Headset fitting, remove ear pads or not

[Padowan]

I'm just fitting a headset into my helmet and wondered if I need to retain the ear-pads that are fitted to the helmet by default?

If I fit the phones/speakers underneath the originally fitted ear-pads then things get really tight around my ears, however if I remove the original ear pads and just have the speakers (which are velcroed to the inside of the helmet and have their own soft/padded cover) thing are much more comfortable.

So, my question is really whether the OEM ear pads are essential for the safe fitting of the lid (I can't imagine they are) or whether I can remove them to be comfortable with the headset fitted.

 

[JPR]

I remove some of the foam under the earpads and recess the phones.
Fit the earpads back.

 

[beemerboy9]

I would remove the earpads.

I cannot recall any helmet manufacturers recommending the removal of polystyrene foam.

John