Moldex 4701N100 AirWave N100 Small Respirator Review — Small-Face Fit Buyer's Guide
Is the Moldex 4701N100 the answer for smaller faces that fail an N100 fit test?
Short answer: That is exactly its job. The Moldex 4701N100 is the small-size version of the 4700N100 — the same NIOSH N100 (99.97% non-oil) AirWave mask sized for smaller faces. Fit, not filtration, is the reason to choose it: a respirator only protects if it seals, and many smaller-faced workers fail the regular size.
Moldex 4701N100 AirWave N100 Respirator Small with SmartStrap and Valve Review (2026)
The Moldex 4701N100 is the small-size N100 AirWave. This review covers fit-driven selection within the N99 & N100 respirators range. Sizing background is in our respirator sizing guide and complete disposable respirator & N95 mask guide.
Editorial verdict — 4.3/5
The Moldex 4701N100 exists for one reason that matters more than any feature: fit. It is the small version of the 4700N100 — identical N100 99.97% non-oil filtration, AirWave low resistance, SmartStrap, and Ventex valve — sized for smaller faces. Because protection depends entirely on the seal, the right size is the difference between real and theoretical protection.VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
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Pros
NIOSH N100 (99.97% non-oil) · SMALL size for smaller faces · AirWave low resistance · SmartStrap · Ventex valve · PVC-free & latex-free
NIOSH N100 (99.97% non-oil) · SMALL size for smaller faces · AirWave low resistance · SmartStrap · Ventex valve · PVC-free & latex-free
Cons
Non-oil only · small size won't suit larger faces · valved (no source control) · single-use
Non-oil only · small size won't suit larger faces · valved (no source control) · single-use
Who it is for
- Smaller-faced workers who fail the regular-size N100 fit test
- Programs maximizing fit-test pass rates across diverse faces
- Anyone needing N100 protection in a smaller mask
What the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) does well
Small-face fit
The reason to buy it: a smaller-sized N100 that seals where the regular size leaks. Protection follows fit. See our respirator sizing guide.
Full N100 protection
No filtration compromise — same 99.97% non-oil AirWave media as the 4700N100.
AirWave comfort
Low breathing resistance and a heat-venting valve, important for long N100 wear.
Where the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) falls short
Won't fit larger faces
Sized small by design; larger faces should use the regular 4700N100.
Non-oil only
N100 is not oil-rated; for oil mist use a P100.
Valved, single-use
No source control; a consumable.
Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) vs the competition
| Model | Rating | Valve | Form | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moldex 4701N100 (Small) | N100 | Yes | 3-panel AirWave | Small-face N100 |
| Moldex 4700N100 | N100 | Yes | 3-panel AirWave | Regular-size N100 |
| Moldex 4400P100 | P100 | Yes | 3-panel AirWave | Oil-proof option |
| 3M 1860S (Small) | N95 | No | Cup | Small surgical N95 |
Compare prices on Amazon →Moldex 4701N100Moldex 4700N100Moldex 4400P100
When to step up from the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small)
Larger face? The regular 4700N100. Oil mist present? The 4400P100 (P100). Need only general dust? An N95. How to get a sealing fit is in our fit-test guide.
Category context
The 4701N100 is the small-size N100 AirWave in the disposable respirators range. Why size and fit decide protection is covered in our disposable respirator guide and respirator sizing guide.
Total cost of ownership
A fit-driven max-protection consumable. Replace when soiled, damaged, or hard to breathe through (see can you reuse an N95?). Stocking both sizes raises program-wide fit-test pass rates.
Final verdict
The Moldex 4701N100 earns 4.3/5 — the small-face route to true N100 protection. Buy it for smaller faces that fail the regular 4700N100; choose P100 (4400P100) if oil mist is present.
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Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) FAQ
What is the difference between the Moldex 4701N100 and 4700N100?
Size. The 4701N100 is the small version of the 4700N100 — identical N100 99.97% non-oil filtration and AirWave design, sized for smaller faces.
Why does respirator size matter on the Moldex 4701N100?
A tight-fitting respirator only protects if it seals; a too-large mask leaks regardless of its rating. The small size lets smaller-faced workers achieve and pass a fit test. See our sizing guide.
Does the small Moldex 4701N100 filter less than the regular size?
No — filtration is identical N100 (99.97% non-oil). Only the facepiece size differs.
Does the Moldex 4701N100 protect against oil?
No — N100 is non-oil; it filters 99.97% of non-oil particulate. For oil mist use an R95 or P100.
Is the Moldex 4701N100 good for silica or lead?
Yes for non-oil exposure — N100's 99.97% efficiency suits high silica, lead, and heavy fume where no oil is present; if oil is present choose P100. See silica dust respirators.
Can you reuse the Moldex 4701N100?
Single-use with limited reuse when constrained; discard when soiled, damaged, or hard to breathe through. See can you reuse an N95?.
Does the Moldex 4701N100 require fit testing?
Yes for OSHA-regulated use — medical evaluation, annual fit test, and seal check per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.
Can I wear the Moldex 4701N100 with a beard?
No — facial hair across the seal fails the fit test; clean-shaven along the seal is required, or use a PAPR.
Is the Moldex 4701N100 latex-free?
Yes — Moldex respirators are made 100% PVC-free and latex-free, reducing irritation and contamination risk.
How long does the Moldex 4701N100 last?
No fixed hours — replace at end of task or when dirty, damaged, or breathing resistance rises.
Is the Moldex 4701N100 a surgical respirator?
No — it is an industrial respirator without FDA clearance. See surgical N95 respirators.
Where is the Moldex 4701N100 made?
Moldex is a US-based respirator manufacturer, and its masks are produced PVC-free and latex-free. Browse the full Moldex disposable respirators line.
How do I know if I need the small Moldex 4701N100?
If you fail or barely pass the regular size, or have a smaller face, try the small and fit-test it. Many programs stock both sizes.
Is the Moldex 4701N100 good for lead or silica?
Yes for non-oil exposure — same 99.97% N100 protection as the regular size, in a smaller fit. If oil is present, use a P100.
Can the Moldex 4701N100 be used for source control?
No — the valve releases unfiltered breath; use an unvalved respirator to protect others.
Why trust this Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) review? WC Safety is an independent industrial PPE retailer — we sell the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) and its siblings to safety managers, procurement teams, and field supervisors. This review is written by our editorial desk, not by Moldex or paid third parties. Specifications are cross-referenced against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List, the Moldex technical data sheet, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Disclosed: WC Safety stocks the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small) and earns Amazon affiliate commissions on outbound clicks; neither influences the rating.
By Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — Industrial respiratory protection desk · specialization: NIOSH-approved respirators, filtering facepieces, and hazard-based respirator selection.
Last reviewed: · Sources reviewed: NIOSH 42 CFR 84, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, Moldex Technical Data Sheet, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. No paid placement. Specifications independently verified against the NIOSH approval.
Last reviewed: · Sources reviewed: NIOSH 42 CFR 84, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, NIOSH NPPTL Certified Equipment List, Moldex Technical Data Sheet, ANSI/ASSE Z88.2.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. No paid placement. Specifications independently verified against the NIOSH approval.
How this review was researched
Built from the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 approval framework and Certified Equipment List, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 fit and use requirements, the Moldex technical data sheet, and ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 practice. Reviewed quarterly and on any change to NIOSH or OSHA guidance.
Built from the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 approval framework and Certified Equipment List, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 fit and use requirements, the Moldex technical data sheet, and ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 practice. Reviewed quarterly and on any change to NIOSH or OSHA guidance.
Disclosure
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Associates Program and earns from qualifying purchases via tagged links; we also stock the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small). The 4.3/5 rating reflects fit, protection class, comfort, and value relative to the field, independent of both relationships. General information, not medical, legal, or regulatory advice — consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist for commercial respiratory programs.
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Associates Program and earns from qualifying purchases via tagged links; we also stock the Moldex 4701N100 AirWave (Small). The 4.3/5 rating reflects fit, protection class, comfort, and value relative to the field, independent of both relationships. General information, not medical, legal, or regulatory advice — consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist for commercial respiratory programs.