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Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Moldex 6683 Softies Jar Cordless Earplugs — NRR 33 product photo
August 27, 2026 Steven Eaton

Moldex 6683 Softies Review: Uncorded — 50-pair jar NRR 33

WC Safety Editorial Verdict: 4.3/5

The Moldex 6683 is the bulk-jar format of Moldex Softies — NRR 33 ultra-soft three-ridge foam, uncorded, loose-packed in a lidded jar for high-volume central dispensing under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95. It runs the same foam body as the Moldex 6600 Softies bulk box, so attenuation is identical; the jar simply trades portability and individual wrapping for the lowest cost-per-pair in the line. We score it editorially against NRR-labelled foam ear plugs rather than verified buyer reviews, since none are aggregated here.

Pick it for a stationary safety cabinet or distribution hub where one container serves many workers; if you need corded retention or per-pair hygiene, look at the Moldex 6650 Softies Corded instead.

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 EPA NRR labelling, 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.

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Pros
  • NRR 33 — maximum labelled NRR for a formable foam earplug; 13 dB(A) effective per OSHA's enforcement 50% safety factor
  • 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
  • EPA-labelled under 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B
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
EPA NRR labelling EPA 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B
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 keeps 50% of (NRR - 7) for formable foam, giving 13 dB(A); OSHA's enforcement estimate uses the same arithmetic.

Workplace TWA OSHA's enforcement 50% safety factor 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:

  1. Roll the entire earplug tightly between thumb and forefinger — compress all three ridges uniformly into the smallest possible cylinder.
  2. With the opposite hand, reach over the top of the head and pull the upper ear upward and outward to straighten the ear canal.
  3. Insert the compressed plug into the canal and hold in place for 20–30 seconds while foam expands and ridges seat against canal walls.
  4. Verify fit by cupping both hands over ears — correct insertion produces noticeable increase in occlusion of ambient sound.
  5. 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's enforcement 50% safety factor, 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: No. Hearing protectors are not NIOSH-approved - NIOSH approves respirators. The NRR label is required by the EPA under 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B, tested per ANSI S3.19-1974.

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 enforcement 50% safety factor, 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 reviewed on 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 − 7) ÷ 2 (13 dB effective for NRR 33). That figure is OSHA's enforcement estimate. NIOSH's device-type method keeps 50% of (NRR - 7) for formable foam, which gives the same 13 dB(A). Both confirm the Moldex 6683 provides substantial protection at standard industrial noise levels up to 103 dB(A).

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • NRR 33 — ties the highest labelled NRR for a formable foam earplug; ~13 dB(A) effective after the OSHA (NRR-7)/2 derate
  • Three-ridge ultra-soft contoured foam guides insertion depth, reducing the under-insertion that quietly erases real-world protection
  • Bulk lidded jar delivers the lowest cost-per-pair in the Softies family for a stationary dispensing point
  • Sits on any flat surface — no wall-mount dispenser hardware or installation required
  • Uncorded design avoids snag points around rotating equipment where a cord is a hazard
  • Same foam formulation as the Moldex 6600 bulk box, so attenuation is consistent across your program
Cons
  • Loose, unwrapped pairs are a hygiene liability in dirty, greasy, or high-particulate areas — hands contaminate the jar
  • Uncorded means no retention; dropped plugs are lost and there is no neck-hung standby between tasks
  • Foam is single-use and not washable, so it cannot match the long-run economics of a reusable flanged plug for daily wearers
  • Bulk-jar format only suits a fixed station — mobile crews need individually packaged pairs they can pocket

Who It's For

Buy it if:

  • Hearing conservation managers stocking a central safety cabinet or distribution hub serving many workers from one container
  • High-headcount industrial sites that want the lowest cost-per-pair NRR 33 foam plug without buying dispenser hardware
  • Facilities running continuous-noise areas above the 85 dBA action level that need maximum-class foam attenuation in bulk
  • Operations standardizing on Moldex Softies foam who want the same plug as the 6600 box in a refill-jar footprint

Look elsewhere if:

  • Mobile or roving workers who need individually wrapped pairs to carry between sites
  • Anyone needing cord retention for drop prevention or hang-around-neck standby — choose the corded 6650 instead
  • Daily all-shift wearers for whom a washable reusable flanged earplug delivers better long-term value
  • Food, pharma, or detectable-product lines that require metal-detectable plugs for contamination control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NRR 33 on the 6683 enough for my noise level, or do I need to derate it?

NRR 33 is the laboratory rating under ANSI S3.19. Real-world protection is lower: OSHA estimates effective attenuation as (NRR-7)/2, which puts the 6683 at about 13 dB(A) when worn over a measured exposure. NIOSH keeps 50% of (NRR - 7) for formable foam. Either way, for an 8-hour TWA in the mid-90s dBA the 6683 comfortably brings exposure under the 85 dBA action level — but confirm with your dosimetry and review our guide on how to calculate the nrr you need.

How does the 6683 jar compare in value to the Moldex 6600 bulk box?

They use the same NRR 33 ultra-soft three-ridge foam, so attenuation and comfort are identical. The choice is purely format and economics: the Moldex 6600 is a loose bulk box, while the 6683 is a lidded jar that protects against spills and airborne dust at a stocking point. If your dispensing is a clean fixed station, the jar's lower per-pair cost in the larger format usually wins.

Should I choose the uncorded 6683 or the corded Moldex 6650 Softies?

Pick uncorded when cords would snag on rotating or moving equipment, or when plugs are issued from a stationary jar and stored in a case. Choose the corded Moldex 6650 Softies Corded when workers move between noisy and quiet zones and need to hang plugs around the neck, or where dropped-plug retention matters for hygiene and cost control. Same foam, so attenuation is unchanged.

Is foam like the 6683 the right call, or should I move my program to reusable earplugs?

Foam gives the highest single-use attenuation and the lowest upfront cost per pair, which is why bulk jars dominate large programs. But for an employee who wears protection an entire shift every day, a washable flanged plug from our reusable earplugs range can be cheaper over a year and generates less waste. Many sites run both: foam jars for visitors and intermittent users, reusables for full-time high-exposure roles.

Does the bulk-jar format change how I document the 6683 for OSHA 1910.95?

No. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 cares about the device's labeled NRR, that workers are trained to insert it correctly, and that the protector is part of your hearing conservation program at or above the 85 dBA action level. The jar is just a stocking format. Keep the original NRR labeling on file and document your roll-down training; our hearing protection overview maps the program requirements.

How long does a 500-pair jar realistically last at one station?

Estimate consumption by pairs issued per shift, not headcount alone. A station where roughly 100 workers each take a fresh pair daily exhausts a 500-pair jar in about a week; an intermittent-use point may stretch the same jar for months. Track draw-down so you reorder before the jar empties — a depleted dispensing point is the most common cause of unprotected exposure on a compliant program.

Is the three-ridge contour easier to insert correctly than a smooth tapered plug?

The ridges give the foam a defined leading shape and a tactile cue for how deep the plug should seat, which can reduce the under-insertion that silently halves real attenuation. It still requires proper roll-down-pull-hold technique — ridges do not insert themselves. Pair the jar with a posted insertion reference; our walkthrough on how to insert foam earplugs covers the steps.

Can the 6683 stand alone, or do I need to double up with ear muffs?

NRR 33 is the top of the foam class, so the 6683 stands alone across the vast majority of industrial exposures. Dual protection (plug plus muff) is reserved for extreme environments — very high impulse or sustained levels where a single device cannot reach the target. You do not simply add the two NRRs; see ear plugs vs ear muffs for how combined attenuation is actually estimated.

How does the 6683 compare to Moldex Pura-Fit for a bulk program?

Both are NRR 33 uncorded Moldex foam plugs, so attenuation is the same. The difference is foam geometry and feel: Softies use a soft three-ridge contour, while the Moldex 6800 Pura-Fit uses a tapered bell profile many find slimmer for narrower canals. Run a small wear trial with both and let fit comfort decide — the format and rating are otherwise equivalent.

Is the 6683 a good choice if I want the highest possible NRR?

It is at the ceiling for foam — NRR 33 is the maximum NRR labelled on a foam earplug, which the 6683 shares with the rest of the Softies and Pura-Fit lines. No foam plug rates higher. If you are comparing options purely on rated number, see our roundup of highest nrr ear plugs; above this you are into dual protection rather than a higher single plug.

Why pick a jar over a wall-mount dispenser for high-volume dispensing?

A jar needs zero installation and can be relocated or added instantly as you open new stations — useful for temporary work areas or fast program rollouts. A wall-mount dispenser keeps plugs cleaner and meters them one pair at a time, which suits permanent high-traffic doorways. The jar trades that controlled hygiene for flexibility and lower hardware cost; match the format to whether the station is fixed or fluid.

Does the 6683 work for workers who wear hard hats, glasses, or other PPE?

Yes — in-ear foam plugs sit entirely within the canal and create no clearance conflict with hard hats, safety glasses temples, or face shields, which is a common reason sites prefer plugs over muffs in cluttered PPE stacks. The trade-off is that correct insertion is harder to verify visually than a muff seal, so reinforce technique with the bulk jar.

Is loose-packed foam from a jar hygienic enough for my environment?

Loose unwrapped pairs are fine for clean, climate-controlled stations where workers take a plug with clean hands. In greasy, dusty, or wet areas, open-jar dispensing risks contaminating the supply, and individually wrapped pairs are the better discipline. Position the 6683 jar away from the dirtiest work zones and keep the lid closed between uses to protect the stock.

Should I standardize my whole site on the 6683, or stock multiple formats?

Most programs stock a mix. Use the 6683 bulk jar for fixed indoor stations where cost-per-pair drives the spend, then add corded or individually packaged formats for mobile crews and visitor kits. Keeping the same Softies foam across formats means consistent attenuation and one training message; browse the full foam ear plugs range to map formats to each use case.

Where does the 6683 fit relative to colored or detectable Moldex plugs?

The 6683 is a plain ultra-soft NRR 33 plug for general industrial use. If you need high-visibility colored plugs to verify wear from across a floor, look at the brighter Moldex Sparkplugs line; for food and pharma lines that require contamination control you need a metal-detectable plug instead, which the standard Softies are not. Match the plug feature set to your inspection and compliance needs, not just the NRR.

Why trust WC Safety
Industrial PPE specialists. We do not accept manufacturer payment for placement.
Reviewed by
Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — guidance reflects current OSHA, NIOSH and ANSI practice.
Our standards
Ratings combine published specs, hands-on familiarity, and verified customer data where available; we do not fabricate lab tests.
Affiliate disclosure
Some links are Amazon affiliate links (tag wcsafety04-20); purchases may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
Filed in: 50-pairs, 6683, Disposable Earplugs, Foam Earplugs, Hearing Protection, jar, Made in USA, Moldex, NRR 33, OSHA, portable, Softies, uncorded
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