Our lives are becoming increasingly stressful, and the demand for the highest noise-reduction sleep earplugs, the best earplugs for snoring, or simply the best earplugs for sleep remains as relevant as ever.
The supply keeps up with the demand. Small startups and globally recognized corporations offer sleep earplugs ranging from high-tech models with active noise cancellation to mass-produced, overpriced products wrapped in attractive packaging. Striving for perfection is a great thing—eventually, it may lead to the creation of the perfect product. Given the ever-growing need for noise protection, this issue is likely to remain important for years to come.
In this article, we will try to answer the question: What should the perfect reusable sleep earplugs be like? And what is our company doing to bring such earplugs to the market as soon as possible? Let's start with the drawbacks.
Drawbacks of Modern Sleep Earplugs
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Exaggerated or misleading noise reduction ratings. A recent example from the internet: a seller claimed that a no-name brand of earplugs had an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating, used in the U.S.) of a whopping 40 dB! Meanwhile, even the most massive noise-canceling earmuffs or earplugs from leading global manufacturers barely reach 34 dB. Not embarrassing at all, right? 😊
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Hard material and/or rigid holders sticking out of the ear. This is a common issue with otherwise decent earplugs that provide good noise isolation. Some earplugs also feature large attachments designed to fit the shape of the outer ear. However, unless they are custom-made based on an ear impression, such designs can cause discomfort.
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One-size-fits-all approach. This strategy may work well for adjustable socks, but not for human ears, where the oval entrance to the ear canal can range from 3 to 12 mm at its narrowest point.
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A trade-off between comfort and noise isolation. This is the holy grail for all manufacturers. Combining effective noise reduction with comfort is not easy. Many industrial earmuffs provide excellent noise protection, but not everyone can sleep in them.
WHERE ARE THE GOOD SLEEP EARPLUGS?
We have been working in the sleep accessories market since 2014 and have tested many different earplugs ourselves. Some performed well, but we also came across outright junk. In the spring of 2020, we finally decided to develop our own sleep earplugs—and that's how the Kokon Universe project was born. Our goal was to create a product that addressed all of the shortcomings mentioned above.
This long and complex journey began with studying ear impressions from our volunteers—after all, we needed to understand who we were designing earplugs for!
At this stage, we realized that the popular cone-shaped design, commonly used in earplugs, might not be the best option. That's why two out of the three sizes of Kokon Universe feature a more rectangular shape rather than a pronounced cone. This design makes them slightly harder to insert, but it significantly improves noise isolation without sacrificing comfort.
Here’s what our first sketch looked like, which later became a 3D model, followed by a prototype:
After numerous revisions, we created several test versions and sent them to an independent acoustic lab in Germany (PZT GmbH) for artificial ear testing. Our goal was to make the earplugs as comfortable as possible without compromising noise reduction.
We experimented with 3- and 4-flange designs, all featuring a soft central stem holder instead of a tip-mounted holder, which some manufacturers use. Experience showed that placing the holder at the tip can make removal more difficult.
The artificial ear test measured the sound level inside the ear canal with the earplug inserted and compared it to ambient noise levels. Based on these results, several "unpromising" designs were eliminated.
Then we launched beta testing. Volunteers tested different Kokon designs and rated them based on several factors, including noise reduction and comfort.
These two phases helped us finalize the best design. Next, the earplugs underwent the most rigorous and expensive test—SNR measurement in decibels at an independent acoustic laboratory (PZT GmbH). This is the gold-standard test conducted by all reputable manufacturers of hearing protection products. This time, measurements were taken on live participants, following the updated, stricter EN352-2:2020 standard.
The test results showed that Kokon Universe earplugs exceed industry standards by 4 dB, achieving SNR 25.2 dB with a maximum rating of 31 dB.
Using 3D modeling, we developed smaller and larger versions, creating a lineup of three sizes (XS, S and M). This solved the one-size-fits-all issue, giving users a much higher chance of finding a perfect fit.
Once testing was complete, we launched sales of Kokon Universe and shipped long-awaited pre-orders to our earliest supporters.
However, our work didn’t stop there! A few weeks later, we gathered customer feedback and discovered that switching to a softer silicone compound would be beneficial. We took action immediately—testing the softer version on our team first before sending them to customers who had voiced concerns.
The results were impressive! The softer silicone allowed users to wear a size up comfortably. For example, if someone previously fit only into size S, they could now use size M just as comfortably. This resulted in better noise isolation without losing comfort.
We continued to fine-tune the earplugs based on customer feedback, making them even more comfortable and safe.
Later, we also modified the front part of the earplugs—the section that touches the more sensitive middle part of the ear canal - isthmus—to further enhance comfort.
THE FINAL RESULT?
A perfectionist approach and constant customer feedback have allowed us to create earplugs that:
✔ Provide effective noise reduction up to 31 dB, tested in an independent acoustic lab following strict European hearing protection standards
✔ Are comfortable for the ear and suitable for side sleeping
✔ Come in three sizes (XS, S, M), making them compatible with nearly any ear canal shape
Thanks to Kokon Universe sleeping earpkugs, people can finally find serenity in a noisy world.
