What are headband headphones?

So you're curious about headband headphones because it seems like everyone is talking about them. There's actually a good reason for that as they offer a completely different experience from traditional headphones.

For years, headphones were clunky. The earliest versions were used by telephone operators for communication back in the 1880s. Fast forward to the 1950s and '60s when personal audio took off but people were still using big over the ear headphones. They worked while listening to the radio or vinyl records, sure, but forget sleeping with them on. Bone conduction headphones, developed in the 1990s, send sound waves through your skull instead of directly into your ear, but, again, they weren't intended for sleeping. Earbuds rose to prominence in 2001, but their design also allows them to easily get pushed into the ear causing irritation and pain.

SleepPhones® headband headphones were designed for comfort. Instead of speakers going in your ear or over your head, our thin, padded speakers are nestled inside a soft, breathable headband. Truthfully, it's a surprisingly natural feel, kind of like a cozy sleep cap. They're especially great if you have sensitive ears and don't want anything jammed into your ear canal.

SleepPhones® headphones can be used to listen to white noise, guided meditations, audiobooks, podcasts, music, or really anything that will help you relax and drift off. And because we prioritized comfort and fit, they are perfect for any sleeping position.

Find more answers on our "Frequently Asked Questions" page.