Portwest Banded Tapered Ear Plugs

Practical, comfortable hearing protection that stays within reach at all times. The Portwest EP17 Banded Tapered Ear Plugs combine soft PU foam ear protection with the everyday convenience of a PP band, delivering a straightforward hearing protection solution for workers who need to move quickly between noisy and quieter areas throughout the working day.

The tapered PU foam ear pods are shaped for intuitive, fuss-free insertion and removal — the gradual taper guides the plug naturally into the ear canal without the need for extensive rolling or manipulation, making them faster and more hygienic to fit than traditional cylindrical PU foam plugs. With a comfortable, secure fit once positioned, the EP17 is well suited to extended periods of wear in industrial, manufacturing, construction, and utilities environments where sustained noise exposure is a daily reality.

The PP band is designed to be worn under the chin when the ear plugs are not actively in use, keeping the pods clean, accessible, and ready to be deployed immediately when entering a noise hazard area. This removes the need to retrieve ear plugs from a pocket or dispenser at the point of need — a small but genuinely important practical advantage in fast-paced working environments. When positioned under the chin, the band sits comfortably around the neck without interfering with helmets, face protection, or other PPE.

Certified to EN 352-2 at SNR 27dB and carrying CE-CAT III classification, the EP17 delivers reliable and compliant hearing protection. Replacement ear pods are available separately as EP19, extending the working life of the band and supporting cost-effective ongoing hearing protection programmes. Individually packed for full vending machine compatibility.

Key Features:

• Tapered PU foam ear pods for easy, intuitive insertion and removal
• PP band designed to be worn under the chin for convenient access between noise hazard areas
• Soft PU foam construction for a comfortable, secure fit during extended wear
• Disposable ear pods for hygiene and ease of replacement
• Replacement pods available separately — EP19
• SNR 27dB attenuation for effective industrial noise reduction
• Individually packed for vending machine compatibility
• CE certified to CE-CAT III standard
• Compliant with EN 352-2 | SNR 27dB

Materials: Mesh with PU Foam, PP Product Code: EP17

How are the EP17 banded ear plugs worn? The EP17 is designed to be worn with the band positioned under the chin. When the ear pods are inserted, the band rests comfortably below the jaw. When hearing protection is not immediately required, the ear pods are removed and the band is worn around the neck, keeping the plugs clean and within immediate reach for rapid reinsertion when re-entering a noise hazard area.

What is the advantage of a tapered ear plug design? The tapered shape of the EP17 ear pods allows them to be inserted into the ear canal quickly and comfortably without extensive compression rolling. The gradual taper guides the plug into position naturally, making fitting faster and more straightforward — particularly useful when wearing gloves or when ear protection needs to be applied and removed frequently throughout the working day.

Are replacement pods available for the EP17 banded ear plugs? Yes. Replacement ear pods for the EP17 are available separately as the Portwest EP19. Replacing the pods when worn or soiled rather than discarding the entire unit extends the working life of the band, reduces ongoing costs, and supports more sustainable PPE management in the workplace.

What is the noise reduction rating of the EP17 ear plugs? The Portwest EP17 carries an SNR rating of 27dB, certified to EN 352-2. This level of attenuation is suitable for a broad range of industrial and construction environments where exposure to harmful noise levels requires effective, compliant hearing protection.

How do the EP17 banded ear plugs differ from the EP11? Both the EP17 and EP11 are banded ear plug products from the Portwest range. The EP17 features a tapered PU foam pod design and a band worn under the chin, and is a disposable pod format with replacement pods available as EP19. The EP11 uses push and twist PU foam pods with a no-roll insertion system, includes a spare pair of pods in each pack, and offers the choice of wearing the band under the chin or over the head. The EP17 is rated at SNR 27dB while the EP11 offers a higher SNR 32dB attenuation — selection between the two should be guided by the noise levels present in your working environment.

Are the EP17 ear plugs compatible with vending machines? Yes. The EP17 is individually packed, making it fully compatible with PPE vending machine dispensing as well as standard retail and trade counter distribution.