FAQs

We always recommend trying both sizes to discover which feels and fits best — that's why we offer our biggest savings with the Fit Pack, which includes both Large and Small. If you'd prefer to start with just one size, we generally recommend Large, unless you already know you have smaller ear canals: Large is designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit for most people (it inflates to about 12 mm), while Small (closer to 10 mm) is designed specifically for people who find the Large size uncomfortable. Remember, the best fit is one that creates a secure, reliable seal without uncomfortable pressure — see Find Your Best Fit, and watch the fitting video to see it done.

Research suggests the human ear canal is structurally close to adult size by early childhood. Although our small and large sizes target adult ears, children may still find them very comfortable — see the sizing question above.

Usually, yes — with honest caveats. The pull tab is soft and bendy, so it doesn't get in the way. If the Small size fits your ear canal it sits snugly and side sleeping is no problem. If you need the Large size and your ear canal is also shallow, the cap can sit slightly proud of your ear and press against the pillow. Even then the plugs are very soft, so many people are still comfortable — but comfort varies with your unique ear shape.

Our Alternate-Size Purchase Offer has you covered. If the size you bought doesn't fit, you can buy one pair in the alternate size at a one-time discounted price of $39.95 USD — 20% off the single-pair price. Request it within 30 days of delivery and we'll verify your order and send a unique discount code. Full conditions and the request form are on the Alternate-Size Purchase Offer page.

Yes. Fluid™ earplugs are independently tested by certified laboratories: NRR 25 to ANSI S3.19 in the US, and SNR 32 (H33 · M30 · L26) to EN 352-2 in Europe.

Foam's label often reads higher — but lab tests don't always reflect real world use. Researchers at the Arizona State University Speech and Hearing Clinic compared an earlier generation of Fluid™ earplugs against foam earplugs across twenty subjects using a fit-test system: although the foam's rated NRR (33) was higher, the Fluid™ earplugs delivered slightly more real-world attenuation — with half the person-to-person variation. Fit is everything: a 2005 US Navy flight-deck study found only 7% of foam users achieved 22 dB of protection in both ears.

We have worn Fluid™ earplugs on airliners many times without issue, though we haven't completed formal pressure testing. They are sealed, non-vented earplugs, so a pocket of air sits between the seal and your eardrum that the body can't equalise naturally — if you ever feel pressure, simply pull the tab while the plug is in your ear and it instantly deflates and equalises. Like any sealed earplug, don't use them for activities requiring rapid pressure equalisation where you can't deflate them.

Gunfire is extreme impulse noise — both OSHA and NIOSH recommend double protection (earplugs plus muffs) when shooting. Fluid™ earplugs fit well under most muffs, and being quick to insert is a real advantage at the range. See how they perform against impulse noise on our instrumented test head: watch the video.

No. Fluid™ earplugs are sealed, non-vented earplugs. Like any sealed earplug, they must not be used for SCUBA diving, free diving, deep submersion, or any activity where rapid pressure equalisation is required and the earplug cannot be easily deflated — this includes skydiving. See the Instructions for Safe Use for all safety warnings.

Fluid™ earplugs are designed to be safe. For someone with a healthy ear*, there is no danger associated with a failure besides the loss of hearing protection. They're made of medical-grade silicone filled with medical-grade glycerin, and inflate at low pressure with a simple finger press. If one fails it doesn't burst like a balloon — the fluid doesn't expand, so the glycerin simply leaks out and the seal is lost. Glycerin is biocompatible and completely safe: it's a common ingredient in foods and skin creams, and audiologists use it to soften ear wax. If a plug leaks, let the fluid drain and wipe away the excess. Always read the Instructions for Safe Use before first wear.

(*) If you have a medical condition where you cannot chance fluid in your ear, do not use this product — see the next question.

Please talk to your doctor first. Fluid™ earplugs seal reliably when inflated, but they are not fail-safe. Whether they're right for you depends on your medical situation and the consequence of fluid entering your ear — a decision to make with your doctor's input.

No. The tip inflates radially — outward against the canal walls, not deeper into your ear — because the tip is fixed to the earplug's core. Once sealed, any further inflation expands back up the stem toward the cap, away from your eardrum, so the air between the seal and the eardrum isn't compressed.

Foam and flanged plugs can push wax deeper because they're expanding as you insert them. Fluid™ is different: it goes in slim and deflated, and only inflates — radially, against the canal walls — once you're happy with the position. In our experience loose wax tends to come out attached to the silicone when you withdraw the deflated plug. Any wax washes off with soap and water.

Fluid™ earplugs are medical-grade silicone — durable, hygienic and easy to clean. Wash with soap and water, dry completely, and store them in their case. Full care guidance is in the Instructions for Safe Use.

They're reusable and surprisingly durable, but like anything flexed thousands of times they will eventually fatigue. We recommend replacing your earplugs every three months with daily use, or yearly with occasional use. Every purchase is covered by our 90-Day Warranty.

Yes. The glycerin fill is mixed with a little water, which lowers its freezing point — testing shows Fluid™ earplugs remain functional at 0°F (−17.8°C). At those temperatures, foam plugs are solid as a rock.

They're part of looking after your earplugs. The inflatable tip holds fluid behind a soft silicone membrane, and in humid climates the tip can slowly absorb a little extra moisture from the air — you might notice it looking slightly swollen or feeling harder to insert. Storing your inflated earplugs in their case with a silica gel packet draws that moisture back out and keeps the fit consistent. If you live somewhere humid, keep a packet in the case as a habit; otherwise tuck them away until needed. See the moisture care guide and 2-minute video.

It has absorbed moisture from a humid environment — normal, harmless and reversible. Store the inflated earplugs with a silica gel packet in their case for a day or two and the tip returns to normal. See the moisture care guide and 2-minute video.

Dry conditions can draw tiny air bubbles into the glycerin. They don't affect performance — leave the earplugs inflated for an hour or two and they clear. Full details in the moisture care guide.

We currently ship within the United States, with more countries coming soon.

The short version: if something is wrong with your earplugs, we'll make it right under our 90-Day Warranty. If you've changed your mind, unopened products can be returned within 14 days of delivery. Full details in our Refund and Returns Policy.

No. Fluid™ inflatable earplugs are patented and sold only at paxauris.com — we have no affiliates, distributors or marketplace listings. Scammers have copied our images and content to take orders they never fulfil. If it isn't paxauris.com, it isn't Fluid™.