Pads And Liners
Overview
Pads are feminine care products that attach to a woman’s underwear to absorb menstrual and other body fluids during menstruation and at other times during the menstrual cycle. Liners are similar to pads in their basic construction but are usually much thinner and often narrower than pads. As a result, they absorb less menstrual and other body fluids, making them suitable for light discharge and everyday cleanliness. Many liners are shaped to fit a variety of underwear styles.
Use
Pads and liners may be used on a daily basis to absorb bodily fluids and menstrual flow. They are also used by women after childbirth, after gynecological surgery, or after other gynecological procedures.
What are the parts of a pad or a liner?
Pads and liners are made of materials designed to absorb and retain fluids, to avoid leakage, and to do so comfortably. The principal materials may include
Core: Wood pulp (also called cellulose): Helps form the absorbent core. Pulp can come from sustainable forestry, which is the practice of managing forests to meet current needs while ensuring they remain healthy and productive for future generations. Read more about sustainable forestry.
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP): SAP is a highly absorbent material that captures and locks away fluid within the pad. This material can absorb and retain many times its own weight in fluid. It is also used in baby diapers.
Nonwoven fabrics: Materials that help catch and improve fluid movement into the absorbent layers within the pad or liner.
Polymer films: Moisture-proof layer that keeps fluid from reaching the undergarment.
Adhesives: Natural or synthetic resins that are used to assemble the product and designed to attach the pad or liner to underwear. This ensures pads and liners stay in place for optimal coverage. Products are designed to minimize adhesive contact with skin.
Fragrance: Fragrances are substances used to make products smell nice and to mask odors.
Colors: Inks and pigments used to assist in the identification of components for ease of use and to make the products more appealing to use.
Types of Pads
Disposable pads are designed to be a hygienic, convenient feminine care option meant for single use. They come in many varieties including varying shapes, lengths, absorbencies and thicknesses, with or without wings, and with or without fragrance. Women choose pads based on their needs for protection, comfort and convenience. For example, long pads are offered for extra protection, both during the day and for overnight use. Reusable pads are meant to be washed and reused.
*All information on this page is a general description and may not precisely reflect the products of our member companies.*