Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Dorm-Friendly Solutions for Better Sleep in Noisy Buildings
22
items Look, dorm life is basically a social experiment designed to see how long a human can survive on four hours of sleep and instant noodles. Between the neighbor who thinks 2 AM is peak "acoustic guitar practice" time and the hallway that echoes like a ...
Sections
5
Noise-Masking Earbuds
White Noise Machines
Soundproof Curtains
Weighted Blankets
Door Sound Blockers
Noise-Masking Earbuds
Normal foam earplugs are fine if you enjoy the feeling of marshmallows Expanding in your brain, but they don't do much for a heavy-footed roommate. I’m talking about buds specifically designed for side-sleepers that play soothing loops to drown out t...
I’ve tried the knock-offs, and nothing mimics the silence of a library like these. They don’t stream music (annoying, I know), but the pre-loaded "masking" sounds are engineered to cancel out the specific frequency of a human voice.
The charging ca...
Sleepbuds II with Alarm
These are the ones to get if you are a dedicated side-sleeper. They are tiny enough that you won't feel like you have a pebble shoved in your ear when you roll over. One small warning: the Bluetooth connection can be a little finicky if your phone is...
Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds, 30dB Noise Reduction, 80H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.3
If you hate batteries and just want something that works, these are my go-to. They are made of soft silicone and look more like jewelry than ear protection. The fit is incredibly secure, though I did find that they can be a bit of a magnet for earwax...
Loop Quiet 2 Ultra-Comfy Reusable Earplugs
These are essentially the spiritual successor to the original Bose tech. They are incredibly comfortable, though the initial setup process with the app can be a bit of a headache. Once they’re running, the noise masking is top-tier. You’ll finally be...
Ozlo Sleepbuds® | Side Sleeper Headphones | 10H Bluetooth
White Noise Machines
If you think your fan provides enough "whoosh" to block out the frat party next door, you’re adorable. A dedicated sound machine offers a consistent, non-looping frequency that tricks your brain into ignoring sudden spikes in volume. It’s basically a...
This is the "Old Reliable" of the sleep world. It uses an actual physical fan inside to create a natural wind sound. It’s not a recording, so your brain won't get annoyed by a looping track. The downside is that it only has two speeds, which might fe...
Yogasleep Dohm Classic White Noise Machine
If you need variety, this machine has 22 different sounds ranging from "brown noise" to various fan oscillations. It’s purely electronic, so it’s much smaller than the Dohm. I did notice that the buttons are a bit clicky and loud, which is ironic for...
LectroFan EVO White Noise Machine - Charcoal
This is basically a personal sleep coach. It combines a sound machine with a sunrise alarm. The design is beautiful and looks great on a desk, but you should know that many of the best features are locked behind a monthly subscription. If you can sto...
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock & Sound Machine
For the price, this is a total steal. It’s compact, gets surprisingly loud, and has a nice warm nightlight built-in. The plastic casing feels a little "budget," but the sound quality is crisp and doesn't have that tinny laptop-speaker vibe. It’s a so...
Dreamegg D1 Nova White Noise Sound Machine
This one is tiny but mighty. It offers 40 different sounds and a very precise volume control. I’ve found that the power cord is on the shorter side, so you might need to keep it close to an outlet. It’s perfect for tossing in a backpack if you’re hea...
Magicteam White Noise Machine with 40 Sounds
Soundproof Curtains
Most dorm curtains have the structural integrity of a wet paper towel and block approximately zero percent of the street noise. You need heavy, multi-layered thermal drapes that actually have some mass to them. While they won't turn your room into a ...
These are heavy, and that’s exactly what you want. They have a double layer that actually helps dampen external noise. The fabric is soft, but be prepared for some serious wrinkles right out of the box—you’ll definitely need to steam them. They make ...
NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, Thermal Insulated, 2 Panels, 52x84, Natural
These come with a removable felt liner that adds an extra barrier against sound. It’s a clever design, though the hooks can be a little fiddly to install on a standard dorm rod. They do a great job of cutting down the "echo" in a room with bare walls...
NICETOWN Thermal Blackout Curtains, Biscotti Beige, 52x95, 1 Pair
If you want something that doesn't look like a moving blanket, these have a nice metallic pattern. They provide decent noise reduction, but they aren't quite as heavy as the Nicetown version. They are a bit stiff initially, but they hang well after a...
Deconovo Blackout Grey Thermal Curtains 52x84
These are great because they are thermal-insulated, meaning they block the draft and the noise at the same time. The color options are extensive, though the lighter colors don't block 100% of the light like the darker ones do. They are surprisingly e...
BGment Navy Blue Blackout Curtains 42x63, 2 Panels
Look, sometimes you just need something that works without the fluff. These are affordable and surprisingly thick. The material feels a bit like polyester, which isn't the most luxurious, but they do the job. They’re a great "emergency" purchase when...
Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains 2 Panels 52x84 White
Weighted Blankets
Stress makes every little noise sound ten times louder than it actually is. It’s science—or at least, it feels like it when you're staring at the ceiling at 3 AM. A weighted blanket uses deep pressure stimulation to 🧸 grounded your nervous system, m...
This blanket is fantastic because the beads don't all clump in one corner. The stitching is tight and durable. It’s a bit of a workout just to fold it up in the morning, but that’s the point. It feels like a giant hug that tells your brain it’s time ...
Bare Home Weighted Blanket 48x72 15lbs
This is the one I see in most dorms. It’s affordable and comes in a million different weights and sizes. The glass beads are very fine, so it doesn't feel "crunchy" when you move. Just a tip: get a duvet cover for it immediately, as washing the actua...
YnM 15lbs Weighted Blanket for Adults, 48x72, Dark Grey
This is a great middle-ground option. It’s not "premium" feeling, but it’s very durable. The loops for attaching a cover are a bit small, so it takes some patience to tie them down. It provides that deep pressure that helps you stay asleep even when ...
ZonLi 20lbs Queen Weighted Blanket 60x80
Door Sound Blockers
That massive gap at the bottom of your dorm door is a highway for noise (and questionable smells from the communal kitchen). A draft stopper is the cheapest, most effective "hack" you’ll ever find. Most people think they’re just for keeping out the c...
This is a heavy-duty "bean bag" style blocker that sits at the base of your door. It’s filled with glass beads so it stays put. It’s a bit of a trip hazard if you’re not careful, but it stops a massive amount of hallway noise. You'll be shocked at ho...
MAGZO 36in Door Draft Stopper Gray
This one is a silicone strip that sticks directly to the door. It’s much more low-profile than a fabric bag. The adhesive is very strong—maybe too strong—so be careful when you're moving out or you might peel some paint off. It’s great because it mov...
Suptikes 2 Pack Door Draft Stopper 1.8x37"
If your dorm door is metal, this is the one. It just snaps on with magnets. It’s super convenient, though the magnets can occasionally slide if you slam the door. It’s a clean, simple way to seal off your room from the outside world.
Evelots Cold Hot Air Door Draft Stopper 36"
This one slides under the door and has foam tubes on both sides. It’s the best for sound because it seals both the inside and the outside. It can make the door a bit harder to swing open on carpeted floors, though. It’s a small price to pay for a roo...
MAXTID 36in Black Adjustable Door Draft Stopper
Similar to the Maxtid, this uses foam cylinders to block noise. It’s very easy to cut to the exact size of your door. The fabric cover is a bit thin, so it might show wear after a semester of heavy use. It’s an easy, cheap fix that makes a world of d...
Holikme Adjustable Door Draft Stopper Black