Mack’s® Flightguard® Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs – 26 dB

Indications

Relieves ear pressure discomfort and reduces noise.

Directions

1. Before inserting, with mouth closed and nose pinched closed, blow gently to clear and equalize any ear pressure. For best results, insert earplugs BEFORE takeoff and remove AFTER landing and cabin door has been opened. Earplugs may be removed at maximum cruising altitude, but ALWAYS insert 1 hour BEFORE landing.
2. Reach over head and pull up and back on outer ear to straighten ear canal.
3. With opposite hand, grasp earplug stem and insert by pressing forward in a circular motion to form an airtight seal.

Caution

Do not push earplug into ear so far that you are unable to easily grasp the stem with thumb and forefinger. Remove earplug slowly with twisting motion to gradually break the seal. Due to the excellent seal characteristics, rapid removal may damage eardrum. Do not use for sleeping while lying flat. Use only as directed.

Ingredients

Silicone

Warnings & Precautions

Keep away from infants and small children. This product is non-toxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipe, which could lead to serious injury or death. Improper fitting or disregard of the above recommendations will reduce effectiveness and could result in hearing loss or injury.

Cleaning Instructions

Wash with mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly before reinserting into ear. Store in original case. Discard if earplugs come in contact with lubricants, solvents or other chemicals. Earplugs should be inspected regularly for serviceability. Replace hard, torn or deformed earplugs. If used daily, replace every 2 to 4 weeks.

What are the earplugs made of and do they contain latex?

The earplugs are made from two different types of silicone; one for the rigid inner core, the other for the soft seal rings. They do not contain any latex.

Can the earplugs be cleaned?

Yes. The earplugs can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly before reinserting into ear. Store in original case. Discard if earplugs come in contact with lubricants, solvents or other chemicals. Earplugs should be inspected regularly for serviceability. Replace hard, torn or deformed earplugs. If used daily, replace every 2 to 4 weeks.

Are there any application tips to help me get an airtight seal with the earplugs?

First try re-inserting after carefully re-reading the directions. If you still have trouble getting the earplug to seal, re-insert and wiggle the stem while gently pushing the earplug to form a seal. If you are still having trouble inserting the earplug into the ear canal, try inserting it with the tip pointed slightly forward toward your face. A sign that the earplug is sealing properly is that your own voice will sound more internal and exaggerated. Another way to check that you have a proper seal is to grip the stem of the plug and wiggle it (ever so slightly) in and out. A properly sealed plug will create a slight suction effect.

Can these ear plugs be used on children?

We recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) so that they can help you determine if the earplugs are safe for your particular application. While these earplugs were designed for older kids and adults, doctors and parents have used the flanged earplugs on kids as young as 7 years of age. We recommend using the Mack’s® Kids Size moldable silicone earplugs for children 6 and under. In most cases, it will simply depend on the size of the individual’s ear canals. An adult should always supervise usage and the plug should only be used if it can be fit comfortably and effectively to the ear canal. *See Warning Below.*

Warning: Keep away from infants and small children. These earplugs are non-toxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipe, which could lead to serious injury or death.

How do these earplugs help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with airplane air pressure changes during air travel? 

With COMFORTEK^TM TECHNOLOGY, ultra-soft flanges and open-flow filter system provide optimal performance and comfort during flights. The AERO FILTER in these earplugs slows down and/or decreases the effects of the in-flight air pressure changes, thus allowing the ears more time to respond and equalize.

Another manner by which the earplugs help is by lowering the noise levels in the cabin allowing the user to rest, thus helping combat the effects of jet lag. The benefit of this rest is twofold in that is also helps calm and relax the “tense” flyer, thus allowing them to equalize more effectively. If you are suffering from an ear health condition, we recommend you consult an E.N.T. (ear, nose, and throat doctor) before flying while using the earplugs.

As the earplugs are only to be used as an aid, the user needs to take an active role in trying to prevent the onset of the ear pressure discomfort. The person should try to stay ahead of and prevent the discomfort by trying to “clear” or equalize their ears by one of the various known methods. This is especially important during descent, when pain from ear pressure most typically occurs. One of the methods, the Valsalva Maneuver, involves plugging the nose while applying slight blowing pressure while holding one’s breath. Another method is to chew gum. It is not the gum itself, but the wide opening motion of the jaw and the act of swallowing that helps aid in the equalization process. Therefore, either faking the act of chewing something or merely munching on some snacks can achieve the same results.

We recommend wearing the earplugs the entire flight, up until the airplane has landed and the cabin has been depressurized.

Do these earplugs contain BPA or phthalates?

No. These earplugs do not contain BPA or phthalates.