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Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded Earplugs — NRR 31 product photo
August 27, 2026 Steven Eaton

Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers Review — NRR 31 Uncorded Twist-In Foam Earplug, 100 pairs

WC Safety Editorial Verdict: 4.7/5

The Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers is our top editorial pick in the Moldex disposable foam line because it pairs maximum NRR 33 attenuation with a twist-in insertion system that removes the roll-down step where most field underprotection happens. For programs fighting both high noise (100–103 dB(A) TWA) and inconsistent insertion technique, this uncorded 100-pair box is the single most defensible foam choice — choose the 6985 if you need a cord. Verified Judge.me customer ratings are not yet posted for this SKU, so this score reflects WC Safety editorial assessment against the rest of our foam ear plugs and nrr 33 ear plugs range, not customer counts.

Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers Review: The Best Combination of Maximum NRR and Twist-In Convenience?

The Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers combines the Soothers high-attenuation foam compound (NRR 33) with the Glide twist-in insertion system (no rolling required). This gives safety managers the maximum NRR in the Moldex disposable foam line in an earplug format that eliminates the primary insertion failure mode. For programs where both high attenuation and insertion convenience are priorities, the 6980 is the editorial pick.

Editorial Verdict — Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers: 4.8/5
Top pick in the Moldex disposable foam line. NRR 33 maximum attenuation + twist-in insertion = best combination of protection and compliance. Uncorded; see 6985 for corded version.

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Specifications

Feature Details
Model 6980
NRR 33
Insertion Twist-in (Glide system)
Corded No (uncorded)
NRR labelling EPA 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B
Effective Protection 13 dB(A) OSHA method

Why Glide Soothers Outperforms Both Individual Lines

The 6980 is superior to standard Soothers (6680) when insertion technique is a compliance concern — the twist-in system consistently achieves better real-world attenuation. It is superior to standard Glide (6940) when exposure levels in the 100-103 dB(A) range demand NRR 33 rather than NRR 30. The combination creates a product that maximizes both the protection level and the probability that workers will achieve that protection through correct insertion.

OSHA Hearing Conservation Requirements: When Are Earplugs Mandatory?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 (General Industry) requires employers to take action when workers are exposed to noise at or above specific thresholds:

Noise Level (TWA) Required Action
85 dB(A) or above Action Level: Establish Hearing Conservation Program; provide hearing protection; audiometric testing
90 dB(A) or above PEL: Engineering/administrative controls required first; hearing protection mandatory
100 dB(A) or above 2-hour daily limit without protection; must use hearing protection
115 dB(A) or above 15-minute limit; double protection often required

The action level (85 dB(A)) triggers the full hearing conservation program requirement: noise exposure monitoring, baseline and annual audiometric testing, hearing protection provision, employee training, and recordkeeping. Many employers issue hearing protection to all workers in any area above 85 dB(A) regardless of measured TWA.

Understanding NRR: The Noise Reduction Rating Explained

Every earplug sold in the US carries an NRR — the Noise Reduction Rating, labeled under EPA 40 CFR Part 211 and tested per ANSI S3.19-1974. Understanding how NRR translates to real-world protection is critical for compliance:

  • OSHA enforcement estimate (50% safety factor): Effective dB = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. For NRR 30: (30 − 7) ÷ 2 = 11.5 dB effective attenuation
  • NIOSH method (50% derating for formable foam): The same arithmetic as the OSHA estimate — NIOSH keeps 50% of (NRR − 7) for formable foam
  • Maximum TWA with NRR 30 (OSHA method): 90 dB(A) PEL + 11.5 dB = 101.5 dB(A). At exposures above 101.5 dB(A), NRR 30 alone is insufficient; double protection or higher-NRR devices are needed

The gap between labeled NRR and real-world protection exists because laboratory testing uses trained subjects and careful supervised insertion. In the field, workers insert earplugs quickly, sometimes in poor light, without supervision — resulting in significantly less attenuation than the label suggests. This is why NIOSH derates foam earplugs more aggressively than other protection types.

Foam Earplug Insertion Technique: The Difference Between Full and Half Protection

Improper insertion is the single largest cause of earplug underprotection in hearing conservation programs. Studies have shown that workers who believe they are properly wearing foam earplugs often achieve only 50-60% of labeled NRR. Proper technique:

  • Step 1 — Clean hands: Dirty hands introduce bacteria into the ear canal; always insert with clean hands
  • Step 2 — Roll (for roll-and-insert types): Roll the earplug into a tight, thin cylinder — tighter is better for deep insertion and proper expansion
  • Step 3 — Pull the ear: Reach over your head with the opposite hand and pull the top of your ear back and upward; this straightens the ear canal for deeper, more sealed insertion
  • Step 4 — Insert deeply: Insert the rolled earplug deep enough that the end sits at or below the ear canal entrance; deep insertion is critical for achieving labeled NRR
  • Step 5 — Hold: Keep holding the earplug in place for 20-30 seconds while the foam expands and fills the canal
  • Step 6 — Check fit: Cup both hands over your ears and release — properly seated earplugs will produce a noticeable hollow, muffled sound change. If you hear little difference, reinsert

Browse all Moldex earplugs or see the full earplug selection at WC Safety including foam, banded, and reusable options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 6980 Glide Soothers the highest-NRR twist-in earplug in the Moldex line?

A: Yes — NRR 33 Glide Soothers (6980/6985) is the highest attenuation twist-in earplug in the Moldex disposable foam lineup.

Q: What is the effective protection of NRR 33?

A: OSHA method: (33−7)÷2 = 13 dB(A). Maximum use level: 103 dB(A) TWA. NIOSH method: (33 − 7) × 0.50 = 13 dB(A) for formable foam.

Q: Is the 6980 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: Is there a corded version of Glide Soothers?

A: Yes — 6985 Glide Soothers Corded is identical with the addition of a connecting cord.

Q: How does the Glide Soothers compare to standard Soothers 6680?

A: Same NRR 33, same Soothers foam. The 6980 adds twist-in insertion (no rolling). Choose 6980 for programs where rolling technique has been a compliance challenge; 6680 for programs where traditional roll-and-insert is well-established.

Q: Can Glide Soothers be used in food processing environments?

A: Yes — the twist-in insertion minimizes hand-to-foam contact, making it preferred over roll-and-insert types in food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing where insertion hygiene is a concern.

Q: What exposures specifically require NRR 33 over NRR 30?

A: Measured TWA exposures of 100-103 dB(A) require NRR 33 under OSHA's enforcement 50% safety factor. Below 101.5 dB(A), NRR 30 is adequate. Above 103 dB(A), double protection is required regardless of NRR.

Q: How does real-world attenuation differ from labeled NRR?

A: Labeled NRR is from supervised laboratory testing (ANSI S3.19-1974 Method A). Real-world performance is typically lower due to improper insertion, incorrect sizing, and non-ideal conditions. NIOSH recommends 75% derating for foam earplugs. Glide twist-in insertion consistently achieves closer to labeled NRR than roll-and-insert in field studies.

Q: What hearing loss can result from unprotected 100 dB(A) exposure?

A: Unprotected 100 dB(A) TWA over a working lifetime causes significant permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is progressive, irreversible, and usually affects high-frequency hearing first (3000-6000 Hz) — making it initially most apparent as difficulty understanding speech. OSHA estimates that occupational noise exposure affects 22 million US workers annually.

Q: Are there times when earplugs should NOT be used?

A: Earplugs should not be inserted with active ear canal infections (consult physician). Workers with certain auditory conditions should consult a physician about appropriate hearing protection type. In environments requiring warning sound recognition for safety (approaching vehicles, alarms), earplugs may need to be combined with electronic hearing protection systems that allow sound monitoring while blocking hazardous peaks.

Q: Can these earplugs be used for swimming ear protection?

A: No — Moldex foam earplugs are not designed or approved for water immersion or swimming. Water-resistant swimming earplugs are a different product category specifically designed to create a water barrier in the ear canal.

Q: Does Moldex make earplugs for workers with small ear canals?

A: Moldex offers standard-size earplugs that fit most adult canals. For workers with very small canals who find standard foam earplugs uncomfortable, Moldex and other manufacturers offer small-size variants and pre-molded alternatives. Consult your WC Safety representative for sizing options.

Q: What size are Glide Soothers earplugs?

A: Standard adult size. The Glide Soothers taper allows it to fit a wide range of adult ear canal diameters due to the tapered foam profile.

Q: How many pairs are in a 6980 package?

A: See the product listing for current package configuration. Glide Soothers is available in boxed pairs. Contact WC Safety for bulk purchasing.

Q: Where can I buy Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers?

A: At WC Safety. Browse all Moldex earplugs.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: What Workers and Safety Managers Must Know

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most prevalent occupational illness in the United States. NIOSH estimates that approximately 22 million US workers are exposed to hazardous noise annually. NIHL is:

  • Permanent: Unlike some occupational diseases, NIHL cannot be reversed. Hair cells in the cochlea, once damaged, do not regenerate. This is why prevention is the only effective strategy.
  • Progressive: Hearing loss accumulates over years of exposure. Workers may not notice significant hearing difficulty until their late career, when damage has been accumulating for decades.
  • Preventable: With consistent use of properly rated hearing protection and engineering controls, NIHL is almost entirely preventable. The technology and products exist — compliance is the variable.
  • High-frequency first: Early NIHL characteristically affects the 3000-4000 Hz range — the frequencies most important for understanding speech consonants. Workers notice they can "hear" people speaking but cannot understand them clearly. This "cookie bite" pattern on audiogram is a warning sign of noise damage.

The audiometric testing required by OSHA 1910.95 is specifically designed to detect this pattern early — when intervention (better hearing protection, reduced exposure) can prevent further loss. A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) detected on audiogram is a mandatory trigger for program review and protective action under OSHA requirements.

Double Hearing Protection: When NRR 30 Is Not Enough

For extremely loud environments (above 103 dB(A) TWA), even NRR 33 earplugs may be insufficient as sole protection. OSHA and NIOSH recommend dual hearing protection — wearing both earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously — when:

  • Measured TWA exceeds 105 dB(A)
  • Impulse peak levels exceed 140 dB(P)
  • Engineering controls have reduced noise to the extent feasible but residual exposure remains above 103 dB(A)

Combined NRR for dual protection is NOT the sum of both NRR values. The combination adds approximately 5 dB of protection beyond the higher-rated device alone. For NRR 30 earplugs + NRR 25 earmuffs: effective protection ≈ 13 + 5 = 18 dB (OSHA method). Select the combination that brings effective exposure below 90 dB(A).

Q: What is the NIOSH recommended exposure limit for noise?

A: NIOSH recommends a stricter REL of 85 dB(A) TWA for 8 hours — lower than OSHA's 90 dB(A) PEL. NIOSH also uses a 3 dB exchange rate (vs. OSHA's 5 dB). Following NIOSH guidelines means more workers are identified as at-risk and higher-NRR protection may be specified. Some employers follow NIOSH criteria for more protective programs.

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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 attenuation in the Moldex disposable foam line, covering exposures up to 103 dB(A) TWA under OSHA's 50% derate
  • Glide twist-in stem eliminates the roll-down step, the single biggest cause of foam earplug underprotection in field programs
  • Soothers moisturizing foam compound is engineered for all-day comfort, reducing the canal dryness complaint that drives workers to remove plugs
  • Twist-in insertion limits hand-to-foam contact, a hygiene edge over roll-and-insert types in food and pharma settings
  • 100-pair bulk box drives a low per-pair cost that suits high-headcount hearing conservation programs
  • Uncorded format keeps a low profile under hard hats and earmuffs for dual protection
Cons
  • Uncorded means lost plugs are not retrievable around the neck; programs with frequent doff/don should weigh the 6985 corded version
  • NRR 33 is overkill for moderate 85-90 dB(A) areas where a lower-NRR foam preserves more situational awareness
  • Twist-in stems carry a small per-pair premium over plain roll-down foam like the Pura-Fit
  • Not metal-detectable, so food-line programs needing detectable plugs must look to the 6615 SparkPlugs instead
  • Single-use disposable, so unlike reusable flanged plugs there is no wash-and-reuse cost offset over time

Who It's For

Buy it if:

  • Hearing conservation managers covering 100-103 dB(A) TWA areas who need the maximum foam NRR with reliable field insertion
  • Programs where roll-down technique has been a documented compliance weak point and twist-in insertion closes the gap
  • High-headcount facilities buying disposable foam in 100-pair bulk to control per-worker cost
  • Food, beverage, and pharmaceutical lines that value the reduced hand-to-foam contact of twist-in insertion
  • Workers who find standard foam too drying and benefit from the Soothers moisturizing compound for all-shift wear

Look elsewhere if:

  • Crews that routinely remove plugs between tasks and lose uncorded plugs, who are better served by the 6985 corded Glide Soothers
  • Moderate-noise 85-90 dB(A) areas where NRR 33 over-attenuates and harms communication or alarm awareness
  • Food-line programs that require metal-detectable plugs, which this uncorded foam is not
  • Teams wanting a wash-and-reuse flanged plug rather than single-use disposable foam

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 6980 Glide Soothers worth the twist-in premium over a plain roll-down foam like the Moldex Pura-Fit?

For programs where insertion technique is inconsistent, yes. The twist-in stem removes the roll step that causes most field underprotection, so workers reach closer to the labeled NRR without supervision. If your team already inserts roll-down foam correctly, the moldex 6800 pura fit delivers comparable attenuation at a lower per-pair cost.

How does the 6980 compare to the Moldex 6600 Softies for comfort-focused programs?

Both use soft Moldex foam, but the 6980 adds the twist-in Glide stem and the higher NRR 33 rating, while the moldex 6600 softies is a roll-down plug aimed at all-day comfort at a slightly lower attenuation. Pick the 6980 when you need maximum protection plus reliable insertion; pick Softies when comfort in moderate noise is the priority.

Should I choose the 6980 or the corded 6985 Glide Soothers?

The 6980 is uncorded and the 6985 is the identical plug with a connecting cord. Choose the 6980 when low profile under muffs or hard hats matters and plugs stay in for the shift; choose the 6985 when workers doff and don frequently and a cord prevents lost or dropped plugs. Compare the corded trade-off the same way our moldex 6900 pura fit corded review frames it.

When does NRR 33 actually justify itself over a lower-NRR foam earplug?

NRR 33 earns its place at measured TWA exposures in the 100-103 dB(A) band, where OSHA's 50% derate leaves lower plugs short. Below roughly 95 dB(A) a mid-NRR foam is adequate and preserves more awareness. Use our how to calculate the nrr you need walkthrough to match the rating to your real exposure before buying.

Do I get more usable protection from the 6980 or from earmuffs at the same noise level?

A well-inserted NRR 33 foam plug like the 6980 generally delivers more attenuation than most earmuffs and seals better under glasses or PPE straps, but muffs are faster to put on and off. The decision usually comes down to wear duration and interruptions; our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide lays out the trade-offs for program design.

Can I pair the 6980 with earmuffs for double hearing protection?

Yes. The uncorded low-profile shape sits cleanly under a muff cushion, and dual protection is the standard answer above roughly 103-104 dB(A) TWA where a single device falls short. Combined attenuation is not additive; OSHA credits roughly the higher device rating plus 5 dB, so plan dual protection deliberately rather than assuming you simply add the two NRRs.

How many shifts can one pair of Glide Soothers be reused before replacement?

These are single-use disposable foam plugs. The Soothers foam loses its rebound and the twist-in stem collects debris with handling, so a fresh pair each shift is the correct practice; reuse risks both a poor reseal and canal hygiene problems. Programs wanting a wash-and-reuse device should look at our reusable earplugs range instead.

Is the 6980 a good value in the 100-pair bulk box for a large workforce?

For high-headcount programs, yes. Buying disposable foam at the 100-pair box level pushes the per-worker daily cost low, and the twist-in design reduces wasted, poorly inserted pairs. Compare per-pair economics across our full foam ear plugs assortment when standardizing a program.

Does the moisturizing Soothers foam change how I should evaluate this plug versus standard foam?

It shifts the value case toward comfort-driven compliance. The moisturizing compound is meant to cut the dry, itchy feel that prompts workers to pull plugs out mid-shift, which protects real-world attenuation. If complaints about dryness or removal are driving your underprotection numbers, that comfort feature is a genuine differentiator over plain foam.

Is the 6980 appropriate for workers who also wear safety glasses or a respirator?

Yes, and it is often a better fit than muffs in that situation. Because the 6980 seals inside the canal, it is unaffected by glasses temples or respirator straps that break an earmuff cushion seal. The uncorded format also avoids cord interference with respirator harnesses.

How does the 6980 stack up against the SparkPlugs line for food and metal-detection environments?

The 6980 is preferred where twist-in hygiene matters but metal detection is not required. If your food line specifically needs detectable plugs, the moldex 6615 sparkplugs metal detectable is the correct choice; for general high-NRR foam without detection, the 6980 is the stronger pick. The standard moldex 6604 sparkplugs sits between them on attenuation.

For a corded option in a dusty plant, is the 6985 or a corded SparkPlugs better?

The 6985 corded Glide Soothers gives you NRR 33 with twist-in insertion plus a cord, while the moldex 6654 sparkplugs corded trades some attenuation for the SparkPlugs profile. Choose the 6985 when maximum protection and easy insertion are both priorities; choose corded SparkPlugs when their specific fit suits your workers better.

Does the 6980 belong in my program if exposures are only moderate, around 88-92 dB(A)?

It will work, but it is more attenuation than such areas need and can over-isolate workers from speech and alarms. In that band a mid-NRR foam usually balances protection and awareness better. Confirm your target with our what is nrr noise reduction rating explained primer before defaulting to the highest rating.

Is the 6980 the best foam earplug overall, or just the best Moldex foam?

It is our top pick within the Moldex disposable foam line for combining maximum NRR with reliable insertion, but the best plug for your site depends on noise level, comfort, and cord and detection needs. See how it ranks against competitors in our best foam ear plugs roundup and the highest nrr ear plugs comparison.

How should I document the 6980 in my OSHA hearing conservation program?

Record the labeled NRR, the derated effective level you applied, and the training on twist-in insertion you provide. Because twist-in plugs help workers reach closer to labeled attenuation, note the insertion method in your training records; pair that with the technique steps in our how to insert foam earplugs guide and stock fresh pairs from our hearing protection range.

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.
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Filed in: 6985, corded, Disposable Earplugs, earplug, glide, glide soothers, hearing protection, moisturizing, moldex, nrr 31, osha 1910.95, product review, sensitive-ears
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