How to choose a sanitary pad: materials, absorbency and skin safety
The right sanitary pad is the one that matches your flow, fits your body and keeps your skin dry and comfortable, and choosing it is easier once you know what the parts actually do.
Start with your flow, not the biggest pad
Flow changes across a period, often heavier in the first days and lighter later. The goal is to match the pad to the day rather than always reaching for the most absorbent option. A pad that is far more absorbent than you need can feel bulky, while one that is too light means frequent leaks. Many people use a higher absorbency pad for heavy days and nights and a regular pad for lighter days.
Understand absorbency and length
Two things decide how well a pad protects you: how much fluid the core can hold, and how well the shape covers where you need it. Absorbency is set by the core, usually a blend of fluff and a super absorbent polymer that turns fluid into a gel and holds it away from the skin. Length and width decide coverage. Night pads are longer and often have wider backs to protect while you lie down. If you leak from the back at night, a longer pad usually helps more than a thicker one.
The top layer is where skin health lives
The layer against your skin matters as much as absorbency. A good top sheet lets fluid pass through quickly and then stays dry, so your skin is not left sitting in moisture. Skin that stays warm and damp is more likely to chafe and develop irritation, so a quick drying surface is a health feature, not only a comfort one. Soft, breathable materials reduce rubbing and help prevent the soreness that a long day can bring.
Scented or unscented
Unscented pads are a sensible default, especially for sensitive skin. Fragrance is added to mask odour, but odour is managed far better by changing pads regularly and keeping the area clean and dry. Fragrance and certain additives can irritate sensitive skin, so if you notice itching or redness, switch to a plain, unscented pad.
How often to change a pad
Change a pad every four to six hours through the day, and more often on heavy days, even if it does not look full. Regular changing keeps the skin dry, controls odour and lowers the risk of irritation and infection. Overnight, a longer and more absorbent pad can safely last the night for most people, but change it as soon as you wake.
Wash your hands before and after changing, wrap the used pad and dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing it, which protects plumbing and sanitation systems.
When to speak to a clinician
See a doctor if you soak through a pad every hour for several hours, if bleeding lasts much longer than usual, or if you have persistent itching, pain or an unusual discharge. These can be signs worth checking, and a clinician can help.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which absorbency to buy?
Match it to the day. Use a higher absorbency pad for heavy days and nights and a regular pad for lighter days, rather than always choosing the most absorbent option.
Are scented pads safe for sensitive skin?
Unscented pads are the safer default for sensitive skin. Fragrance can cause irritation, and odour is better controlled by changing regularly and staying clean and dry.
How often should I change my pad?
Every four to six hours during the day, and more often on heavy days, even if the pad does not look full. This keeps skin dry and lowers the risk of irritation.
Why does my skin feel sore during my period?
Soreness usually comes from moisture and rubbing. A pad with a soft, quick drying top layer and more frequent changes helps keep the skin dry and comfortable.
Related reading from Nibhana Consumer
- The disposable hygiene industry in India: a complete guide
- Menstrual hygiene and health: practical guidance for comfort and safety
References and further reading
- World Health Organization, guidance on menstrual health and hygiene
- United Nations Children's Fund, menstrual hygiene guidance
- Bureau of Indian Standards, specification for sanitary napkins