We can all benefit from a good night’s sleep, and countless scientific studies have shown how important sleep can be for our overall physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, getting off to sleep isn’t always easy, and there are all kinds of factors that can interfere with your sleeping schedule. One of the worst issues that many people have to face is noise, and this is especially true for those living in cities or sharing a bed with a snoring partner. Fortunately, ear muffs can help.
We’ve searched far and wide to find the best ear muffs for sleeping you can buy right now. These products need to be comfortable and cozy to wear, while also effectively drowning out ambient noise from your surroundings, and we’ve taken a look at a lot of different factors in order to find the very best options available, like the Hibermate Sleep Mask with Ear Muffs. We considered the materials these ear muffs were made of, as well as their price, dimensions, and any additional features or relevant factors.
We also took a look at both user and critical reviews of these different noise cancelling ear muffs for sleeping, and below, you’ll find a simple comparison table with the best options we found, complete with our ratings and nominations to give you a brief indication of what each option has to offer. Further down the page, you’ll find in-depth reviews and analysis of each set of ear muffs, followed by a detailed buying guide and FAQ section.
Extra features: 100% light block, no eye pressure, breathable, snag-free micro hook
The Manta Sleep Mask designed for Men and Women is a comfortable and fully adjustable sleep mask that will help anyone transform into a deep sleeper. It is lightweight, easy to wear, and suitable for back, stomach, or side sleepers. This mask does not cause any unwanted pressure on the eyes, and it helps to encourage REM sleep.
This sleep mask is ideal for avid travelers, shift workers, or anyone having difficulty falling asleep due to light conditions. It is a 100% true blackout mask that successfully blocks out all light to ensure the user gets the optimal amount of sleep. It features plenty of nose space, so there is no bridge or sinus pressure during use. And the soft tapered foam around the eyecups helps the mask mold perfectly with the face regardless of the user’s sleep position. The newly upgraded Manta Sleep Mask features covers wrapped in modal wool fiber instead of cotton, resulting in a more breathable mask resistant to harmful bacteria.
There are several features of the Manta Sleep Mask that we liked. The eyecups of this mask are adjustable to ensure no uncomfortable eye pressure. It is also guaranteed to stay in place thanks to the cotton velour strap and snag-free micro hook microfleece closures. This eye mask is designed not to smudge makeup, making it perfect for those quick power naps. It features swappable modular eyepieces and is fully customizable to provide the user with an ideal fit.
While we were pleased with the Manta Sleep Mask, there are a few reviews from users who were unhappy with it. Some have reported that it doesn’t function like a traditional sleep mask and is better suited for travel or relaxation purposes instead of using it while sleeping at night. Aside from that, the majority of reviews we read were from satisfied customers who were pleased with the results they received from this quality sleep mask.
Extra features: adjustable earcups; low profile cup design
Next up, we have the 3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs. Compared to the Hibermate model listed above, these ear muffs don’t feature the sleep mask attachment, but they do have a stronger NRR rating of 27 decibels, meaning that they’ll cancel out moderate to high levels of noise exposure in your surroundings. So if you happen to sleep beside someone who snores a lot or live in a city with lots of street noise, you’ll find these ear muffs to be very useful.
The 3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs are also perfect for travel and can effectively block out a lot of noise on train and plane journeys. They feature a smart design with a slim dual-headband to reduce head build-up and ensure you don’t get too hot or uncomfortable in the night, and the cups are quite slim and low profile too, allowing you to sleep in a variety of positions with relative ease. That said, side sleepers might still struggle with these ear muffs due to their firm plastic construction.
Fortunately, despite this one minor flaw, the 3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs are mostly ideal. They feature a one size fits most design and are easy to adjust to suit your head and sleeping posture. They provide the strong noise reduction so many people need to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, and the vast majority of users find them to be very comfortable and cozy around the ears as well.
The MUSICOZY Sleep and Sports Headband is a multifunctional sleep mask. This product is ideal for individuals who are suffering from insomnia due to light conditions. It is also an excellent choice for side sleepers. Yet, at the same time, the Bluetooth headphones make them a good choice for use as a headband while working out, jogging, or during yoga.
This one-of-a-kind headband headphones combination helps make your workouts easier and your morning jogs more pleasant as you listen to your favorite tunes while on the move. This upgraded model of the MUSICOZY sleep and sports headband features headphones that go over the year instead of on-ear. That makes it perfect for those who like to listen to music or audiobooks at night to help them rest. It can also be used for guided meditation or to listen to other soothing sounds while relaxing.
There are several things we like about this Bluetooth headband. It is made from soft and lightweight material that provides optimal comfort. The audio source is built-in which means the user no longer has to wear painful earbuds or uncomfortable headphones at night. For people who suffer from excessive stress or anxiety, using this headband at night or any time they need to relax can be a game-changer.
The MUSICOZY sleep and exercise mask has received many positive reviews from satisfied customers. And we don’t have many complaints about the product. If you are looking for a multifunctional mask that makes it possible to listen to music or other audio at night or while on the go, this sleep mask is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a traditional sleep mask that is simply designed to help you sleep through the night, this may not be the product for you.
Extra features: suitable for adults; available in 13 colors; 5-year guarantee
Next up, we have the Snug Kids Earmuffs – but don’t let the name fool you. These sleeping ear muffs are definitely designed with little ones in mind, but they can work for adults as well. In general though, if you’re an adult looking for quality ear muffs for sleeping, you may want to consider the other models on our list. If you’re looking for some ear muffs for your children, however, be sure to keep reading.
Available at a very affordable price, the Snug Kids Earmuffs are available in a range of more than a dozen different color options, so kids can have a fun time picking out their favorite colors. They also come with a 5-year guarantee, so if you encounter any problems or accidents with these ear muffs, then you’ll be totally protected. They’re made from a mixture of plastic and PU foam, and the comfort level is a little lacking compared to some of the other materials used elsewhere on the list.
The design of these ear muffs also means that they can be a little tricky when sleeping in certain positions, but they offer a lot of value and some very strong plus points. Their NRR rating, for example, is very high at 25 dB. They’re some of the strongest ear muffs for sleeping on the market right now and can really block out a lot of ambient and loud noises.
Extra features: Bluetooth, velcro sticky, HIFI stereo, built-in mic
Next up, we have the LC-dolida Sleeping Headphones Eye Mask, which is definitely one of the most unique and interesting options you can choose when shopping for ear muffs for sleeping. It actually works as headphones, a pair of ear muffs, and a sleep mask all-in-one and all at a very reasonable price. It’s essentially memory foam material that makes this product stand out among others
The mask has a contoured design that fits around your nose and eyes comfortably and does not put pressure on your eyes as some masks can. The mask also blocks out light completely so you can sleep in complete darkness. The headphones are wireless and connect to your phone or music player so you can listen to calming music or audiobooks as you fall asleep.
The wireless headphones are a great added bonus that allows you to listen to calming music or audiobooks as you drift off to sleep. With just 1-2 hours of charging, the Bluetooth sleep headphones provide 8-10 hours of playing time, so you can use them all night long if needed.
The Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones are designed to produce high-fidelity stereo sound quality and provide a soothing music environment. HiFi Stereo design allows the Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones to block outside noise, so you can fall asleep faster.
Plus, the soft and breathable material is machine-washable for easy cleaning. Get the benefits of total blackout and a good night’s sleep with the Bluetooth sleep mask!
Extra features: available in 5 color options; used by Elite Military Forces
Last but not least on our list of the best noise reducing ear muffs for sleeping, we have the VANDERFIELDS Ear Muffs Noise Cancelling. Immediately, when compared to the other items on our list, we can see that the design of these ear muffs isn’t the best-suited to sleeping. These muffs were actually designed with shooting and hunting in mind, able to block out very loud sounds with astonishing ease, but they can be a little tricky to wear in bed for side or front sleepers.
If you can get them to work for you while you sleep, however, they’ll offer some of the best performance of any set of ear muffs on the market. They have an NRR rating of 32 dB, which is among the highest on our list, so are very strong at blocking out all kinds of sounds from snoring partners to car alarms outside on the street. They’re available in a range of color options too and, as our Budget Pick, are highly affordable.
Overall, the design and construction of the VANDERFIELDS Ear Muffs Noise Cancelling means that they can be a little tricky to get used to at first. Their chunky design and thick headband may deter some users, but they can offer exceptional noise reduction, so if you really just want strong ear muffs for sleeping at a terrific price, this might be the perfect product for you.
Now that we’ve seen some of the top options for sound cancelling ear muffs for sleeping, let’s take a look at some top tips and advice you need to know when shopping for your next set of ear muffs. There are lots of factors to think about, and this buying guide will tell you all you need to know about finding the perfect ear muffs for you.
There are many different benefits of sleeping in ear muffs:
Let’s take a look at some of the key features you need to think about and look out for when shopping for your next pair of ear muffs. Some of these features will be more important to you than others, but they’re all important factors to think about.
Definitely one of the most significant factors to consider is the NRR. If you’re shopping for sound cancelling ear muffs, it’s because you want to sleep more soundly and not have to worry about ambient noises when you sleep. This rating is measured in decibels (dB), and the higher the NRR, the better the noise reduction of your ear muffs will be. If you only need light level noise reduction, a lower NRR, as seen in the Hibermate Sleep Mask with Ear Muffs, will suffice. If you need stronger reduction, seek out ear muffs with a higher NRR like the 3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs.
The position in which you sleep is another key factor. Trying to sleep on your side while wearing big, chunky ear muffs can be difficult, but if you choose a product like the Hibermate Headband with Sound-Reducing Ear Muffs, then you’ll find things a little easier.
It’s important to remember that not all ear muffs can work for all kinds of sleepers, and you need to choose a model that matches up with your sleeping style.
Ear muffs for sleeping come in the traditional ‘headset’ shape, but they can also come in other forms like the Wrap-a-Nap, which wraps fully around the head like a travel pillow, or the Hibermate Headband which works as a headband with attachable ear cushions. The size, fit and adjustability of the ear muffs are vital factors to think about, as you need to find a pair of muffs that fit snugly around your ears.
The materials that make up your ear muffs need to feel soft and comfortable on your ears and head. Silicone, as seen in the Hibermate Sleep Mask with Ear Muffs, is a great material as it’s highly breathable, easy to clean, and doesn’t generate much heat. Other materials might be cheaper and less comfortable.
The dimensions of the ear muffs you choose need to match up with the size of your head, and it’s important to remember that bigger and bulkier models will often be less comfortable and more awkward to try and sleep with, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Ear muffs are available at a wide range of prices. The more expensive models are often more comfortable and effective, but you can still find high-performing ear muffs for low prices, with the VANDERFIELDS Ear Muffs Noise Cancelling being a fine example. Cheaper models do sometimes have flaws like less comfortable materials and lower durability, however, so price is a factor worth considering when searching for a truly top quality pair of ear muffs for sleeping.
Here are our top tips for sleeping in ear muffs:
Overall, the Hibermate Sleep Mask with Ear Muffs stood out from the crowd as our favorite set of sound cancelling ear muffs for sleeping. Made from top quality silicone with an ultra low-profile design, they work well for all kinds of sleepers and are highly versatile.
Next, the 3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs are also among the best ear muffs for sleeping you can buy right now. They feature exceptional noise reduction, perfect for noisy areas or sleeping while traveling, and they’re also great value and highly comfortable to wear.
Last but not least, the Hibermate Headband with Sound-Reducing Ear Muffs rounds out our list. This user-friendly headband with attachable ear muffs is one of the best designed products in the ear muff market right now, fitting snugly over the ears for maximum comfort and quality performance.
