I bought these to try and keep the sound down to help me sleep. Since wearing them I no longer have been woken up by the emergency services' sirens, drunk people shouting in the street, the washing machine and my neighbours clattering about in the kitchen at all hours. They don't cut out all sound i.e. if you have the television on, you will hear some sounds (mainly bass), albeit in a very muffled way. They are comfortable enough to wear in bed, and I haven't found they put too much pressure on my face so I can wear them for long periods - a problem with previous ear defenders. Unlike other cheaper ear defenders, they don't have bits that stick out on the outside of the cup which get caught on things (e.g. pillows when you are trying to sleep!).