Evie Summers
Many people listen to music or podcasts to help them sleep, but it can be tricky to find a comfortable position to sleep in while wearing headphones. There are several ways to sleep with headphones without damaging them or your ears, such as getting the right fit, using a travel pillow, or switching to headband headphones.
How to sleep with headphones without breaking them
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Headphone type | Wireless, headband headphones, or earbuds |
| Headphone fit | Properly-fitting, comfortable |
| Volume | Low to moderate |
| Sleeping position | On the back |
| Pillow type | Horseshoe-shaped travel pillow, M.B. Leaf Pillow with Ear Hole |
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What You'll Learn
Get the right fit
Getting the right fit is one of the most important things to consider when sleeping with headphones. If your headphones don't fit correctly, they can easily fall off while you sleep. This can cause them to break, bend, or create stress points in the joints and connections.
To get the right fit, you should invest in comfortable earbuds designed for sleeping. Some earbuds are better for sleeping than others. For example, earbuds that are flat on the side are more comfortable to sleep in, as they don't get pushed against your head as much. If you are a side sleeper, you might want to try leaving the earbud in the ear that is not against the pillow. You can also try using a soft pillow, as this won't push the earbuds against your head as much.
If you don't want to use earbuds, there are headband-style headphones designed for sleeping. These are called sleep headphones or Dormi Headphones, and they fit like a normal headband around your head. They are designed to withstand the pressure of sleeping on them and are a good option if you want to avoid the safety and comfort risks of standard headphones. However, sizing can be an issue, so be sure to measure the circumference of your head before you buy.
Your sleeping position might also increase the possibility of breaking your headphones, especially if you're a stomach or side sleeper. If you're willing to change your sleeping position, this could be a good alternative to buying a new headphone set every month.
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Use a travel pillow
If you're looking to sleep with headphones on, a travel pillow can be a great solution. Travel pillows are horseshoe-shaped and designed to provide neck support when sleeping upright, such as during travel. They are ideal if you tend to fall asleep sitting up or upright in a chair, and they can also help keep your headphones in the right position.
When using a travel pillow with headphones, it's best to turn the pillow upside down so that the arms face up. This way, your neck rests on the thickest part of the pillow, providing support for your head, while your headphones sit snugly in the empty spaces, avoiding any contact with other surfaces. This setup works well for both over-the-ear and in-ear headphones. With over-the-ear headphones, the headband won't press against the pillow, and with in-ear headphones, you have the flexibility to position the pillow in any direction as long as your ears align with the empty spaces.
Travel pillows are especially useful if you sleep on your side, as they provide a hole in the middle where the headphones can slot in, relieving the pressure on the earcups. This design also ensures that the headband doesn't push against your ears or head. However, if you tend to toss and turn at night, a travel pillow may not be the best option, as it might not accommodate frequent changes in sleeping position.
Additionally, the type of headphones you use can impact your comfort when using a travel pillow. For example, if you wear glasses with in-ear headphones, you can position the travel pillow's arms in the direction of your face. This setup allows the in-ear headphones to remain undisturbed in the middle of the pillow, while the temples or arms of your glasses fit over the openings.
Overall, a travel pillow can be a great option for sleeping with headphones, especially if you sleep upright or on your side. It helps relieve pressure on your headphones and ears, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable sleeping experience.
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Wireless headphones
When choosing wireless headphones for sleep, it is important to consider the fit and comfort. An ill-fitted headphone can lead to discomfort and even pressure headaches. Therefore, it is recommended to test out the headphones before committing to them. If you are a side sleeper, you may want to consider earbuds or slim-designed headphones that will not disturb you while sleeping on your side. For example, the Kokoon Nightbuds are designed to fit comfortably in your ear, allowing you to sleep on your side or back without causing any disturbance.
Additionally, choosing the right pillow can also improve your experience. If you are a side sleeper, a pillow with an ear hole can help alleviate ear pain and discomfort caused by the headphones pressing against your ear. The M.B. Leaf Pillow with Ear Hole is a memory foam pillow designed for people dealing with ear pain from headphones, piercings, or tinnitus.
There are also headband-style wireless headphones available, such as the HoomBand Wireless, which is designed to withstand the pressure of sleeping on your side. These headphones offer a comfortable fit and provide access to hypnotic sleep content to help with insomnia. The MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones are another affordable option that offers impressive sound quality and comes in various colours.
Lastly, it is important to keep the volume at a moderate level to prevent hearing damage over time or the risk of not hearing alarms.
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Keep the volume low
Keeping the volume low is one of the most important things to consider when sleeping with headphones. While it is generally safe to sleep with headphones, listening at a high volume for extended periods can lead to hearing loss. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the volume at a safe and moderate level to protect your hearing. This can also help to create a soothing environment for sleep, blocking out other sounds without damaging your ears.
It is also important to give your ears a break and not wear headphones for the entire night. If you wake up in the middle of the night, consider removing your headphones to let your ears rest. Alternatively, you can use them to fall asleep and then remove them if you naturally wake up later. This is because wearing headphones for prolonged periods can create a warm, humid environment in the ear canal, which is ideal for bacterial growth and can lead to ear infections.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is crucial to maintain good ear hygiene and regularly clean your headphones. Make it a routine to wipe down your headphones with a gentle, alcohol-free cleaner to keep them fresh and safe for use. This will help to prevent the buildup of earwax and bacteria, which can cause damage to your ears over time.
In addition to keeping the volume low, it is also important to ensure that your headphones fit properly. Headphones that do not fit correctly are more likely to fall off while you sleep and can also be uncomfortable. If you are a side sleeper, consider investing in headphones that are flat enough to not get squashed when you are lying on your side.
Overall, by keeping the volume low, taking breaks, maintaining good ear hygiene, and ensuring a proper fit, you can safely enjoy the benefits of sleeping with headphones, such as relaxation, improved sleep quality, and a noise-free bedtime environment.
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Clean your headphones
To clean your headphones, you'll need to gather a few supplies. Firstly, you'll want a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. This can be a normal washcloth, a microfiber cloth, or any other soft and non-abrasive material. Just make sure to avoid anything that might scratch your headphones or leave residue. You'll also need a mild dish soap—avoid soaps with dyes or fragrances, as these can damage your headphones or leave a lingering smell. For in-ear earbuds, refer to your user manual, as they may contain detachable silicon or foam components that are safe to disinfect with alcohol.
Now, it's time to mix your water and mild soap to create a cleaning solution. A little soap goes a long way—just a few drops should be enough. If your headphones have any hard, non-porous external surfaces, like plastic or metal, start by wiping them down with your dry cloth. For tough smudges, dampen the cloth with your mild soap solution, being careful not to soak it. Avoid any openings or electrical inputs, and use a soft brush to remove crumbs or lint from inputs.
Next, remove the ear cushions or earpads. This will allow you to clean them thoroughly without risking damage to the speakers. Clean the ear cushions with the same solution and method you used for the non-fabric surfaces, but be gentle, as the fabric may be more delicate. Before reassembling your headphones, let the ear cushions air dry separately. Some fabrics absorb water, and you'll want to keep them away from electrical components until they're completely dry.
If your headphones have a screen covering the inner headphone, avoid getting this wet, as it could damage the electronics. Instead, wipe the screen with a dry cloth to remove dust. You can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to clean the plastic exterior and remove any dirt, grime, or germs—just remember to be cautious around electrical inputs. For any buildup around buttons or charging ports, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away residue. Tweezers can also be useful for carefully removing small pieces of hair or lint.
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Frequently asked questions
To sleep with headphones without breaking them, you can try using a travel pillow, which is horseshoe-shaped and designed to provide neck support while keeping your headphones in place. Alternatively, you can invest in headband headphones, which are designed to withstand the pressure of sleeping on them.
It is important to keep the volume at a safe level when sleeping with headphones to prevent damage to your hearing. Additionally, make sure to take breaks and give your ears a rest if you wake up in the middle of the night. Keeping your earbuds clean can also prevent ear infections.
If you are a side sleeper, consider using earbuds that are flat and comfortable. You can also try leaving the earbud in the ear that is not against the pillow. Using a pillow with an ear hole can also help relieve pressure on your ears and headphones.
