Review: Are Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs the Best for Deep Sleep?
For less than the price of a coffee, Mack's offer an industrial-grade Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33dB. We tested these simple foam plugs to see if they can truly protect your Deep Sleep from city noise and snoring partners
If you want to optimize your sleep architecture without spending $300 on noise-canceling headphones, Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs are the gold standard. We tested the 50-pair jar to see if they truly deliver "industrial-grade silence" for recovery.
The Bottom Line
For less than the price of a coffee, these earplugs offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33 decibels—which is higher than most active noise-canceling headphones. If you sleep with a snoring partner or live in a noisy city, this is the most cost-effective biohack on the market.
Specs
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): : 33 dB (Highest available for foam)
Extreme Silence: Blocks 33dB of noise (snoring, traffic, barking dogs).
Comfort: The "Comfy Cush" foam expands slowly, putting less pressure on the ear canal than cheaper brands.
Side-Sleeper Friendly: Unlike headphones, these sit flush in your ear, so you can lay your head sideways on a pillow.
Value: One jar lasts for months.
Cons
Technique Required: You must roll them thin and insert them deep for them to work (we explain how below).
Disposable: Not reusable forever; you should discard them after a few uses for hygiene.
Deep Dive: Performance
1. Noise Cancellation (The “Deep Sleep” Test)
We tested these against typical city noise and a loud fan. The NRR of 33dB is significant. While they don’t block all sound (you will still hear your alarm clock), they muffle sharp noises enough to prevent “micro-wakeups,” which destroy your REM cycles.
2. Comfort & Fit
The biggest issue with foam earplugs is the “pressure ache.” Mack’s uses a lower-pressure foam than standard orange construction plugs. After 8 hours of sleep, our testers reported zero ear fatigue.
3. The Correct Insertion Method (Crucial)
Most people use earplugs wrong. To get the full 33dB block:
Roll the plug into a tight, thin cylinder with clean fingers.
Pull your ear up and back with your other hand to open the canal.
Insert quickly and hold it there for 20 seconds while it expands.
If you just shove them in without rolling, they won’t work.
Final Verdict: Essential Gear
For biohackers, sleep is the foundation of recovery. Mack’s Ultra Soft Earplugs are a non-negotiable tool for your travel kit or bedside table. They are cheap, effective, and comfortable enough for nightly use.
