Sanitary pads are an integral component of menstrual hygiene, helping women avoid leakage and odour while improving comfort, confidence, and hygiene. Available in various sizes and absorbencies to meet individual requirements.
Selecting the ideal pad can be challenging. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making your decision:
Absorbency
A disposable pad’s topsheet, or “topsheet”, is composed of soft non-woven materials designed to feel comfortable against your skin. Breathable and porous, its design allows fluid to pass quickly through to its absorbent core containing superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) or cellulose fibres capable of soaking up up 30 times their own weight in fluid and storing it away as gel.
Many sanitary pads contain SAPs and synthetic fibres such as viscose rayon, which has been linked to menstrual toxic shock syndrome (MTSS). Researchers are working on plant-based alternatives to SAPs with hopes that eco-friendly biodegradable materials could one day replace them in products used during menstruation.
Conventional pads, as well as their wings and removal strings of tampons, typically use polyethylene or polypropylene plastic which is then adhered to an absorbent layer using hot-melt adhesives. When heated, this plastic releases volatile compounds that have been found to be carcinogenic, toxic to the environment, and harmful to human skin.
Size
Menstruation can be unpredictable; from light periods one day to heavier ones the next. Therefore, it’s essential that women find a pad with appropriate size and absorbency levels that fits them best; sometimes this takes trial-and-error before finding what works for them.
Most modern sanitary pads on the market today are made of rayon, which is a type of cellulose fibre derived from wood pulp. Once cut to size and coated with an anti-stain layer to keep fluid out of undergarments and adhesive to secure fasteners onto underwear, sanitary pads have become popular choice for women looking for protection during menstruation.
Most sanitary pads consist of air-laid cellulose and low-loaded superabsorbent polymers (SAP). SAP helps reduce overall thickness while decreasing environmental impact. SMS nonwoven carriers may replace tissue paper by decreasing raw material use in manufacturing while eliminating pinholes commonly seen with compression moulded tissues; however, due to high production costs and limited distribution networks this material is currently not widely available.
Convenience
Sanitary pads are easy to use, coming in various sizes, shapes and materials. Some pads feature wings that wrap around your underwear to secure it while others come equipped with plastic coatings to prevent leaks or staining.
Most pads are constructed from bleached or unbleached wood pulp harvested from well-managed forests, and absorb liquid quickly, locking it away inside its core rather than exiting onto your backsheet or between your legs. This material swells when exposed to humidity, locking away excess fluid that might otherwise leak out between legs or escape through backsheet.
Some girls experience heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding, and it may take some trial-and-error before you find a pad that suits you perfectly. Carrying extra period products just in case your flow becomes heavier than anticipated or an unexpected period occurs can help avoid embarrassing situations! Carrying extra pads around in your bag or purse may help avoid embarrassing moments!
Environment
Pads and tampons can have an adverse impact on the environment due to their production and disposal. For instance, making rayon pads uses up hundreds to 11,000 liters of water per kg of viscose produced. Organic cotton products and those free from plastic may help ease this environmental burden.
Pads made of cellulose can absorb liquids, but its absorbent capacity under pressure is limited. To improve this capacity, superabsorbent polymers are added either layer-wise or blended-wise in either granular or powder form to increase absorption capacity.
These chemicals may transfer to vaginal fluid and be absorbed, as well as come into contact with skin when body weight changes occur such as sitting (referred to by industry as “rewetting”). While this could result in chemical exposure, most studies on menstrual products have found concentrations that meet industry guidelines.
