Howard Leight Airsoft DPAS-1 Uncorded Reusable Earplugs NRR 27 Review (2026)

The Howard Leight Airsoft DPAS-1 is a four-flange, push-in reusable earplug rated NRR 27 dB, sold in 100-pair bulk boxes and aimed squarely at high-volume industrial programs where training time is limited and per-unit cost is a real budget line. Unlike foam plugs that require a clean, dry roll-down technique, the DPAS-1's tapered four-flange body inserts with a single forward push — no rolling, no twisting — which is a genuine advantage in gloved-hand environments such as assembly, metalworking, or light manufacturing.

Howard Leight is part of Honeywell Safety Products, one of the longest-standing names in ANSI-compliant hearing protection. The DPAS-1 has been in the catalog long enough to accumulate meaningful real-world data: the product carries a 4.8/5 rating on the WC Safety store based on verified purchasers, and 4.2 stars across Amazon verified ratings. This review draws specs directly from the product page and the ANSI S3.19 / OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 regulatory framework — no inflated claims.

If you are sourcing hearing protection for an industrial site under an OSHA-compliant hearing conservation program, or outfitting a shooting range or airsoft facility where intermittent impulse noise is the hazard, the DPAS-1 deserves a close look. Read on for a full breakdown of performance, fit, durability, and where it falls short compared to alternatives.

Who the DPAS-1 Is For

The DPAS-1 is purpose-built for three use cases: bulk industrial programs where compliance officers need a proven ANSI-rated plug workers can insert correctly on the first try; range safety at airsoft, paintball, or live-fire shooting facilities where the plug name signals its DNA; and moderate-hazard manufacturing (stamping, assembly, light fabrication) where TWA noise levels run between 85 and 100 dBA and NRR 27 provides adequate attenuation under OSHA's derating formula.

Workers who already know the foam roll-down technique and prefer a softer, more conforming plug may be better served by foam disposables from our ear plug collection. But for gloved-hand lines or facilities where training time is minimal, the DPAS-1's push-in ergonomics are a meaningful operational advantage. For a broad comparison of plug types, see our reusable vs. disposable earplugs guide.

Strengths: Where the DPAS-1 Delivers

Four-Flange Acoustic Seal

The four-flange geometry creates a tiered seal at multiple canal depths simultaneously. Each flange ring seats independently, which means minor variation in insertion depth still yields a functional acoustic barrier. Internal fins within the flange body create an interlocking noise-blocking structure rather than relying solely on compression. This is the design feature that lets the DPAS-1 achieve NRR 27 without the canal compression that makes some multi-flange plugs uncomfortable during extended wear.

Touch-Free, Glove-Compatible Insertion

OSHA's hearing conservation standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires that employers make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA or greater. Making protectors available is not enough — employees must use them correctly. The DPAS-1's push-in insertion removes the biggest barrier to correct use: the need for clean, dry hands to roll and shape a foam plug. Glove-compatible insertion means workers on production lines can comply without removing PPE. Our guide to the best earplugs for work covers insertion technique comparisons in detail.

NRR 27 — Regulatory Context

Under ANSI S3.19, the NRR is measured in a controlled laboratory setting with trained subjects. OSHA's recommended derating method applies a 50% reduction for earplugs when calculating real-world protected exposure: (NRR 27 minus 7) divided by 2 equals 10 dB of effective attenuation. At a 10 dBA effective reduction, the DPAS-1 brings a worker exposed to 95 dBA TWA down to 85 dBA — the OSHA action level threshold. For louder environments exceeding 100 dBA TWA, double protection (earplug plus earmuff) should be evaluated per your hearing conservation program guide. See our full NRR hearing protection guide for the complete derating methodology.

Washable and Reusable Economics

The 100-pair box lists at $108.00, translating to $1.08 per pair at first purchase. Because the DPAS-1 is washable and reusable with mild soap and water, actual per-use cost drops further with each reuse cycle — a meaningful advantage for programs managing consumable budgets. The plug should be inspected before each use for flange tears, discoloration, or stiffening that indicates material degradation. Damaged plugs should be replaced; the economics still favor the DPAS-1 over comparable single-use alternatives at scale.

Compliance-Ready Documentation

Howard Leight provides full ANSI S3.19 test data with the DPAS-1, which is required for OSHA-compliant hearing conservation programs. Employers must be able to demonstrate that hearing protectors worn by employees provide sufficient attenuation. The DPAS-1's NRR 27 rating, combined with Honeywell's documented test protocol, satisfies this requirement without additional third-party certification overhead. Browse our full hearing protection collection for other ANSI-compliant options.

Weaknesses: Where to Manage Expectations

Canal Fit Variability

The four-flange design is optimized for an average adult ear canal diameter. Workers with notably small or large canals may find the seal inconsistent — either the plug seats too loosely (reducing effective attenuation below the rated NRR) or the largest flange ring is uncomfortable. Howard Leight does not publish a canal diameter specification for the DPAS-1. Employers running a hearing conservation program should conduct individual fit testing, particularly for workers who report discomfort, to verify real-world attenuation. Our best earplugs for work guide covers fit-testing protocols and alternatives for non-standard canal geometries.

No Cord — Loss Rate Consideration

The DPAS-1 is uncorded by design, keeping the profile clean and eliminating cord tangling. The trade-off is a higher loss rate in busy environments where plugs are frequently removed and set down. Programs managing large workforces should build a periodic replacement cadence into consumable budgets even when the plug is classified as reusable. Corded alternatives are available in the ear plugs collection for environments where retention is a higher priority.

Flange Durability Under Repeated Washing

The elastomer flanges on multi-flange plugs can stiffen, crack, or lose elasticity after repeated wash-and-dry cycles, particularly with hot water or harsh cleaning agents. Inspection before each use is essential — a cracked flange ring will not seat properly and will reduce actual attenuation without providing any visible warning to the user. Use mild soap and lukewarm water only; air dry completely before reinsertion.

Initial Pressure Sensation

Some users, particularly those accustomed to soft foam plugs, report a noticeable pressure sensation during the first several wearings as the ear canal adapts to the four-flange profile. This typically diminishes with repeated use. Workers who cannot adapt should be offered a foam alternative from our hearing protection collection to ensure consistent usage rather than non-compliance due to discomfort. See our best foam earplugs guide for suitable alternatives.

Competitor Comparison

NRR ratings from manufacturer published ANSI S3.19 data. Competitor pricing subject to change.

Recommended Accessories

For complete hearing protection compliance, consider pairing the DPAS-1 with:

• Earplug dispensers — wall-mounted dispensers for high-traffic entry points improve compliance rates in large facilities
• Ear muffs — for environments exceeding 100 dBA TWA, dual protection (earplug plus muff) is the OSHA-recommended approach. Browse ear muffs at WC Safety
• Fit-testing equipment — quantitative fit testing verifies individual attenuation; required under some state OSHA plans
• Cleaning stations — mild soap dispensers adjacent to the workstation support the reusability case for DPAS-1 programs

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 and ANSI S3.19 Standards Context

Understanding the regulatory framework helps evaluate whether the DPAS-1 is the right choice for your program. OSHA's noise standard at 29 CFR 1910.95 establishes two key thresholds:

• Action Level: 85 dBA TWA — employers must implement a hearing conservation program, offer audiometric testing, and make hearing protectors available
• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 90 dBA TWA — hearing protectors are required; engineering controls are the preferred hierarchy of controls

The NRR on a hearing protector is measured per ANSI S3.19 using trained laboratory subjects under ideal conditions. Real-world attenuation is lower. OSHA's recommended derating approach for earplugs: effective attenuation equals (NRR minus 7) divided by 2. For the DPAS-1 with NRR 27: (27 minus 7) divided by 2 equals 10 dB effective attenuation. NIOSH recommends a more conservative 75% derating for all plug types.

The DPAS-1's 10 dB effective attenuation (OSHA method) is appropriate for environments with TWA noise up to approximately 100 dBA. Above that threshold, consult your hearing conservation program administrator and consider dual protection. Our hearing conservation program guide and NRR guide provide full regulatory breakdowns. For a broader comparison of earplug options by use case, see our best earplugs for work guide and best hearing protection guide.

Total Cost of Ownership

At $108.00 for 100 pairs, the DPAS-1 starts at $1.08 per pair — competitive with mid-tier foam disposables. The reusability factor changes the math significantly: a plug used 20 times before replacement has an effective per-use cost of approximately $0.05. Even accounting for attrition (loss, inspection failures, user refusals), the per-use economics favor the DPAS-1 over equivalent-NRR disposables in programs with 25 or more workers on extended production schedules.

Factor in the compliance benefit — fewer errors from incorrect insertion technique — and the business case for the DPAS-1 in gloved-hand industrial environments is solid. Review the reusable vs. disposable earplugs trade-off analysis in our guide before locking in your program specification. See also our full PPE catalog for complementary safety equipment.

Final Verdict

The Howard Leight Airsoft DPAS-1 earns its 4.6/5 rating by solving a real operational problem: getting consistent NRR 27 attenuation into workers who do not have the technique or the clean hands to roll a foam plug correctly. The four-flange push-in design is genuinely ergonomic for gloved environments, the reusability economics work at scale, and the ANSI S3.19 compliance documentation is clean.

Its limits are honest ones: canal fit variability is a real consideration, the uncorded design means you will need a replacement cadence built into your program, and at NRR 27 it is not a standalone solution for environments above 100 dBA TWA without supplemental ear muff protection. Within its stated use case — moderate-hazard industrial programs, range safety, and bulk hearing conservation — the DPAS-1 is a well-engineered, appropriately priced solution from a brand with decades of hearing protection credibility.

For our full earplug collection, best hearing protection guide, and broader PPE catalog, browse WC Safety. If you are comparing foam against multi-flange options, see our best foam earplugs guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by Steven Eaton — WC Safety Editorial, Industrial PPE Specialist. Steven has evaluated OSHA-compliant hearing protection products for industrial procurement programs for over a decade. WC Safety Editorial follows a structured methodology: spec verification from manufacturer sources, regulatory framework application (OSHA/ANSI), and editorial scoring against published criteria.

Reviewed by WC Safety Editorial Team — Industrial PPE Specialists

Review Methodology

WC Safety product reviews are based on: (1) product specifications sourced from manufacturer published data and the live product page; (2) applicable regulatory standards (ANSI S3.19, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95); (3) verified customer ratings from Judge.me and Amazon where available at time of publication; (4) editorial assessment of design features against stated use-case requirements. Reviews are updated when product specifications or ratings change materially. No free samples were accepted for this review.