Mack's Safe Sound Slim Fit Soft Foam Ear Plugs 10 Pairs

Mack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs are similar in length to most foam earplugs, but they are slightly smaller in diameter

Ear sensitivity varies greatly from one person to another, and even from one ear to another, on the same person. Any pre-molded earplug that works by exerting a bit of pressure back on the ear canal to seal it properly may, over an extended period of time, begin to cause some discomfort to the wearer. People with smaller ear canals experience this discomfort more often as "normal" sized earplugs don't fit as well into their canals. If you have smaller ear canals and/or sensitive ear canals, a smaller diameter earplug like Mack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs lessen this pressure and thus increase the comfort level.

The earplugs are made of urethane foam. The "latex" in our foam earplugs is not natural latex, it is a synthetic latex technically called an emulsion polymer. It has the same properties as latex (water based, adhesive, etc.) but does not have the enzyme problem associated with natural latex.

If, in the extremely rare instance you should experience any type of rash or skin irritation while using this product, please discontinue use immediately. Consult your doctor or go to your local medical emergency room if you believe you require immediate medical attention.

No. If these earplugs become soiled, they should be disposed of.

No. These earplugs were specifically designed to provide superior protection against noise. For water protection, we recommend that you try one of Mack's® moldable silicone or pre-molded flanged earplug products.

First try re-inserting the earplugs after carefully re-reading the directions. Be sure to insert the plug while pulling (with the opposite hand) up and back on the outer ear to straighten the ear canal. If you are still unsuccessful with a plug that has now warmed to body temperature, try another "cooler" plug. A plug that is cooler in temperature will retain its compressed shape and rigidity slightly longer, sometimes making it easier to insert. A sign that the earplug is sealing properly is that your own voice will sound more internal and exaggerated.

These earplugs have been used while flying since the early 1960's and our users report them to be safe and effective for reducing flying discomfort. In addition, Dr. Ira Rubin, MD, PhD has found Mack's® Pillow Soft® Silicone earplugs to be an effective tool in preventing ear pain in children, especially infants, during plane trips. As he is quoted in a leading pediatric journal: "When molded to the ear canal, they protect the ear from painful air pressure changes and reduce noise as well. Parents report that ear plugs work especially well with infants when left in place for the entire flight. I suggest a trial run a week before the trip if parents anticipate a child's refusing to leave the ear plugs in place."

It is believed that the plugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the plugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the "tense" flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs.

As the earplugs are only to be used as an aid, the user needs to take an active roll in trying to prevent the onset of the discomfort. The person should try to stay ahead of and prevent the discomfort by trying to "clear" their ears by one of the various known methods. This is especially important during descent when most of the discomfort occurs. One of the methods involves plugging the nose while applying slight blowing pressure while holding one's breath. Another method is to chew gum. It is not the gum itself, but the wide opening motion of the jaw and the act of swallowing that helps aid in the equalization process. Therefore, either faking it or merely munching on some snacks can achieve the same results.

We recommend wearing the earplugs the entire flight, up until the airplane has landed and the cabin has been depressurized.

Yes. While we market our moldable silicone putty ear plugs using a variety of names and colors for several different target markets, they all provide the same great noise reduction and water blocking characteristics. Not all possible uses are listed on all product packages. WARNING: Do not use for scuba diving or at depths over 10 feet.