This was posted 5 years 11 months 13 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • expired

Bose Noise-Masking Sleepbuds $303.20 Delivered @ Amazon AU

260
Bose Noise-Masking Sleepbuds $303.20 Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
Go to Deal
Cashback
eug on 12/12/2018 - 13:36 amazon.com.au (522 clicks)
Last edited 12/12/2018 - 14:53 by 1 other user
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

$284.20 after 6% cashback via CashRewards.

These aren't Bluetooth earphones that you can use to listen to music to. They only have one purpose - to help you sleep, hence the name. They passively block noise and play back soothing ambient sounds like white noise, a stream, a campfire, etc.

Some people are totally fine with cheap foam earplugs. Lucky them! For those who don't find them comfortable, or suffer from tinnitus (YMMV), these might work.

Reviews range from excellent to average. Most complain about the $379 price. $284 is still quite a lot, but if it works, it just might be worth it. Yes they're expensive, but so is a OnePlus 6T vs a Pocophone. :)

Bose offers a 30-day trial - you can return it for a full refund. I haven't tried these myself, but at this price I'm quite tempted.

I have cheap foam earplugs, silicone Surefire earplugs, and professional custom-molded sleep plugs. For me, the foam ones are terribly uncomfortable - they give a plugged-up feeling and get warm halfway through the night. The silicone ones are softer but the stalk pushes them deeper when I turn on my side. The custom-molded ones are good, but the seal can be broken easily if I move my jaw too much as the shape of my ear canal can change.

Some people might suggest seeing a sleep therapist instead. I'm genuinely curious as to what advice a sleep therapist would offer someone who's a light sleeper. Wear earplugs? ;)

Another suggestion is to use a noise-masking app on a phone. That'll work if sleeping alone, but if you're sleeping with a partner or in a group (no not that, I mean e.g. when camping or in a dorm!), others might not appreciate that.

CHOICE review
TechRadar review

Also available at Myer without the cashback with code PMYERGIFT.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Electrical & Electronics Bose Earphones

Related Stores

Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Marketplace

closed Comments

  • Subada on 12/12/2018 - 13:51
    +3

    I read the reviews and still don't understand why they don't let you use these for regular music. Apart from a comfortable design I don't see what differentiates these from any in ear noise cancelling earbuds.

    As far as I know I don't have chronic noise related sleep issues, so even if they're less comfortable I'll stick to using earplugs and my Sony WH-1000XM2 headphones to block out annoying sounds when travelling.

    • Merlict on 12/12/2018 - 13:54

      Seems insane that you can't fall asleep to an audiobook. Maybe someone will hack them so you can actually use them as you please.

      • masuta on 12/12/2018 - 14:15
        +3

        I don't think it will be possible as these are not able to stream at all. All of the audio files are pre loaded onto the sleepbuds and you can't change them. You can only use the app to choose which file is played.

        • 11112007 on 12/12/2018 - 14:21

          This.

          And it takes over 20 minutes to even load another track on to these earbuds.

        • Serapis on 12/12/2018 - 17:26
          +1

          This is the worst point about them, the fact they are single purpose but cost the same as QC35s kills the deal for me

    • Nalar on 12/12/2018 - 13:56
      +2

      I don't think there are many of this style Bluetooth earplugs that can do 8+ hours of music which might account for it? I assume they aimed for a small size to accommodate side sleepers.

      • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 17:43

        These should not even be considered Bluetooth ear phones as they don't even need Bluetooth to operate anymore after the latest firmware update, just take them out of the tin and they run now. The bluetooth component was to manage the volume and select which pre recorded track you want to listen to.

    • RMBC on 12/12/2018 - 14:03
      +3

      I was wondering the same thing, and also whether the programs had been hacked by someone to allow this.

      Form what I found, it appears that there are two issues, firstly file compression, ie the files that are stored within are highly compressed so music would sound terrible, and secondly the speakers aren't designed for complex reproductions like music.

      Take the above with a grain of salt, as there was no externally referenced information, however it sounds logical

      • ak47wong on 12/12/2018 - 21:58

        See my comment below if you want some externally referenced information

      • BexForHeadache on 13/12/2018 - 21:28

        You're absolutely right, I bought a pair, tried them and returned as the sounds were just so unnatural it actually had the opposite effect of putting me to sleep.

    • ak47wong on 12/12/2018 - 21:56

      If you go to this page and click “Read more” and scroll down nearly to the bottom, under “PRODUCT/TECHNICAL QUESTIONS: AUDIO” you can read some background as to why they designed them this way.

  • Nalar on 12/12/2018 - 13:52
    +1

    So you can buy from Amazon, try them then return to BOSE for a refund? I haven't been able to google up any info.

    • RichardL on 12/12/2018 - 13:55
      +2

      More information from Amazon AU, which links to Bose Site

      • Nalar on 12/12/2018 - 13:59
        +1

        ha ha oh yeah right there on the listing! I went looking the other day I couldn't find it.

        Thanks!

  • cshaiker on 12/12/2018 - 14:00
    -2

    Wait for Gen 2 which can play music and take calls

    • Nalar on 12/12/2018 - 14:02
      +12

      Take calls when your asleep?

      • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2018 - 14:40
        +2

        handy for those of us whom don't keep the same hours as your favourite OS Call Centre.
        I don't want to miss any switch my energy or telco deals. What happens if Microsoft finds a virus on my computer and I miss the call? Even worse, what happens if the ATO calls? I've got $5k in iTunes vouchers in case I've got an overdue tax bill! (Don't tell the ATO I got them at 15% off!)

      • lostn on 12/12/2018 - 14:48
        -1

        Some people sleepwalk.

  • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 14:16
    +3

    These can't be used as audio ear phones because they don't have the audio chipsets for BT in them. All they are is a serial interface via BT that allows for transfer of data only which is why they only control the volume and VERY slowly upload new tracks into the memory of the device. Your phone is just a remoet control for them, But with the new BoseSleep app you can set the sleepbuds to auto play when taken out of the dock thing so a phone is now almost completely useless unless you want to fiddle with volume or select a new track or upload a new track (takes like 6hrs! It's serial speeds remember? like 5kps!)

    I have these and think they are the worst things I've ever brought and returned them after a few days, Love the fit but honestly these things are next to useless and WAY over priced.

    I'm much more happier with my Jabra Elite 65T as it's a full audio device with A2DP profile and the Jabra app does white noise anyways (In the study mode) or you can go download a white noise maker on your phone. Sure they don't fit as well as the sleepbuds but they do a tonne more and it's the best of the best for wireless hands free ear phones on market NOW.

    Honestly don't waste your time and money on these Bose Sleepbuds.

    I have nothing against Bose, In fact I have a QC25 and QC35II which is Why I brought the sleepbuds thinking they would be a top notch Bose product, They are not and WAY over priced for what it is, at around $50 they would sell OK but honestly it's pretty much a gimmick as they kept me awake rather then put me to sleep.

    • eug on 12/12/2018 - 14:42
      +5

      I'm much more happier with my Jabra Elite 65T as it's a full audio device with A2DP profile

      Different people have different priorities I guess. If the Jabra only cost $50 and streamed the absolute best quality audio ever with a 100-hour battery life - it's still absolutely useless for sleep purposes as a poor fit will not help me sleep.

      It's a bit like telling someone who's looking to buy a 4WD to go off-roading to buy a hatchback because it's cheaper and drives you to the shops perfectly fine. :)

      Sure they don't fit as well as the sleepbuds

      But that's the entire point of these. They're meant to be comfortable and small enough so you can sleep in them, sideways even. If you're after wireless earbuds for music, these would be absolutely useless for you, just like how wearing large wireless earbuds with a 4-hour battery life would be useless for someone who wants to sleep comfortably (and finds noise-masking effective). They're two different devices with entirely different purposes - they just happen to fit in the same place.

      honestly it's pretty much a gimmick as they kept me awake rather then put me to sleep.

      I can totally understand that they will not work for everyone, or be worth it to everyone. But looking at the number of positive reviews out there, I'm pretty certain your experience does not translate to everyone out there.

      • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 14:51
        -2

        It's a bit like telling someone who's looking to buy a 4WD to go off-roading to buy a hatchback because it's cheaper and drives you to the shops perfectly fine.

        Eh no, More like someone looking to buy a Reliant Robin because the sleepbuds are the only product of these type. While the hatchback/Jabra 65t are more useful as it does everything the Reliant Robin ever did and then some more.

        these would be absolutely useless for you, just like how wearing large wireless earbuds with a 4-hour battery life would be useless for someone who wants to sleep comfortably

        The Jabra's do around 6-7hrs thank you and the ANC is more then better then the noise masking (which is just rubber foam)

        Sure there's positive reviews out there, Which is why I brought a pair but ask yourself, How many of these reviews are paid or the item end up being gifted to the reviewer? There's also plenty of bad reviews for these if you look deeper which I only found after I got them and was wondering why I was having such a bad time with them.

        But in all honesty, How on earth can you compare these at $300 on sale when the Jabra 65's was around $190 on sale yet does much much more.

        I can sleep perfectly fine with my Jabra's and the only thing going for the sleepbuds is they can be used with your head on side but at this massive price I can sleep at night fine on my back thanks.

        • eug on 12/12/2018 - 15:23
          +3

          Sure there's positive reviews out there, Which is why I brought a pair but ask yourself, How many of these reviews are paid or the item end up being gifted to the reviewer?

          No need to ask, you can check out the Amazon US reviews. Gifted items are clearly marked under the Vine program, and Bose does not need to resort to the "write a review and we'll send you a free set" tactics that small Chinese companies seem to be fond of.

          There's also plenty of bad reviews for these if you look deeper which I only found after I got them and was wondering why I was having such a bad time with them.

          When it comes to such a subjective matter like this, I would expect there to be both positive and negative reviews. There is no one solution to sleep problems as different people are just … different. What works like magic for you might not work at all for me.

          How on earth can you compare these at $300 on sale when the Jabra 65's was around $190 on sale yet does much much more.

          You're still missing the point. It does not matter if the Jabra was $1 and sounded absolutely amazing. It would still be completely useless as a sleep aid if it did not help me sleep.

          These are not Bluetooth earphones. These cannot do what Bluetooth earphones can do, just like how Bluetooth earphones cannot do what these can do - for some people.

          I can sleep perfectly fine with my Jabra's

          This is the crux of the issue. You're assuming because you can sleep with Bluetooth earphones, it means everyone in the world can sleep with Bluetooth earphones.

          You have to realize that different people are different. What works very, very well for you might not work at all for a million other people out there. We are all different and there is no one solution to sleep issues. If there was, there would be no need for sleep therapists or white noise machines.

          I can sleep at night fine on my back thanks.

          You can. But not everyone else can. This product is clearly not for you and that's 100% fine as not everything has to be invented just to suit you. There are lots of side sleepers out there who simply cannot sleep with bulky earphones in their ears. This product may work for them. Or it may not. That's why there's a 30-day trial.

          • username999 on 12/12/2018 - 18:28
            +1

            @eug: Although I don't see the value of these sleep buds compared to a fully functional and relatively comfortable Jabra earpiece, your response is spot on!

            People have difference needs, and for those truly to struggling to get a good night sleep, I can totally understand that these can be the best single investment they've purchased in their life. Fortunately I sleep like a baby as soon as I close my eyes after work.

            The RRP is high, but I suspect Bose factor in their R&D cost as well as the risk in being among the first in the market. If these takes off, expect a lot of Chinese clones.

    • onlinepred on 12/12/2018 - 16:06

      Wow which jabra 65t edition is as slim as these for side sleepers and 8+ hours of battery life?

      Also can you not honestly read? I mean you bought them knowing what they are, and you still complained about them?

      • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 17:34

        Mate, I've been a 10 year lurker and only made a account to warn others on how bad these things are on the last sale when these things went for $320 back in Nov 30th but couldn't post due to being new account

        I brought these things 8 weeks ago when they first launched in Oz, there was rarely any reviews on them and most of the reviews didn't even know how they operated nor that they are not ANC.

        If there was reviewers who had a deep tech know how on how these things as just a in ear play back device then I would have not brought them to begin with.

        Go look on previous OzBargain comments on Sleepbuds and you'll see no one really knows how these work til I started to warn people about them now.

        The true reviews are now starting to trickle out and even Bose knew how bad these things are hence they started the 30 day trial back in nov

        The good thing is that these made me throw caution to wind and buy a crapload of wireless free headsets to test as nothing could be as pricey as these things and found out the Jabra are the best.

        • onlinepred on 12/12/2018 - 18:18
          +1

          I knew they were coming long before a few months ago, I knew axavtly what they were too. You can go buying random stuff on the internet sure, but the smart ones read product descriptions and look at previews etc. These aren't wireless buds, they are sleeping aids.

  • samuraix29 on 12/12/2018 - 14:31
    +1

    I would be extra cautious in using earplugs for sleeping, its not good for your ear, I used to sleep with earplugs but because of this habit I developed tinnitus, your ear generally need surrounding sounds, and will not be used to long hours being muted from the outside world, as long as the surrounding sound is not too loud, please please do not sleep with earplugs.

    • THX on 12/12/2018 - 14:48

      agree, protect your ears deal with the sound

  • Diji1 on 12/12/2018 - 14:31

    or suffer from tinnitus

    Don't think it does anything for tinnitus.

    They may save you from getting tinnitus if they block loud noise.

    • eug on 12/12/2018 - 14:48

      Don't think it does anything for tinnitus.

      YMMV perhaps. I don't have tinnitus, but my friend who has it says if it's too quiet, he'll get it. So playing background sounds, e.g. through these sleepbuds, might help. Looking at Amazon reviews, some people say it does nothing for their tinnitus while others say it works very well to help their tinnitus.

  • lostn on 12/12/2018 - 14:46
    -1

    If you're a side sleeper, this can't be comfortable.

    If it uses ANC to mask noise, I would be impressed if the battery is going to last through the night.

    • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 14:55
      +1

      There's no ANC , the masking is all done via the firm fitting rubber foam.

      • lostn on 12/12/2018 - 15:08
        -2

        Wow. What an overpriced pair of ear plugs then.

        • ickyboo on 12/12/2018 - 17:45

          Fully agree with you there after a week with them.

  • jv on 12/12/2018 - 14:52
    +2

    or suffer from tinnitus,

    Make sure you wear thongs in public showers to prevent this in the first place…

  • Dpkmax on 12/12/2018 - 15:20
    +1

    These things are no good for an Ozbargainer An Ozbargainer can sleep in any noise and wakes up only when there is a sound deal.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join