Amenity kit ear plugs - Too stiff to sleep with...
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1K, IHG Diamond Amb, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 29
Amenity kit ear plugs - Too stiff to sleep with...
I'm a side sleeper, and I find the ear plugs included with the amenity kit impossible to sleep with.
-> They are stiff, and hurt my ear when placing my head on my side. Maybe my ears canals are too small...
-> Because they are stiff, they seem to slip out of my ear during my attempts at sleeping.
-> And somehow they don't even block sound that well.
Last I flew Polaris was December. I read that new kits have been introduced since then. I doubt it, but maybe they have decided to switch them for something softer?
As a side note: I have learned to always bring my own ear plugs. I use the plugs and never have issues sleeping on the side and they never fall off.
-> They are stiff, and hurt my ear when placing my head on my side. Maybe my ears canals are too small...
-> Because they are stiff, they seem to slip out of my ear during my attempts at sleeping.
-> And somehow they don't even block sound that well.
Last I flew Polaris was December. I read that new kits have been introduced since then. I doubt it, but maybe they have decided to switch them for something softer?
As a side note: I have learned to always bring my own ear plugs. I use the plugs and never have issues sleeping on the side and they never fall off.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,220
Coincidentally I just had a friend who is deaf in one ear show me how to put in the ear plug for side sleepers as I too find they slip out. You need to squeeze the plug the opposite way and then insert it into the ear so it expands sideways and not lengthways. It works!
#3
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,953
Agreed, squeezing is really the most important element, because as the plugs expand back, they will fit each person's individual ear space. Myself, I roll the plug like a pin.
#4
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
They did indeed change the ear plugs in the new kits and I find them to be improved. They're now grey (instead of the previous bright color) and are slightly softer and they stay compressed for longer when you twist / squeeze them making them easier to put in.
Like sinoflyer I roll them super thin and long like a pin, then insert into the ear canal (they need to go in a bit) and then as they unroll they will fit your ear and create a seal. Only a small amount sticks out so I don't notice when I sleep on my side.
Like sinoflyer I roll them super thin and long like a pin, then insert into the ear canal (they need to go in a bit) and then as they unroll they will fit your ear and create a seal. Only a small amount sticks out so I don't notice when I sleep on my side.
#6
I actually pack my own... I’ve tried a bunch of brands, and really love the Mack’s Ultra Soft.
https://amzn.to/2J0YEDm
~$8.00 for 50 pairs!
https://amzn.to/2J0YEDm
~$8.00 for 50 pairs!
#7
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,350
Highly recommend these ones -- softer and gentler on the ears, and easy removal with the T-shape. $16 for 200 pairs. Been using them for a few years now (I think it was someone else on FT who recommended them actually).
#8
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: UA MP (1K, 1MM)
Posts: 268
I actually pack my own... I’ve tried a bunch of brands, and really love the Mack’s Ultra Soft.
https://amzn.to/2J0YEDm
~$8.00 for 50 pairs!
https://amzn.to/2J0YEDm
~$8.00 for 50 pairs!
And buying cheap ones in bulk mean you can dispose of them after a couple of uses; can't imagine buying an expensive pair and washing/cleaning them often to remove the wax and bacteria that likely grow..
#11
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,663
On a side note, reaching over your head with the other hand and tugging up on your ear a little helps straighten the ear canal and allows easier install of the ear plug.
#12
formerly 1984SW
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,058
Highly recommend these Howard Leight ones -- softer and gentler on the ears, and easy removal with the T-shape. $16 for 200 pairs. Been using them for a few years now (I think it was someone else on FT who recommended them actually).
#13
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 151
https://smile.amazon.com/Flents-Quie...gateway&sr=8-5
I've been sleeping with these for years (hubby snores) and love them!
I've been sleeping with these for years (hubby snores) and love them!
#14
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,722
The above are child's play, I tell ya'...
I swear by these:
Highest db blocking available without a prescription. (If that's a thing, it just sounded clinical).
I keep the cute little United ones on hand as like a 4th-string backup in case my other three pair either fail me or go missing. Haven't had to result to them since the 'Connoisseur Class" version.
Signed,
A man who is an extremely light sleeper who has trouble falling asleep and has not spent a night without ear plugs in his ears in the last 20 years--at home, on an airplane, in a hotel, on a boat, etc. I simply cannot fall asleep without ear plugs. (I also have a white noise app on my iPad and phone, one of which plays next to me as I sleep).
I swear by these:
https://www.amazon.com/Earplugs-Cancelling-Protection-Reduction-Blocking/dp/B073CC9ZNM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3DRMUBIWHPBAT&keywords=35db+ear+plugs&qid=1556820390&s=hpc&sprefix=35db%2Chpc%2C158&sr=1-5
Highest db blocking available without a prescription. (If that's a thing, it just sounded clinical).
I keep the cute little United ones on hand as like a 4th-string backup in case my other three pair either fail me or go missing. Haven't had to result to them since the 'Connoisseur Class" version.
Signed,
A man who is an extremely light sleeper who has trouble falling asleep and has not spent a night without ear plugs in his ears in the last 20 years--at home, on an airplane, in a hotel, on a boat, etc. I simply cannot fall asleep without ear plugs. (I also have a white noise app on my iPad and phone, one of which plays next to me as I sleep).