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Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC
10 Thurber Boulevard
Smithfield, RI 02917
USA

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THOMAS RANKIN ASSOCIATES
Tom Rankin
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email: tomr@trankin.com

AirSoft multiple-use earplugs

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Redesigned Howard Leight® AirSoft® Earplugs Offer Improved Fit, Comfort and Performance

-- New material, design and engineering features keep 30-year-old product ahead of its time
-- Safety managers value benefits of product enhancements

Smithfield, RI -- Hearing protection leader Howard Leight has redesigned and updated its popular AirSoft® multiple-use earplugs. First introduced nearly 30 years ago, AirSoft was the first earplug to utilize an internal air pocket. Offering industry's highest noise reduction rating (NRR 27), AirSoft quickly became an industry standard and the flagship product of the Howard Leight® line. The updated AirSoft includes new material, new design features and new engineering technologies that provide even better fit, comfort and performance.

"With AirSoft approaching its 30th birthday, it was appropriate to look for ways to improve upon the original design," said Bill Sokol, Vice President Strategic Marketing. "With recent advances in material science and design innovations, it quickly became apparent that we could make an industry standard like AirSoft even better. The improved AirSoft design is easier to insert, fits better in the ear, and is more comfortable for long-time wear."

Key to the success of the original AirSoft and to the redesigned product is its internal air pocket design. The improved design incorporates a series of patented, noise-blocking fins within the pocket. As the air pocket compresses in the ear canal, these fins interweave to create a noise-blocking barrier optimized to the wearer's ear canal. This facilitates more dependable attenuation from one user to another.

A fourth flange has been added to AirSoft's profile, and the center shaft has been stiffened to facilitate insertion and removal, and to assure a more consistent fit. The new flange design creates a better seal in the ear canal and is more tapered, with rounded edges, to increase comfort. As a result, AirSoft fits more comfortably in a wider range of ear canals, eliminating the necessity for multiple sizes.

The original PVC material in AirSoft has been replaced with a more user-friendly TPE which also increases comfort, especially during long-time wear. Howard Leight has retained AirSoft's familiar look, but has added a trademarked logo on the stem collar to assure users they are receiving a genuine Howard Leight product. AirSoft is available in corded and uncorded versions, and at NRR 27, AirSoft provides the industry's highest attenuation available in a multiple-use earplug.

"In recent product testing, safety managers unanimously endorsed AirSoft's improvements, citing better fit, comfort and enhanced protection," Sokol said. "Our improved AirSoft is designed to please both current users of the original AirSoft, as well as new customers looking for the latest and greatest in in-ear solutions."

SPRinfo

Since its beginnings as a one-man operation more than 30 years ago, Howard Leight by Sperian has grown into one of the largest global manufacturers of hearing protectors in the industrial market and the recognized innovator in protection and people-oriented fit. Howard Leight offers the widest variety of hearing protection devices and technology, ranging from the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug, to SmartFit® earplugs with Conforming Material Technology(TM) -- which delivers a more personalized fit -- to VeriPRO(TM), the new industry-changing fit verification system for hearing protectors. Utilizing Bilsom® Technology, Howard Leight earmuffs raise the bar on innovative design, performance and comfort, with features like padded wire headbands, high-visibility designs, unique sound management technologies and multi-level attenuation options. Visit Howard Leight online at http://www.howardleight.com

With nearly 6000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext's Eurolist and on the SBF120.

For additional information, contact:
Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC
7828 Waterville Road
San Diego, CA 92154
Tel: 800/430-5490
Fax: 401/232-3110
Email: rbessette@SperianProtection.com
Website: http://www.howardleight.com

Photo Caption
<< AirSoft.jpg >>
Hearing protection leader Howard Leight has redesigned and updated its popular AirSoft® multiple-use earplugs. An industry standard for nearly 30 years, the redesigned AirSoft includes new material, new design features and new engineering technologies that provide even better fit, comfort and performance.

ref: SPR7949.0806


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