Lor’ bless you, that’s a very kind offer. No need: I’ll go and glom a pair today. I’ve got to visit a CVS or Rite-Aid anyway, so I’ll search for these. If they don’t have 'em, I’ll try mail order.
I was imagining, from the photo, that they were the size of peas, and that made me think there might be trouble extracting them. But if they’re the size of marbles, I see how that would work.
Thank you very kindly for the offer, the advice, and the specific answer! I’ll report back!
The way I’ve always rolled them, is just roll 7/8 the length of it. I keep rolling it between my first finger and thumb for about five seconds, and immediately insert it in each ear, inserting that portion, while the 1/8” length of it or so that is already expanded about a half inch or so, prevents you from going any further unless you put a good deal of pressure on it. Never needed to pull on earlobe or anything like that. You can roll the whole thing at once, but it’s not as easy to gauge the depth you are inserting it into your ear, but I imagine some get a feel for doing it that way too.
I’m a side-sleeper and don’t have any problems once they’ve expanded. If I put them in and immediately lay down on my side while there’s still room to wiggle, sometimes they do scootch a little further in. So wait a few seconds before putting your head down and you’ll be fine!
I actually prefer not to get the tightest fit if it’s good enough. I find a tighter fit uncomfortable, like I need to pop my ears.