Pads provide multiple benefits that can assist with managing your period, including comfort, hygiene and convenience. Available in different shapes, sizes and absorbencies for every flow and lifestyle need.
Modern pads feature thin cores made with air-laid technology and loaded with SAP (superabsorbent polymer powder). This facilitates fluid distribution and quicker absorption.
Comfort
Sanitary pads (or sanitary napkins) are absorbent towels worn during periods to avoid leakage of period blood. Available in various sizes and absorbencies to fit different menstrual flows, they come in handy during this time of the month.
Pads provide a comfortable layer of protection between your skin and clothing, and may come scented or unscented to meet your preferences and some models even feature anti-odor materials to block out unpleasant odors.
Some sanitary pads feature wings or adhesive strips that help keep them in place during physical activity, minimising shifting and slipping which could result in leakage. It is important to change your sanitary pads regularly according to their package instructions for best experience, as well as disposing of your used ones correctly (as recommended) in order to prevent infections; additionally keeping them dry and clean environments will extend their lifespan and extend their useful lifespan.
Hygiene
Modern sanitary pads are created from breathable materials and advanced technologies that reduce discomfort, itching, and rashes associated with their use. Any irritation experienced while using such products usually stems from improper usage or other factors rather than from their actual design.
Reusable sanitary pads are very straightforward to maintain and can last many years with proper care and upkeep. Most cloth pads can be machine-washed alongside normal clothing – except in cases of heavily stained pads which should have their own mini cycle for washing.
Be it by hand or machine, using natural soap or liquid detergent is recommended – we like home made reetha or another naturally derived soap). Rinsing and soaking your pads in cold water to help avoid blood stains setting is ideal; soak overnight if possible for best results. For best results, line-drying pads helps retain their shape, reduces leak risks, and provides natural disinfection from sunlight rays.
Disposability
Many brands have included odour-blocking materials in their products to combat staining and unpleasant odors, while pads come equipped with protective backsheets designed to block moisture and avoid leakage.
One key goal of improving menstrual hygiene in low and middle income countries has been the promotion of disposable pads; however, due to rising period poverty rates as well as their environmental burden, interest has grown for alternative options like menstrual cups.
Pads are typically much easier for women to access than tampons as they don’t require insertion and can be quickly disposed of after each use, giving women confidence and independence as they continue their daily routines.
Sanitary pads offer another eco-friendly benefit when produced from biodegradable material such as organic cotton. By switching from conventional cotton farming methods and their toxic herbicides and pesticides used during cultivation to less harmful organic cotton varieties that use less energy and water for production. Additionally, their production also takes less energy and water.
Absorbency
Recently, disposable absorbent feminine hygiene products have increasingly replaced more traditional methods for managing menstrual flow. These include internal tampons, full-sized sanitary napkins and panty shields – each designed to absorb and retain fluid while staying in place and preventing odour.
A sanitary pad typically features a core composed of cellulose fluff pulp or SAPs and covered by a porous topsheet to keep skin dry while simultaneously acting as an enhanced distribution layer to improve fluid distribution within its core.
Cellulose pulp can be harvested sustainably from pine trees, with its ability to rapidly absorb and transport liquids under pressure.
Production begins by layering or mixing powdered granular SAPs with fluff pulp before spreading nonwoven fabric over them. After that, an adhesive covering the SAPs gives their pads their final shape and provides strength when wet.
