Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Review — NRR 33 Jar Foam Earplug, 40 pairs
Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Refill Jar NRR 33: Is Bulk Dispensing the Right Format for Your Construction or Industrial Hearing Conservation Program?
For safety managers running workstation-based hearing conservation programs, the format of earplug delivery is as important as the NRR rating. Individual pairs in boxes work for personal issue programs. Bulk jars enable point-of-use dispensing — earplugs accessible at every machine, toolbox station, or facility entrance without requiring a worker to visit a supply room or request a new pair. The Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Refill Jar delivers 500 pairs of NRR 33 Camo Plugs foam in a single lidded jar designed for this exact deployment model.
The camouflage pattern foam is identical to the boxed 6608 Camo Plugs Uncorded and 6609 Camo Plugs Corded. The jar format simply changes the dispensing model from personal-issue boxes to open-access workstation containers. This review covers OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 compliance, bulk dispensing program design, and comparisons to other Moldex jar formats.
Editorial Verdict — 4.3 / 5
NRR 33 Camo Plugs foam in 500-pair bulk refill jar. Same acoustic performance as the 6608 box — camouflage pattern, maximum NIOSH foam earplug attenuation — in a bulk format ideal for workstation dispensing programs. Effective real-world protection: 13 dB(A) per OSHA 50% derating (max TWA 103 dB(A)).
Bulk Dispensing Program Design: When Jars Beat Boxes
A personal-issue box program works when workers can request individual pairs from a supply room. This model creates friction — workers must interrupt work to get earplugs, which reduces compliance, particularly at task start when noise exposure begins before protection is applied. Workstation jar dispensing eliminates this friction: earplugs are at every point of noise exposure, available without request or supervision.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(i)(1) requires that hearing protectors be available to all employees exposed at or above the 85 dB(A) action level. A jar-dispensing model that places earplugs at the noise source satisfies the "availability" requirement more robustly than a central supply room and demonstrates due diligence during OSHA inspections.
The 6685 jar can be used standalone (placed at a workstation) or as a refill for Moldex EcoStation dispensers. Compare with the 6683 Softies Jar for ultra-soft NRR 33 foam in the same jar format.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Compliance: NRR 33 in Bulk Format
The NRR 33 rating of the 6685 Camo Plugs foam is identical to the boxed 6608. Bulk dispensing does not affect NRR — the foam formulation and plug geometry are the same. Under OSHA 50% derating: effective attenuation = (33 − 7) ÷ 2 = 13 dB(A).
| Deployment Format | Qty per Unit | NRR | Best Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6608 box | 200 pairs | 33 | Personal issue, supply room |
| 6685 jar | 500 pairs | 33 | Workstation dispensing, EcoStation refill |
| 6609 corded box | 100 pairs | 33 | Cord-mandate, FOD programs |
Comparing Moldex Jar Formats: 6685 vs. 6683 vs. EcoStation
| Product | Foam Type | Qty | NRR | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6685 Camo Jar | Camo pattern | 500 | 33 | Construction/outdoor aesthetics |
| 6683 Softies Jar | Three-ridge contoured | 50 | 33 | Ultra-soft fit, comfort focus |
| 6701 EcoStation | Softies | 500 | 33 | Wall-mount dispenser with counter |
Construction and Hunting Workplace Use Cases for the 6685 Jar
The camouflage pattern foam serves a specific role in the 6685 jar format: it increases voluntary earplug uptake from workstation dispensers among construction, landscaping, and military-adjacent workers who may skip plain orange or yellow earplugs. When placed in a jar at a tool station or site office, the camo-pattern earplugs create a culturally familiar product that workers are more likely to take without prompting.
For hunting guides, shooting ranges, and forestry operations where workers move through noise hazard areas without fixed workstations, a jar at the facility entry point (gate house, equipment staging area) enables self-service earplug pickup before entering noise hazard zones — compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(i) availability requirements.
NIOSH Hearing Protection Guidance and Bulk Programs
NIOSH's Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss guidance identifies hearing protector availability, worker training, and follow-up audiometric testing as the three pillars of an effective HCP. A jar-dispensing program directly addresses availability — earplugs at the point of noise exposure, not locked in a supply room. NIOSH also recommends that employers encourage workers to replace earplugs whenever they show signs of hardening, deformation, or soiling. Bulk jar access makes this recommendation practical: workers can replace earplugs on each shift without rationing.
15+ Frequently Asked Questions — Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar
Q: How many pairs does the Moldex 6685 jar contain?
A: 500 pairs per jar. This is Moldex's standard bulk refill jar quantity for EcoStation-compatible formats.
Q: What is the NRR of the 6685 Camo Plugs Jar?
A: NRR 33 — the same foam as the 6608 boxed Camo Plugs. Effective attenuation under OSHA 50% derating: 13 dB(A).
Q: Is the 6685 an EcoStation refill?
A: The 6685 Camo Plugs jar is compatible with Moldex EcoStation dispensers as a refill. It can also be used standalone as a lidded open-access workstation jar.
Q: Is the Moldex 6685 NIOSH approved?
A: Yes. NIOSH approved under 42 CFR Part 84 / 29 CFR 11.57. Manufactured in Covina, California, USA.
Q: What is the difference between the 6685 jar and the 6608 box?
A: Same NRR 33 Camo Plugs foam — different packaging format. The 6608 box contains 200 pairs for personal issue; the 6685 jar contains 500 pairs for workstation bulk dispensing or EcoStation refill.
Q: How does the 6685 jar compare to the 6683 Softies Jar?
A: Both are NRR 33 bulk jar formats. The 6683 Softies Jar uses three-ridge contoured ultra-soft foam; the 6685 uses Camo Plugs foam with camouflage pattern. Choose 6685 when camo aesthetics improve compliance in your workforce; choose 6683 when comfort is the primary driver.
Q: What OSHA requirement does workstation jar dispensing satisfy?
A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(i)(1) requires employers to make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed at or above the 85 dB(A) action level. Workstation jar dispensing places earplugs at the point of noise exposure, satisfying availability requirements and demonstrating diligence during OSHA inspections.
Q: Can I use the 6685 without an EcoStation dispenser?
A: Yes. The 6685 jar has a lid and stands alone as a workstation earplug dispenser without requiring EcoStation hardware. Place the jar at any toolbox station, reception desk, or equipment staging area for self-service access.
Q: What is the cost per pair in the 6685 jar versus the 6608 box?
A: The 6685 jar's 500-pair bulk format typically provides a lower cost-per-pair than the 200-pair 6608 box. Contact WC Safety for current pricing and volume discounts.
Q: How should the 6685 jar be stored at a workstation?
A: Keep the lid closed when not in use to prevent dust, moisture, and chemical vapor contamination. Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Replace jar contents when foam shows signs of hardening or discoloration.
Q: Is the 6685 appropriate for construction sites?
A: Yes. Construction noise sources including concrete saws, jackhammers, and generators typically produce 90–105 dB(A) TWA — within the 103 dB(A) TWA limit of the 6685's NRR 33 (13 dB effective under OSHA derating). Jar placement at tool staging areas maximizes earplug access.
Q: Where is the 6685 manufactured?
A: Covina, California, USA. Buy American Act compliant for government procurement.
Q: Can the 6685 jar be used in a hearing conservation program audit?
A: Yes. Document jar placement locations, refill frequency, and quantity consumed per period. This data demonstrates active hearing protection availability and employee use — supporting OSHA 1910.95 compliance documentation.
Q: What is ANSI/ASA S3.19 and how does it apply to the 6685?
A: ANSI/ASA S3.19 defines the real-ear attenuation at threshold testing method that produces the NRR. The 6685 carries NRR 33 based on this standard — same test result as the 6608 box foam. The jar format does not affect NRR.
Q: Is there a corded jar version of the Camo Plugs?
A: No. Corded earplugs are available in the 6609 boxed format only. The jar format (6685) contains uncorded plugs only.
Q: How does the camo pattern affect compliance monitoring?
A: Camouflage pattern foam is less visible than high-visibility colors (lime Meteors, orange SparkPlugs) from a distance. If supervisory compliance monitoring is a priority, consider pairing jar deployment of the 6685 with training rather than distance monitoring. Alternatively, use 6870 Meteors jars at stations where compliance monitoring takes precedence over voluntary uptake aesthetics.
Where to Buy the Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar
Purchase the Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar at WC Safety — authorized Moldex distributor. Also see: 6608 Camo Plugs box, 6609 Camo Plugs Corded, 6683 Softies Jar, 6820 Mellows NRR 30, 6920 Zebras, and the full WC Safety earplug collection. Also on Amazon (sponsored) Check Price on Amazon →.
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.