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Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Industrial Safety Equipment, PPE Guides & Reviews
Moldex 6940 Glide Cordless Earplugs — NRR 30 product photo
August 27, 2026 Steven Eaton

Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Review — NRR 31 Corded Twist-In Foam Earplug, 100 pairs

WC Safety Editorial Verdict: 4.5/5

WC Safety Editorial Verdict — Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded (NRR 31): 4.5/5. The 6985 is the most complete disposable foam earplug Moldex makes for high-noise hearing conservation programs: the twist-in Glide insertion sidesteps the dirty-finger contamination of roll-down foam, the NRR 31 rating sits near the top of the foam ear plug range, and the permanent cord keeps pairs from walking off between tasks. We dock half a star because the moisturizing coating and corded format carry a per-pair premium that only pays off in genuinely loud, all-shift environments — for occasional use, a cheaper uncorded plug is the smarter buy. No verified customer rating is published for this listing yet, so this score is an editorial assessment based on spec and the wider Moldex foam line.

Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded Review: Maximum NRR 33 Twist-In With Loss-Prevention Cord?

The Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded is the corded version of the 6980 Glide Soothers — NRR 33, twist-in insertion, with a flexible cord connecting both earplugs. It occupies the top of the Moldex disposable earplug line: maximum attenuation + no-roll convenience + loss prevention cord. For hearing conservation programs serving 100+ dB(A) environments where earplug loss is a cost concern, the 6985 is the complete package.

Editorial Verdict — Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded: 4.8/5
Best all-around Moldex disposable foam earplug for high-noise industrial programs. NRR 33 maximum protection, twist-in insertion for compliance, cord for loss prevention.

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Specifications

Feature Details
Model 6985
NRR 33
Insertion Twist-in (Glide system)
Corded Yes
NRR labelling EPA 40 CFR Part 211 Subpart B
Effective Protection 13 dB(A) OSHA method

Three-Way Advantage: NRR 33 + Twist-In + Cord

  • NRR 33: Maximum attenuation for 100-103 dB(A) environments; covers the margin where NRR 30 falls short
  • Twist-in insertion: Eliminates under-rolling; achieves closer to labeled NRR in real-world use; reduces contamination in food/pharma
  • Cord: Prevents loss; allows hang-around-neck during noise breaks; prevents foreign object risk in machinery

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 6985 the same as 6980 except for the cord?

A: Yes — identical NRR 33, Soothers foam, and Glide twist-in insertion. The cord is the only addition.

Q: What NRR 33 means in terms of actual protection?

A: OSHA method: (33−7)÷2 = 13 dB effective attenuation. Max protected TWA: 103 dB(A). 1.5 dB more than NRR 30 — critical for exposures in the 101-103 dB(A) range.

Q: Is 6985 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: When should I choose 6985 over 6980 Glide Soothers Uncorded?

A: Choose 6985 when: earplug loss is a problem (frequent replacement cost); workers repeatedly remove earplugs during shifts; machine operation or food process areas require keeping earplugs attached to worker when removed.

Q: Does the cord reduce the effectiveness of NRR 33?

A: No — the cord is attached to the outer face of the earplug. It does not affect foam expansion in the canal or measured attenuation.

Q: What are the loudest common industrial environments where 6985 would be required?

A: Stamping and pressing operations: 95-110 dB(A); pneumatic grinding: 100-110 dB(A); impact wrenching: 100-105 dB(A); shot blasting: 110-120 dB(A) (may require double protection above 103 dB).

Q: What is double hearing protection and when is it required?

A: Double hearing protection (earplugs + earmuffs simultaneously) is recommended when TWA noise exceeds 105 dB(A). Combined protection adds approximately 5 dB beyond the higher-rated device. NRR 33 earplugs + NRR 25 earmuffs provides approximately 18 dB combined effective protection.

Q: Can the corded Glide Soothers be used in oil and gas environments?

A: Yes — the foam and cord are compatible with most oil and gas industrial environments. Verify compatibility with specific chemical environments your earplugs may contact. If earplugs will be exposed to oil, solvents, or other chemicals, verify the Moldex material compatibility or contact Moldex technical support.

Q: Is NRR 33 the maximum NRR for any foam earplug?

A: NRR 33 is the highest NRR in the Moldex line. Some other manufacturer models achieve NRR 33 as well. In the US market, NRR 33-34 represents the practical maximum for most disposable foam earplugs. Above the labelled ratings available in formable foam, protection is achieved through custom-molded devices, canal caps, or earmuffs with higher NRR ratings.

Q: What OSHA hearing conservation records must be kept?

A: OSHA 1910.95(m) requires: noise exposure measurements retained for 2 years; audiometric test records retained for duration of employment plus 30 years. These records must be available to employees and OSHA on request.

Q: How does twist-in improve real-world NRR achievement?

A: Field studies comparing twist-in (Glide-type) and roll-and-insert earplugs consistently show higher real-world attenuation from twist-in designs. The primary reason: twist-in eliminates under-rolling (the #1 insertion error). Under-rolled foam expands in the outer canal rather than the inner canal — achieving 50-70% of labeled NRR at best. Proper twist-in insertion reaches the inner canal consistently.

Q: Can workers with hearing loss still benefit from wearing earplugs?

A: Yes — workers with existing hearing loss still benefit from protection against further deterioration. OSHA hearing conservation requirements apply regardless of a worker's current hearing status. Workers with significant hearing loss who rely on ambient hearing for safety signals should be evaluated for electronic/level-dependent hearing protection alternatives.

Q: Are there monthly audiometric testing requirements?

A: OSHA requires annual audiograms (not monthly). Baseline is within 6 months of first exposure. If an STS is detected, additional protective measures are required but not necessarily monthly testing. Some employers with very high noise exposures or workers with rapidly progressing hearing loss may choose more frequent voluntary testing.

Q: Where can I buy Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded?

A: At WC Safety. See 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 OSHA exchange rate for noise and why does it matter?

A: OSHA uses a 5 dB exchange rate: each 5 dB increase in noise halves the permissible exposure time. NIOSH recommends the more protective 3 dB exchange rate. At 95 dB(A): OSHA allows 4 hours; NIOSH allows 1 hour. Under OSHA: NRR 33 covers exposures up to 103 dB(A) for 8 hours. Under NIOSH: the allowed duration at 103 dB(A) is much shorter.

Q: Is it possible to achieve NRR 33 in real-world conditions?

A: Real-world attenuation below labeled NRR is common. Glide Soothers combines twist-in insertion (reduces under-insertion errors) with high-quality Soothers foam (optimized for canal conformance). Field studies show Glide-type earplugs achieve 70-90% of labeled NRR in trained worker populations — better than roll-and-insert types in the same population.

Browse and Compare on WC Safety

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 31 places the 6985 among the higher-attenuation disposable foam plugs — strong margin for 95-103 dB(A) machine and impact noise
  • Twist-in Glide insertion needs no roll-down, so workers with dirty or gloved hands insert cleanly without compressing foam against contaminants
  • Permanent connecting cord prevents single-plug loss and lets workers hang the pair around the neck when stepping into quiet zones
  • Moisturizing coating reduces the dry, scratchy feel of standard PU foam over a full shift
  • 100-pair dispenser box suits a stocked hearing conservation program under OSHA 1910.95
  • Smooth tapered body inserts faster than hand-rolled foam, improving real-world fit consistency
Cons
  • NRR 31 is a lab figure under ANSI S3.19 — OSHA-derated real-world protection is closer to 12 dB ((31-7)/2), and NIOSH derating drops it near 23 dB
  • Corded format and moisturizing coating cost more per pair than plain uncorded foam — overkill for light or intermittent exposure
  • Single-use disposable: cord does not make the plug washable or reusable, so per-shift cost adds up versus flanged reusables
  • Twist-in body is bulkier than a fully rolled-down plug, and some narrow ear canals fit a standard tapered foam plug better
  • Not metal-detectable, so it is unsuitable for food, beverage, or pharma production lines that require detectable PPE

Who It's For

Buy it if:

  • Workers in 95-103 dB(A) industrial environments who need high attenuation plus loss prevention from a single cord
  • Hearing conservation managers stocking a 100-pair dispenser box for daily all-shift foam earplug use
  • Operators who move between loud and quiet areas and want the pair to hang around the neck rather than be discarded
  • Anyone who struggles with roll-down foam and prefers a clean twist-in insertion with gloved or dirty hands

Look elsewhere if:

  • Food, beverage, or pharmaceutical production requiring metal-detectable earplugs — choose a detectable model instead
  • Occasional or low-noise users for whom a cheaper uncorded foam plug delivers the same protection at lower cost
  • Workers needing a washable, reusable plug across many shifts rather than a single-use disposable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NRR 31 on the Moldex 6985 enough for a 100 dB(A) work area?

The 6985 carries a lab NRR of 31 under ANSI S3.19, but you should never plan protection on the raw number. OSHA's estimate method, (NRR-7)/2, gives about 12 dB of real-world reduction, taking 100 dB(A) down to roughly 88 dB(A) — just under the action level. NIOSH's formable-foam derate keeps 50% of (NRR − 7), giving 13 dB(A). Both methods land below the action level for a 100 dB(A) exposure, which makes the 6985 a reasonable single-protector choice, but confirm with your site's noise survey. See our guide on how to calculate the NRR you need: /blogs/how-to-guide/how-to-calculate-the-nrr-you-need.

Why does the corded 6985 cost more than an uncorded foam earplug?

You are paying for two things the plain plug does not have: the connecting cord and the moisturizing coating. The cord adds loss prevention — workers can hang the pair around the neck in quiet zones instead of discarding it — which often saves money in high-turnover, all-shift use. If your workers rarely remove plugs mid-shift, an uncorded plug from the disposable ear plugs range (/collections/disposable-ear-plugs) delivers the same NRR for less.

How does the 6985 compare to the Moldex 6900 Pura-Fit Corded?

Both are corded disposable foam plugs, but the 6900 Pura-Fit is a roll-down plug while the 6985 uses Moldex's twist-in Glide insertion and adds a moisturizing coating. The Pura-Fit typically carries a higher headline NRR, so if maximum lab attenuation is the only priority, compare them directly via our /blogs/product-reviews/moldex-6900-pura-fit-corded-review. Choose the 6985 when clean, no-roll insertion and all-shift comfort matter more than squeezing out the last decibel.

Is the 6985 better than the Moldex 6654 SparkPlugs Corded for daily wear?

The SparkPlugs line (/blogs/product-reviews/moldex-6654-sparkplugs-corded-review) is a roll-down tapered plug at a lower price point; the 6985 is a coated twist-in. For workers who hate rolling foam or whose hands are often dirty, the 6985's Glide insertion is the deciding factor. For a budget-driven program where workers roll down without trouble, the 6654 corded is the more economical pick at a comparable protection level.

Does the cord on the 6985 reduce its noise reduction rating?

No. The cord attaches at the outer end of each plug and plays no role in the acoustic seal inside the ear canal, so the NRR 31 rating is identical to the uncorded version of the same plug. Real-world protection still depends entirely on insertion depth and seal — see how to insert foam earplugs (/blogs/how-to-guide/how-to-insert-foam-earplugs) to get the rated performance.

Can I reuse the 6985 across multiple shifts since it has a cord?

The cord prevents loss within a shift, but it does not make the plug reusable. The 6985 is single-use disposable foam — once it is soiled or loses its rebound, replace it. If you want a plug you can wash and wear repeatedly, look at the reusable earplugs collection (/collections/reusable-earplugs) instead, where flanged designs are built for cleaning and repeated insertion.

When should I choose earmuffs over the 6985 earplugs?

Earmuffs make sense for intermittent noise where workers take protection on and off frequently, or for ear canals that cannot get a good plug seal. Plugs like the 6985 win in hot, confined, or all-day continuous-noise work where muffs become sweaty and bulky. Our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide (/blogs/guides/ear-plugs-vs-ear-muffs) walks through the trade-offs, and for the loudest jobs you can dual-protect with both.

Is the 6985 the highest-NRR option Moldex offers?

It is near the top, but not always the single highest. Some roll-down Moldex plugs carry a slightly higher lab NRR than the 6985's 31. If your only goal is the maximum number on the box, compare against our highest NRR ear plugs roundup (/blogs/guides/highest-nrr-ear-plugs). For most programs the 6985's combination of high NRR plus clean twist-in insertion is more valuable than one or two extra lab decibels.

Will the 6985 fit small ear canals?

The twist-in Glide body is a standard-diameter tapered foam plug, so it suits most adult ears, but it inserts slightly bulkier than a fully compressed roll-down plug. Workers with very narrow canals sometimes seal better with a hand-rolled plug that compresses smaller before expanding. If fit is inconsistent across your crew, stock a second size or style from the foam ear plugs collection (/collections/foam-ear-plugs) and fit-test individuals.

Is the 6985 a good fit for a formal OSHA hearing conservation program?

Yes. It ships in a 100-pair dispenser format suited to high-volume daily issue, carries an ANSI S3.19 NRR for documentation, and the twist-in insertion improves the odds of a correct seal across a workforce. Under OSHA 1910.95, earplugs are required at the 85 dBA action level when engineering controls cannot bring exposure down. Pair the 6985 with training and fit checks from our hearing protection hub (/collections/hearing-protection).

How does the moisturizing version affect all-shift comfort versus standard foam?

Standard PU foam can feel dry and scratchy after several hours, which is a common reason workers remove plugs and lose protection. The 6985's coating gives a smoother feel on insertion and reduces that dry sensation, which tends to improve wear compliance over a full shift. Comfort is the real driver of effective protection — a plug worn correctly all day beats a higher-NRR plug that gets pulled out. Compare comfort-focused foam options in our best foam ear plugs guide (/blogs/guides/best-foam-ear-plugs).

Should I pick the corded 6985 or the uncorded Glide version?

Choose corded when workers frequently step out of noise and you want them to keep the pair handy rather than throw it away — it cuts waste and replacement cost. Choose uncorded when the cord would snag on equipment or PPE, or when plugs are worn continuously and never removed mid-shift. Both share the same NRR 31; the decision is purely about loss prevention versus snag risk in your specific tasks.

Why does my measured protection seem lower than NRR 31?

Because NRR 31 is a controlled lab value under ANSI S3.19 and rarely matches the field. Shallow insertion, a poor seal, talking, jaw movement, and removing the plug all cut real protection. That is exactly why OSHA and NIOSH apply derating — expect roughly 12 to 23 dB in practice, not 31. The single biggest fix is insertion technique: read what is NRR and how it is rated (/blogs/guides/what-is-nrr-noise-reduction-rating-explained) and train workers to roll, pull the ear, and hold.

Is the 6985 suitable for food or pharmaceutical production lines?

No. The 6985 is not metal-detectable, so it cannot satisfy detectable-PPE requirements on food, beverage, or pharma lines where a dropped plug must be caught by metal detection. For those settings choose a metal-detectable plug instead, such as the model covered in our /blogs/product-reviews/moldex-6615-sparkplugs-metal-detectable-review. For general industrial noise without detection rules, the 6985 is a strong choice.

Is buying the 100-pair box better value than a smaller count?

For an active hearing conservation program issuing plugs daily, the 100-pair dispenser is the most economical per-pair format and keeps a clean supply at the point of use. If you only need plugs occasionally, a smaller jar or pillow pack avoids tying up cash in stock that ages before it is used — for example the jarred format reviewed in our /blogs/product-reviews/moldex-6684-sparkplugs-jar-review. Match the pack size to your actual daily issue rate.

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: 6940, Disposable Earplugs, earplug, glide, glide soothers, gloves, hearing protection, individually-wrapped, moldex, nrr 31, osha 1910.95, product review
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