Hygienic Towels Are Sanitary Products Used During Menstruation

Hygienic towels are a type of hygiene product used by women during their menstrual period. The main materials used are cotton, non-woven fabrics, pulp, or a combination of these materials with high molecular polymer and composite polymer paper forming the side design mainly to prevent leakage. They are divided into three layers: the top layer, the absorbent core, and the bottom layer. To use, first tear off the middle paper strip, stick the adhesive side onto the middle of your underwear with the "ears" aligned with the narrowest part, and dispose of it properly after use. To protect reproductive health, hygienic towels should be stored properly, used hygienically, and changed frequently. As a menstrual product, hygienic towels have faced many stigmas worldwide, including menstrual poverty (difficulty in obtaining hygiene products) and shame, which have hindered women's education and quality of life.

Historical development of hygienic towels

Hygienic towels have existed as rudimentary products for women's menstrual needs since ancient times. In the 15th century BC, Egyptian women used soft papyrus paper. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, wrote about Greek women using cotton wrapped around a small block of wood to create hygienic towels in the 5th century BC. In ancient times, women used long white cloth to deal with menstruation and cleaned them with water and alum after each change. Romans used wool, while other materials similar to "hygienic towels" include paper (Japan), plant fiber (Indonesia), sponge, and grass (Central Africa).

Basic structure of hygienic towels

Hygienic towels are mainly composed of three layers: the top layer, the absorbent core, and the bottom layer. They are bonded by hot-melt adhesive. The outermost (bottom) layer is non-woven fabric, which is soft. Inside is a leak-proof layer made of waterproof paper or polyethylene film. Next is a fluff pulp wrapped in sanitary paper and mixed with high-molecular water-absorbing agent, forming a strong absorption body. Once the menstrual blood penetrates this layer, it will be firmly attached and won't reverse or scatter. The back of the sanitary pad has pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (pressure-sensitive adhesive), which is lined with release paper. To use, simply tear off the release paper, stick the tape onto your underwear, and prevent it from slipping.

How to use hygienic towels

Common hygienic towels have an elongated absorbent area in the middle and two "ears" on either side. Before use, wash your hands, open the packaging, take out the sanitary pad, tear off the middle paper strip, and stick the adhesive side onto the middle of your underwear. Align the two "ears" with the narrowest part of your underwear. Then tear off the small piece of adhesive paper on the back of one side of the wing and fold it outward, pressing it tightly against the side of your underwear. Fix the other side in the same way. Due to the bottom adhesive and side fixation, the sanitary pad will be firmly attached to the bottom of your underwear.