Key Features

• NRR 30 hearing protection: Mellows earplugs provide NRR 30 — 11.5 dB(A) effective attenuation under OSHA's (NRR−7)÷2 derating formula.
• EcoStation 500 Compact Dispenser: Organized point-of-use dispensing reduces waste, improves compliance, and keeps earplugs clean and accessible.
• Uncorded: No cord — ideal for workers who wear earplugs continuously throughout a shift without intermittent removal.
• Moldex quality: Moldex manufactures all foam earplugs in the USA with PVC-free materials and maintains full NIOSH/ANSI testing compliance.
• Program scalability: Available in multiple earplug families and dispenser configurations to standardize across facilities or customize per-department.

Applications

• Manufacturing and assembly: Fixed dispenser stations at entry points, break rooms, and high-noise machinery access — ensures earplugs are always available.
• Construction and contractor sites: PlugStation format requires no installation — position at job-site entry, tool cribs, or staging areas.
• Food processing and packaging: Standard format for break rooms and locker areas away from open product lines; use MD variants near product streams.
• Healthcare and cleanroom: Dispenser format keeps earplugs hygienic and prevents loose earplug contamination of clean areas.
• Government and institutional: Dispenser programs simplify OSHA recordkeeping and demonstrate documented hearing conservation compliance.
• Logistics and warehousing: High earplug throughput — dispenser format reduces per-pair cost versus individual vending or cabinet storage.

NRR 30 Noise Reduction — What It Means in Your Environment

The NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is determined under ANSI S3.19 laboratory conditions. OSHA requires facilities to apply a 50% derating factor: effective protection = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 = 11.5 dB(A).

For noise environments above 102 dB(A), dual protection (earplugs + earmuffs worn simultaneously) is required. Dual protection adds approximately 5–10 dB of additional effective attenuation beyond the higher-rated protector alone.

Other Mellows Dispenser Options

Moldex Disposable Earplug Family Comparison

Browse the full Moldex Earplug Collection or use the Moldex Earplug Selection Guide to find the right earplug and dispenser combination for your facility.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Hearing Conservation Compliance

OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program whenever workers are exposed to noise at or above the action level of 85 dB(A) as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The full standard requires:

• Noise monitoring: Measure worker TWA exposures to determine who triggers the Action Level (85 dB(A)) and PEL (90 dB(A)).
• Hearing protection: Provide appropriate earplugs or earmuffs when engineering controls alone cannot reduce exposure to or below the PEL.
• Audiometric testing: Baseline and annual hearing tests for all workers exposed at or above the Action Level.
• Training: Annual training on noise hazards, proper earplug use, and audiometric testing results.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain audiometric test records and noise exposure measurements.

Dispenser programs support OSHA compliance by ensuring earplugs are consistently available, documenting usage quantities, and reducing friction that causes workers to skip hearing protection. Moldex Mellows NRR 30 earplugs, with 11.5 dB(A) effective attenuation, protect workers in environments up to 102 dB(A) at the OSHA PEL limit with a single protector. Contact WC Safety for bulk pricing on dispenser programs supporting 100+ workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the EcoStation XL, EcoStation 500, TouchFree EcoStation, and PlugStation?

The EcoStation XL is the highest-capacity wall-mount dispenser (500 pairs) designed for high-traffic areas. The EcoStation 500 is a compact version (250 pairs) for secondary stations or smaller worksites. The TouchFree EcoStation uses a proximity sensor to dispense one pair at a time without hand contact — required for hygiene-sensitive environments. The PlugStation is a self-contained box dispenser requiring no installation, ideal for portable programs or small job sites.

Do I need to buy the dispenser unit and refills separately?

This listing is the complete dispenser unit. Refill bags (sold separately) allow restocking without purchasing a new unit. The dispenser is a one-time investment; ongoing cost is only the refill bags.

Are Moldex dispenser earplugs approved for single-use only?

Yes — all Moldex foam earplugs in dispenser format are designed for single-shift use. Once removed, the foam will not re-compress and re-expand consistently enough to maintain the original acoustic seal. Dispose after each shift and use a fresh pair. For reusable options, see the Moldex Rockets, Alphas, or Jetz earplugs in the Moldex Earplug Collection.

How do I insert Mellows earplugs correctly to achieve NRR 30?

Roll the earplug between your fingers to compress it, insert into the ear canal, and hold in place while it expands to form an acoustic seal. Poor insertion is the leading cause of inadequate protection. Instruct workers during initial training and verify technique periodically. With proper fit, Mellows earplugs should be barely visible from the front when correctly seated.

When is NRR 30 not sufficient and dual protection is required?

When effective exposure after OSHA derating still exceeds 90 dB(A) — that is, when the noise environment exceeds approximately 102 dB(A) — dual protection (earplugs plus earmuffs) is required. Dual protection adds roughly 5–10 dB over the higher-rated protector alone. For extreme noise (110+ dB(A)), consult an industrial hygienist and consider engineering controls as the primary mitigation.

Can I use these dispenser earplugs in a food processing or pharmaceutical facility?

Standard (non-metal-detectable) foam earplugs should not be used near open food or pharmaceutical product streams where a dropped earplug could contaminate product. Moldex offers metal-detectable (MD) versions of most earplug families for use in HACCP-regulated environments. See the metal-detectable PlugStation options in the Moldex Earplug Collection.