1918

The story behind Quies earplugs begins in 1918 when a Paris pharmacist developed a cotton- and wax-based earplug for one of his customers.
Encouraged by the customer’s enthusiastic response, the pharmacist started selling the earplugs at his pharmacy.

1921

A commercial venture is founded to sell the new earplugs. Given the interest in antiquity at the time, the founders decided to name the new company Quies, a Latin word meaning "quiet, calm, or rest."

1930

Quies earplugs soon become a huge hit, winning numerous health and safety awards at the national expositions so popular at the time, including:

• First prize at the 1922 Marseille Pharmacy Expo;
• Honorary certificate at the 1933 Mulhouse Pharmacy Expo; and
• Honorary certificate at the 1935 Pharmaceutical Products Expo.

1940-1950

Quies earplugs are still manufactured the old-fashioned way, by hand. Skilled workers heat blocks of wax in small Bunsen-like burners, then roll the wax into balls which are then rolled in cotton wool.
During World War II, the original aluminium package is temporarily replaced by a cardboard box.

1960-1970

Several million Quies earplugs are manufactured each year, but they are no longer made by hand.
The Company begins using mechanized manufacturing techniques, boosting both production speed and quality.
A new, more modern plastic package replaces the cardboard box used during the war.
This new package features a sparrow, which becomes the brand’s logo for the next 40 years. In this decade Quies also launches its relaxation eyeshade.

1980-1990

Quies improves its original wax earplugs throughout the 1980s, becoming the leading specialist on the market and making the Quies name synonymous with earplugs. The Company begins using new types of wax and updates its formulation. It also implements rigorous quality control standards. Quies earplugs are now manufactured by special machines capable of delivering higher levels of performance and quality.
Quies earplugs are brought into compliance with CEN (European Committee for Standardization) standard EN 352-2 for hearing protection devices.

1998-2008

Quies earns its first ISO 9001 certification for its design, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing processes. Over the decade, the Quies brand expands with new product lines. While Quies remains France’s ear protection specialist, it adds several new innovations to its product line-up such as:

• earPlanes® travel earplugs;
• bright colours and a more natural flesh tone;
• silicone earplugs for swimmers;
• corded earplugs for intermittent noise;
• and individually-wrapped "Solo" packs.

Quies leverages its extensive experience with ear products to launch a line of ear care products, including dual-action swabs and ear sprays. The Company acquires Doculyse, the manufacturer of an ear spray designed to dissolve earwax blockage.
Quies introduces the Flash Frais soothing and revitalizing eye mask to support the brand’s "active wellness" positioning.
Quies enters the anti-snoring market by introducing a spray and innovative, scientifically-proven lozenges.