What is a Sanitary Pad?
Sanitary pads, also known as sanitary napkins or menstrual pads, are thin pads made of absorbent material that absorb the menstrual fluid during menstruation. They come in various shapes and sizes, with different capacities to absorb days of heavy and light menstrual bleeding. Sanitary napkins are single-use and disposable. Most of the sanitary napkins available in the market are disposable. Reusable sanitary pads are mostly cloth pads that can be washed, dried, and reused several times. Reusable sanitary pads come in different shapes and sizes, with various capacities to absorb days of heavy and light menstrual bleeding.
How to use a Sanitary Pad?
Most sanitary napkins come with easy-to-follow instructions for use. In most cases, tampons have stickers that attach to the panties, while others have wings that wrap under the panties to hold the tampon in place. Sanitary pads are generally changed every 4 to 8 hours to prevent them from getting over-soaked.
Structure of a Sanitary Pad
A sanitary pad is a disposable absorbent product used by women to prevent menstrual fluid from escaping their bodies. It consists of three main layers: the top sheet, absorbent core, and barrier sheet.
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Top Sheet
- The top sheet is the outermost layer of the pad. This is where it gets its name—the top layer of a sanitary pad is often referred to as the “top sheet. It is a waterproof barrier against water-soaked areas like your underwear or jeans. The top sheet contains thermoplastic fibers to prevent the capillary collapse of this layer and a small amount of hydrophilic absorbent fiber from allowing fluid to absorb. The commercially available top sheet is made up of polypropylene fiber.
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Absorbent Core
- The absorbent core is the pad’s middle layer and contains materials designed to soak up menstrual fluid. The ability to retain menstrual fluid in this layer is one of the main functions of this layer. Moreover, an absorbent core needs to be thin, soft, and pliable to have comfort. The core was traditionally made up of wood pulp, but there is constant effort to replace it with air-laid wood pulp and SAP to improve its absorption efficiency. In addition, SAP turns the absorbed liquid into a jelly-like state so it would not retract.
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Barrier Sheet
- The barrier sheet seals the fluid from staining or leakages. It is a breathable yet fluid impermeable polyethylene film. This layer’s purpose is to prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream through your skin during menstruation by keeping them contained within your vagina walls at all times.
Raw Materials of Sanitary Pad
- Nonwoven ·
- Pulp
- Super absorbent polymer
- Plastic film
- Elastics
- Adhesives
- Packaging
DNW Sanitary Pad Overall Product Dimensions
- Back sheet. Waterproof external film. The online lamination of poly and nonwoven for a cloth-like effect is available.
- Release Paper. Silicone film to cover positioning glue. It can be as long as the pad or shorter. Used on wings as well as to keep the wings in place. Sanitary napkins with wing product and layer alternation. For ultra-thin products two options are available: HDC (High Density Core) based or over-compressed fluff core.
- Decorating crimping or engraving with two functions: 1. Strengthen intimate contact between top sheet and internal layers. 2. Improve shape in use.
- Acquisition Layer. Internal layer for the quick acquisition and distribution of the liquid down along the core. Available in various dimensions and sizes to maximize the efficiency at equal costs.
- Top Sheet. Internal hydrophilic layer in contact with the skin.
- Main Core. A suitable mixture of cellulose and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) to maximize product performance and to reduce the costs. Various options available on profiles, types of mixtures.
Sanitary Napkin Manufacturing Process
Choosing the Right Sanitary Pad
When you have your period, you need the assurance that your sanitary pad provides reliable absorbency with no leakages. In addition, comfort is of utmost importance. Ensure your pad is comfortable and doesn’t cause any itchiness or irritation. Here are three crucial things to note when choosing a sanitary pad:
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Good Absorbency
Absorbency is one of the essential factors in choosing a sanitary pad. A pad that does not absorb blood will likely leak, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. However, you should be able to feel the presence of blood on the surface of your pad, which means that it has been appropriately absorbed into the core.
One way to tell whether the discharged blood is absorbed into the center core is to observe the color of the blood on the pad surface. The brighter or fresher the color, the nearer the blood is to the surface, potentially leading to backflow and dampness. Conversely, suppose the coloring appears a duller red. In that case, blood has been effectively absorbed so that you feel dry and confident and can go about your daily activities without worrying about any leakage!
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Length and Flow
Blood discharge is usually heavier at the start of your period, so choosing a pad that can quickly and effectively absorb your flow is essential.
Sanitary pads are classified as day or night, with shorter day pads (ranging from 17 cm to 25 cm) and night pads reaching 35 cm or more. The longer the pad, the more liquids it can absorb.
Night pads also include wide hip guards to prevent back leakages as you lie down effectively. Some pads also come with side gathers to fit your body contours to prevent side leakage throughout the night.
Pads have been designed in various styles, and colors for comfortable wear all day long, even during heavy periods.
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Material Comfort
It’s a common misconception among women that having rashes in their pubic area is something all women must go through during their period. However, the problem may be alleviated by simply changing to cotton-type sanitary pads! The material comfort levels with certain materials differ as well. Some girls prefer a soft touch, while others may prefer a netted top layer. The type of material also affects its breathability.
The menstrual flow itself could be the cause of your discomfort. On light flow days, humidity levels are lower, but the constant rubbing of the skin against the pad can lead to abrasions, making the skin red and itchy. A common misconception among women is that having rashes in their pubic area is something all women must go through during their period.