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Far superior to foam earplugs, which fall out or ache after an hour. Moldable silicone sits flat over the ear canal, blocks out drip alarms and snoring, and stays comfortable when you're lying on your side against the pillow.

A four-hour infusion next to a beeping pump is exhausting. Noise cancelling turns a shared bay into something bearable, and doubles as a signal that someone needs a rest from conversation.

Most hospital hours are spent alone with a head that won't settle. Something to fiddle with or play single-handed fills the gap between obs without needing wifi, a partner or much concentration.

Ward floors are cold, hard and busier than you expect. Slippers with a proper sole and a back stay put when you shuffle to the loo at 3am, and may save you from being issued the dreaded hospital grip socks because you have nothing safer to wear.