Moldex 6532 Softies EcoStation XL Refill — NRR 33dB, 750 Pairs

Moldex Softies — NRR 33 dB Ultra-Soft Foam Earplug for Extended Wear

The Moldex Softies is a NRR 33 dB disposable foam earplug formulated with an ultra-soft polyurethane compound that provides a noticeably gentler fit in the ear canal compared to standard foam earplug materials — making them the preferred selection for workers who experience pressure-related discomfort or ear canal soreness during extended wear of conventional foam earplugs. Available as the 6600 uncorded and 6650 corded, plus EcoStation and TouchFree dispenser formats. For workers who need a reusable option with a similar soft-fit focus, see the Moldex Alphas (NRR 27, reusable). For moisturizing foam with extended-wear benefit, see the Moldex Soothers (NRR 33, moisturizing).

Key Features

• Ultra-soft foam compound — reduced pressure in ear canal during extended wear: Standard foam earplug compounds exert steady outward expansion pressure against the ear canal wall as the foam seeks to return to its original shape. Over an 8-hour shift, this sustained pressure causes soreness and fatigue in workers with sensitive ear canals. Softies' foam formulation is engineered to be noticeably softer — expanding more gently and conforming more closely to ear canal contours, reducing the sustained pressure that causes long-shift discomfort
• NRR 33 — no attenuation compromise for comfort: The softer foam material delivers the same NRR 33 ceiling as firmer Moldex foam plugs — workers gain the comfort benefit of ultra-soft foam without sacrificing the maximum available single-device attenuation of 13 dB (effective, after OSHA 50% derating)
• Smooth cylindrical shape — clean insertion in multiple canal geometries: The smooth, slightly tapered cylindrical body compresses cleanly to a narrow roll-down form and expands evenly in a range of ear canal shapes. The absence of surface texture or irregular geometry simplifies correct insertion for workers trained on standard foam plug technique
• Latex-free and PVC-free: No latex, PVC, chloroprene, or diisocyanate sensitizers — appropriate for latex-allergic workers and for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial programs with material restrictions on body-contact PPE
• EcoStation and TouchFree dispenser compatibility: Available in EcoStation 6701 (500 pairs), EcoStation XL 6531 (750 pairs), and TouchFree EcoStation 6831 — supporting high-volume dispenser programs that distribute hearing protection at area entrances across large facilities

Applications — When to Use Moldex Softies

• Long-shift workers in sustained noise environments: Workers on 10–12 hour shifts in manufacturing, mining, and process industries who wear foam earplugs for the entire shift benefit most from ultra-soft foam — the reduced expansion pressure translates to less ear canal fatigue over the full shift duration, improving compliance with continuous earplug wear requirements
• Workers with ear canal sensitivity or soreness complaints: When workers in a hearing conservation program report ear canal pain, soreness, or "plugged ear" pressure after wearing standard foam earplugs for more than a few hours, Softies are the first recommended alternative before switching to reusable flanged earplugs. The softer compound addresses the most common cause of foam earplug discomfort complaints directly
• General manufacturing and industrial hearing conservation: Stamping, grinding, packaging, assembly, and other 90–103 dBA environments where NRR 33 is the target — Softies are a direct substitute for Pura-Fit, SparkPlugs, or Meteors in programs where extended-wear comfort is prioritized over insertion method or metal detectability
• Hearing conservation programs with dispenser infrastructure: The Softies EcoStation (6701), EcoStation XL (6531), and TouchFree (6831) dispenser formats support area-entry distribution programs. Workers take a fresh pair at the noise area entrance — the soft foam compound reduces the perceived compliance burden of wearing earplugs for a full shift

Softies vs. Competing Foam Earplugs

OSHA Compliance & Hearing Conservation

Moldex Softies are rated under ANSI S3.19-1974 at NRR 33. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, Softies are appropriate hearing protection for workers with TWA noise exposures from 85 dBA to approximately 103 dBA. OSHA 1910.95(i)(4) requires training on fitting, use, and care — with roll-down foam earplugs, proper compression and hold-in-place technique is critical to achieving labeled attenuation in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NRR of Moldex Softies?

Softies (6600/6650) have NRR 33 dB. Effective attenuation: (33 – 7) × 0.5 = 13 dB (OSHA 50% derating). In a 100 dBA environment: estimated ear exposure = 87 dBA with correct insertion.

What makes Softies different from other Moldex NRR 33 earplugs?

Ultra-soft polyurethane foam formulation — noticeably softer than standard Moldex foam compounds. Expands more gently in the ear canal, reducing the sustained outward pressure that causes soreness and fatigue during long-shift wear. Same NRR 33 protection as Pura-Fit, SparkPlugs, and Meteors.

Are Softies good for workers who find earplugs uncomfortable?

Yes — the ultra-soft foam is specifically designed to address the pressure-related discomfort from conventional foam earplug expansion. If workers report ear canal soreness after a few hours of standard foam earplug wear, Softies are the first recommended alternative before switching to flanged reusable earplugs.

Are Moldex Softies latex-free?

Yes — latex-free, PVC-free, and chloroprene-free. Appropriate for latex-sensitive workers and most food-grade and pharmaceutical PPE programs.

What is the difference between Softies 6600 and 6650?

6600 is uncorded (200 pairs per bag). 6650 is corded (100 pairs per bag, plugs connected by cord). Same NRR 33 ultra-soft foam in both. Choose 6650 (corded) when workers frequently move between noisy and quiet areas.

What dispenser formats are available for Softies?

EcoStation 6701 (500 pairs wall-mount), EcoStation XL 6531 (750 pairs), EcoStation XL refill 6532, TouchFree EcoStation 6831, and jar 6683 (50 pairs).

How do Softies compare to Soothers?

Both are NRR 33 disposable foam earplugs designed for worker comfort. Softies use ultra-soft PU foam for reduced expansion pressure. Soothers (6680) add a moisturizing coating that reduces ear canal dryness — particularly useful for workers in dry or air-conditioned environments. Both are latex-free and PVC-free.

Where can I buy Moldex Softies in bulk?

WC Safety stocks 6600 uncorded (200 pairs), 6650 corded (100 pairs), jar 6683 (50 pairs), EcoStation 6701, EcoStation XL 6531, and TouchFree EcoStation 6831. Browse the Moldex Earplugs collection at WC Safety →