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3M 1110 Corded Foam Earplugs — NRR 29 (100-Pair Box)
$29.95
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M 1110 Corded Earplugs — NRR 29 Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test t...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M 1110 Corded Earplugs — NRR 29
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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3M 1110 Corded Foam Earplugs — NRR 29 (100-Pair Box) Overview
The 3M 1110 corded earplug is a slow-recovery polyurethane foam roll-down plug with an attached cord, rated NRR 29 under ANSI S3.19. It ships 100 pairs per box as a single-use, disposable plug — you roll each plug down, insert it deep into the ear canal, and let it expand to seal. The attached cord keeps the pair together and lets workers hang the plugs around the neck when they step out of a noise zone, which cuts dropped-plug waste on production floors and reduces the chance of inserting a contaminated plug.
Treat the NRR 29 label as a laboratory ceiling, not field performance. NIOSH recommends derating foam plugs by 25%, which puts the realistic protection near 22 dB; the more conservative OSHA method, (NRR − 7) ÷ 2, yields about 11 dB of real-world attenuation. Under OSHA 1910.95 hearing conservation, the 85 dBA action level triggers a hearing conservation program and the 90 dBA PEL is the enforceable limit, so size your protection to the measured TWA at the task — see how to calculate NRR. The 1110 sits in 3M's mid-NRR corded lineup; for the full range of corded ear plugs and other foam ear plugs, compare attenuation and form factor before buying in bulk. New to roll-down foam? Review how to insert foam earplugs — fit, not label NRR, drives real protection.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing & assembly lines (88–95 dBA) | Strong fit | NRR 29 foam derates to ~22 dB (NIOSH) — ample headroom over the 90 dBA PEL for typical line noise; cord prevents dropped plugs on the floor. |
| Workers who move in and out of noise zones | Ideal | Attached cord lets plugs hang around the neck between insertions, so plugs stay paired and accessible without setting them on dirty surfaces. |
| Heavy-equipment, mining & demolition (95–105 dBA) | Conditional | Verify the measured TWA; at the OSHA-derated ~11 dB, NRR 29 alone may be insufficient above ~100 dBA — consider dual protection with muffs. |
| Single-use / high-turnover shifts | Strong fit | Disposable design and 100-pair box suit dispense-and-discard programs where reusable plugs aren't practical. |
| Small ear canals / fit-sensitive users | Try first | Roll-down foam needs a full deep insertion to hit rated NRR; users who struggle with foam may prefer a flanged reusable plug for repeatable seal. |
| Sleeping, music, or hobby use | Not the intended use | This is an industrial single-use occupational plug rated to ANSI S3.19; choose a comfort or flat-attenuation product for non-work use. |
Earplugs reduce noise, but the labeled NRR is a laboratory number — real-world protection is lower. NIOSH derates foam by about 25%, and OSHA estimates protection as (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 a hearing-conservation program is required at an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA. Insert foam plugs correctly (roll, pull the ear up and back, hold) for the rated seal, and use dual protection with earmuffs in very high noise. See how to calculate the NRR you need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Corded design keeps the pair together and lets workers hang plugs around the neck between uses
- NRR 29 (ANSI S3.19) — solid mid-to-high attenuation for most 85–95 dBA industrial environments
- Slow-recovery polyurethane foam expands to seal a wide range of ear-canal sizes
- 100 pairs per box suits high-turnover, dispense-and-discard hearing programs
- Single-use hygiene — fresh plug each shift, no cleaning required
- Backed by Amazon fulfillment with the 3M name behind the spec sheet
Cons
- Real-world protection is well below the label: ~22 dB (NIOSH 25% derate) or ~11 dB (OSHA method), not 29 dB
- Disposable — ongoing per-pair cost versus a reusable flanged plug for steady users
- Roll-down foam requires correct deep insertion every time or attenuation drops sharply
- Cord can snag on machinery in some tasks where an uncorded plug is preferred
How It Compares
Within 3M's corded foam range, the 1110 (NRR 29) sits between higher- and lower-attenuation options. The 3M 1270 reusable corded earplug (NRR 25) is a multi-flange reusable plug — lower rated NRR but washable and repeatable, better for steady all-shift wearers who want a consistent seal without rolling foam. The Moldex 6985 Glide corded plug (NRR 31) offers slightly higher rated attenuation in a tapered foam body for very loud tasks. If you don't need a cord, an uncorded foam plug such as Moldex Softies (NRR 33) trades cord convenience for a higher label rating. Remember every NRR is a lab figure — derate before comparing; see what is NRR and the full disposable ear plugs range.
Specifications
| Brand / Model | 3M 1110 |
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 29 dB (ANSI S3.19) |
| Material / Form | Polyurethane slow-recovery foam, roll-down |
| Corded | Yes — attached cord |
| Reusable vs Single-Use | Single-use / disposable |
| Quantity | 100 pairs per box |
| Test Standard | ANSI S3.19-1974 |
| Use Category | Industrial / occupational hearing protection |
| ASIN | B0099WQY2S |
Related Resources
foam ear plugs hearing protection reusable ear plugs corded ear plugs disposable ear plugs NRR 33 ear plugs what is NRR best foam ear plugs highest-NRR ear plugs ear plugs vs ear muffs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M 1110 earplug?
The 3M 1110 is rated NRR 29 under ANSI S3.19. That is a laboratory rating. NIOSH recommends derating foam plugs by 25%, giving roughly 22 dB of real-world protection, while the OSHA method (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 yields about 11 dB. Use the derated number when sizing protection to your measured noise level.
How many earplugs come in a box?
Each box contains 100 pairs of 3M 1110 corded plugs — a single-use, disposable quantity suited to dispense-and-discard hearing programs and high-turnover shifts.
Is the 3M 1110 corded or uncorded?
It is corded. A cord is permanently attached to each pair so the plugs stay together and can hang around the neck when a worker steps out of a noise zone. If you need an uncorded plug, compare options in our foam ear plugs and corded ear plugs collections.
Are these earplugs reusable or single-use?
The 3M 1110 is single-use and disposable. Use a fresh pair each shift rather than cleaning and reinserting. If you want a washable, repeatable-seal plug, consider a reusable flanged design such as the 3M 1270 multi-flange corded plug.
Is NRR 29 enough for my workplace?
It depends on your measured time-weighted average (TWA). OSHA 1910.95 sets an 85 dBA action level and a 90 dBA PEL. After derating NRR 29 to roughly 22 dB (NIOSH) or 11 dB (OSHA), most 85–95 dBA environments are well covered, but very loud tasks above ~100 dBA may need dual protection. See our guide on how to calculate the NRR you need.
What material are the 3M 1110 plugs made of?
They are slow-recovery polyurethane foam roll-down plugs. You compress (roll down) each plug, insert it deep into the ear canal, and hold while the foam expands to form a seal against the canal walls.
How do I insert these foam earplugs correctly?
Roll the plug into a thin crease-free cylinder, reach over your head to pull the ear up and back, insert deeply, and hold for several seconds while the foam expands. A shallow or creased insertion drops attenuation far below the rated NRR. See our step-by-step guide on how to insert foam earplugs.
What standard are these tested to?
The NRR 29 rating is determined under ANSI S3.19-1974, the U.S. standard referenced on EPA-required hearing-protector labels. The cord and packaging do not change the acoustic rating.
How does the 3M 1110 compare to the 3M 1270?
The 1110 is a single-use corded foam plug at NRR 29; the 3M 1270 reusable corded earplug is a washable multi-flange plug at NRR 25. The 1110 has a higher label NRR and lower per-fit hassle, while the 1270 offers a repeatable seal and lower long-run cost for steady wearers.
Will the cord get in the way around machinery?
The cord is a benefit when moving in and out of noise zones, but in tasks with rotating or entangling equipment some employers prefer an uncorded plug. Choose based on your job hazard analysis; both corded and uncorded foam options are in our hearing protection range.
Do these ship through Amazon?
Yes. WC Safety is an Amazon Associate, and this item is fulfilled through Amazon. Use the buy button to complete your purchase, where current pricing, Prime eligibility, and bulk availability are shown.
Should I use earplugs or earmuffs for my noise level?
Earplugs like the 1110 are compact, comfortable in heat, and easy to pair with eyewear; muffs are faster to don and remove for intermittent noise. For very high noise you can wear both for added protection. Our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide breaks down when to choose each.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in foam ear plugs.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
1110
Product Type
Earplug
Price
$29.95 (Amazon)
Rating
3.88 / 5 — 8 reviews
Availability
✓ In Stock on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.2 / 5· 45 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
As primary or secondary protection A+
I like these for anything from construction site noise to an additional protection under noise canceling work site headphone.I wouldn’t wear them daily personally, you don’t want something inside your ear that often I think. But if you did you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Verified Purchaser · January 11 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
I've used these for 35+ years
Easy to remove with dirty hands. A box lasts me almost 2 years.
Verified Purchaser · June 27, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Help block out sounds.
I ordered these to help block out the sound of the driers at my job and they do just that. I can still hear the driers, but the sound is definitely much less. I also like that string being attached so that I can just hang them around my neck under my smock.
Verified Purchaser · July 9, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Great Value!
These work really well when mowing. If you are handling branches, brush and such... go with cordless earplugs (or earmuffs) if you don't want to run a pair or two through the chipper!
Verified Purchaser · August 9, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Great Deal
I am a light sleeper and use these for a good nights sleep. These earplugs are wonderful in keeping out all distracting noises for a deep sleep.
Verified Purchaser · January 22 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
3M 1110 corded earplugs44
These don't fit my ears and they are very uncomfortable. I was looking to earplugs to use for sleeping; don't get these for that purpose. I need the "classic corded" type.
Verified Purchaser · April 6, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
They said they were corded and I would not a bought them if they were not corded.
They said the ear plugs was corded and they were not. Wrong advertising.
Verified Purchaser · August 29, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
They’re good
I love them , very comfortable and easy to use
Verified Purchaser · March 15, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 8 of 45 Amazon reviews.
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