Moldex 6683 Softies Review: Uncorded — 50-pair jar NRR 33
Moldex 6683 Softies Refill Jar NRR 33 — Bulk 500-Pair Earplug Program Review for High-Volume OSHA Compliance
The Moldex 6683 Softies Refill Jar delivers 500 pairs of NRR 33 ultra-soft foam earplugs in a large-format container engineered for high-volume hearing conservation programs operating under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95. Where a 50-pair workstation jar suits a single secondary station, the 500-pair jar is built for central dispensing rooms, main safety supply cabinets, and large-scale industrial programs requiring cost-per-pair economies without switching to a wall-mount dispenser system. This review covers NIOSH approval, bulk purchasing economics, OSHA compliance integration, NRR performance, and how the 6683 compares across the Moldex Softies family and the broader Moldex foam earplug lineup.
Editorial Verdict — 4.3 / 5
The Moldex 6683 is the 500-pair bulk jar format of Moldex Softies — NRR 33, three-ridge contoured ultra-soft foam, loose unwrapped, lidded jar for high-volume central dispensing. Same foam as the Moldex 6600 bulk box. Best suited for large OSHA HCP programs needing cost-per-pair efficiency without hardware investment.
Pros
- NRR 33 — maximum NIOSH foam earplug rating; 13 dB(A) effective per OSHA 50% derating
- 500-pair jar — lowest cost-per-pair format in the Softies line; ideal for central distribution hubs
- Three-ridge contoured ultra-soft foam — passive insertion guidance reduces under-insertion error
- No wall-mount hardware required — jar sits on any flat surface for immediate access
- Made in USA — Covina, California; supports domestic sourcing requirements
- NIOSH approved under 42 CFR Part 84 / 29 CFR 11.57
Cons
- Loose unwrapped — hygiene concern in dirty environments
- Three-ridge profile requires correct roll-down technique
- Not suitable for mobile workers needing individual-pair portability
- Higher upfront cost than smaller jar formats despite lower cost-per-pair
Product Specifications: Moldex 6683 Softies Refill Jar
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Moldex 6683 |
| NRR | 33 dB |
| Format | Bulk refill jar, 500 pairs |
| Cord | Uncorded |
| Foam Type | Ultra-soft polyurethane, three-ridge contoured profile |
| Color | Peach/skin tone |
| NIOSH Approval | 42 CFR Part 84 / 29 CFR 11.57 |
| Country of Origin | USA (Covina, CA) |
| Standard | ANSI/ASA S3.19 |
NRR 33 Effective Protection: Noise Level Calculations for OSHA Compliance
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires hearing protection when workers are exposed to TWA noise levels at or above 85 dB(A). The NRR for the Moldex 6683 is 33, established under ANSI/ASA S3.19. NIOSH recommends 50% derating for foam earplugs, yielding (NRR−7)/2 = 13 dB(A) effective attenuation.
| Workplace TWA | OSHA 50% Derating | Effective Exposure | OSHA Compliant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 72 dB(A) | Yes |
| 90 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 77 dB(A) | Yes |
| 95 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 82 dB(A) | Yes |
| 100 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 87 dB(A) | Yes |
| 103 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 90 dB(A) | Yes (OSHA PEL limit) |
| 110 dB(A) | −13 dB(A) | 97 dB(A) | Dual protection required |
Bulk Purchasing Economics: Why 500-Pair Jar Format Matters for Large Programs
For safety managers administering hearing conservation programs under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, cost-per-pair is a critical procurement metric alongside availability and compliance documentation. The 500-pair jar format of the Moldex 6683 is specifically designed for organizations distributing earplugs daily to large workforces and needing the lowest unit cost available in a non-dispenser format.
Softies family formats available at WC Safety hearing protection:
- Moldex 6600 — 200-pair bulk box, standard bulk format for mid-sized programs
- Moldex 6683 — 500-pair refill jar, highest pair count, lowest cost-per-pair in non-dispenser format
- Moldex 6701 — EcoStation 500-pair wall-mount dispenser system
A facility with 100 workers consuming one pair daily exhausts a 500-pair jar in approximately 5 days — versus restocking a 50-pair jar twice per day. This reduces restocking labor, administrative overhead, and supply chain disruption risk in high-volume OSHA HCP operations. For programs certified under ISO 45001, supply continuity documentation is a systematic management requirement that the 6683's high pair count directly supports.
Three-Ridge Contoured Foam: The Softies Difference vs. Cylindrical Moldex Earplugs
The three-ridge contoured profile distinguishes Softies from Moldex's cylindrical earplug families — the Moldex 6870 Meteors, Moldex 6800 Pura-Fit, Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs, Moldex 6620 Goin' Green, and Moldex 6820 Mellows. The three ridges create anatomical checkpoints during insertion — when the user achieves correct seating depth, they feel the third ridge reach the canal entrance. This tactile feedback reduces under-insertion, one of the primary causes of real-world NRR underperformance documented in NIOSH field attenuation studies.
Cylindrical plugs like the Moldex 6870 Meteors or Moldex 6920 Zebras achieve correct seating based on holding the compressed plug in place for 20–30 seconds while foam expands. The three-ridge profile provides passive alignment guidance that is less dependent on dwell time, making it valuable in high-turnover programs where workers may not have received formal earplug insertion training.
Correct Insertion Technique to Achieve NRR 33 Performance
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, Appendix B specifies proper hearing protector use as an employer obligation under the Hearing Conservation Amendment:
- Roll the entire earplug tightly between thumb and forefinger — compress all three ridges uniformly into the smallest possible cylinder.
- With the opposite hand, reach over the top of the head and pull the upper ear upward and outward to straighten the ear canal.
- Insert the compressed plug into the canal and hold in place for 20–30 seconds while foam expands and ridges seat against canal walls.
- Verify fit by cupping both hands over ears — correct insertion produces noticeable increase in occlusion of ambient sound.
- Remove by gently twisting the plug to break the acoustic seal before pulling outward — never pull straight out rapidly.
Moldex 6683 vs. Competing NRR 33 Bulk Jar Earplugs
| Product | NRR | Pairs | Profile | Made USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moldex 6683 Softies Jar | 33 | 500 | 3-ridge contoured | Yes |
| Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar | 33 | 500 | Cylindrical, camo pattern | Yes |
| 3M 1100 (bulk) | 29 | Varies | Cylindrical | No |
| Howard Leight MAX (bulk) | 33 | Varies | Tapered cylinder | No |
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Compliance: Jar Earplugs in Hearing Conservation Programs
Under OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), employers must provide hearing protection at no cost to workers exposed to TWA noise at or above 85 dB(A) action level. For exposures at or above 90 dB(A) PEL, hearing protection use is mandatory. The standard requires employers to make a variety of hearing protectors available — this is where offering both three-ridge Softies and cylindrical alternatives like Moldex 6920 Zebras or Moldex 6870 Meteors matters in program design.
OSHA compliance auditors look for adequate supply quantities and accessible dispensing. With 500 pairs, the 6683 jar maintains supply buffer for most mid-sized facilities through an entire week of standard operations. The WC Safety hearing protection collection includes the full Moldex lineup alongside dispensers and other formats to help safety managers build fully compliant HCP programs.
Moldex 6683 vs. Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar — Which 500-Pair Bulk Jar Is Right for Your Program?
Both the Moldex 6683 Softies Jar and the Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar offer NRR 33 in a 500-pair bulk format, both made in the USA. The key difference is foam geometry and workforce demographic fit. Softies' three-ridge contoured profile provides passive insertion guidance — better for diverse workforces, new workers, or facilities with limited training programs. Camo Plugs feature a standard cylindrical profile with a camouflage color pattern that demonstrates higher voluntary acceptance rates among construction, outdoor, and military-adjacent industrial workers. For corded variants in the Moldex lineup, the Moldex 6609 Camo Plugs Corded and Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded provide NRR 33 with tether cords for FOD-prevention programs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moldex 6683 Softies Refill Jar NRR 33
Q: What is the NRR of the Moldex 6683 Softies Jar?
A: The Moldex 6683 has an NRR of 33 dB, the maximum rating for a disposable foam earplug under ANSI/ASA S3.19. This translates to approximately 13 dB(A) effective protection per OSHA 50% derating, covering environments up to 103 dB(A) TWA.
Q: How many pairs are in the Moldex 6683 jar?
A: The Moldex 6683 contains 500 pairs of loose unwrapped Softies earplugs in a lidded bulk jar — the highest pair count in any non-dispenser Softies format.
Q: Is the Moldex 6683 NIOSH approved?
A: Yes. Moldex Softies are NIOSH approved under 42 CFR Part 84 and 29 CFR 11.57. The NRR 33 rating was established using ANSI/ASA S3.19 methodology in an accredited laboratory.
Q: What is the difference between the Moldex 6683 and Moldex 6600?
A: Both use the same NRR 33 three-ridge Softies foam. The Moldex 6600 is a 200-pair bulk box; the Moldex 6683 is a 500-pair lidded jar with a lower cost-per-pair suited for central dispensing.
Q: Are Moldex Softies individually wrapped in the 6683 jar?
A: No. The 6683 jar contains loose unwrapped earplugs. For hygienic single-use packaging, Moldex offers individually-wrapped Softies in separate box formats.
Q: Are the Moldex 6683 Softies made in the USA?
A: Yes. Moldex Softies are manufactured in Covina, California, satisfying domestic sourcing requirements for federal contractors and Buy American supply chain policies.
Q: What noise levels does the Moldex 6683 protect against per OSHA?
A: Per OSHA's 50% derating method, the Moldex 6683 NRR 33 reduces effective exposure by approximately 13 dB(A), covering environments up to 103 dB(A) TWA for single-protector OSHA compliance.
Q: What is the three-ridge profile on Moldex Softies and why does it matter?
A: The three ridges create anatomical checkpoints during insertion. Each ridge provides tactile feedback confirming progressive seating depth, reducing under-insertion errors compared to smooth cylindrical plugs like the Moldex 6870 Meteors.
Q: How do I correctly insert Moldex Softies to achieve NRR 33?
A: Roll the earplug tightly, pull the upper ear upward and outward with the opposite hand to straighten the canal, insert the compressed plug deeply, and hold for 20–30 seconds while foam expands and ridges seat. Verify by confirming significant occlusion of ambient sound.
Q: What is the OSHA action level and how does it relate to the Moldex 6683?
A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 sets the action level at 85 dB(A) TWA. The Moldex 6683 NRR 33 reduces effective exposure at 85 dB(A) to approximately 72 dB(A) — far below the 90 dB(A) PEL.
Q: What regulatory standard governs NRR for the Moldex 6683?
A: NRR is measured under ANSI/ASA S3.19, referenced by EPA's mandatory HPD labeling regulations at 40 CFR Part 211, Subpart B. This applies to all Moldex earplugs including the Moldex 6870 Meteors and Moldex 6620 Goin' Green.
Q: Can I use Moldex 6683 Softies for dual hearing protection?
A: Yes. For environments exceeding 103 dB(A) TWA, OSHA recommends combining earplugs with earmuffs. Add 5 dB to the higher of the two NRR values. Pair the Moldex 6683 with earmuffs from the WC Safety hearing protection collection.
Q: How does the Moldex 6683 compare to the Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar?
A: Both are 500-pair NRR 33 USA-made bulk jars. The Moldex 6683 uses three-ridge contoured foam for passive insertion guidance; the Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs uses cylindrical foam with a camouflage aesthetic preferred by construction and outdoor work demographics.
Q: Is the Moldex 6683 suitable for green building or LEED worksites?
A: For eco-conscious programs, the Moldex 6620 Goin' Green line — PVC-free, dye-free, with post-consumer recycled packaging — is specifically positioned for green and LEED worksite requirements. The 6683 Softies is USA-made but does not carry explicit eco-certifications.
Q: Where can I buy the Moldex 6683 Softies 500-pair jar?
A: The Moldex 6683 is available at WC Safety with industrial program pricing. It is also listed on Check Price on Amazon →.
Q: How does NIOSH derating differ from OSHA derating for the Moldex 6683?
A: OSHA uses NRR/2 (16.5 dB effective for NRR 33). NIOSH recommends (NRR−7)/2 = 13 dB(A) effective for foam earplugs — the more conservative estimate. Both confirm the Moldex 6683 provides substantial protection at standard industrial noise levels up to 103 dB(A).
Related Moldex Earplug Reviews and Hearing Protection Resources
- Moldex 6600 Softies Uncorded — 200-pair bulk box, same NRR 33 three-ridge foam
- Moldex 6870 Meteors Uncorded — NRR 33, high-visibility lime, bell-shaped cylindrical foam
- Moldex 6970 Meteors Corded — NRR 33, high-visibility lime with tether cord for FOD programs
- Moldex 6630 Meteors Small Uncorded — NRR 28, smaller-diameter for narrow ear canals
- Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs Uncorded — NRR 33, camouflage pattern, popular in construction
- Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar — NRR 33, 500-pair bulk jar, camouflage foam
- Moldex 6620 Goin' Green Uncorded — NRR 33, PVC-free eco-friendly foam
- Moldex 6820 Mellows Uncorded — NRR 30, thermosensitive foam for extended wear comfort
- Moldex 6920 Zebras Uncorded — NRR 31, high-contrast bicolor foam for visibility compliance
- Shop all hearing protection at WC Safety
Citations: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 (Occupational Noise Exposure / Hearing Conservation Amendment); ANSI/ASA S3.19 (Method for the Measurement of the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors); NIOSH Publication No. 98-126 (Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure); EPA 40 CFR Part 211, Subpart B (Hearing Protector Device Labeling).
Disclosures & editorial standards
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.