After puberty, most girls begin using sanitary pads as part of their period management strategy. These protective covers are worn around the pants and provide external protection for light menstrual flow, backup tampon usage, spotting or post-intercourse discharge.
Menstrual pads come in different sizes and absorbencies to meet every woman’s unique menstrual flow pattern, while also boasting special features to provide maximum comfort and leakage-proof security.
Absorbent
An absorbent core in sanitary pads captures menstrual fluid for collection by its back sheet, which covers it to prevent leakage and staining. Depending on its permeability rating (either impermeable or semipermeable) this backsheet may allow only water vapor through, providing extra odor control benefits.
Most sanitary pads use sodium polyacrylate as their waterproofing agent, which is safe and efficient at keeping out leakage during menstruation. Some people may prefer alternative materials like fabric pads made from natural fibers for an eco-friendly alternative.
Some companies collect urban surplus fabrics and use washing, drying and cutting methods to transform them into reusable pads that reduce costs while making them more easily available to girls in low-income communities. Another solution involves training local communities in producing bamboo wadding with higher absorbency index than commercial pads; then hand cutting into pads by partner grassroots NGOs for distribution to girls in low-income areas.
Leak-proof
Organic pads offer many advantages over their nonorganic counterparts. Leakproof technology helps prevent blood from seeping under your pants, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. In addition, their soft top sheet layer and distribution layers ensure skin dryness and comfort, plus these organic options are free from toxins or pesticides that could irritate.
If your period has an especially heavy flow, opting for a heavier pad such as one from August made with organic cotton and equipped with an absorbent core can better support its management. Our favorite choice? Organic night pads crafted by August featuring this super absorbent core to protect you against leaks.
These reusable cloth pads feature a plastic snap instead of hook and eye, helping them stay in place while you’re moving or sleeping. Plus, these toxins- and pesticide-free pads make an excellent choice for women who are sensitive to chemicals. Furthermore, you can keep these pads in your period kit for years without adding waste!
Comfortable
Comparative to other menstrual products like tampons and period underwear, sanitary pads are an accessible way of meeting women’s menstrual needs. Their availability includes thicknesses, sizes and absorbencies that meet diverse women’s requirements.
Soft, breathable materials prevent irritation and reduce the risk of chafing; some also come equipped with anti-odor technology to keep you feeling fresh and dry all day long.
The best pads for women provide extra levels of protection with contoured shapes, wings that fit into your underwear seamlessly and soft leak-proof barriers. Some are even eco-friendly options made of organic cotton without chlorine bleach, dyes or pesticides – and some brands even give back through sustainable initiatives!
Eco-friendly
Selecting eco-friendly sanitary pads is one way to reduce your environmental impact. Unlike conventional pads made from plastic components, eco-friendly alternatives contain natural materials that decompose organically over time – leaving no toxic residue behind and helping protect marine life and ecosystems.
The SHERO Pad is an example of a biodegradable feminine hygiene product designed to break down in just months, yet more comfortable to use than conventional maxi pads. The product uses processed forms of algae as its absorbent component and is lined with cotton as well as material similar to what makes tea bags.
These products are crafted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and organic cotton, using less water and pesticides during production than regular cotton does – providing an environmentally-friendly production process. In addition, they’re free from dyes and perfumes – plus hypoallergenic so they’re better suited to sensitive skin.
