What are your habits WRT foam earplugs?

[seevtsaab]

Ok somaybe I sound too cheap to believe

I ordered the foam ear plug variety pack (max NRR's) and I'm finding some types I like better than others.

Of course I find I set I like, I'm loath to throw them away (no prob throwing the old EAR Classics away - free at work -
but I don't love them).

I heard a trick to put a pair in pants pocket and wash - but they loose the compression memory so no go.

Any fancy tricks to keep them going beyond using beyond the filthy stage?
God forbid I just buy a shit-ton of the type I like (once I get thru my sample pack that is).

How long do you keep your disposable foam earplugs?

Still not sure I want to spend the money for a custom set, really got the hang of these foam thingies.

How about a set of black foam earplugs, why, they would never get dirty!

[The Bearded Duc]

I'm a fan of the E.A.R. Classics myself, but here is an article I found on all types. If you look to the right of this article you'll find reviews of different types. They have a whole review on non-disposable and/or "custom" ear plugs. I found it interesting that they found the foam plugs block more db's than the non-disposable type. Hope it helps.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm

[somegirl]

I just changed them out when they got nasty.  They really aren't that expensive.

I went to custom ear plugs last year and won't go back now, they fit my ears so much better.  Maybe the foam ones block more sound if they fit your ear well, but they didn't in my case.

[Slide Panda]

I lose them before they get too nasty most times. But if they are newish and Iv'e been negligent with the q-tips a quick rinse and rub under a warm tap does a lot

[herm]

when they are so covered in wax/grime (i use them for more than just riding) that i cant squish them up anymore, i wash them in the sink.

works great for me.

[tuanogus]

Heh... I picked up a giant bucket of generic foam pluggos at Home Depot (color = green). Just as good as anything else I've tried. Replace at ~ 2-3 weeks. Cheap.

[seevtsaab]

Interesting - I haven't tried to rub / rinse.
The one pair that went thru the wash wouldn't stay compressed, maybe the detergent did it.

I'll see if water / scrub works better.

Custom would be way convenient, but I like the low cost of these, and I do believe a correct fitting / fitted foam can't be beat.
I like the firmish tapered deals so far, the shape of the classics is a bit much.
I really don't mind replacing, just hate to toss something that I could otherwise re-use.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I have a few sets of the customs. Totally worth it.

[DucHead]

I have problems fitting the foam plugs reproducibly, and about 50% of the time, I find out that I  have them in wrong after I'm off and riding.

Has anyone tried these:  http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/westone-motorcycle-4rt.html  ?

[He Man]

theres a few different shape and brands out there in the dispossible market.

so far ive only tried 3 because the last one i tried works perfect for me and im lucky enough to get nearly a perfect fit everytime.

The worst ones ive tried are the EAR classic. They are too small and they puff up to quickly so they dont provide a good seal.
The green ones made by MSA from home depot are the 2nd best, i get a good fit 7/10 times, which isnt great, but i used them for a year.

Now i use the Howard leight ones found here

http://cgi.ebay.com/20-pairs-Laser-Lite-NRR32-Howard-Leight-Foam-Earplugs-/220536429092?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Safety_Security2&hash=item3358feda24

they are bigger, softer and the flare out to give that extra seal you need sometimes. i use the corded ones because i having 1 ear plug missing.  you dont even notice the cord is there. If the ear classics and home depot green ones dont fit, i really recommend you try these

[Howie]

I usually loose mine before they get that disgusting.

[Rob13]

I prefer the Howard Leight Max plugs, When they get dirty I just get a new pair . They are inexpensive I think I've seen them for sale on line for 200 pairs. for $25.00.

[DoubleEagle]

I have been using Air Soft by Howard Leight.

They are made of rubber.They are Class A ( L ) , SNR 30 , Class 5. All you need to know is that they are the rubber ones .

The plugs are blue and they are on a red Lanyard.

They look somewhat like little Christmas Trees.

I push them in until I can't hear anything , I can barely hear my !098 R w, a Termignoni Race Exhaust .

I pretty much feel the engine.

I can take them out when I'm done w, my ride , get a bar of hand soap , rub a bunch of soapy bubbles and then put the Earplugs between my palms and vigorously wash my hands and the Earplugs get cleaned and once dry are ready to wear again.

They cost about $2 at a Fastenal Industrial Outlet.

Last time the guy behind the counter just gave me 4 pairs, said he had no way of invoicing me ?

Time before I misplaced 2 pairs , the sale person charged me $2 a pair ...probably put the $$ in his pocket.    

Air Soft Ear Plugs reduce sound by 27 decibles.

Dolph      

[DanTheMan]

I usually loose mine before they get that disgusting.

+1, then i usually find then and if they aren't too bad, keep on using. I guess its a judgment call like smelling your dirty socks to see if they are still usable.

[danaid]

  My work has jugs upon jugs of the cheap, yellow, peg shaped ear plugs, and encourage everyone to take as many as needed.

  The ear plugs seal perfectly in my left ear, but pop out after five minutes in my right ear. I have learned to put a piece of blue tape over the right ear plug and squish it in tight. So far this has been working out great.