Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers — NRR 31dB, Corded Disposable Foam Earplugs, 100-Pair Box, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95

Short answer: The Moldex 6985 is a corded disposable foam earplug in the Glide Soothers series — NRR 31dB, OSHA 1910.95 compliant, available in a 100-pair box. Combines twist-in insertion (from Glide) with moisturizing foam (from Soothers) — the correct choice when a worker is both gloved and has ear canal sensitivity. Addresses two common compliance failure modes simultaneously. With OSHA 50% derating, effective attenuation is approximately 12.0 dB, providing adequate protection in environments up to approximately 102 dB(A). Confirm suitability with noise dosimetry data from your industrial hygiene program.

Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers Corded Foam Earplugs — NRR 31dB

Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial Team — hearing protection specialists with industrial hygiene and occupational health program experience. Last updated: May 2026.

The Moldex 6985 is the corded, 100-pair box packaging of the Glide Soothers series — Moldex's moisturizing foam with no-touch twist-in insertion disposable foam earplug with a rated NRR of 31 dB. The Glide Soothers are the only Moldex earplug that combines no-roll twist-in insertion with moisturizing foam. Gloved workers who also have sensitive or dry ear canals need both properties — the Glide Soothers deliver NRR 31 while satisfying both requirements. Packaged in a 100-pair box format with attached cord to prevent floor loss and support re-wear between noisy tasks. See all available formats: Moldex Earplugs at WC Safety → · Earplug Selection Guide →

Key Features — Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers

• Combines twist-in insertion (from Glide) with moisturizing foam (from Soothers): the correct choice when a worker is both gloved and has ear canal sensitivity. Addresses two common compliance failure modes simultaneously.
• Corded format — prevents floor loss, supports re-wear between tasks: The attached cord prevents dropped earplugs from falling to the floor where they become a contamination, tripping, or FOD hazard. The cord allows the earplug to hang around the neck during brief no-noise breaks and be re-inserted when noise re-starts — reducing waste and discouraging removal in temporary quiet zones
• Box packaging — bulk stock for inventory programs: Standard 100-pair box packaging for storeroom inventory, safety manager distribution, or central issue programs. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and chemical vapors
• Hygienic no-touch insertion: The twist-in insertion means no part of the finger needs to contact the portion of the earplug that enters the ear canal — reducing contamination risk in food processing and clean environments
• Disposable single-use design — no contamination risk between workers: As single-use hearing protection, the Glide Soothers eliminates shared-HPD contamination concerns in multi-shift programs. Each worker uses a fresh pair — no shared earplug hygiene issues from shared reusable devices
• OSHA 1910.95 compliance: The Glide Soothers carries an NRR established under ANSI S12.6 testing — meeting the requirements for hearing protective devices under OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard. Documents provided on request for program compliance files

Applications — When to Use Moldex Glide Soothers Earplugs

• Gloved workers with dry or sensitive ear canals
• Food and beverage manufacturing with hygiene glove requirements
• Chemical processing with both glove and ear comfort requirements
• Workers who have tried Glide but have canal irritation

NRR 31 Noise Reduction — Environment Reference

Using OSHA's 50% derating method, the Moldex Glide Soothers provides approximately 12.0 dB effective attenuation in real-world use:

Estimated exposure uses OSHA 50% derating: (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 = 12.0 dB effective attenuation. Actual attenuation varies with fit quality. Always confirm with industrial hygiene noise dosimetry.

Glide Soothers — Available Formats

Moldex 6985 vs. Alternatives

OSHA Compliance — 29 CFR 1910.95 Hearing Conservation

All Moldex earplugs listed in this collection are hearing protective devices (HPD) evaluated under the ANSI S12.6 standard. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is established per 40 CFR Part 211 (EPA labeling requirements). Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, the employer must implement a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) whenever workers are exposed to a TWA at or above 85 dB(A).

• Action Level (85 dB TWA): Hearing Conservation Program required — employer must enroll workers in audiometric testing, provide hearing protectors, and conduct annual training. HPD use is voluntary above AL but below PEL
• PEL (90 dB TWA): Hearing protector use is mandatory. The selected HPD must reduce the worker's effective noise exposure to at or below the PEL. With NRR 31 and OSHA derating, effective attenuation is approximately 12.0 dB — meaning the Glide Soothers is appropriate in environments up to ≈ 102 dB(A)
• NRR derating (OSHA recommended method): Effective attenuation = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. Moldex NRR 31 → (31 − 7) ÷ 2 = 12.0 dB. This is a conservative real-world estimate that accounts for field-use fit variability. Laboratory NRR values consistently exceed field performance
• Dual hearing protection: When noise levels exceed the protection capacity of a single HPD (approximately 102 dB for NRR 31), OSHA requires dual protection — earplugs plus earmuffs. Dual protection adds approximately 5 dB above the higher-rated device alone
• Audiometric testing: OSHA 1910.95(g) requires baseline and annual audiograms for all workers exposed at or above the 85 dB(A) action level. A standard threshold shift (STS) triggers program review and possible HP upgrade
• HPD training: OSHA 1910.95(k) requires annual training covering: noise effects on hearing, earplug selection, fitting procedure, care, and inspection. Training must be documented
• Fit matters as much as NRR: An NRR 33 earplug inserted incorrectly provides less protection than an NRR 25 earplug inserted correctly. Earplug fit testing (individual fit testing, or IFT) is not required by OSHA but is strongly recommended by NIOSH and the NHCA for programs in high-noise environments

Frequently Asked Questions — Moldex 6985 Glide Soothers

What is the NRR and what does NRR 31 mean?

NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is the attenuation value established by laboratory testing per ANSI S12.6 and required on all HPD packaging by EPA 40 CFR Part 211. NRR 31 means the earplug achieved 31 dB of attenuation under ideal laboratory conditions. OSHA recommends applying a 50% derating for real-world use: (31 − 7) ÷ 2 = 12.0 dB effective attenuation. This accounts for fit variability in the field. In a 100 dB environment with properly fitted Glide Soothers earplugs, your estimated effective exposure is ≈ 88.0 dB — below the 90 dB OSHA PEL.

How do I insert the Glide Soothers correctly?

Twist-in insertion — no roll-down required. Grip the stem, twist gently into the ear canal. Proper insertion is the most critical variable for achieving the rated NRR in the field. A poorly inserted earplug can provide significantly less protection than the rated NRR regardless of the earplug's quality. Moldex provides fit-check instructions with bulk packaging; training workers on correct insertion technique is an OSHA-required element of the Hearing Conservation Program under 29 CFR 1910.95(k).

Can I reuse the Glide Soothers?

The Glide Soothers is a disposable earplug. Moldex recommends replacing after each shift or when the earplug is visibly soiled, compressed, or has lost its ability to roll back to shape. Do not wash and reuse disposable foam earplugs — washing degrades the foam matrix and reduces attenuation. Reusable alternatives in the Moldex lineup include the Rockets, Alphas, and Jetz series → for programs targeting reduced disposable waste.

When is the Glide Soothers not sufficient and what do I do?

With OSHA 50% derating, NRR 31 provides approximately 12.0 dB effective attenuation — protecting workers in environments up to approximately 102 dB(A). If your noise dosimetry documents exposures above 102 dB(A), a single earplug is not sufficient. Options: (1) add earmuffs over earplugs (adds ~5 dB above the higher NRR device), (2) switch to a higher-NRR earplug, or (3) use an NRR 33 earplug such as 6940 Glide. Engineering controls (noise enclosures, vibration isolation, process modification) should always be evaluated as the primary controls before relying on additional PPE.

What is OSHA's Hearing Conservation Standard and does it apply to my workplace?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 applies to all general industry workplaces where any worker is exposed to a noise TWA at or above 85 dB(A). If your workplace has equipment, processes, or areas generating this level, you are required to implement a Hearing Conservation Program. This includes: noise monitoring, HCP enrollment, audiometric testing, HPD provision, training, and recordkeeping. For construction, OSHA 1926.52 applies. If you are not sure whether your workplace noise levels trigger the standard, contact a certified industrial hygienist for noise dosimetry measurements.

Does the box packaging affect the earplugs inside?

The box packaging keeps earplugs sealed until use. Store boxes in a cool, dry location — avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, and areas with chemical vapors (oil mist, solvents), which can degrade foam. Shelf life for stored, unpackaged foam earplugs is generally 5 years from manufacturing date.