I find there's a technique required for effective use of earplugs. There is also big differences between manufacturers in the material used, which impacts both noise isolation and comfort. Some plugs are frankly useless.
The earplugs I use are those that I have used for many years, going back to when I raced karts and later, rode motorcycles. They are orange and made by 3M. They are very good indeed, but only if inserted correctly. By that I mean they have to be inserted quite deeply. This ensures performance and helps prevent them coming loose when you shift around on the pillow.
Ideally, the plugs should be cold. In summer, I keep new plugs in the fridge. This makes the plugs 'stiffer', so that when squeezed down ready to insert, they don't immediately spring back, which makes it real hard to get them all the way in. The slow recovery in shape also helps them 'seal' better. You have to be quick though, because the heat from your fingers will soon warm they up and they will become 'bouncy' again. I find that tapered plugs will work their way out if not inserted deep enough. You get one attempt and, if you fail, you have to chill them down again or get a new pair from the fridge. I only have to chill them during the warmer months.
Those 3M plugs are tapered for comfort and made from soft but reasonably dense material. I buy them from 'Bunnings', an Australian hardware and DIY store, in bags of 180:
[Commercial Link Removed] Search for, "3M Model #92800-LG80-6DC"
Others that I have used on the bike weren't tapered and were made from stiffer material. This made them easier to insert and effective, but less comfortable, which didn't really matter much on the bike. I couldn't wear them all night though, hence my preference for the 'soft' type.
I don't need earplugs at home, at night, but I do have to use them if I need a nap during the day, when the normal 'sounds of the suburbs' would keep me awake. I take them when traveling, just in case the accommodation is noisy and for sleeping/snoozing on planes, also whenever I am photographing motorsports.
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