In my experience, the pliable silicone earplugs work better than the foamy, cone-shaped earplugs. I never get the foamy ones to fit in my ears very well, and they don't deaden the sound that much. The silicone ones fit the shape of my ear better and keep out virtually all sound. I survived a year of dorm living and many snoring roommates with them and I swear by them. They are great for dance clubs, too, since you can put them in and virtually no one can tell you have them.