Riffic

I'm a strong advocate of bose.

I did a lot of research and found bose to be the best mix of quietness, comfort and sound quality. The bose are, by far, the most expensive, but since I do so much business travel between US-Europe, it was an easy expsense to justify. Though, for the occasional trans-atlantic traveler, 300 USD might be a bit steep.

The QCII is the second generation of these headphones, which has the added features of folding up a bit for smaller storage (still nothing you can store in your pocket) and the integrated noise canceling thing-a-ma-jig is integrated into the headpiece, itself, as opposed to being a separate unit between the headpiece and the headphone jack. You should be aware that these headphones are the "over the ear" type, which means they'll be a bit bulky when on your ears, but it's this very feature that causes such a high degree of noise blockage.

Having used them many times this year on long-haul flights, I will never leave home without them. You can actually get a good night's sleep, even in cattle class. My secret is the Ipod set to enya/andrea bocelli

Travelermebe

I've used Bose for years and recently bought their new model. I don't sleep much on airplanes and I use them primarily for noise cancelling while I read. They are excellent at eliminating the droning sound planes make. My wife, who can sleep easily, has a pair but only uses them for watching movies or listening to CD's. For sleep, she takes them off and uses quality earplugs.

Kayb95

I recently purchased the Plane Quiet (version 5) headphones and they're pretty good - and a lot cheaper than Bose. The version 6 aren't supposed to be as good, so try to get v5 (got mine - new - on ebay.)

I haven't had a chance to try them on a plane yet, but I had them on at work the other day and I couldn't hear the computers or air-conditioning noise and I couldn't hear my mouse clicks. They cancel low and high frequency noises - the white noise. They're pretty comfortable, too. Can't wait to try them on a plane.

Here's a review: www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0620.htm

Hana

Riffic -

LOL - my husband's all-time favourite music to relax to is Andrea Bocelli as well! Prior to purchasing the BOSE Quiet Comfort II we had to do a test in the middle of the Denver airport with my husband's IPod set to Bocelli! We're looking forward to his new album out this month.

Zeus

If I listened to Enya and Bocelli, I'd be asleep instantly. Thanks for the recommendation!

rkkwan

I agree with clevelandbrown's detail explanation of the different type of headphones. Except, Sony's MDR-NC11 (or my older NC10) are actually noise-cancelling ear buds. So, that combines two features in one, both actively and passively.

The downside is that it takes a while to get used to having something that deep in your ear. [And that will be an issue for all in-ear type ear buds.] Right now, I can wear them all day, every day. But it took maybe a week for me to get used to them. At first, it was pretty painful after an hour or so with them.

GregY2

I have the Sony headphones and I wouldn't travel long haul without them however I do not attemp to sleep with them on - earplugs are much more effective for sleeping. Nevertheless, they are well worth while and I think the price for the Sony product represents good value. As several people have noted they do not cancel all noise, and they are more effective with lower frequencies, but it is that low frequency rumble that is so tiring on long flights. I find I have my music or DVD sound at much lower levels and that in itself is less tiring. I'd get a set AND earplugs

Travelnut

When trying to sleep, consider doing this:
Bring on your own travel pillow (smaller than a bedpillow but quite larger than the airline 'pads').
Drop down your tray, lean in to your pillow, perhaps with folded arms over the tray. Looks odd but less head-rolling and easier on your back.

ochssk1

Wow, this is some forum. Lots of great info to digest.

I do usually use ear plugs when traveling (ie noisy motels) with mixed success. I thought maybe a good active noise canceling system might be better. Maybe I'll try both!?!

flygirl

I have ANR headsets and wow are they fabulous. not the same thing obviously, this is for pilots, but based upon the difference they make I really recommend them.

ira

>Drop down your tray, lean in to your pillow, perhaps with folded arms over the tray. <

And 7 hrs later you will not be able to move.

Travelnut

ira, you slay me... I can't even pretend to sleep 7 hours! Maybe I should have said it's easier to not sleep in this 'forward' position than it is to not sleep in a leaning sideways position.

jor

Do any of these devices drown out the noise my wife makes?

indie

jor for what its worth when hubby has his headphones on - only a good jab gets his attention - so yes will drown out her noise but not chances of bodily injury when you she tries to get your attention