Among 3M earplugs, NRR values differ by as much as 9 dB, and models also differ in whether they are corded and in material and construction. The wrong model can mean discomfort or inadequate protection. This page summarizes the specifications and uses of five models to help buyers compare quickly and find the right match.
NRR comparison
A higher number means more noise reduction; choose according to the noise level of the work environment — higher is not always better.
Five models compared
| Model | Construction | NRR | Material | Use | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 311-1250-CN | Bullet shape, corded | 33 dB | Slow-recovery foam | High industrial noise, long wear | Bright yellow, easy to see; E-A-Rsoft series |
| 3M 1100-CN | Bullet shape, uncorded | 29 dB | Polyurethane foam | Office, sleep | Uncorded, mainly single use |
| 3M 1110-CN | Bullet shape, corded | 29 dB | Polyurethane foam | Factory rounds, construction work | Cord prevents loss, suits frequent removal |
| 3M 318-1005-CN | Push-in, corded | 28 dB (SNR 35) | Foam | Construction sites, heavy machinery | No rolling needed, inserts directly into the ear canal, clean and hygienic |
| 3M 1270-CN | Three-flange, corded | 24 dB | Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) | Low to medium noise | Flanges improve fit stability; cord length 60 cm |
NRR vs SNR: NRR is a US ANSI standard and SNR is a European EN standard; the rating systems differ and cannot be compared directly. The 318-1005 is labeled NRR 28 dB and SNR 35 dB. When choosing, compare values from the same rating system.
Model notes
NRR 33 dB — 3M 311-1250-CN bullet-shaped corded earplug
- NRR 33 dB (311-1250)
- Slow-recovery foam expands after insertion to seal the ear canal
- Bright yellow, so safety supervisors can easily see whether they are being worn
- Uses: foundries, stamping lines, air compressor areas
Office / sleep — 3M 1100-CN uncorded earplug
- NRR 29 dB, soft foam gently fills the ear canal
- Uncorded, for static use (office, reading, sleep)
- For hygiene, single use or regular replacement is recommended
- Uses: quiet areas in precision assembly, shift workers in dormitories
Frequent removal — 3M 1110-CN corded earplug
- Same specification as the 1100; the difference is the cord
- For people who move in and out of noisy areas often, it hangs around the neck when removed and is not easily lost
- Uses: inspection staff, QA / QC, rotating workstation staff
No rolling / high hygiene — 3M 318-1005-CN push-in corded earplug
- Mushroom shape inserts directly, no need to roll it down first
- Easy to use for workers wearing gloves
- SNR 35 dB
- Uses: machine operators, factories where gloves are worn
Low to medium noise / long comfort — 3M 1270-CN corded flanged earplug
- Three-flange structure fits stably in different ear canal shapes
- Washable and reusable
- NRR 24 dB, for medium noise (70–85 dB) environments
- Uses: warehouses, logistics stations, offices with air-conditioning background noise
Quick selection by situation
| Situation | Recommended model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Foundry / stamping / next to loud machines | 311-1250 | NRR 33 dB |
| Factory rounds, frequent entry to noisy areas | 1110 | Cord prevents loss, easy on and off |
| Machine operators wearing gloves | 318-1005 | No rolling, quick to insert even with gloves |
| Office / sleep noise reduction | 1100 | Uncorded and unobtrusive, soft comfortable foam |
| Washable and reusable, low to medium noise | 1270 | Washable and reusable |
Packaging and ordering
3M earplugs come in several pack sizes, from individual spares to bulk factory orders:
- Single pair, 50 pairs/box, 100 pairs/box, 200 pairs/box, 500 pairs/box
- Please ask for volume quotes for 100–500 pairs
- For combined purchasing with other PPE (gloves, safety eyewear), ask us for a bulk quote
FAQ
How do the 3M 1100 and 311-1250 differ? Mainly in NRR and whether they are corded (see the five-model table above): for long work in high noise choose the corded version with higher NRR; for general environments the basic version is enough — higher is not always better.
How do I order 3M earplugs? They are available from a single pair up to full cases; delivery time depends on stock and scheduling — please ask; volume orders are quoted separately.
How often should disposable earplugs be replaced? Replace them when dirty, deformed or slow to recover, to maintain fit and noise reduction.
Trademarks: 3M, E-A-Rsoft and the model names on this page are trademarks or model names of their owners, used here only to identify the products. JIAHON is not the authorized distributor of this brand in Taiwan.
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