Moldex 2201N95 Review — Flat-Fold Small-Size Unvalved N95
Moldex 2201N95 Flat-Fold Review: Small-Size Compact N95 for Pocket Carry and Individual Distribution Programs
Flat-fold respirators differ from cup respirators in one fundamental way: when not in use, they collapse to a near-flat profile that takes up a fraction of the storage volume of a rigid cup. For safety programs that distribute respirators individually — by envelope, vending machine, or personal carry — the flat-fold format is meaningfully more practical. A full-size rigid cup N95 requires a protective bag or container to prevent deformation in a pocket or bag. A flat-fold like the 2201N95 survives pocket carry without compromising its shape, because the cup geometry is formed by the wearer when the respirator is donned: the wearer pulls the two halves of the flat-fold apart to open the cup to its working geometry, then positions it on the face.
The 2201N95 adds the Small facepiece dimension to this format. Small-size respirators are not a comfort preference — they exist because some workers' facial dimensions produce a poor or failed fit test on standard-size models. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires fit testing with the specific model and size the employee will use, and size selection must emerge from that testing process, not from self-assessment or visual comparison.
AT A GLANCE
| NIOSH Rating | N95 — ≥95% non-oil particulate |
| APF | 10 (tight-fitting half-mask) |
| Max Use Concentration | 10× PEL |
| Exhalation Valve | None — source-control eligible |
| Shell Design | Flat-fold — collapses for compact storage |
| Headband | Standard dual elastic straps |
| Size | Small |
| Pack Quantity | 20 per box |
| Oil Class | N — not for oil aerosols |
Flat-Fold Design: Storage, Distribution, and Donning
The flat-fold geometry uses a central vertical fold to allow the two halves of the facepiece to lie flat against each other for storage. The filter media, nosepiece foam, and headband are all integrated into this flat format. To don: (1) Open the fold by grasping the top and bottom edges and pulling apart. (2) Position the lower cup portion below the chin. (3) Pull the upper strap over the crown, lower strap behind the occipital ridge. (4) Mold the nosepiece with two fingers along the nose bridge. (5) Perform the user seal check per OSHA Appendix B-1.
The flat-fold profile does not store well when partially worn — unlike a rigid cup that can be hung around the neck between tasks, a flat-fold that has been opened loses its flat storage geometry and should be stored in a clean bag or discarded if the work session is interrupted. This is a meaningful consideration for programs where workers move between tasks requiring and not requiring respiratory protection.
For programs requiring pocket carry and individual issuance, the flat-fold is a strong format choice. For programs where cup geometry and around-the-neck temporary storage is important, a rigid cup model like the standard-size Moldex 2200N95 or the HandyStrap 2700N95 may be more practical. See the full disposable respirators collection for all available formats.
Small Size Selection: Fit Testing Protocol
The Small designation on the 2201N95 refers to the facepiece geometry — shorter face length, narrower width, or reduced seal perimeter length compared to the standard size. Workers who fail a quantitative fit test on a standard N95 with a fit factor below 100 (OSHA's minimum acceptable fit factor for tight-fitting respirators) may pass on a small-size facepiece. The selection process must go in order: (1) administer the fit test with the most likely model and size based on worker demographics; (2) if failed, try other sizes and models within the same class; (3) select the model and size that achieves passing fit factor; (4) document and issue the passing model and size.
Self-selection by workers who believe they have a "small face" does not satisfy OSHA requirements. The fit factor on a given model and size can be unpredictable — some workers with objectively smaller faces pass standard-size models, and some with average faces fail standard sizes but pass small or alternate models. Quantitative fit testing is the only reliable method.
For the Small-size Low Profile HandyStrap cup respirator (non-flat-fold), see the Moldex 2601N95 HandyStrap. For the standard-size flat-fold with the same feature set (unvalved, dual strap), the 2200N95 is the appropriate model.
Source Control Eligibility
The 2201N95 has no exhalation valve. All exhaled air passes through the N95 filter media before exiting the respirator. This makes it source-control eligible — exhaled aerosols are filtered before being released into the environment. Healthcare facilities, laboratories, and food production settings that require containment of the wearer's exhaled particles can specify the 2201N95 where source control is a requirement alongside particulate protection.
Source control eligibility does not mean the respirator is cleared by FDA as a surgical mask. The 2201N95 is NIOSH N95 approved. For dual NIOSH N95 + FDA surgical mask (surgical N95) clearance, a specific surgical N95 model must be selected. The 2201N95 is an industrial/occupational N95 unless Moldex has pursued dual clearance for this specific model.
20-Count Box and Program Stocking
The 2201N95 is packaged 20 per box, compared to the more common 10-per-box packaging for many N95 cup respirators. The 20-count quantity combined with the flat storage format means a given shelf footprint holds more respirators — useful in high-volume programs or where storage space is limited. Individual envelopes or resealable bags for daily issuance are compatible with the flat-fold format and are a common individual distribution method in healthcare and food processing environments.
For program procurement and bulk pricing, see our disposable respirators page and compare with Amazon bulk options Check Price on Amazon →. For reusable respirator programs that reduce per-use cost, see half-face respirators and replacement cartridges.
Moldex Small-Size N95 Platform Comparison
| Model | Size | Shell | Strap | Valve | Source Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2201N95 | Small | Flat-fold | Dual | None | Yes |
| 2601N95 | Small | Low Profile cup | HandyStrap | None | Yes |
| 4701N100 | Small | AirWave dome | SmartStrap | Ventex | No |
| 2200N95 | Standard | Flat-fold | Dual | None | Yes |
| 2700N95 | Standard | Standard cup | HandyStrap | None | Yes |
OSHA Compliance and Written Program Requirements
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, tight-fitting filtering facepiece respirators in required-use programs need: (1) written program administered by a trained program administrator; (2) exposure assessment to identify the hazard and concentration; (3) medical evaluation (Appendix C questionnaire minimum) before initial fit testing; (4) fit testing with the specific model and size; (5) training on proper use, donning, doffing, seal check, storage, and discard; (6) annual program review. The 2201N95's APF of 10 limits use to hazards at or below 10× PEL.
For employees who also need hearing protection and eye protection in the same environment, see our earplugs, earmuffs, and safety glasses collections. Also see our NIOSH standards guide and our guide on dust masks vs. respirators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Moldex 2201N95 and the 2200N95?
A: Facepiece size only. The 2201N95 is Small size; the 2200N95 is standard size. Both are flat-fold, dual-strap, unvalved, N95 models. Size must be determined by fit testing.
Q: What is the difference between a flat-fold and a cup N95?
A: A cup N95 maintains a rigid domed shape at all times. A flat-fold N95 stores flat and is opened to its working cup geometry when donned. Flat-folds store in less space and are easier to pocket-carry; cup respirators can be stored around the neck between tasks without losing their geometry.
Q: Is the 2201N95 source-control eligible?
A: Yes. No exhalation valve means all exhaled air passes through the N95 filter, making it appropriate for settings requiring source control of the wearer's exhaled aerosols.
Q: How do I determine if Small size is right for a worker?
A: Through fit testing only. Conduct a quantitative fit test with both standard and small-size models and select the one that achieves a passing fit factor (≥100 for N95 class). Self-assessment is not an acceptable substitute.
Q: Can the 2201N95 be used in healthcare?
A: Yes, in clinical environments where N95 particulate filtration with source control is required. Verify whether your facility's infection control protocol requires a surgical N95 (dual NIOSH + FDA clearance) vs. an industrial N95 — requirements vary by setting and regulatory framework.
Q: How is the flat-fold 2201N95 donned correctly?
A: Grasp top and bottom of the flat respirator and pull apart to open the cup. Position chin in the lower cup. Pull upper strap over the crown, lower strap behind the occipital ridge. Mold the nosepiece with two fingers (not one). Perform OSHA Appendix B-1 seal check.
Q: How many respirators are in a box of Moldex 2201N95?
A: 20 per box. The flat-fold format allows 20-count packaging at comparable box dimensions to 10-count rigid cup packaging.
Q: What is the APF of the 2201N95?
A: APF 10. All tight-fitting filtering facepiece half-masks share APF 10 per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Table 1. Maximum use concentration is 10× PEL of the identified hazard.
Q: Is the 2201N95 appropriate for N95 fit testing programs?
A: It can be one of the models tested. If a worker's fit test on the 2201N95 achieves a passing fit factor, it is the correct model for that worker. Include it in multi-model fit test kits for programs serving workers with smaller facial dimensions.
Q: Can I store the 2201N95 in my pocket after donning it once?
A: After the flat-fold has been opened for use, it no longer stores flat. Store a used respirator in a clean breathable paper bag — not a sealed plastic bag — between uses within the same shift if the program allows limited reuse. Discard according to written program discard criteria.
Q: Does NIOSH approve the 2201N95 separately from the 2200N95?
A: Yes. Each model and size receives a distinct NIOSH TC approval number. Verify current approval status at the NIOSH Certified Equipment List for both models if specifying either in a written program.
Q: Is the 2201N95 appropriate for wildfires or smoke?
A: N95 filtration is effective against fine wildfire smoke particles. A properly fitted, NIOSH-approved N95 worn correctly provides meaningful protection during wildfire smoke events. The Small size may be the correct choice for workers who fail standard-size fit tests in fire event response programs.
Q: Where can I buy the Moldex 2201N95?
A: Available at WC Safety's disposable respirators collection and on Check Price on Amazon →.
Q: What is the shelf life of the 2201N95?
A: Moldex publishes a 5-year shelf life from manufacture date for stored uncontaminated respirators in original packaging, kept away from UV light, chemical vapors, high humidity, and temperature extremes.
Q: Does the flat-fold design affect filtration performance?
A: No. NIOSH certifies N95 filtration efficiency (≥95%) regardless of shell design. The flat-fold format stores differently but delivers the same filter efficiency as a rigid cup once properly donned and sealed to the face.