Travel Technology - Noise reducing earbuds that are comfortable to sleep with on side?

Great forum here! I've got a question...

I'm interested in purchasing a set of in-ear headphones for some upcoming international flights, mainly to reduce noise. My biggest concern is that I like to sleep on my side, and I haven't found an earbud that's comfortable to lay on. This is mostly because it presses into the ear uncomfortably. I'd probably like something that is completely or almost completely in ear so that there isn't anything external to press into my head.

Does anyone else have this same issue or have found something that works for them?

Thanks!

Marshall

I bought the Sennheiser CX300's as they were suggested on this board. I have been very happy with them and can highly recommend them for other side-sleepers.

I've used Etymotic/Altec im616 noise isolating earbuds with great success. They're very light, fit inside the ear, and don't need batteries.

I'd probably like something that is completely or almost completely in ear so that there isn't anything external to press into my head.


They're a little pricey, but the Shure SE530 earbuds might work for you. Besides being small and very good at sound isolation, IMO they're the best-sounding. This model is discussed in other threads in this forum, and read the reviews elsewhere--it's the gold standard.

The SE530PTH includes an in-line mic so you can listen to someone without removing the earbuds.

most earbuds are not NR, but isolation. i have a pair of inexpensive Shures, and when using the foam ear insertions, i find them comfortable.
the isolation is so good, i presume airlines may ban them. in flight announcements cannot be heard.

i think maybe sony makes a NR set. they have a battery, etc.

They're a little pricey, but the Shure SE530 earbuds might work for you. Besides being small and very good at sound isolation, IMO they're the best-sounding. This model is discussed in other threads in this forum, and read the reviews elsewhere--it's the gold standard.

The SE530PTH includes an in-line mic so you can listen to someone without removing the earbuds.

Add another vote for the 530PTH. The buds fit comfortably in my ears - there's a little pressure if I'm on my side, but not annoying by any means.

YMMV, as it all depends on how big the "pocket" in your ear is where the external bits sit.

These phones finally cured my "upgradeitis". :)

I too sleep on my side and have no problems with my non-ear bud Bose QC-2 in Y or F.

MisterNice

Bothe the Shure and the Altec seems to be quite large and protrube quite a bit. The big upside with the CX300 is that it fits almost entirely inside the ear, I haven't found that with any other noise isolating earbuds.

I think the premise of your question is misguided - like "what is the best painting to hang behind my television?" If you want quiet and comfortable, earbuds may not be the solution. Headphones and earbuds have dual purposes - to isolate noise and then to generate their own. Get yourself some Howard-Leight MAX-1's. -33db, and they will probably cost you $0.30/pair. I don't travel without them ^