Menstrual Pads

A menstrual pad, also known as a sanitary napkin, is worn during periods to absorb blood and prevent leaking. These pads are usually rectangles that stick to the bottom of underwear and wrap around the crotch. Some have wings that fold over for extra leak protection.

Toluene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) used in blending motor gasoline, as well as in paints, thinners, adhesives, and fabric dyes. It is known to irritate skin and cause damage to organs at high exposure levels.

Absorbency

Menstrual pads (or sanitary napkins) are used by women during their periods to absorb the blood flow from the vagina. They are available in different sizes and absorbencies. They can be worn for hours and even overnight. They are also easy to use.

Sanitary pads are made up of a top layer, an absorbent core and a back sheet. The top layer is typically a soft, flexible material that is positioned against the skin. The absorbent core is usually a mix of fluffed cellulosic pulp, synthetic fibers or super-absorbent polyacrylate gels (called SAPs). SAPs are a synthetic, petroleum-derived substance that has high absorption capacity. The backsheet is usually a leak-proof, polyethylene or polypropylene film.

The absorbency of a sanitary pad is measured by observing its fluid retention. This is done by dripping a specified volume of fluid over the sanitary napkin from a set distance above the surface. The napkin is then weighed after a specific period of time to determine its fluid retention (% dry mass).

A good menstrual pad will have the ability to sanitary pads absorb the liquid quickly and hold it without leaking. In addition, the pad must be able to prevent odor. It can do this by reducing the speed at which odor is generated, using odour-absorbent materials, inhibiting bacteria growth with antimicrobial agents, etc.

Leakage

Aside from their obvious health benefits, sanitary pads also help avoid embarrassing odours, keep skin dry and prevent abrasions. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, absorbencies and features, like wings, so that women can find one that suits their individual needs and lifestyles.

Some sanitary pads are made with soft fabrics that help to reduce leakage and ensure comfort. Others have an antimicrobial coating, which helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause infections in sensitive areas.

If you’re using a regular disposable pad, it’s important to change it regularly to avoid leaks and odours. You can gauge how full your pad is by checking it after every trip to the toilet or smelling it (yep, your period smells). It’s also a good idea to go for night/overnight pads that are thicker and designed to be more absorbent.

Reusable sanitary pads have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. They’re made from silent, noiseless cotton and fleece, and they don’t come in plastic packaging. They’re also more hygienic than disposables, as they don’t contain any chemicals or fragrances that can irritate your skin or aggravate menstrual symptoms. Plus, if you properly dispose of them, they can last up to 10 years!

Biodegradability

Traditional sanitary pads are made of synthetic materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. In contrast, biodegradable sanitary pads are made from materials that break down quickly and naturally in the environment. This reduces their environmental footprint, as well as the energy and resources needed to produce them.

Cotton is a natural and renewable fiber that is both sustainable and biodegradable. It is grown in many parts of the world and is commonly used for a variety of products, including clothes, hygiene items, and household goods. Biodegradable sanitary pads can be made from cotton, as well as other plant-based materials, such as bamboo fiber and corn starch.

Biodegradable sanitary pads are also more eco-friendly than their plastic counterparts. They are less likely to cause health issues and have a lower carbon footprint, as they require less energy to manufacture than their plastic-based counterparts.

India alone produces 12.3 billion soiled sanitary napkins every month, and most of them are made of plastic (Rathod & Kolhatkar 2014). When these disposable sanitary pads are burned or flushed down toilets, they create a dangerous cocktail of toxic chemicals that pollutes the air and water. When disposed of in landfills, they can cause soil and water contamination by forming microplastics that enter the ecosystem and infiltrate water streams.

Comfort

When you’re wearing a pad for long periods of time, it’s sanitary pads manufacturer important that it feels comfortable. A sanitary pad should be soft and flexible enough to move with you and shouldn’t chafe or cause any skin irritation. Using natural materials such as cotton and bamboo pulp also reduces the risk of allergies or skin reactions.

Today’s feminine hygiene pads are made with thin, air-laid cores that are low-loaded with superabsorbent material. This allows for good blood absorption while also reducing the chance of leakage and odor. They are also a lot less bulky than the diaper-esque ones we might remember from horror stories as children.

Tampons are another option for menstrual fluid absorbency, but they’re less accessible, require insertion and can irritate the vagina. They’re also one of the least eco-friendly consumable items out there, with millions of tampons and their packaging ending up in landfill each year and contributing to plastic pollution.

Reusable pads are a great alternative, as they’re made with natural materials that feel soft and flexible against your skin and don’t contain any chemicals or perfumes. They’re also a lot cheaper in the long run – the average woman might spend PS13 a month on menstrual products, but with reusables you can save thousands over your lifetime. They’re easy to wash and dry too, so they don’t lose their softness or absorbency over time.