying leaves your ears feeling uncomfortable, blocked, or painful, consider earplugs like Alpine FlyFit, which are specifically designed to address ear pressure issues,” says Dr. Raj Singh, an internal medicine specialist at Rarev Med Spa. These earplugs feature built-in filters that help regulate air pressure during takeoff and landing, minimizing that annoying ear-popping sensation. Many travelers recommend inserting them just before the plane doors close and keeping them in until landing for optimal protection. Made from soft, hypoallergenic material, Alpine FlyFit molds to your ears for a comfortable, irritation-free fit, even on long-haul flights. Additionally, they reduce in-flight noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds like announcements without feeling completely cut off.

Pros: They are reusable and come with a compact travel case, making them a convenient addition to any carry-on.
Cons: While they’re soft, they do protrude slightly, which can be uncomfortable if you’re trying to sleep with your head against a window or pillow.

As a travel writer with claustrophobia, long-haul flights are always challenging. Enclosed spaces can trigger my anxiety, sometimes leading to panic attacks, and the limited movement on planes only heightens these feelings especially when traveling alone. To manage my symptoms, I rely on Curvd ear plugs. Unlike bulky headphones or disposable earplugs, these lightweight, ergonomically designed plugs contour to the inner ear for a snug fit. They also come with four interchangeable tip sizes and three swappable covers (like a functional fashion accessory). I keep a few stashed in my carry-on and purse, ensuring I’m never without them when I need relief. Beyond flights, Curvd also helps me stay focused in noisy environments.

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Pros: These earbuds come in a compact steel case with a clip-on attachment, making them easy to carry.
Cons: It might take some trial and error to find the right fit for your ear but once you get used to using them, they work wonders.

The SoundOff Sleep earbuds use pink noise to mask unwanted sounds, making them ideal for light sleepers and those disturbed by snoring. Unlike white noise, which can sound harsh, pink noise has a softer, more balanced tone that promotes relaxation, improves sleep, and enhances focus. They are designed for all-night comfort with soft foam tips, a flexible fit, a battery life of 10 to 16 hours per charge, and a case providing up to a week’s use. Many users find them highly effective at blocking noise and improving sleep quality. If you’re looking for a comfortable, travel-friendly solution, these earbuds could be a great choice—just ensure pink noise suits your needs.

Pros: With adjustable volume for the pink noise, these are adaptable to people with different hearing sensitivity.
Cons: They only play pink noise so it may not work for those who prefer listening to music or other sounds while sleeping.

If you’re looking for a simple way to block out noise whether for sleeping, swimming, traveling, or just enjoying some peace and quiet, Mack’s Pillow Soft silicone earplugs are an excellent choice. Unlike foam earplugs, these are made from moldable, medical-grade silicone putty, allowing them to shape to your ear for a snug, custom fit that stays in place without awkwardly poking out. This design also reduces uncomfortable pressure, making them ideal for side sleepers. But these earplugs aren’t just for sleep—the waterproof seal makes them perfect for swimmers, surfers, or anyone with ear tubes needing to keep water out. They come in a pack of 12 and can be used for up to a few weeks.

Pros: With a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 dB, they can reduce noise from snoring, traffic, and other background sounds.
Cons: They might feel a little sticky at first, but that wears off quickly.

A saving grace for anyone who gets overstimulated by noise, Loop’s earplugs are exceptionally versatile for all types of situations. “I particularly like the Quiet 2, which I’ve found ideal for taking a quick nap on the plane, popping in when you’re trying to WFH from the buzzing beach bar, or blocking out excess noise when reading while ensconced in the same cozy hotel room as somebody watching TV,” says Condé Nast Traveler’s travel bookings editor Jamie Spain. “They provide the perfect amount of noise reduction to help block out excess sounds and help you focus, while still keeping you in the loop of conversation around you—sure, I could easily don my noise-canceling headphones, but Loop earplugs keep the noise down while still keeping me a bit more aware of everything that’s happening around me in case of emergency (or the flight attendant trying to get your attention with snacks).” The design is ultra-comfortable, so if you’re feeling any irritation at all, it’s likely that you just need to swap the ear tip sizes.

Spain is also a fan of the Dream design, which is specifically created to wear during sleep. “It has an even more comfortable fit in my opinion and is perfect for catching some z’s when sharing the hotel room with someone who snores, but keep in mind that it blocks out even more noise, and made me somewhat nervous that I’d miss my alarm in the morning.”

Pros: It offers up to 26 dB of noise reduction so it can be useful for sleeping, studying, or focusing in loud environments.
Cons: Depending on your ear shape or how much you move while you sleep, they may not stay in place as securely as foam alternatives.

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