Moldex Mellows 6820 Uncorded Disposable Foam Earplugs

Soft disposable foam earplugs for all-day wear in noisy plants

The Moldex Mellows 6820 is an uncorded, single-use foam earplug made from extra-soft, low-pressure foam. The tapered shape is easy to insert and remove and is shaped to fit even very small ear canals, and the smooth, non-irritating surface is meant for long wear. The high-visibility orange colour makes it easy for supervisors to check on a walk-round that plugs are being worn, which matters in a hearing conservation programme.

Moldex states an independently tested NRR of 30 dB, measured to ANSI S3.19-1974, and the product page lists a 5 year shelf life, USA origin and PVC-free materials. The same plug is offered corded or in a PlugStation dispenser; the part numbers are in the table below.

Technical specifications

Fitting, limits and choosing the right plug

Laboratory NRR values are for comparison. Moldex warns that protection in field use is often significantly lower, depending on how the plug is fitted and worn, and that foam plugs must be used as part of a hearing conservation programme that meets local safety and health rules. Roll the plug, insert it into the ear canal and hold it until it expands; train workers and check fit, because a poor fit reduces protection.

Over-protection can also be a hazard: wearers must still hear warning signals. For very high noise, or where a plug is awkward to fit with other gear, an earmuff from the hearing protection range may suit better, or plugs may be combined with muffs under a documented programme.

How the Moldex Mellows 6820 earplug works

A foam earplug blocks noise by filling the ear canal. The plug is rolled into a thin cylinder, put into the canal and held in place for a few seconds while it expands to match the shape of the canal. The expanded foam seals the canal and reduces the sound level that reaches the eardrum. The Mellows is made from extra-soft, low-pressure foam, so the pressure on the canal wall is low, and the tapered shape is intended for easy insertion and for small ear canals as well.

Where the Mellows 6820 is used

• Factories, workshops and fabrication yards with machinery noise.
• Construction, mining and oil and gas sites.
• Maintenance work near compressors, generators and pumps.
• Hearing conservation programmes that issue disposable plugs to all staff and visitors.

Selection checklist for the Mellows 6820

• Noise level at the work area, compared with the stated NRR of 30 dB.
• Style: uncorded 6820, corded 6840, or a PlugStation dispenser such as 6846 or 6847.
• Pack size: 200 pairs per box and 10 boxes per case for the 6820.
• Wearers with small ear canals and long shifts, where soft foam is helpful.
• Visibility: the orange colour lets supervisors check at a glance that plugs are being worn.
• Standards listed on the product page, including ANSI S3.19-1974 and AS/NZS 1270.
• PVC-free material and a shelf life of 5 years.
• The need for a dispenser at the entrance of the noisy area.

Fitting and use

Roll the plug slowly between the fingers until it is a thin, smooth cylinder. Reach over the head with the other hand and pull the ear up and back to straighten the canal. Insert the plug and hold it for several seconds until it expands. A correctly fitted plug sits fully in the canal, and a poor fit reduces protection. Replace the plug when it is dirty or damaged, because it is a single-use item, and wash hands before handling the plugs.

Requesting a quotation for the Moldex Mellows 6820

Send the quantity in boxes or cases and any dispenser needed. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.

Limits of laboratory ratings

Laboratory NRR values are meant for comparison. Protection in field use is often lower, because it depends on the fit and the way the plug is worn. Foam plugs must be used as part of a hearing conservation programme that meets local safety and health rules, including training and checking the fit.

Avoiding over-protection

Too much protection can be a hazard, because the wearer may not hear warning signals or speech. Choose a rating suited to the noise level, and do not select the highest value by default.

Storage and shelf life

Keep the earplugs in the original box in a clean, dry place away from direct sun, and use them within the stated shelf life of 5 years. Dispensers should be placed at the entrances of noisy areas so workers can take a fresh pair each time they enter.

Training and supervision

Training workers to insert plugs correctly is as important as the choice of plug. Show the method, check the fit during induction and follow up on shift, and record the training in the hearing conservation file.

Documents and quotation

The attached Moldex data sheet gives the attenuation table and ordering information; its warnings list the hearing conservation requirements. For an enquiry state the part number (6820 uncorded, 6840 corded or a PlugStation dispenser), the quantity in boxes or cases, and the noise rating standard your site uses. Confirm that an ANSI S3.19 NRR is acceptable under your site rules before ordering. See also the published 3M Peltor X5A earmuffs.