Ozlo Sleepbuds Earplugs Review: Now I Can Sleep in the Same Bed As My Snoring Boyfriend
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I’m a chronically light sleeper, and I’ve tried everything from white noise machines to sleeping on the couch. It doesn’t help that I 1) live above a noisy bar in Brooklyn and 2) sleep with someone who snores and grinds their teeth. My go-to solution has been Anker Soundcore headphones with a “deep sleep” playlist, but frankly, sleeping with over-ear headphones is like trying to nap with a helmet on. It’s uncomfortable, potentially unsafe, and a surefire way to break my expensive electronics.
That’s what led me to the Ozlo Sleepbuds earplugs, now available for $299 . Unlike my AirPods Pro , which are great for everyday use but puncture my eardrums when I lie on my side, the Ozlo Sleepbuds have a surprisingly thin profile. The pre-installed ear tips fit perfectly, providing a secure fit without the pressure points that make regular in-ear headphones a nightmare for side sleepers. Despite mixed reviews online, I’ve found that these smart earplugs actually help me sleep deeper (and may have saved my relationship).
Experience using the application
This is how Ozlo Sleepbuds earbuds differ from regular wireless earbuds, and frankly, it’s a double-edged sword. Unlike AirPods, which connect automatically via Bluetooth, connecting them requires opening the Ozlo app, which acts as a remote control. You’ll need to select a soundscape, adjust the volume, and set an alarm through the app interface.
At first, this felt inconvenient compared to the seamless connection we were accustomed to. But after a few nights, I found myself experiencing this tension more as a “ritual.” Opening the app, inserting the earbuds, and choosing a soundscape became a pre-bedtime ritual, signaling to my brain that it was time to rest.
I wear earplugs to sleep all night.
The moment of truth came on the very first night, when I tested them with my boyfriend’s loud snoring in the background. I chose the soothing “ocean tide” sound. The sound quality is excellent, especially considering these headphones were designed by former Bose engineers.
So, did these headphones completely eliminate my partner’s snoring? Not quite—his snoring is truly unique. But the combination of noise isolation and the ocean tide sound significantly reduced my nighttime awakenings from constant to occasional. Most importantly, when I did hear it, it didn’t immediately wake me. The soundscapes seemed to soften the noise, making it less disturbing.
But the street noise from the bar downstairs? Completely gone. The neighbors’ footsteps upstairs? Barely audible. These Sleepbuds earplugs do a great job of blocking out constant outside noise while softening harsh, distracting sounds.
Another feature I really like is the personal alarm. Instead of a harsh phone ringing that would wake both you and your partner, Sleepbuds gently vibrate and play a soft sound directly in your ears. Since I started using them, my boyfriend hasn’t woken up to my alarm even once.
Tips and tricks for sleeping with headphones in your ears
After a few weeks of use, I’ve discovered a few ways to optimize my Sleepbuds experience:
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Find your perfect soundscape : Don’t settle for the first one you come across. I tried several before I discovered that rain sounds suited me better than ocean waves or white noise.
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Create a charging routine : Place the charging case on your nightstand and make putting your earbuds back in place part of your morning routine.
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Experiment with the volume : I strongly recommend starting with a lower level than you think is necessary. Your ears adjust to the soundscape within minutes, and too much volume can be more stimulating than relaxing.
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Use the app’s sleep timer : If you don’t want the soundscapes playing all night, set a timer. You might only need the audio recording to help you fall asleep, not to stay asleep.
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Try different sleeping positions : The low position will allow you to experiment with sleeping on your side, even if you haven’t done it before.
Bottom line
Are Ozlo Sleepbuds perfect? No. The app dependency isn’t ideal, and they don’t completely eliminate all noise (I’m looking at you, Greg’s snoring). But compared to my previous solutions—uncomfortable headphones, potentially dangerous sleeping positions, or having to lie on the couch—these Sleepbuds are simply amazing.
If I had to choose between traditional foam earplugs, regular earbuds, or these specialized sleep earplugs, I’d always choose the Ozlo Sleepbuds. My only concern? I get so used to them that I’d have a hard time sleeping without them. But honestly, if that’s the price for reliable, sound sleep in a noisy city apartment with a snoring partner, I’d choose them.