FAQ
How long can I re-use the earplugs before they need to be replaced?
The earplugs may be re-used until they are dirty or no longer sticky (up to 5 uses). Keeping your hands and ears clean and dry prior to handling/applying the earplugs will help prolong the usable life of the earplugs.
What are the silicone earplugs made of and do they contain latex?
The earplugs are made of moldable, non-irritating silicone rubber and do not contain any latex.
Can the earplugs be cleaned?
No. Keeping your hands and ears clean and dry prior to handling/applying the earplugs will help prolong the useable life of the earplugs.
Are there any additional application tips to help me get an airtight / watertight seal with the earplugs?
First try re-reading the directions, then apply a fresh pair of earplugs, making sure your hands and ears are clean and dry. Moldable silicone earplugs are designed to stick to the surface of a clean, dry ear. If the earplugs are being used in a moist and/or dirty environment, be sure the hands and ears are clean and dry before applying or re-inserting the earplugs or a proper seal may not be achieved. A sign that you have achieved a proper seal is that your own voice will sound more internal and exaggerated. Lastly, try covering the ear canal with the earplug starting from the rear and moving toward the face. This technique squeezes out some of the air in the ear canal before sealing it shut, thus creating a bit of a suction effect. This last technique takes a little practice but creates an excellent seal when done correctly.
Can I break the earplugs in half for smaller sized ears?
No. The earplugs are designed to cover the ear canal. Breaking them into smaller pieces may cause the user to push the earplug into the ear canal making it more difficult to remove. We recommend using Mack’s® Kid’s Size Silicone Earplugs for children six and under.
Will the earplugs melt if they are exposed to warm temperatures?
Absolutely not. The earplugs may become slightly more pliable when exposed to warm temperatures, but never viscous. Each batch of material is stability tested in our lab at over 350 degrees F. (The typical temperature for a hot tub and sauna is 104 degrees F and 170 degrees F respectively.) To date, not a single test has shown positive results for melting or shape transformation (instability).
Are the moldable silicone earplugs safe to use for flying discomfort? If so, when and how do I use them?
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 airplane 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 earplugs slow down and/or decrease the effects of the in-flight air pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize. As mentioned above, another manner by which the earplugs 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 ear pressure discomfort. The person should try to stay ahead of and prevent the discomfort by trying to “clear” or equalize their ears by one of the various known methods. This is especially important during descent, when pain from ear pressure most typically occurs. One of the methods, the Valsalva Maneuver, 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 the act of chewing something 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.
Are all styles of Mack’s® moldable silicone earplugs dual purpose? In other words, will all the Mack’s® moldable silicone earplugs help reduce noise AND block out water?
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.
Are your moldable silicone earplugs antimicrobial?
No. They are not antimicrobial. Mack’s silicone naturally resists degradation from microbes for the useful life of the product (up to 5 uses).
Are your moldable silicone earplugs resistant to microbes?
Yes. Mack’s silicone naturally resists degradation from microbes for the useful life of the product (up to 5 uses).
TESTIMONIALS
“I’ve just tried your Macks silicone putty earplugs for the first time and I cannot thank you enough. You may have saved my sanity and my relationship. I’ve got a snorer. I’ve been losing a lot of sleep and getting fairly moody. Your product might as well glow it’s so magic. Thank you!”
– Tina – Boise, ID
“Your earplugs make me a better person! I am a 47 year old Neurosurgeon in St. Joseph, MO. During my years of training, I became very familiar and dependant on Mack’s Pillow Soft Earplugs. Struggling, I lived in tight quarters during med school and residency. Those around me didn’t understand the need I had for sleep, and often partied and played loud music at the only times I had to rest. Without Mack’s Earplugs, I wouldn’t have made it. I have worn Mack’s Earplugs Every Night (and sometimes during daytime naps) for over 20 years. Other brands just don’t work. When traveling, they are a packing priority.
Recently, I had a back injury for which I needed to have an MRI scan. I didn’t take my Mack’s Earplugs with me, and used the hospital provided foam ear plugs. Worthless. The scanner is SO loud. Needless to say, when I had a follow up MRI scan, I took my Mack’s Earplugs and had a MUCH more comfortable experience. I am now going to recommend my patients bring their own Mack’s Earplugs when having their MRIs. Thank you!”
– Dr. G. Bedynek, DO – St. Joseph, MO
“Due to “surfer’s ear”, both of my ears canals had grown about 75% closed last year. Water went in but didn’t not come out (heard lots of popping, sand gritting, etc.) and I got some swimmer’s ear infections. To prevent my ears from getting worse and to avoid the doctor’s drill surgical procedure to open my ear canals back up I started wearing Mack’s (soft silicone) earplugs. Liked the fact that they don’t actually go in ear canal since I have had problems in the past with earwax blocking my ear canals. Have been using Mack’s soft silicone plugs every time when surfing now and have NOT had any more ear problems! I should have worn them years ago and not waited so long. Luckily I may still be able to avoid the drill after all!”
– Todd B. – Laguna Beach, CA
“As a professional musician, I took the Mack’s Pillow Soft Ear Plugs for a “test run” on a national tour. Guess what? You have a brand new, life-long customer. For so many years, I have played, but have always, always had “after concert consequences” – terrible ringing in the ears (tinnitus) spawned from decades of playing and simply enjoying my music.
Mack’s earplugs have not healed my tinnitus, but they have kept the problem from being accentuated. By that, I mean your product works so well that I can play and not feel any heightened degree of ringing or pain. I had a sense that such a quality product might just do the trick. I can play again and not be hindered by bothersome, aggravating, annoying ringing in the ears. Mack’s Earplugs have literally given me back my music. I would have never, ever considered another tour, or the studio work that I do if I did not have the protection that Mack’s Ear Plugs afford. I am the happiest customer you have – thank you for taking your time and expertise in sharing ear-saving wisdom with a musician like me.
P.S. I wish I could tell every up-and-coming musician (or pro) to “Watch out, ear damage can happen – even when you least expect it.” If I had a sign in the sky, I would tell musicians to protect their hearing. And the best way to do it is with Mack’s.”
– Michael Farley – CEO/inventor/musician
“This product (Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs) has meant the difference in my quality of life. I have been living in chronic pain for 17 years and being able to get enough uninterrupted sleep is critical to my being able to stay functional. When I first received the product, I was living 50 yards from railroad tracks that passed by 6 times a day, blowing the whistle each time. These earplugs allowed me to sleep right through the trains passing even at 3 AM.”
– Reva Hash – Waynesboro, VA
“Mack’s Ear Plugs are the best product. I have been using them for more years than I can count. I live in a noisy building and they not only block out the noise, they stand up to multiple wearings. Last week I went to CVS where I’ve been buying Mack’s and they no longer carry them. I purchased their brand which look similar to Mack’s brand. The first night one fell out, the next night and throughout the week bits and pieces were left on my pillowcase – yuck. Never happened with Mack’s. Now I have to figure out where to buy them.They’re the best!”
– Gail Trubow – Needham Heights, MA
“I have been using Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Ear Plugs when I swim. As I was recently traveling and hoping to have the opportunity to swim, I brought them with me. As is typical for me, during the descent of the airplane, I suffered from such intense inner ear pain that the only way to describe it would be taking an ice pick and stabbing the eardrum. It also leads to intense anxiety before the trip and upon landing it would not be advisable for anyone to be in my way as I debark from the airplane and exit the airport. It is such a constant problem when I fly that I avoid it as much as possible. I have tried all sorts of techniques to combat this pain (e.g., decongestants, chewing gum, Earplanes screw–in ear plugs, etc.) without relief. When packing to leave, I noticed my Mack’s Pillow Soft Ear Plugs. Having nothing to lose, I tried them for my return flight that included one lay over (and thus two insufferable landings). There was no pain at all!! It would not have occurred to me use the Pillow Soft ear plugs as I never see them in airport shops. They only sell the Earplanes that screw into the ear. I tried those once and while they did alleviate some of the problem, they did not do much more than slightly reduce it. You should market Mack’s Pillow Soft ear plugs for airplane discomfort in the airport shops.”
– Linda Garramone – Bayshore, NY
We appreciate your interest in our products. If you have used this product or any of Mack’s® hearing protection, sleep mask, swimmer’s ear prevention, ear drying aid, lens wipe or earwax removal ear drop products, we invite you to share your experience by way of a testimonial. We are excited to hear what you have to say! Your testimonial will be shared with others so they may also benefit from our products and experience similar improvements in their lives. Thanks for helping make Mack’s® USA’s best selling, #1 doctor recommended brand of ear plugs.
– Pete Benner, McKeon Products, Inc.
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