Moldex 6870 Meteors Review: Uncorded — 200-pair box NRR 33
WC Safety Editorial Verdict: 4.4/5
The Moldex 6870 Meteors earns a 4.4/5 from WC Safety Editorial as a top-tier choice for industrial hearing conservation programs that need maximum attenuation plus at-a-glance compliance verification. Its NRR 33 sits at the ceiling for disposable foam — though, per the NIOSH device-type derate for formable foam, real-world protection lands near 13 dB(A), so match it to your measured TWA rather than the label number (see how to calculate the nrr you need). We dock half a point only because it ships uncorded and one-size, but the bell-shaped tip and high-vis lime make it one of the easier foam ear plugs to insert correctly and to audit across a noisy floor.
Moldex 6870 Meteors NRR 33 High-Visibility Lime Earplugs — Bell-Shaped Foam for Easy Insertion and Industrial Compliance Monitoring
The Moldex 6870 Meteors is Moldex's high-visibility NRR 33 disposable foam earplug — ultra-soft bright lime foam in a bell-shaped body that simplifies roll-down and insertion while making worn earplugs visible from across a production floor. This review covers the 6870's bell-shaped design advantage, EPA NRR labelling, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 compliance use, NRR attenuation calculations, variant comparison across the Meteors family, and how it stacks up against Moldex's other NRR 33 offerings including the Moldex 6620 Goin' Green and Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs.
Editorial Verdict — 4.4 / 5
The Moldex 6870 Meteors is Moldex's high-visibility NRR 33 foam earplug — bright lime, ultra-soft bell-shaped cylindrical foam, 200 pairs per box, Made in USA. The bell shape with tapered tip makes roll-down and initial canal entry easier than a flat-ended cylinder. The lime color makes worn earplugs visible across a production floor, simplifying compliance monitoring during OSHA HCP walk-throughs. For the corded variant, see Moldex 6970. For smaller canal anatomy, see Moldex 6630 Meteors Small.
Pros
- NRR 33 — maximum labelled NRR for a formable foam earplug; 13 dB(A) effective per OSHA's enforcement 50% safety factor
- Bell-shaped body — tapered tip eases initial canal entry vs. flat-ended cylindrical plugs
- High-visibility lime color — worn earplugs visible from distance for compliance monitoring
- 200 pairs per box — efficient bulk format for industrial HCP programs
- Made in USA (Covina, California)
- EPA-labelled under 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B
Cons
- No corded variant in standard box — see Moldex 6970 for cord-mandate programs
- One size — workers with narrow ear canals need Moldex 6630 Meteors Small
- Lime color may not suit programs preferring subtle or skin-tone aesthetics
- No metal-detectable variant — use Moldex 6615 SparkPlugs MD for food/pharma cord programs
Product Specifications: Moldex 6870 Meteors Uncorded
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Moldex 6870 |
| NRR | 33 dB |
| Format | Bulk box, 200 pairs, uncorded |
| Foam Shape | Bell-shaped (tapered tip, wider body) |
| Color | High-visibility lime green |
| Foam Type | Ultra-soft polyurethane foam |
| EPA NRR labelling | EPA 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B |
| Country of Origin | USA (Covina, CA) |
| Standard | ANSI/ASA S3.19 |
Bell-Shaped Design: How the Moldex Meteors Differs from Other Cylindrical Foam Earplugs
The defining physical characteristic of the Moldex 6870 Meteors is its bell shape — a tapered pointed tip that widens into a larger-diameter body. This profile has two practical advantages over flat-ended cylindrical plugs like the Moldex 6800 Pura-Fit or the Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs:
- Easier initial insertion: The tapered tip provides a self-guiding entry point into the ear canal. Workers — especially those new to foam earplugs — find it easier to start the insertion process with a pointed tip than to align a flat-ended cylinder with the canal opening.
- Better compression hold: The wider body behind the tip means that once rolled down, the foam mass available to fill and seal the canal is concentrated at the depth of insertion rather than spread uniformly along the plug length. This can improve acoustic seal in irregular canal geometries.
For workers with smaller ear canal anatomy who find even the bell-shaped Meteors uncomfortable, the Moldex 6630 Meteors Small provides the same bell-shaped profile in a reduced diameter. For workers who prefer the three-ridge contoured approach of Softies, the Moldex 6683 bulk jar provides passive insertion guidance at the same NRR 33.
High-Visibility Lime Color for Production Floor Compliance Monitoring
The lime color of the Moldex 6870 Meteors is a deliberate compliance tool. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, employers must verify that workers in noise-hazardous areas are using hearing protection. The lime foam is visible at distance — a supervisor scanning a production floor can confirm earplug use without approaching each worker individually, without interrupting the work process, and without requiring workers to remove their earplugs for inspection.
This compliance visibility advantage is shared with the corded Moldex 6970 Meteors Corded and the smaller-diameter Moldex 6632 Meteors Small Corded. By contrast, the Moldex 6920 Zebras offers high-contrast black-and-white bicolor visibility; the Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs prioritizes workforce acceptance over compliance visibility.
NRR 33 Effective Protection Calculations for OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95
| 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 |
Meteors Family Comparison: Choosing the Right Variant
| Model | NRR | Cord | Size | Pairs/Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moldex 6870 Meteors | 33 | No | Standard | 200 |
| Moldex 6970 Meteors Corded | 33 | Yes | Standard | 100 |
| Moldex 6630 Meteors Small | 28 | No | Small | 200 |
| Moldex 6632 Meteors Small Corded | 28 | Yes | Small | 100 |
Insertion Technique for Moldex Meteors Bell-Shaped Foam
The bell-shaped profile of the Moldex 6870 Meteors requires correct roll-down technique to achieve the labeled NRR 33. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, Appendix B:
- Hold the Meteors by the wider body base and roll the entire plug — tip and body — between thumb and forefinger until fully compressed. The tapered tip compresses first; ensure the full body is also compressed.
- With the opposite hand, reach over the top of the head and pull the upper ear upward and outward to straighten the ear canal.
- Guide the compressed tip into the canal entrance and push inward, holding for 20–30 seconds while foam expands. The wider body will seat at the canal entrance while the tip expands deeper.
- Verify fit: cup both hands over ears. A correct fit produces a notable increase in low-frequency occlusion. Re-insert if fit is inadequate.
- Remove by gently twisting to break the acoustic seal before withdrawing.
For workers with narrow canals who find the standard Meteors too wide, the Moldex 6630 Meteors Small provides the identical bell-shaped profile in a smaller diameter, accepting lower NRR 28 in exchange for correct anatomical fit — which always outperforms a larger plug inserted incorrectly.
Moldex 6870 vs. Other Moldex NRR 33 Uncorded Earplugs
| Product | NRR | Shape | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldex 6870 Meteors | 33 | Bell-shaped | High-visibility lime, easy insertion tip |
| Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs | 33 | Cylindrical | Camouflage pattern for construction/outdoor acceptance |
| Moldex 6620 Goin' Green | 33 | Cylindrical | PVC-free, eco-friendly, green worksites |
| Moldex 6683 Softies Jar | 33 | 3-ridge contoured | Passive insertion guidance, 500-pair bulk jar |
| Moldex 6920 Zebras | 31 | Cylindrical | Black/white bicolor, highest visual contrast |
| Moldex 6820 Mellows | 30 | Tapered cylinder | Thermosensitive foam for extended wear comfort |
Frequently Asked Questions: Moldex 6870 Meteors Uncorded NRR 33
Q: What is the NRR of the Moldex 6870 Meteors?
A: The Moldex 6870 has an NRR of 33 dB — the maximum for a disposable foam earplug under ANSI/ASA S3.19. Per OSHA's enforcement 50% safety factor, effective protection is approximately 13 dB(A), covering environments up to 103 dB(A) TWA.
Q: What makes the Moldex Meteors bell-shaped and why does it matter?
A: The Moldex 6870 Meteors has a tapered pointed tip that widens into a larger body — a bell shape. The tip guides the compressed plug into the canal entrance more easily than a flat-ended cylinder, reducing insertion errors in new users and workers inserting in awkward positions.
Q: Is there a corded version of the Moldex 6870 Meteors?
A: Yes. The Moldex 6970 Meteors Corded adds a tether cord to the same NRR 33 lime foam for FOD-prevention and cord-mandate programs, available in 100-pair boxes.
Q: Is there a smaller version of the Moldex 6870 for narrow ear canals?
A: Yes. The Moldex 6630 Meteors Small provides the same bell-shaped profile in a smaller diameter for workers whose ear canal anatomy cannot correctly seat a standard-diameter plug. NRR is 28 due to the reduced diameter.
Q: Is the Moldex 6870 NIOSH approved?
A: No. Hearing protectors are not NIOSH-approved - NIOSH approves respirators. The NRR label on the Moldex 6870 is required by the EPA under 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B, tested per ANSI S3.19-1974.
Q: Why is high-visibility lime important for OSHA compliance?
A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires employers to enforce hearing protector use. The lime color of the Moldex 6870 makes worn earplugs visible at distance across production floors, allowing supervisors to verify compliance during walk-throughs without approaching individual workers.
Q: Are Moldex 6870 Meteors made in the USA?
A: Yes. The Moldex 6870 is manufactured in Covina, California, satisfying domestic sourcing and Buy American requirements.
Q: How many pairs are in a box of Moldex 6870 Meteors?
A: A standard box contains 200 pairs. For bulk jar format in the Moldex lineup, see the Moldex 6683 Softies Jar or Moldex 6685 Camo Plugs Jar (both 500 pairs).
Q: Can the Moldex 6870 be used in food processing or pharmaceutical facilities?
A: For food processing or pharmaceutical environments requiring metal-detectable corded earplugs, the Moldex 6870 is not the correct choice. The Moldex 6615 SparkPlugs Metal Detectable Corded is designed for those applications.
Q: What is the OSHA PEL and how does the Moldex 6870 address it?
A: OSHA sets the permissible exposure limit (PEL) at 90 dB(A) TWA for an 8-hour shift. The Moldex 6870 NRR 33, derated to 13 dB(A) effective, brings a 103 dB(A) TWA environment within the 90 dB(A) PEL — the outer bound of single-protector compliance.
Q: How does the Moldex 6870 Meteors compare to the Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs?
A: Both are NRR 33, Made in USA, 200-pair boxes. The Moldex 6870 Meteors has a bell-shaped body with a tapered insertion tip and high-visibility lime color for compliance monitoring. The Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs has a cylindrical body with a camouflage pattern preferred by construction and outdoor workers.
Q: What standard governs the NRR measurement for the Moldex 6870?
A: NRR is measured under ANSI/ASA S3.19, referenced by EPA's 40 CFR Part 211, Subpart B mandatory labeling regulation. OSHA uses this NRR value with 50% derating for compliance calculations under 29 CFR 1910.95.
Q: Can Moldex 6870 Meteors be used for dual hearing protection?
A: Yes. For noise environments above 103 dB(A) TWA, combine the Moldex 6870 with an earmuff. OSHA recommends adding 5 dB to the higher NRR value when combining protectors. See WC Safety hearing protection for compatible earmuffs.
Q: How does the Moldex 6870 Meteors compare to the Moldex 6620 Goin' Green?
A: Both are NRR 33, 200-pair, Made in USA. The Moldex 6870 Meteors has a bell-shaped body and lime visibility color. The Moldex 6620 Goin' Green is cylindrical with PVC-free, dye-free eco-friendly foam suited for LEED and green certification worksites.
Q: Where can I buy Moldex 6870 Meteors earplugs?
A: The Moldex 6870 is reviewed on WC Safety with industrial pricing. Also available on Check Price on Amazon →.
Q: Does NIOSH recommend a different derating than OSHA for the Moldex 6870?
A: Yes. OSHA uses (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 for compliance estimates (13 dB effective for NRR 33). (NRR - 7)/2 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). NIOSH's method is more conservative and better reflects real-world performance. Both confirm the Moldex 6870 is suitable for most industrial noise environments.
Related Moldex Earplug Reviews and Hearing Protection Resources
- Moldex 6970 Meteors Corded — NRR 33, lime, tether cord for FOD-prevention programs
- Moldex 6630 Meteors Small — NRR 28, smaller diameter for narrow ear canals
- Moldex 6632 Meteors Small Corded — NRR 28, smaller diameter, corded
- Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs Uncorded — NRR 33, camouflage pattern
- Moldex 6620 Goin' Green Uncorded — NRR 33, PVC-free eco-friendly foam
- Moldex 6683 Softies Jar — NRR 33, 500-pair bulk jar, three-ridge contoured foam
- Moldex 6920 Zebras Uncorded — NRR 31, high-contrast black/white bicolor foam
- Moldex 6820 Mellows Uncorded — NRR 30, thermosensitive foam for extended comfort
- 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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- NRR 33 sits at the top of the disposable-foam range, the highest practical rating among single-use earplugs (compare in highest NRR ear plugs)
- Bell-shaped tapered tip self-guides into the canal, making correct roll-down easier than a flat-ended cylinder for new or gloved-up users
- High-visibility lime foam lets supervisors verify wear from across a production floor during OSHA 1910.95 walk-throughs without stopping each worker
- 200 pairs per box is an efficient bulk-dispensing format for high-headcount hearing conservation programs
- Ultra-soft polyurethane foam with An EPA-required NRR label (40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B) and Made-in-USA sourcing for Buy American programs
- Single-use hygiene eliminates the wash-and-reuse upkeep that flanged reusable earplugs demand
Cons
- Ships uncorded and one-size only — cord-mandate or narrow-canal workers need a different SKU in the Meteors family
- Lab NRR 33 overstates field protection; the NIOSH foam derate of (33-7)/2 ≈ 13 dB(A) is the number to plan around
- Disposable economics: with 200 pairs per box, per-pair cost recurs indefinitely versus a washable reusable plug
- High-vis lime is a compliance asset but a drawback for programs wanting discreet or skin-tone earplugs
Who It's For
Buy it if:
- Industrial hearing conservation programs under OSHA 1910.95 that need maximum NRR plus easy visual compliance auditing across a floor
- Facilities issuing bulk disposable foam to high worker counts who want a self-guiding insertion tip to reduce fit errors
- Supervisors who value high-vis lime to confirm earplug use at a distance during HCP walk-throughs
- Workers new to roll-down foam who struggle to seat a flat-ended cylindrical plug correctly
Look elsewhere if:
- Crews under a cord/FOD mandate, who need a tethered corded version instead of this uncorded box
- Workers with narrow ear canals who cannot seat a standard-diameter plug and need the smaller Meteors variant
- Food-processing or pharmaceutical lines requiring metal-detectable earplugs
- Buyers minimizing recurring spend who would be better served by washable reusable earplugs
Related Resources
- foam ear plugs
- hearing protection
- nrr 33 ear plugs
- reusable earplugs
- disposable ear plugs
- what is nrr noise reduction rating explained
- best foam ear plugs
- highest nrr ear plugs
- ear plugs vs ear muffs
- how to insert foam earplugs
- how to calculate the nrr you need
- moldex 6604 sparkplugs
- moldex 6654 sparkplugs corded
- moldex 6615 sparkplugs metal detectable
- moldex 6684 sparkplugs jar
- moldex 6800 pura fit
- moldex 6900 pura fit corded
- moldex 6600 softies
- moldex 6650 softies corded
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Moldex 6870 Meteors' NRR 33 actually 33 dB of protection on the job?
No — the label NRR is a laboratory value under ANSI/ASA S3.19, and real-world attenuation is lower. NIOSH applies a 50% derate after subtracting 7, so (33-7)/2 ≈ 13 dB(A) effective for foam; OSHA's simpler compliance estimate is (NRR-7)/2 as well. Plan your protection around the derated figure, not the 33 on the box. Our what is nrr noise reduction rating explained guide walks through the math.
How do I know if NRR 33 is more protection than my noise level actually needs?
Overprotection is a real risk — dropping effective at-ear exposure below about 70 dB(A) can isolate workers from alarms and speech. Subtract the derated attenuation (~13 dB(A) for these foam plugs) from your measured 8-hour TWA. If your TWA is 88-95 dB(A), NRR 33 is appropriate; if it is barely above the 85 dB(A) action level, a lower-NRR plug or a muff may be a better fit. See how to calculate the nrr you need.
How does the Moldex 6870 compare to the highest-NRR earplugs available?
NRR 33 is the practical ceiling for disposable foam, so the 6870 sits at the top of the range alongside other 33-rated plugs; no mainstream foam earplug is meaningfully higher. The differentiators among NRR 33 SKUs are shape, color, and cord, not raw attenuation. Browse the field in highest nrr ear plugs and the nrr 33 ear plugs collection.
Is the bell-shaped Meteors easier to insert correctly than a standard cylindrical foam plug?
For many users, yes. The tapered tip gives a self-guiding entry point into the canal, which reduces the most common roll-down failure — a flat end folding or mis-aligning at the canal opening. It still requires a full roll-down and a 20-30 second hold while the foam expands. If your team struggles with technique, pair the 6870 with our how to insert foam earplugs walkthrough.
Should I choose the uncorded 6870 or a corded earplug for my program?
Choose uncorded for general bulk dispensing where dropped plugs are not a hazard and workers insert at shift start. Choose a corded plug where a cord mandate, foreign-object-debris (FOD) control, or frequent don/doff makes a tether necessary — the cord lets workers hang the plugs around the neck between uses. The 6870 box is uncorded; corded Moldex foam options include the moldex 6654 sparkplugs corded and moldex 6900 pura fit corded.
Is a disposable foam plug like the 6870 a better value than a reusable earplug?
It depends on usage pattern. Disposable foam has a low per-pair cost but recurs every shift, so high-frequency users accumulate spend; it wins on hygiene and zero maintenance. A flanged reusable earplug costs more upfront but is washable and reused for weeks, lowering long-run cost for steady daily wearers. For intermittent or visitor use, the 6870 from the disposable ear plugs range is usually the more practical buy.
Does the high-visibility lime color affect protection, or only compliance auditing?
Color has no effect on attenuation — the NRR 33 comes from the foam formulation and fit, not the dye. The lime exists purely so supervisors can confirm earplug use at a distance during 1910.95 walk-throughs. If your program prefers discreet plugs, you lose that auditing benefit but keep identical protection by choosing a differently colored 33-rated foam plug.
Would I get better real-world protection from an earmuff instead of the 6870?
Not necessarily — well-inserted foam earplugs often out-attenuate muffs at low frequencies, and the 6870's NRR 33 exceeds most muffs. Muffs win on consistency (less technique-dependent), quick on/off for intermittent noise, and compatibility with eyewear; earplugs win on comfort under hard hats and in heat. For very high noise, combine both. Our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide compares the trade-offs.
How does the 6870 Meteors compare to the Moldex Pura-Fit for an HCP?
Both are NRR 33 disposable foam, but the 6870 has a bell-shaped tip and high-vis lime for compliance auditing, while the Pura-Fit is a flat-ended cylindrical plug focused on a smooth, dirt-resistant skin. Choose the 6870 when visual verification and an easy-start tip matter; choose Pura-Fit when you want a simple uniform cylinder. See the moldex 6800 pura fit review to compare.
How does the 6870 compare to the Moldex Softies for comfort and fit?
The Softies use a three-ridge contoured body that provides passive insertion guidance and a softer feel for sensitive canals, whereas the 6870 relies on its bell tip for guidance and a full roll-down for seal. Both reach NRR 33. Workers who find roll-down plugs uncomfortable often prefer Softies; those who want fast bulk insertion prefer the Meteors. Compare in the moldex 6600 softies review.
If my facility needs metal-detectable earplugs, can I still use the 6870?
No — the 6870 contains no metal-detectable element, so it is unsuitable for food, beverage, or pharmaceutical lines where dropped-object detection is required. For those environments choose a metal-detectable corded plug such as the one covered in the moldex 6615 sparkplugs metal detectable review. Use the 6870 only where metal-detect compliance is not a requirement.
Is the 200-pair box the right format, or should I consider a jar or corded box?
The 200-pair box suits floor dispensers feeding many workers with uncorded plugs. If you want larger bulk for a single station, a foam jar format holds more pairs per container — see the moldex 6684 sparkplugs jar review for that style. If a cord is required, a corded box trades total pair count for the tether. Match the format to how plugs are issued, not just to unit price.
For a brand-new hearing conservation program, is the 6870 a sensible default earplug?
It is a strong default: NRR 33 covers most industrial TWAs after derating, the lime color simplifies the supervisor verification that 1910.95 requires, and the bell tip lowers fit-error rates among untrained workers. Validate it against your noise survey first using how to calculate the nrr you need, and confirm it is on the shortlist in best foam ear plugs before standardizing.
What conditions make the 6870 a poor fit despite its high NRR?
Skip it if your crew is under a cord/FOD mandate (this box is uncorded), if workers have narrow ear canals that a standard-diameter plug cannot seat, if you need metal-detectable plugs, or if your noise is only marginally above the 85 dB(A) action level — in which case NRR 33 can overprotect and mask alarms. In those cases choose a more specific SKU from hearing protection.
Do the 6870 SparkPlugs and other Moldex foam siblings share the same insertion technique?
Largely yes — all Moldex roll-down foam plugs use roll-pull-hold: compress the plug fully, straighten the canal by pulling the ear up and out, insert, then hold while the foam expands. The bell shape of the 6870 only changes the start of insertion, not the principle. The technique transfers to siblings like the moldex 6604 sparkplugs; the corded moldex 6650 softies corded adds only the tether step.
Why trust WC Safety
Industrial PPE specialists. We do not accept manufacturer payment for placement.
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.
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.
Ratings combine published specs, hands-on familiarity, and verified customer data where available; we do not fabricate lab tests.
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