How to Insert Foam Earplugs Correctly
Why Is It Important to Insert Foam Earplugs Correctly?
Before we dive into the details of how to insert earplugs properly, it is important to note one key detail: improperly inserted earplugs lose their effectiveness entirely, leaving the user disappointed after relying on them.
What Are Foam Earplugs and What Makes Them Great?
Foam earplugs are made of polyurethane memory foam, a material originally developed for the aerospace industry. The unique feature of this foam is that it does not immediately return to its original shape after being compressed but does so with a slight delay. This property allows users to insert the earplugs before they expand back to their original size.
Polyurethane is an ideal material for sleep earplugs as it is safe, hypoallergenic, and FDA-approved. Additionally, the open-cell structure of polyurethane allows air molecules to pass through while effectively blocking sound waves. This ventilation prevents condensation from forming inside the ear canal.
Pros of Foam Earplugs:
• High noise cancellation level
• Comfortable for side sleepers (no protruding parts)
• Suitable for most users
• Ventilated due to open-cell foam structure
• Low price
Cons:
• Short lifespan (up to two weeks with regular use at home)
• May cause discomfort for some users
Learning to Roll Foam Earplugs Properly
Foam earplugs are made from soft, low-elasticity polyurethane foam, allowing enough time to insert them before they regain their original shape.
Using foam earplugs is straightforward and does not require complex instructions or special knowledge. Let’s get straight to it.
First, ensure that your ears are dry—this is especially important if you are putting them in after a shower before bed.
To insert earplugs properly, roll them into a thin cylinder or “pin” shape. The easiest way to do this is by rolling them between your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Roll the earplugs slowly and evenly. This prevents creases and uneven compression, which could otherwise let sound through when placed in the ear.
When rolling the earplug, leave the top part slightly uncompressed—this small “cap” acts as a stopper, preventing the earplugs from going too deep and making them easier to remove.
How to Correctly Insert Earplugs
Once the earplugs are rolled, act quickly:
- Reach over your head with one hand and gently pull your ear back and upward to straighten the ear canal.
- Insert the rolled earplug into the ear canal.
- If the earplug has already expanded before you inserted it, do not try to force it in. Simply repeat the process.
Wait approximately 15-20 seconds for the earplug to fully expand and conform to the shape of your ear canal. During this time, gently press on the earplug to keep it from pushing outward.
How to Check If Your Earplugs Are Inserted Correctly
Properly inserted earplugs should not be visible when you look at yourself straight-on in a mirror. However, they should not be pushed too deep—there should be enough material left outside for easy removal with your fingers (or nails, if needed), without requiring tweezers.
Here are a couple of ways to check if your earplugs are in correctly:
- Sound Test: While wearing the earplugs near a noise source, press your palms tightly over your ears. If the noise level remains the same whether your palms are covering your ears or not, you have inserted them correctly.
- Visual Test: Remove the earplugs and examine their shape before they fully expand back. If they have a Z-like imprint, you have inserted them correctly. If they resemble the letter V, you need more practice.
Final Tips
Do not insert foam earplugs too deeply at the expense of comfort, especially when using them for sleep. If you feel discomfort, gently pull them outward until the sensation subsides.
With a little practice, you will soon be able to insert foam earplugs in seconds, even in complete darkness while lying in bed!
