For those with auditory hypersensitivity, bedroom windows can be a HUGE issue. From noisy neighbors, to cars, to birds – it’s hard to block it all out, and it’s impossible to ignore. While some may be able to afford noise reducing windows, for those who cannot, here are some solutions. There are a few options for soundproofing a bedroom window, but first you need to consider:

Do you need to reduce noise or block as much sound as possible?

For Reducing Noise:

• You can place a fan on or near the window sill. This can be a small fan on the sill, a box fan on the floor, or a standing fan right in front of the window.
• Use a roman wood shade.
• Open a closet door and brace against the window (if there is on next to the window).
• All of the above.

For Blocking Out Noise:

Make a Soundproofing Pillow for the Window – Single Window

Purchase 1-2 thick soundproofing/moving blankets.

Cut to fit your window with an extra 2-3 inches on all 4 sides.

Lay one blanket on the floor.

Lay rows of sound absorbing fiberglass insulation of at least an R-value of 30 on the blanket.

Lay the other blanket on top of the fiberglass.

Stitch the top and bottom blankets together with a long and strong sewing needle, and thick and strong thread used for coats.

Remove any blinds in the window sill. If you cannot remove the blinds for some reason, make the main pillow a bit shorter, and make a second mini pillow to fit in front of the blinds. Secure the mini pillow to the blinds.

If your measurements were correct, the pillow should sit perfectly into your window without having to secure it.

Turn the lights out and adjust the pillow to make sure there is NO light coming in through the sides of the window sill.

Purchase a stylish roman shade to cover the soundproofing pillow.

If you need a fan on to fall asleep, place a small fan on the sill if you have room, a box fan on the floor, or a standing fan right in front of the window. This will drown out any remaining noise.

PRECAUTIONS

1. Working with fiberglass requires that you take certain precautions. You will need to wear a paper mask, wear eye protection goggles, and wear long rubber gloves to avoid eye, throat, or skin irritation. Think of fiberglass as powdered glass, it’s sharp and can embedded itself in anything easily.
2. Do not secure the soundproofing pillow into the window. You MUST be able to easily remove the pillow in case of a fire to meet standard fire codes by allowing yourself access to the window.
3. If you notice any difficulty breathing or with allergies in the bedroom after installing this pillow, seal the pillow up in a thin plastic to avoid any further issues (e.g. large thin trash bags). Keep it thin though, because you want sound to be absorbed not bouncing around. There will be an initial smell, but this will fade. Just keep a fan on in the room and keep the door open to vent.