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Forget expensive sleepbuds. Buy this pillow instead
The article argues that a piercing pillow is a cheaper, simpler alternative to specialised sleep earbuds for side-sleepers who want to use their existing earbuds in bed. Its ear cutouts keep pressure off the ears and earbuds, potentially avoiding the discomfort of lying on bulkier devices such as AirPods or Galaxy Buds, without batteries, Bluetooth problems or a high price.
The writer recommends Blissbury’s $55 Ear Pillow, which has two ear holes, washable covers and an adjustable 4–5 inch thickness via a removable foam insert. Measuring 26 inches by 15 inches, it is slightly narrower than a standard US pillow and can use a normal pillowcase, with spare foam supplied to fill the cutouts if needed. The author says dedicated sleepbuds may still be preferable for masking a partner’s snoring, citing the Soundcore Sleep A30’s effectiveness against light to moderate snoring.
In short
- A piercing pillow makes ordinary earbuds more comfortable for side-sleeping.
- Blissbury’s model costs $55 and has adjustable, washable features.
- Sleepbuds remain useful for masking a snoring partner.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A piercing pillow can be a practical, lower-cost solution for side-sleepers who already own earbuds and chiefly need relief from painful pressure on their ears. It avoids another device to charge, pair and maintain, while its adjustable support and washable covers may make it a versatile everyday pillow rather than a single-purpose gadget. The underlying value is simplicity: solve the physical discomfort directly without replacing perfectly serviceable headphones.
The case against
Dedicated sleep earbuds may be the better option for people whose main problem is noise rather than pressure from ordinary earbuds. They are designed to be low-profile for overnight use and can offer sound masking or noise-management features that a pillow cannot provide, particularly where a partner’s snoring disrupts sleep. The underlying value is dependable rest: paying more may be justified if specialised hardware more effectively creates a quiet, comfortable sleep environment.
Explained simply
Many people like to listen to music, audiobooks or background sounds whilst sleeping, which has led to specialised "sleep earbuds" becoming popular. These devices are designed specifically for comfortable use in bed, though they can be expensive and often require charging or have Bluetooth connectivity that sometimes causes problems.
A pillow with ear cutouts offers a simpler and cheaper solution for side sleepers. The holes allow you to lie comfortably on your ears whilst using your existing earbuds, avoiding the discomfort of lying directly on bulkier devices like AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds. Products like the Blissbury Ear Pillow cost around $55, come with washable covers and adjustable thickness, requiring no batteries or connectivity.
That said, dedicated sleep earbuds may still be preferable in certain situations. Specialised devices like the Soundcore Sleep A30 are more effective at masking a partner's snoring, which some people may find important for their sleep quality.
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