I've been sleeping with ear plugs for well over 10 years at this point, so I feel qualified to answer.

1. You have to find the right ear plugs for YOU. Everyone has different ear canal size, shape, sensitivity, etc.

2. They should never be painful unless you are doing it wrong. Yes, they are likely to be uncomfortable at first, but the first time you wake up feeling like a million bucks because you got 8 uninterrupted hours of sleep for the first time in your life, you will happily accept the temporary discomfort.

This, this exactly. Uncomfortable and itchy to the point of keeping me awake until I take them out. Do not understand how anyone can sleep with them in!

I take ear plugs with me when travelling but I really hate wearing them. I've tried all kinds. Silicone is best. There is a knack to making them a bit more comfortable, but they're still not great. I sleep on my side which probably doesn't help. If I wear them for more than a couple of nights my ears get really sore.

What they're good for is sleeping due to desperation while travelling. I couldn't imagine having to wear them every day at home. That sounds like hell.