I've worn cheap earplugs to sleep for over a decade. I wish Loop's Dream earplugs came out years ago

CNN

07-03-2025

I first started wearing earplugs in college thanks to noisy dorm neighbors, and now I've been wearing them to bed for over a decade. If you also sleep with earplugs in, you likely picked up a cheap, one-size-fits-all (but actually doesn't) version from the drugstore that you have to force into your ears. Inevitably, these standard earplugs always fall out in the middle of the night because they never fit quite right, which defeats the purpose of wearing earplugs at all.
I knew there had to be something better out there, and when I heard multiple Underscored editors talk about how much they love Loop's regular earplugs for concerts and focusing at work, I jumped at the chance to review the brand's newer sleep-specific model: Loop's Dream earplugs. The first night I wore them, I knew I found my forever earplugs — and I wish they came out years ago. Not only are they so comfortable that I forget they're in my ears, they're stylish too.
Loop Dream Earplugs
Loop's Dream earplugs come in three colors (lilac, black and peach) and have an innovative shape that follows the natural contour of your ear. Best of all, they come with three additional memory foam ear tip sizes that you can swap out to get the perfect fit. Take 15% off with code CNNSLEEP now through March 10. They're customizable
The standout feature of Loop's Dream earplugs is that they come with three extra ear tips in additional sizes (XS, S and L), so you can find the best fit for your ears. For some reason, earplugs have been generally been sold as a universal product, but it's no secret that we all have different-sized ear canals. This customization seems like such a simple feature, but it's truly a game changer. The best part is that you don't need any tools to swap out the tips — simply pull the existing foam tips out and pop the new ones on.
To pick the best size, I recommend trying the pre-loaded tips first, which are a size medium. They should fit inside your ear and not fall out if you move your jaw and head around. If you need more detailed guidance, I recommend watching Loop's video on how to find your size.
I barely notice I'm wearing them
When I'm sleeping, the last thing I want is to feel weighed down by extra accessories like a sleep mask, earplugs and all my layers of bedding. I hated how much pressure my old earplugs put on my ears, especially against the daith earring inside my ear. Sometimes, my old earplugs hurt so much that I was forced to take them out and hope no one decided to blast music through my apartment's very thin walls.
As soon as I slipped the Dream earplugs into my ears, I didn't even feel them. They nestle perfectly inside my ear without adding extra pressure and feel like they're almost part of my ear anatomy. This is especially crucial if you're a side sleeper like me (or someone who changes up your positions throughout the night). Previously, I'd feel my earplugs pressing into my pillow when I rolled over onto my side, but with these, I don't notice a thing — except how relaxing and quiet my space feels.
Aside from the shape, the materials are also a nice upgrade from the thick foam versions I used to wear. The tips are made with a hybrid of memory foam and silicone that work together to block out noise, and the silicone helps keep them in place.
They come with a carrying case
This is a small detail, but an important one nonetheless. I never knew where or how to store my old earplugs, so I'd throw them loosely in a drawer and every night before bed, I would have to rummage through the drawer to find where they ended up. Now, with this compact carrying case, my earplugs are never lost. I keep them in the bedside pocket made for my Thuma bed, so all I have to do is crawl into bed and reach down for the case. This little accessory is also handy for traveling or while on the go, so the earplugs don't get lost in my suitcase or bag.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the Loop Dream earplugs don't seem to block out as much noise as my old ones (at least when they stayed in my ears). I think this is actually a good thing, in case there's a noise that I need to hear when I'm in a deeper sleep — like a fire alarm or another emergency situation.
According to Loop's website, the Loop Dream earplugs feature 27dB of noise reduction, which will likely make noises like your partner's soft breathing or a dishwasher running inaudible, while a louder sound like sirens will still be audible, but at a lower volume (more on this in the FAQs below). If you're looking for total noise reduction, these are not for you.
If you've been longing for an alternative to traditional, bulky earplugs, the Loop Dream earplugs are just the thing you need to elevate your bedtime routine. They have a barely-there feel, have never fallen out of my ears and look chic to boot. While they don't eliminate all noises entirely, they muffle annoying sounds like footsteps in my apartment hallway and someone talking in the apartment next to me.
Loop offers 100-day free returns and a two-year warranty, but it's not necessary; now that I've been sleeping soundly with these earplugs for the last few months, I can confidently say I'm never going back to my old ones again.
How much noise reduction do the Loop Dream earplugs have?
How much noise reduction do the Loop Dream earplugs have?
The Loop Dream earplugs feature 27dB of noise reduction that helps muffle bedtime noises like your partner's snoring. According to the brand's website, they won't eliminate all sounds but can reduce many sounds significantly. Softer sounds like someone breathing or a dishwasher will likely be inaudible. On the other hand, medium sounds such as a TV in another room will be muffled and louder sounds like a siren will still be audible but at a lower volume.
How do you clean the Loop Dream earplugs?
How do you clean the Loop Dream earplugs?
According to Loop's website, remove the tips and wipe them and the body of the earplugs with a damp cloth and soapy water. Make sure everything is dry before putting the ear tips back on.
Loop recommends changing out the tips after 100 nights for hygiene purposes, and because the memory foam can lose its shape over time, which can decrease its efficacy. You can buy a replacement pack of eight ear tips for $15.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. The writer of this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, has worn earplugs for about a decade and slept with Loop's Dream earplugs for a few months to see how they compared to others she's tried.