Unless you’re a robot sent back in time to eliminate John Connor (The Terminator for those of y’ all who have been living under a rock for the last half century), you’re well aware of the crucial part that sleep plays in all our lives. Getting eight hours of sleep or anywhere near that is vital in keeping your mind and body functioning at an optimum level.
Without the benefit of the proper number of hours sleeping, you run the risk of developing a number of health issues. Sleep is important for overall health, and inadequate sleep is associated with numerous health problems. Research from the United States Department of Health and Human Services shows that not getting enough sleep, or getting poor-quality sleep, increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Sleep deprivation can also be very dangerous. Sleep-deprived people who were tested using a driving simulator or performing hand-eye coordination tasks did as badly as, or worse than, people who were intoxicated. Drowsy driving causes thousands of car crashes each year, some of them fatal. Additionally, sleep deprivation magnifies the effect of alcohol on the body. A fatigued person who drinks will be more impaired than a well-rested person.
Unfortunately, we all live in a world that offers plenty of distractions and disturbances to sleep. Worse, there’s just no avoiding these issues that prevent you from enjoying a good night’s sleep. And that’s why you try to find suitable ways to block out the noise, whether it’s the raucous upstairs neighbor, your boisterous children or the barking pet in your backyard.
One solution that I have had personal success with is BedPhones and SleepPhones. Both are great at supporting my quest for slumber. If you are not familiar with either, you are in the right place as I will take you through the finer points of these devices in the hope of helping you decide which one you should get.
Let’s first start by discussing how BedPhones and SleepPhones work.
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Table of Contents
- How Do BedPhones and SleepPhones Work?
- What BedPhones and SleepPhones Can Offer You
- What are the Differences Between BedPhones and SleepPhones?
- BedPhone vs. SleepPhones: What are the Problems?
- Other Options That You Can Try
- What to Consider When Buying Either a BedPhone or a SleepPhone
- Best Headphones for Sleeping
How Do BedPhones and SleepPhones Work?
First of all, it’s imperative that you first understand how these devices work.
SleepPhones look like wide headbands. The earphone element can be located within the outer fabric, so when you want to use them, you just place them over your head so that they rest over your ears. And since the width of the outer fabric, SleepPhones can also serve a second purpose and that is as an eye mask whilst covering your ears and helping you to drift off to dreamland.
On the other hand, BedPhones look like your normal in-ear headphones, but they don’t go into your ears. These are easy to use; just hook them over your ear and make sure that the tiny flat speaker lies flush against your ear.
What BedPhones and SleepPhones Can Offer You
While BedPhones and SleepPhones have been created for similar purposes, each differ from the other and we’ll discuss how so later in this article. Before we get there, let’s first take a look at what they both can give you.
1) Prolonging your life
A good night’s rest actually helps keep your body in tiptop shape and functioning well, for a much longer period of time.
2) Avoiding stress and depression
Your brain can endure through a lot of issues if given consistent sleep since it can slowly but surely establish foundations for betterment over the course of those nights.
3) Improving your memory and focus
Of all the benefits listed here, this is the one that is a no-brainer. But you’d be surprised at just how much more you can remember and how easily you can pick up on little details, even avoiding mishaps far more easily, with the help of proper and consistent sleep.
4) Avoiding unnecessary weight gain and inflammation
Sleep is when our body does a lot of significant processes. Some of them relate to digestion and even general maintenance of the body, preventing a lot of issues from popping up.
What are the Differences Between BedPhones and SleepPhones?
Now that you know why a lot of people are using these devices to help themselves get more sound sleep, let’s go about comparing them:
Pricing
There’s a reason why I’m mentioning price first and it is a fairly simple one: bedphones are cheaper than SleepPhones by a wide margin. Just how far away are the price points between these two? Consider this: even in the closest cases, bedphones are still twice as cheap as SleepPhones and that difference can go all the way into the range of them being cheaper by a factor of six or even seven.
Considering how substantial this difference is, you would be right to presume it’s because bedphones are much worse than SleepPhones. Depending on your particular needs, that just might be true, but we’ll be diving deeper into that specific subject to make sure you are armed with the right kind of information before you make a purchase.
Effectiveness in Helping User Get Sleep
Both of these products function in an identical manner, providing you with a lengthy cord to run to the machine, while also offering plenty of space to work with. Most importantly, they block out the noise. There’s really not much difference when it comes to each device’s effectiveness in helping you get the kind of sleep you want.
I have also determined that their general level of noise reduction and cancelation are neck-to-neck, most probably because of the similarities of their base designs.
The Device’s Versatility
Before you think how odd it might be to talk about versatility when it comes to products that are designed to ease your sleep, give me a chance to explain. One of them has other uses as well. The Bedphones can even be worn during:
Playing sports – Actually recommended for contact sports but otherwise, feel free to use them for other athletic activities like jogging or biking.
Traveling – Whether it’s a long commute or just a leisurely drive to the grocery store, you can wear these either way.
While focusing on creative work – Your creative juices while writing, painting and so on and so forth can be hindered by outside noise, but you can wear these Bedphones even during such times, without any worry.
Don’t let the name fool you, bedphones are not strictly for use only when you’re in bed and want to drift off to sleep. Their versatility gives them a nice edge in this portion of the comparison.
This is because of the fact that SleepPhones function exactly as the name says. They make it easier for you to sleep — nothing more, nothing less. You cannot use them for any other purpose other than getting you some zzzsss. When it’s lights out and the time has come for you to sleep, then SleepPhones are great for the job. In any other situations, the headband design makes them pretty much useless.
Comfort and Quality
When it comes to the range of use and overall comfort provided by the cord, both of these products stand on equal footing. The general standard for both bedphones and SleepPhones is around 4 to 5 feet of cord length and does not often change.
But bedphones have several downsides, which I will list below:
1) The Design
While not basically always a bad thing, this design does mean they can get lost fairly easily or even get crushed if you place your head on them the wrong way. In addition, their comfort for the ear is far lesser, even with the thick foam it possesses.
2) It Limits Your Sleep
Another complaint that is often expressed with these devices is that you end up not getting any sleep on your sides. You start off with some minor discomfort, which can later on become an irritant all on its own, that prevents you from getting zzzsss.
3) Loss of Quality
Sleeping on these the wrong way can even cause them to do their job poorly. The quality of the sound they deliver can be made worse by the pressure of your ear on them, making them far less effective in some situations.
4) Its Durability
They are not too durable. They can last as little as a year or worse, less before you need to buy a new one.
Meanwhile, SleepPhones, are amazing when talking about comfort. They are far more luxurious and cozier when compared to Bedphones.
First of all, the headband is made to be particularly comfortable and help in your sleep, alongside the headphone within it. Not only that, but it lets you sleep however you like, without suffering any adverse effects.
Side sleepers, or those who like to sleep on their belly and many more will find themselves hardly noticing them as they put on the headband. Not only that, but there is no loss of quality at all, no matter which way you use them.
Another great thing is that the headband is machine-washable, meaning that the material is, in fact, durable enough to withstand it. That’s a very good endorsement, especially when you consider most warranties begin at a year of use, some with even more so.
This is a definite good sign for their possible longevity, beyond just the obvious proof of them being made so well that you can wash them so easily. This is why the SleepPhones are a hands-down winner of this round.
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BedPhone vs. SleepPhones: What are the Problems?
Both BedPhones and SleepPhones work great at helping you to sleep better, but like most things, they do come with their fair share of problems and it’s important for someone who is considering a purchase, to be aware of these.
BedPhones
- Laying on a speaker can be quite uncomfortable for others. While it is possible to modify the speaker and even somewhat mold it, this still does not work for some people. This means that they never quite feel fully comfortable which could impact on that perfect sleep
- The actual fit of these headphones largely depends on the size and shape of your ear. Some people are unable to get the right fit.
- The speaker part of the BedPhones is actually very thin, which means that they can break very easily.
SleepPhones
- When you buy these headphones, you will need to make sure that you get the right size. If you get one that is too small, it will feel really restrictive. Too big, and the headband will slip out of place as you move around while sleeping. Use a tape measure to measure the size of your head around the ear part to help make sure you buy the right size
- Some people have discovered that the speakers can possibly move out of place inside the headband. Because the speakers aren’t built into the headband and are removable, you may find that the speakers can become extricated from their initial placement.
Other Options That You Can Try
Apart from bedphones and SleepPhones, I thought I would also give you a couple of other options that might help you to get to sleep a bit easier. Some of these have worked well for me in the past so I think they are well worth mentioning.
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1) Foam Earplugs
No, this is not the set you get at a hotel or some other rubbish off-cut of foam. After trying a lot of different noise-blocking earplugs in the past, I have pretty much found the perfect ones: the Howard Leight Laser Lite Plugs.
Don’t be tempted by any other brand or even Howard Leight’s own higher decibel rated models, the ones you want are the yellow and pink laser lite model. These are by far the best and comfiest earplugs I have ever used for sleeping and I highly recommend them. They last upwards of 10 uses per set and a box of 200 pairs should only cost you about $20, so you can buy in bulk on these and save big.
2) Custom Molded Earplugs
I have had some success with custom molded earplugs in the past although I now like the disposable kind that was previously mentioned above. I recommend trying the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs. These are a set of DIY custom molds that you make from the comforts of home and they fit exactly to your outer ear. The process is a little tricky so get some help if you think you need it but overall, it takes around 10 minutes to set them into a reusable set or earplugs that block out a lot of external noise.
3) Pyle Bluetooth Pillow Speaker
Another device that I would suggest trying is the Pyle pillow speaker. For about a year, this was my solution to getting a good night’s rest. One of the problems with using a bedside speaker is that the sound is mono-directional. But the Pyle resolves this concern by placing a left and right speaker inside your pillow. I really began appreciating it when listening to ambient noise recording but obviously, it isn’t a feasible solution if you share a bed with someone else like your wife.
What to Consider When Buying Either a BedPhone or a SleepPhone
We are going to break down the buying process into different areas and product categories to help find the right set for you. Take a moment to think about how you sleep and what will match your needs best before making a purchase and if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment down below and we can do our best to advise you on the right choice.
1) The Quality of the Build
When you sleep, you will be making contact with the pillow as you toss and turn. This can cause substantial wear and strain on any headphones so you are going to need something that is either tough and durable enough to take the abuse or something that is specifically designed to be used in such a way.
2) Are They Comfortable to Wear All Night Long?
This is the most significant factor in my estimation. After all, if you aren’t comfortable, you are going to have problems falling asleep quickly and even more trouble trying to stay asleep. You want something that you would be happy to wear when you try to get your full of 8 hours of sleep without experiencing pain or discomfort.
3) Is Sound Important When Choosing a Set Of Headphones For Sleeping?
Sound is immensely important when picking a set of headphones but when you are choosing them to sleep in, your priorities should be somewhat different. In this situation, you shouldn’t worry about out and out fidelity but rather you should be looking for something that doesn’t do anything jarring or annoying that might put you off your sleep. Examples of this could be a distracting background hiss or even a sharp treble spike. Both of these can be off-putting enough that you start thinking about the sound rather than drifting off.
When it comes to sound, you want your headphones or earphones to be smooth and inoffensive. Neutral and balanced headphones with low impedance do well here but I also would look past a set of headphones with toned down high notes.
Best Headphones for Sleeping
1. Cozyphones Sleeping Headphone Headband
The Cozyphones are one of the best-executed headphones for sleeping and the ones which I am currently using every night. They have a soft headband that unlike other models allow your ears to breath. Comfortable and lightweight after a few weeks with them you will barely notice you have them on.
2. Maxrocks Sleeping Earphones
My second pick has to go to Maxrock. Most times, I would advocate sleeping with earphones in because when you roll to your side they usually push deeper into your ear canal and cause discomfort. The Maxrock though is so small an unobtrusive that you can comfortably sleep with them all night. However, if you lose them in the dark, best of luck finding them.
3. Sleepace Sleep Headphones
The Sleepace an all in one system that blends an eye mask and headphones into the one package. A lot of people will like this because it saves the fumble in the dark for two items instead of just one. They also have a dedicated app that monitors your sleep and adjusts the music playback according to your preferences.
4. AGPTEK
Agptek makes a lot of situation-specific headphones and their take of sleepphones is a very good one. I found it to be one of the most breathable models in this test and really like the inline volume control so I could tune the sound without reaching for my phone.
5. Final Audio Design E3000
I wanted to throw in the e3000 as some kind of all-rounder. This is you can sleep in but something that also sounds great all through the day. I managed to test the e3000 this year and was blown away with the sound quality and naturally thanks to its diminutive size, it makes a perfect earbud for sleeping with. Think of it as a premium upgrade to the Maxrock version I listed above.
6. Sleepphones By Acoustic Sheep
These are very similar in design to the Cozyphones but make sure you get the size right as they aren’t a one size fits all kind of device. A lot of people swear by them but I found the speaker part to be a bit intrusive and there were other solutions that had better breathability.