I’ve always envied those who’ve been able to fall asleep on planes, watching jealously as they stave off boredom and ensure a spritely arrival at their destination. I just don’t find the environment on a plane conducive to nodding off: the insistent hum of the cabin, crying babies, and inevitable snoring all conspire against me – not to mention the discomfort that comes with being squashed upright in a seat for hours.
However, a pair of Loop earplugs, which recently landed on my desk, really helped on my last trip. I was dubious, but they’re far superior to the free in-flight squishy numbers, featuring a discreet design and proper in-ear tips that ensure a comfy, customised fit. Wearing these, I managed to enjoy a solid six hours of sleep while flying to Dubai – even in an economy seat.
Loop has several models to choose from, but I have the Switch pair, which can flick between three levels of noise reduction. When cranked to the max, the din of the cabin was drastically reduced. Not completely silent, but as though someone had turned down the volume knob to around 25 percent. I awoke six hours later, shocked to realise I could join the ranks of the smug well-rested traveller, even forgoing my usual nap after hotel check-in.
I’ve not had a need for the lower sound reduction levels, but I can see how they’d be useful for concerts, festivals, or kids’ parties; any environment that can be overstimulating but where you still need to be cognizant of what’s going on.
The carry case can be attached to your keyring, so you shouldn’t lose or forget it, which is appreciated as it’s very small and likely to get lost in the bottom of your bag. Overall, the Loop earplugs have earned themselves an in-flight essential status for me, joining a tight list of winners that includes a headphone adapter, a phone stand, and a decent travel pillow.
Pros:
- Interchangeable ear tip sizes to suit everyone.
- Reusable and thus more eco-friendly than disposable alternatives.
Cons:
- Less a con than a suggestion: make sure you test the ear tip sizes before discarding the others. I was using ones too large for a while, which caused earache; this was rectified by selecting a better fit.
