Gerson 1730 vs Moldex 2200 N95: Which Cup N95 to Buy? (2026)

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Gerson 1730 vs Moldex 2200 N95: two top 3M alternatives head-to-head

If you're sourcing a cup-style N95 respirator and want to move away from the 3M 8210 — whether for cost, availability, or comfort reasons — the Gerson 1730 and the Moldex 2200N95 are the two names that surface most consistently in industrial procurement and healthcare settings alike. Both are manufactured in the United States. Both carry NIOSH N95 approval under 42 CFR Part 84. Both use a rigid cup shell that delivers the consistent face seal and high-inhalation-resistance profile that trained respirator wearers expect from a cup-style mask.

The differences between them are real, but they live in the details: the Moldex 2200 wraps its cup in a soft foam lining that makes extended wear significantly more comfortable, while the Gerson 1730 pairs a slightly firmer shell with FDA 510(k) clearance — a credential that matters in regulated clinical environments and certain government procurement programs. Cost-per-unit, pack-size options, and valved variant availability also diverge in ways that affect how each fits your purchasing program.

This guide lays out every meaningful difference, then maps each product to the scenarios where it wins. No sponsored content, no brand preference — just specifications and honest procurement logic.

Key Differences: Gerson 1730 vs Moldex 2200N95

Gerson 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator

The Gerson 1730 is a NIOSH-approved, FDA 510(k)-cleared cup-style N95 respirator manufactured in the United States by the Gerson Company. Its molded polypropylene shell gives it a firm, shape-retaining profile similar to the 3M 8210. The adjustable aluminum nose clip seats securely and maintains the formed fit throughout a shift. Dual elastic head straps distribute pressure across the skull without the ear-loop fatigue common in flat-fold designs.

Gerson 1730 Specifications

• NIOSH Approval: N95, 42 CFR Part 84
• FDA Status: 510(k) cleared — qualifies as surgical N95
• Shell type: Rigid molded cup — polypropylene
• Nose clip: Adjustable aluminum
• Straps: Dual elastic head straps
• Pack size: Box of 20 respirators
• Country of origin: Made in USA
• Valve option: Gerson 1740 (exhalation valve, box of 10)

When the Gerson 1730 is the right call

The FDA clearance is the primary differentiator. If your facility's infection control program, nursing procurement policy, or government contract specifies a surgical N95, the Gerson 1730 qualifies; the Moldex 2200 does not. This matters in ambulatory care, surgical suites, or any setting operating under CMS or Joint Commission infection prevention standards that reference FDA-cleared respirators specifically.

Beyond the compliance angle, the Gerson 1730's box-of-20 pack size is well-suited to per-worker allocation. You're issuing one box per employee for a defined use period, not managing partial cases. The firmer shell also tends to hold its cup geometry better under physical demands — bending, crawling, heavy exertion — compared to the more flexible Dura-Mesh of the Moldex 2200.

Procurement teams replacing 3M 8210 inventory due to availability constraints will find the Gerson 1730 the closest shelf-equivalent: same cup profile, same Made-in-USA origin, same NIOSH approval category, and a comparable per-unit price point.

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Read the full assessment: Gerson 1730 N95 Review

Moldex 2200N95 Disposable Respirator

The Moldex 2200N95 is one of the most recognized cup-style N95 respirators in industrial safety programs, consistently ranked alongside the 3M 8210 as a benchmark product. Manufactured by Moldex-Metric in California, it carries NIOSH N95 approval and distinguishes itself from competitors through two design choices: the Dura-Mesh outer shell and the soft foam inner lining.

The Dura-Mesh shell is a breathable, semi-rigid outer layer that allows better airflow than a solid polypropylene cup while still maintaining the structural integrity needed for a reliable face seal. The foam lining is the feature wearers consistently mention first — it eliminates the hard-edge pressure points that standard cup masks create along the chin and cheekbones after two to four hours of continuous wear.

Moldex 2200N95 Specifications

• NIOSH Approval: N95, 42 CFR Part 84
• FDA Status: Not listed as FDA 510(k) surgical N95
• Shell type: Dura-Mesh — porous, lightweight, semi-rigid outer layer
• Inner lining: Soft foam — reduces facial pressure and skin irritation
• Nose clip: Adjustable aluminum
• Straps: Dual elastic head straps
• Pack size: Box of 20 (case quantities available)
• Country of origin: Made in USA
• Valve option: Moldex 2300N95 (exhalation valve)

When the Moldex 2200N95 is the right call

Comfort-driven compliance is the central use case. OSHA 1910.134 compliance programs succeed when workers actually wear their respirators correctly for the full duration of exposure. The Moldex 2200's foam lining meaningfully reduces the odds that a worker removes the respirator before their shift ends because of pressure fatigue or skin irritation. In industrial programs where respirator discipline is a challenge, the Moldex 2200's comfort advantage translates directly to better actual protection.

Construction environments — drywall, concrete grinding, spray insulation, demolition — are a natural fit. The Dura-Mesh shell sheds surface debris better than a solid polypropylene cup, and the foam lining handles the sweat and movement of physical work better than a bare fabric layer. The Moldex 2200 is also a common choice in environments where workers wear the same respirator across multiple hours of exposure in a single day and expect not to think about it.

Facilities already running Moldex half-face or full-face supplied-air programs will find brand-level procurement consistency a secondary benefit — same vendor, same purchasing channel, consolidated safety supply relationship.

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Read the full assessment: Moldex 2200N95 Review

Use-Case Decision Guide

Construction and general industry dust

Both respirators are approved for use against non-oil particulate hazards in general industry and construction under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 (silica) and 1910.1000 (general PELs). Neither requires FDA clearance in this context. The deciding factor is shift length and worker preference. For single-task, intermittent dust exposure, the Gerson 1730's firmer shell and box-of-20 pack size offers clean per-worker distribution. For full-shift general construction work — especially in warmer conditions — the Moldex 2200's Dura-Mesh breathability and foam lining will produce better compliance outcomes. Most general-industry safety managers ordering in quantity for rotating shift workers default to the Moldex 2200 for this reason.

Formal industrial respiratory protection program purchase

If you're running a written respiratory protection program under OSHA 1910.134, you're conducting fit testing before assignment, evaluating cartridge change-out schedules, and maintaining training records. In this context, the N95 disposable is typically your nuisance-dust or emergency-standby tier. The Gerson 1730's box of 20 makes clean per-worker allocation straightforward for annual fit-test distribution or standby inventory. The Moldex 2200 is equally suitable and frequently selected when comfort feedback from previous fit-test cycles has identified pressure points as a compliance barrier. Either product supports a compliant written program; choose based on your documented worker feedback and any existing brand preferences from your half-face or cartridge program.

Healthcare and clinical settings

This is where the Gerson 1730's FDA 510(k) clearance becomes the decision-maker. Facilities operating under CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission infection prevention standards, or state-level nursing home regulations that explicitly require FDA-cleared surgical N95 respirators must specify the Gerson 1730 (or another 510(k)-cleared model). The Moldex 2200 is NIOSH-approved but does not carry surgical N95 clearance, and substituting it in regulated clinical contexts creates a compliance gap that infection control staff and surveyors will flag. Ambulatory surgery centers, acute care hospitals, and long-term care facilities purchasing N95 disposables for airborne precaution programs should select the Gerson 1730 unless an alternative cleared model has been evaluated and documented.

FDA-cleared N95 requirement (government or contract)

Some federal agency procurement specifications, state stockpiling contracts, and institutional purchasing agreements explicitly require FDA 510(k) clearance on N95 respirators. This requirement exists independent of whether the end use is clinical — it is a procurement-compliance specification tied to regulatory authority and supply-chain verification. The Gerson 1730 satisfies this requirement. The Moldex 2200 does not. If your procurement contract contains an FDA clearance clause, verify Gerson 1730's current 510(k) status against the FDA device database before purchase to confirm no status changes since this guide was published.

Workers requesting an exhalation valve

Both brands offer valved variants in the same cup family. The Gerson 1740 is the valved version of the 1730, sold in boxes of 10. The Moldex 2300N95 is the valved version of the 2200. Exhalation valves reduce heat and moisture buildup on the exhale, which matters in hot environments, high-exertion tasks, or long shifts. Critical program note: valved N95s are not appropriate for source-control applications (the valve vents unfiltered exhaled air). If your program includes any infection-prevention or public-health source-control component, specify unvalved models only. For pure worker protection in industrial environments, either valved variant is appropriate and NIOSH-approved.

Welding fume and metal dust

N95 respirators are appropriate for welding fume particulate where the hazard assessment supports an N-series filter (no oil mist present). Both the Gerson 1730 and Moldex 2200 qualify. In welding environments, heat is a significant wear-comfort factor: the Moldex 2200's Dura-Mesh shell vents better than a solid polypropylene cup, and the foam lining handles sweat better. However, welding fume exposure assessments can identify hazard levels that exceed N95 protection factors — always verify your exposure assessment results against the assigned protection factors for the selected respirator before specifying either product for a welding program. For heavy production welding near PEL thresholds, consult your industrial hygienist regarding P100 half-face or supplied-air alternatives. For intermittent MIG/TIG work in ventilated spaces where N95 is appropriate, the Moldex 2200 is the more comfortable long-shift choice in that environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gerson 1730 N95 as effective as the 3M 8210?

Yes. Both the Gerson 1730 and the 3M 8210 carry NIOSH N95 approval under 42 CFR Part 84, meaning both are certified to filter at least 95% of airborne non-oil particulates at the tested flow rate. Filtration efficiency between two NIOSH-approved N95 respirators is not a differentiator — NIOSH testing standardizes that floor. The differences between the Gerson 1730 and the 3M 8210 are in shell stiffness, FDA clearance status, pack size, and per-unit pricing. If you are replacing 3M 8210 inventory, the Gerson 1730 is a direct equivalent on filtration performance. See also: 3M 8210 vs Gerson 1730 comparison guide.

Does the Moldex 2200 fit better than the Gerson 1730?

Fit is individual — cup geometry, face shape, and cheekbone structure all affect which respirator seals best for a given worker. However, the Moldex 2200's soft foam lining generally produces fewer pressure complaints over long wear compared to the Gerson 1730's standard fabric inner. Workers with sensitive skin or prominent facial structures that hard cup edges press against typically report higher satisfaction with the Moldex 2200. That said, both masks require individual fit testing under a formal respiratory protection program. A mask that "fits better" anecdotally but fails a quantitative fit test is not compliant. Fit test both if you're unsure which to standardize on for your workforce.

Which N95 is better for an all-day industrial shift — Gerson or Moldex?

The Moldex 2200N95 is generally the better choice for an all-day industrial shift. The soft foam lining eliminates pressure fatigue that builds up over four-plus hours of continuous wear with a standard cup mask. The Dura-Mesh outer shell also allows more breathable airflow on the exhalation side, reducing heat buildup in the cup. In hot, physically demanding environments — foundries, outdoor construction, roofing, heavy manufacturing — the comfort difference over eight-plus hours is substantial. The Gerson 1730 is excellent for shorter exposures, intermittent use, or contexts where FDA clearance requirements take precedence over comfort optimization.

Does the Gerson 1730 have an FDA clearance that the Moldex 2200 lacks?

Yes. The Gerson 1730 carries FDA 510(k) clearance as a surgical N95 respirator. This clearance means the respirator has been evaluated for fluid resistance (resistance to synthetic blood penetration at a defined pressure) in addition to the standard NIOSH N95 filtration criteria. The Moldex 2200 is NIOSH N95 approved but is not listed as an FDA-cleared surgical N95. This distinction is critical in regulated healthcare settings — hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities whose infection control policies or accreditation standards require FDA-cleared surgical N95s must specify the Gerson 1730 or another cleared model. For non-healthcare industrial use, this distinction has no practical impact.

Can I order just 20-pack boxes of either for individual workers?

Yes for both. The Gerson 1730 is sold in boxes of 20 as its standard unit — well-suited to per-worker allocation. The Moldex 2200N95 is also available in a box of 20 configuration. Both are stocked at WC Safety individually by box. If you're purchasing for a program where you issue one box per worker at the start of a compliance period, either product works for that distribution model. The Gerson 1740 (valved) comes in boxes of 10 rather than 20, which is worth noting if your valve-option allocation needs to match the unvalved quantity.

Which is better for construction — Gerson 1730 or Moldex 2200N95?

For general construction dust protection, the Moldex 2200N95 is the more common selection. Construction work involves extended wear, physical exertion, variable temperature conditions, and frequent donning/doffing — all conditions where the Moldex 2200's foam lining and Dura-Mesh breathability provide a meaningful comfort advantage. For OSHA Silica Standard compliance (29 CFR 1926.1153) in high-silica tasks like dry cutting, grinding, or jackhammering, an N95 is appropriate where the hazard assessment supports it, and the Moldex 2200 fits that application well. If your construction crew also includes workers in regulated healthcare environments or government-contract contexts requiring FDA clearance, the Gerson 1730 is the compliant choice for those roles.

Does either the Gerson 1730 or Moldex 2200 come in a valved version?

Yes, both brands offer a valved variant in the same cup family. The Gerson 1740 is the exhalation-valve version of the 1730, available in boxes of 10. The Moldex 2300N95 is the exhalation-valve version of the 2200. Both NIOSH-approved valved respirators provide equivalent worker protection to their unvalved counterparts. Important: valved N95s vent exhaled breath unfiltered through the valve and are not approved for source-control use — do not specify either valved model in infection-control applications or any setting where protecting others from the wearer's exhaled breath is a program objective.

Are the Gerson 1730 and Moldex 2200N95 both made in the USA?

Yes. The Gerson 1730 is manufactured by Gerson Company in Grandview, Missouri. The Moldex 2200N95 is manufactured by Moldex-Metric in Culver City, California. Both are domestic production N95 respirators, which matters for "Buy American" procurement clauses, domestic stockpile sourcing, and supply chain resilience programs that learned from the 2020 import-dependent supply disruptions. The 3M 8210 is also US-manufactured, so all three of the major cup N95 alternatives in this tier share domestic origin.

Can the Gerson 1730 or Moldex 2200 be used for COVID-19 or other infectious disease protection?

Both are NIOSH N95 respirators and provide equivalent filtration to any other NIOSH-approved N95 when properly fitted and worn. For infectious aerosol protection, any NIOSH-approved N95 that achieves a proper fit test result provides the defined level of inhalation protection. However, for healthcare settings where source control and fluid resistance (surgical splash) are also requirements, the Gerson 1730's FDA 510(k) surgical N95 clearance makes it the appropriate specification over the Moldex 2200. For non-clinical use where the wearer is protecting themselves (not performing source control), both respirators are equivalent.

Which respirator has better breathability — Gerson 1730 or Moldex 2200?

The Moldex 2200's Dura-Mesh shell is generally considered more breathable than the Gerson 1730's solid polypropylene cup. The Dura-Mesh outer layer is porous, which allows some airflow across the shell surface rather than concentrating all air movement through the filter media. The practical effect is reduced heat and humidity buildup during exhalation, particularly in warm environments and during physical exertion. Inhalation resistance through the filter media is determined by the N95 certification parameters and is comparable between the two models. If breathability is a comfort priority, the Moldex 2200 wins. If structural rigidity and cup shape retention are the priority, the Gerson 1730 wins.

How does the Moldex 2200 compare to the 3M 8210?

The Moldex 2200N95 and the 3M 8210 are the most directly comparable cup N95 products on the market — both NIOSH approved, both widely distributed, both used as industrial standard-issue. The Moldex 2200's foam lining and Dura-Mesh shell give it a comfort edge over the 3M 8210's standard polypropylene cup for long-wear applications. The 3M 8210 retains strong brand familiarity in existing programs and sometimes has procurement preference simply due to entrenched supplier relationships. For workers switching from the 3M 8210 who found it uncomfortable over extended shifts, the Moldex 2200 is the standard upgrade recommendation. Full details in the 3M 8210 vs Moldex 2200N95 comparison guide.

Is there a cost-per-mask difference between the Gerson 1730 and Moldex 2200?

Pricing fluctuates with supply and distributor, but the Gerson 1730 and Moldex 2200 are generally priced within a narrow band of each other at the box-of-20 level. The Moldex 2200 is sometimes priced a slight premium over the Gerson 1730 due to its foam lining and Dura-Mesh shell differentiation, but this varies by channel and order quantity. At case-quantity purchasing levels, both products become more competitive and the per-mask cost difference is typically less than a few cents per unit. For high-volume industrial programs, request quotes from your distributor for both at your actual order quantity before making a cost-based decision. Check current pricing at WC Safety disposable respirators for live pricing.

Can I use these respirators for painting or spray finishing?

N95 respirators are particulate filters only — they do not protect against organic vapors, solvent fumes, or chemical gases. Spray painting typically involves both particulate (pigment, atomized droplets) and vapor (solvent) hazards simultaneously. An N95 alone is not appropriate protection for most spray painting applications where solvent vapors are present. The correct equipment is an OV/P100 combination cartridge in a half-face or full-face respirator. For water-based latex spray application in well-ventilated conditions where vapor exposure is below action levels, consult your industrial hygienist before specifying an N95. Neither the Gerson 1730 nor the Moldex 2200 provides vapor protection.

Do the Gerson 1730 and Moldex 2200 fit the same on most face shapes?

Cup N95 respirators fit a broad range of adult face shapes, but no single model fits everyone. The Gerson 1730's cup geometry is similar to the 3M 8210 — workers who fit-test well on the 8210 generally do well on the Gerson 1730. The Moldex 2200 has a slightly different cup profile and the foam lining can accommodate minor facial contour variations better than a hard cup edge. Workers with narrow or prominent facial features sometimes find one fits better than the other. OSHA 1910.134 requires quantitative or qualitative fit testing before initial assignment — do not assume a cup N95 fits a given worker without a documented fit test. Offer both models in your initial fit-test panel if you're unsure which will produce better pass rates for your workforce.

Where can I learn more about choosing the right disposable respirator?

WC Safety's complete guide to disposable respirators covers N95, N99, P100, and nuisance-relief classes, NIOSH filter designations, OSHA program requirements, and how to choose between cup and flat-fold styles. For the specific Gerson-vs-3M question, see the 3M 8210 vs Gerson 1730 comparison. For the valved vs unvalved decision, see the valved vs unvalved N95 guide.

Related Resources

• Shop all disposable respirators at WC Safety
• Disposable Respirators: Complete Guide (2026)
• Best N95 Respirators: 2026 Buyer's Guide
• 3M 8210 vs Moldex 2200N95: Full Comparison
• 3M 8210 vs Gerson 1730: Full Comparison
• Cup vs Flat-Fold N95: Which Should You Choose?
• Valved vs Unvalved N95: When Each Applies
• Gerson 1730 N95 — Box of 20 (Product Page)
• Gerson 1740 N95 with Valve — Box of 10
• Moldex 2200N95 Disposable Respirator (Product Page)
• Moldex 2300N95 with Exhalation Valve
• 3M 8210 N95 Disposable Respirator
• Gerson 1730 N95 — Full Product Review
• Moldex 2200N95 — Full Product Review