Moldex 6835 Pura-Fit TouchFree EcoStation Earplug Dispenser — NRR 33dB

Moldex Pura-Fit — NRR 33 dB Disposable Foam Earplug, No-Roll-Down Insertion

The Moldex Pura-Fit is a NRR 33 dB disposable foam earplug designed for workers who need maximum attenuation in a single device without the hygiene and technique problems of roll-down foam earplugs. The Pura-Fit's tapered bell profile inserts directly into the ear canal with a gentle twist — no compressing, no rolling, no waiting for foam to expand — making it the preferred choice for dirty environments where workers cannot cleanly manipulate a foam earplug with contaminated hands. Available as the 6800 uncorded and 6900 corded, and in EcoStation, PlugStation, and TouchFree dispenser formats for high-volume programs. For workers with smaller ear canals, see the Moldex Meteors Small (NRR 28). For a reusable option in the same NRR range, see the Moldex Alphas (NRR 27).

Key Features

• NRR 33 — maximum single-device attenuation: At NRR 33, the Pura-Fit sits at the top of the foam earplug attenuation range. Under OSHA's 50% derating method, workers receive approximately 13 dB of effective attenuation — sufficient for environments up to ~103 dBA TWA without requiring dual hearing protection. For environments above that threshold, the Pura-Fit can be worn simultaneously with an earmuff for additional protection
• No-roll-down insertion — no contamination risk from handling: The Pura-Fit's tapered bell profile eliminates the foam compression step required by cylindrical roll-down earplugs. This is critical in manufacturing, chemical processing, construction, and food production environments where workers have oily, dirty, or gloved hands — contaminated foam that contacts the ear canal directly is a hygiene and chemical exposure concern the Pura-Fit design avoids entirely
• Cleanest material formulation in the Moldex lineup: Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs are latex-free, PVC-free, chloroprene-free, and diisocyanate-free. This comprehensive material profile makes Pura-Fit appropriate for latex-sensitive workers and for industries (food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor) with strict material restriction requirements on PPE that contacts workers' bodies
• High-visibility yellow-green color: The bright coloration allows safety supervisors to verify at a distance that workers are wearing hearing protection — a practical compliance monitoring advantage over flesh-colored or low-contrast earplugs in high-throughput manufacturing or construction environments
• EcoStation dispenser system: Moldex's refillable wall-mount dispenser eliminates the need for workers to carry hearing protection — dispensers mount at area entrances and hold 500 pairs (standard EcoStation) or 750 pairs (EcoStation XL). The TouchFree EcoStation (6835) dispenses one pair per motion without contact — reducing cross-contamination in health-conscious environments

Applications — When to Use the Moldex Pura-Fit

The Pura-Fit is the appropriate selection when the work environment requires maximum single-device foam earplug attenuation and one or more of the following conditions apply:

• Manufacturing and heavy industry: Press rooms, stamping lines, grinding operations, sawmill and woodworking equipment, metal fabrication, and assembly lines with noise exposures in the 90–105 dBA range — the Pura-Fit's NRR 33 and high-visibility color satisfy both protection and compliance monitoring requirements common to these environments
• Construction: Jackhammering, concrete cutting, heavy equipment operation, and demolition expose workers to 95–110 dBA noise levels. The no-roll-down design is advantageous on construction sites where workers cannot maintain clean hands, and the corded 6900 keeps the earplug accessible when workers must remove hearing protection to communicate between tasks
• Food processing and packaging: Conveyor systems, bottling lines, meat processing, and industrial kitchen equipment generate 90–100 dBA noise levels. The Pura-Fit's PVC-free, latex-free, bright-colored design meets the material and detectability requirements typical of food-grade PPE programs; for metal detection line environments, specify Moldex SparkPlugs 6615 metal detectable
• Chemical processing and refining: Pump rooms, compressor stations, and process areas with high ambient noise and chemical exposure require earplugs with a clean material formulation that won't introduce additional chemical exposure risk. The Pura-Fit's diisocyanate-free and chloroprene-free formulation addresses this concern directly
• Mining and quarry operations: Blasting operations, crushers, and drilling equipment expose workers to some of the highest occupational noise levels — often 100–115 dBA. At these levels, the Pura-Fit NRR 33 should be supplemented with earmuffs (dual protection) for exposures above ~103 dBA TWA
• High-volume hearing conservation programs: The EcoStation and PlugStation dispenser systems are designed for facilities that distribute thousands of pairs per month. Dispenser-mount programs at area entrances reduce barriers to hearing protection compliance and eliminate the need for workers to carry and manage their own supply

NRR 33 — Noise Levels and Protection Requirements

Effective attenuation calculated using OSHA 50% derating: (NRR – 7) × 0.5. Real-world attenuation depends on correct insertion technique and consistent wear. NRR is not a guarantee of exposure level — proper training and fit verification are required under OSHA 1910.95.

Pura-Fit — All Variants

Pura-Fit vs. Competing Foam Earplugs

OSHA Hearing Conservation Compliance

The Moldex Pura-Fit is a NIOSH-accepted hearing protection device rated under ANSI S3.19-1974. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, employers must provide hearing protection at no cost to employees whose 8-hour TWA noise exposure equals or exceeds 85 dBA, and must ensure it reduces exposure to at least 90 dBA (OSHA) or 85 dBA (NIOSH recommendation).

• Selection: Hearing protector selection must be based on attenuation adequate to reduce TWA to the required level — NRR alone does not satisfy the requirement without accounting for derating and proper fit
• Training: OSHA 1910.95(i)(4) requires training on the purpose, selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protectors — training directly determines actual attenuation achieved in use
• Audiometric testing: Required annually for workers in hearing conservation programs (exposure ≥ 85 dBA TWA) — the Pura-Fit is appropriate for audiometric testing programs when workers are trained on proper insertion
• Recordkeeping: OSHA 1910.95(m) requires records of noise exposure measurements, audiometric tests, and hearing protector provision to be maintained and made available to employees
• Construction: For construction sites, see OSHA 29 CFR 1926.52 — the Pura-Fit satisfies hearing protection requirements under both general industry and construction standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NRR of Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs?

The Pura-Fit (6800 uncorded, 6900 corded) has an NRR of 33 dB — the maximum available from a single hearing protection device. Applying OSHA's 50% derating: effective attenuation = (33 – 7) × 0.5 = 13 dB. In a 100 dBA environment, estimated exposure at the ear = 87 dBA. Real-world attenuation depends on consistent and correct insertion.

Do Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs need to be rolled before insertion?

No. The Pura-Fit's tapered bell shape inserts directly with a gentle twisting motion — no rolling or compressing required. Pull the outer ear up and back to straighten the ear canal, then insert with a slow twist until the outer flange sits flush with the canal opening. This no-roll-down design is faster and avoids contamination from handling compressed foam.

Are Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs reusable?

Pura-Fit earplugs are single-use disposable. A clean pair may be reused within a single shift, but should be discarded when soiled, compressed, or damaged. For multi-shift reusable hearing protection with NRR 27, see the Moldex Alphas or Moldex Rockets.

What is the difference between Pura-Fit 6800 and 6900?

The 6800 is uncorded — loose individual pairs. The 6900 is corded — both plugs connected by a cord that hangs around the neck when earplugs are removed. Identical NRR 33 foam in both. Choose corded (6900) when workers frequently move between noisy and quiet areas and need quick access without removing the earplug from their person.

What noise levels require NRR 33 earplugs?

OSHA 1910.95 requires hearing protection when 8-hour TWA exceeds 85 dBA. NRR 33 earplugs provide effective protection (after OSHA 50% derating) for environments up to approximately 103 dBA TWA. Above 103 dBA, dual protection — earplugs worn simultaneously with earmuffs — is recommended.

Are Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs latex-free?

Yes — latex-free, PVC-free, chloroprene-free, and diisocyanate-free. This material profile is specifically relevant for latex-sensitive workers and for food processing, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor environments with chemical material restrictions on PPE.

Can Pura-Fit earplugs be used in food processing?

Yes. The bright yellow-green color aids visual detection and the clean PVC-free, latex-free formulation meets most food-grade PPE material requirements. For facilities with metal detection lines, specify Moldex SparkPlugs 6615 metal detectable corded earplugs instead.

What is an EcoStation dispenser?

Moldex EcoStation is a wall-mounted refillable dispenser that holds 500 pairs (standard 6705) or 750 pairs (XL 6535). Dispensers mount at area entrances so workers can take a fresh pair each time they enter a noise area. The TouchFree EcoStation (6835) dispenses one pair per motion without contact — recommended for food, pharmaceutical, and cleanroom environments.

How do I calculate effective attenuation from NRR 33?

OSHA method: (NRR – 7) × 0.5 = (33 – 7) × 0.5 = 13 dB effective attenuation. NIOSH method: (NRR – 7) / 2 = 13 dB. In a 100 dBA environment: estimated ear exposure = 100 – 13 = 87 dBA. Actual attenuation depends on consistent proper insertion — improper fit can reduce real-world protection to a fraction of labeled NRR.

Do I need to fit test earplugs like respirators?

OSHA does not require individual earplug fit testing the way it mandates respirator fit testing. However, OSHA 1910.95(i)(4) requires training on hearing protector selection, fitting, use, and care. NIOSH recommends field attenuation estimation (FAET) to verify adequate protection — proper insertion training is the most important determinant of actual attenuation.

Where can I buy Moldex Pura-Fit earplugs in bulk?

WC Safety stocks the full Pura-Fit lineup including 6800 uncorded (200-pair bags), 6900 corded (100-pair bags), 6705 EcoStation dispenser (500 pairs), 6535 EcoStation XL (750 pairs), and 6835 TouchFree EcoStation. Browse the complete Moldex Earplugs collection at WC Safety →