Moldex 6980 Glide Soothers Uncorded Moisturizing Foam Earplugs — NRR 31, 100 Pairs

Moldex Soothers & Glide Soothers — Moisturizing Foam Earplugs, NRR 33 & NRR 31

The Moldex Soothers and Moldex Glide Soothers are disposable foam earplugs featuring a moisturizing coating on the foam surface that reduces ear canal dryness, insertion friction, and skin irritation associated with extended daily foam earplug wear. Soothers (6680) carry NRR 33 and use standard roll-down insertion. Glide Soothers (6980 uncorded) and 6985 corded carry NRR 31 and use twist-in insertion without foam compression. For ear canal pressure comfort from ultra-soft foam (without moisturizing coating), see the Moldex Softies (NRR 33).

Key Features

• Moisturizing coating — addresses ear canal dryness from daily foam earplug use: Workers who wear foam earplugs for full shifts, especially in air-conditioned facilities or dry climates, frequently develop ear canal dryness, irritation, and soreness from the contact of foam against skin over hours of wear. The Soothers' moisturizing surface coating provides a more comfortable contact surface, reduces friction during insertion and removal, and mitigates the skin-drying effect of standard foam — without affecting attenuation
• Two formats for different insertion preferences: Soothers (6680) use conventional roll-down compression insertion at NRR 33 — familiar technique for workers already trained on standard foam plugs. Glide Soothers (6980/6985) use twist-in insertion at NRR 31 — no compression needed, combining the hygiene advantage of no-roll-down insertion with the comfort benefit of the moisturizing coating in a single product
• NRR 33 (Soothers) and NRR 31 (Glide Soothers) — both OSHA-compliant for standard industrial environments: The 2 dB difference between NRR 33 and NRR 31 translates to just 1 dB difference in effective attenuation after OSHA derating — functionally equivalent for most programs from 85 to 99 dBA TWA. Both are appropriate for the vast majority of general industry hearing conservation programs
• Latex-free and PVC-free: Both Soothers and Glide Soothers use clean polyurethane foam without latex, PVC, or common sensitizers — appropriate for latex-sensitive workers and standard industrial programs

Soothers vs. Glide Soothers — Selection Guide

OSHA Compliance

Soothers and Glide Soothers are rated under ANSI S3.19-1974. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, Soothers (NRR 33, 13 dB effective) are appropriate up to ~103 dBA TWA. Glide Soothers (NRR 31, 12 dB effective) are appropriate up to ~99 dBA TWA. Both satisfy hearing protection requirements across the large majority of general industrial noise environments when properly fitted. OSHA 1910.95(i)(4) requires worker training on correct insertion technique for all hearing protection types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NRR of Soothers and Glide Soothers?

Soothers (6680): NRR 33 — 13 dB effective attenuation (OSHA 50% derating). Glide Soothers (6980/6985): NRR 31 — 12 dB effective attenuation. The 1 dB practical difference is negligible for most programs.

What is the moisturizing coating on Soothers earplugs?

A skin-safe moisturizing agent applied to the foam surface that reduces dryness, irritation, and insertion friction associated with extended daily foam earplug wear — particularly in air-conditioned or low-humidity environments. Does not affect attenuation.

What is the difference between Soothers (6680) and Glide Soothers (6980/6985)?

Soothers (6680): NRR 33, roll-down insertion, uncorded only. Glide Soothers (6980/6985): NRR 31, twist-in insertion (no compression), corded and uncorded. Both have the moisturizing coating. Choose Glide Soothers when no-compression insertion is needed or corded format is required.

Who benefits most from moisturizing earplugs?

Workers who experience ear canal dryness, soreness, or irritation from daily foam earplug wear — especially in air-conditioned facilities, desert climates, or when wearing earplugs 8+ hours per day. The moisturizing coating reduces the contact dryness that leads workers to remove earplugs prematurely.

How do Soothers compare to Softies?

Both target ear canal comfort. Softies use ultra-soft foam to reduce expansion pressure. Soothers use moisturizing coating to reduce surface dryness and friction. Choose Softies when the issue is foam pressure pain. Choose Soothers when the issue is dryness, irritation, or friction during insertion.

Are Soothers and Glide Soothers latex-free?

Yes — both latex-free and PVC-free. Appropriate for latex-sensitive workers and standard industrial programs.

Where can I buy Moldex Soothers and Glide Soothers in bulk?

WC Safety stocks Soothers 6680 (200 pairs uncorded), Glide Soothers 6980 (100 pairs uncorded), Glide Soothers 6985 (100 pairs corded), and Glide Soothers PlugStation 6886 (100 corded pairs dispenser). Browse the Moldex Earplugs collection at WC Safety →