Many people sleep on their side, which in some cases presents comfort or audio issues when using any sleep earbud. If this sounds familiar, a few small adjustments can help you use your Smartbuds comfortably and effectively. Below are our best tips and tricks gathered from users, our own team, and sleep ergonomics research.
1. Prop your arm or pillow for clearer audio
When you sleep directly on the pillow, it can muffle external audio like Rain or Sleepscapes. A simple adjustment helps:
Try this:
Bend your arm slightly and rest your hand or forearm under the pillow to create a small “lift.”
This keeps the bud from pressing too deeply into the pillow and allows sound to flow more freely.
Many side sleepers (including our own team!) naturally do this without realizing it.
You shouldn’t need a big adjustment—just enough space for the speaker to breathe.
2. Sleep with one Smartbud. Tracking still works!
Side sleepers often prefer to sleep on the ear that’s off the pillow.
Good news: Smartbuds still track sleep and deliver Slow-Wave Boost with just one bud in.
Wear the bud in the ear that feels most comfortable.
Keep the other bud in the case or on your nightstand.
4. Try a softer or moldable pillow
Pillows make a huge difference for side sleepers wearing earbuds.
Look for pillows that:
Have memory foam or shredded foam you can “nest” the ear into
Aren’t overly firm
Allow your head to sink in slightly without compressing the earbud
A too-firm pillow puts pressure on the ear and can push the Smartbud inward.
5. Adjust your head angle slightly
If you’re straight on your side, the earbud takes the full weight of your head. A tiny angle change reduces that pressure:
Try:
Tilting your face very slightly toward the pillow (like a 10–20° rotation)
Or slightly toward the ceiling
This small adjustment lifts the earbud off direct pressure, improving comfort and audio clarity.
6. Make sure you’re using the right-size tip and sleeve
Side pressure feels worse if the earbud size isn't appropriate for your ear.
Check that you’re using:
A tip size that seals gently without feeling stuffed
A sleeve that sits flush against the ear without bulging
If the fit isn’t quite right, audio and signal quality are both affected. Don’t hesitate to try a different size.