RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
Just as an update - the Loop Experience earplugs I have are meant for hearing protection at loud concerts without much distortion of the sound, so they're not really appropriate to use if you want to really block out noise. But I just read that the company now has a product specifically for sleeping, called the Loop Dream. Similar concept, but higher noise reduction, and designed to be more comfortable for sleeping on your side. I haven't ordered them because I'm not currently using my CPAP and noise isn't an issue, but I will probably give them a try in the future if I do start using the CPAP again. Just thought I'd drop this info here for others who are looking for a solution.
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
I'm a tried and true side-sleeper. I don't use ear plugs when I sleep. I have Tinnitus badly and have has it for over 30 years. I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me all that much.
I do use ear plugs though when I go for a ride on my motorcycle. They really cut down on the wind and road noise. I have several versions that I can choose from.
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
Not sure if they're available in the USA but here in the UK I use Happy Ears. They have a flat profile so no problem sleeping on my side or even front.
They say they should last 6-12 months but mine have been going strong with daily use for about 6 years!
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
Am I the only one that uses custom fit ear plugs? I am pretty sensitive to sound so for me no concessions on this subject. I guess custom fit ear plugs with maximum sound blocking set you back 100 - 200 USD (no idea on US prices of course) but 1) the sound blocking does not get better than this and 2) side sleep is a non issue due to their perfect fit.
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
donsburg: Thanks, those look good too, and they are available in the US.
thevge: Custom fit plugs might be an option if I really end up needing them on a regular basis.
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
I've been sleeping with ear plugs, usually Mack, for over a decade now. I've been super sensitive to noise since I had a concussion. The ear plugs are rated to block different amounts of noise, with the ones that can block more noise being made of harder foam. The beige NRR 33dB Macks are too firm for me and I sometimes ending up taking them out in the middle o the night. I really like the purple NRR 31 dB Macks as they are noticeably softer, although they recently changed the formulation and I don't like the texture as much I would try different brands with different ratings and see if you can find one you can tolerate.
I'm not sure what part of you ear ends up hurting but I could imagine that wearing the ear plugs backwards could make it worse. I place my ear plugs pretty deep so nothing is sticking out. I'm a stomach sleeper but so the side of my head is flat on the pillow so I understand how an ear plug sticking out would be disturbing. Having said that, I don't know your situation and everyone is different.
I'm still trying to find a mask that works for me but the unicorn style masks, both the Dreamwear and the F30i, transfer a lot of sound when the headgear touches my skull. i've found that putting a cloth cover over the headgear really cuts down on that noise. I did have a minor issues where the strap connection point on the F30i prevented full coverage of the headgear and that little gap caused a lot of noise. When I filled that gap it was much quieter. I'm now experimenting with additional layers of coverings and with covering the hose and mask itself (I'm really bothered by the noise of the air escaping through the vent holes). I'm also hoping a satin outer cover prevents the headgear from rubbing away what's left of my hair.
Re: the chin strap, I don't have a recommendation for that but I have noticed that I notice the noise less when my mouth is closed. I plan on finding a good cervical collar after I get the mask situation worked out.
Good luck in getting through this. For me the air noise has been almost as bad as getting used to the mask and pressure so I understand your challenge.
David
RE: Earplugs for side sleepers?
The beige NRR 33dB Macks are actually the ones I like best. The reason I wear them backwards is because then I can tuck the tapered end into the concha (concave area of the ear outside the ear canal) so that it doesn't stick out past the rest of my ear. I can't do that if I put the earplug in with the tapered end in the canal. I think the biggest reason earplugs cause pain for me is that pressure on the exterior part of the earplug pushes it harder into the canal. But as I mentioned in my first post, even without earplugs, just pressure in general on the antihelix body of the ear has caused pain/numbness my whole life. I grew up sleeping mostly on my stomach, and sometimes my side. I'd have to use down pillows and press indents into them in the area where my ear goes so that there wouldn't be as much pressure on my ear.
Anatomy of the ear diagram
I actually did end up buying the Loop Dream earplugs. They are soft and the exterior tab fits neatly into the concha. I think these would be great for a lot of people who have similar problems with traditional earplugs. They're 27dB so don't reduce noise quite as well as the Macks, but isn't bad. But they're rather fiddly to get inserted properly. (The Loop Experience plugs I have are much easier to insert, but they don't reduce sound a lot since they're meant for wearing at concerts, and the hard loop isn't all that comfortable for side sleeping anyway.) I wouldn't mind fussing with the insertion of them since it's often fiddly for me to get foam earplugs inserted correctly too, but for some reason they irritate my right ear canal when I sleep on my right side. I don't have that problem with the left ear. I think maybe my right ear canal is shaped a little differently, and even a small amount of pressure on the earplug causes pain inside the canal. It FEELS like the tip of the earplug is hitting the eardrum, which seems pretty unlikely, but that's definitely what it feels like. And actually even the Macks give me some discomfort in the canal too, but not nearly as much. I guess my right ear is just a special snowflake. (Smaller tips don't help - the width of the tip isn't a problem, it seems to be something with the depth of the ear canal.)
So although I do think the Loop Dreams are good and most people would probably like them, I've been wearing the Macks again for the last few nights. I may have to bite the bullet and get custom made ones. But aside from having no idea where a good place is to get them or what type to get, I'm a little hesitant to spend that much if I just end up with the same problems.
