Diapers are used to prevent babies from wetting or soiling their pants on a daily basis. Generally, younger babies will use diapers for a longer period. Sanitary pads, on the other hand, are used by women during their menstrual period, and the usage is paused once the period is over! The biggest difference between diapers and sanitary pads can be seen in their target users: one is for infants, the other for adults. Babies require long-term protection, while women need short-term care during their menstrual period.
The absorbent material in diapers primarily deals with urine, which means the absorption volume and total capacity need to be large. This necessitates that the diaper covers a large area and fits snugly, hence it's designed in the shape of pants, and its core must be absorbent! Additionally, since a baby's skin is particularly delicate, it is crucial to absorb moisture quickly to avoid diaper rash, thus the surface layer must remain quickly dry and not allow rewetting. Given the long wear time (usually 1-3 hours during the day and up to 8-10 hours overnight), and since babies won't request a change due to discomfort, diapers must be breathable to prevent diaper rash.
Conversely, sanitary pads do not need a thick design since women can change them actively. Adults focus more on mobility, so sanitary pads are designed to be ultra-thin. While absorption is important, the emphasis has shifted away as the absorbing core's performance has continually improved. As such, thinness and small size have become the primary characteristics of sanitary pads.
Diapers mainly consist of three parts: the top layer, the absorbent core layer, and the outer membrane. The top layer needs to be soft, quick-drying, and supportive of the absorbent core. Modern mid-to-high-end fabrics typically use hot-air nonwoven fabric for the top layer. The core material needs to be highly absorbent without allowing rewetting, using superabsorbent polymers that quickly absorb and retain fluids over prolonged periods for a better experience. The outer membrane must be both breathable and impermeable to liquids, prioritizing breathability.
The sanitary pad also consists of a top layer, an absorbent core layer, and a PE film bottom layer. The top layer likewise needs to be soft and dry, but because it absorbs blood, which is relatively viscous, the top layer material differs. The top layer of sanitary pads generally utilizes PE mesh, PP film, or pure cotton film, with modern designs primarily featuring cotton perforated film tops. The key difference here is that blood is harder to absorb, so the goal is for the top layer to let blood quickly seep through while clots naturally coagulate over time, leading to less rewetting. The core of the manufacture of sanitary pads does not require high-cost superabsorbent polymers but rather uses a composite of cotton, nonwoven fabric, and pulp to form polymer composite paper. The bottom layer is rougher, focusing strictly on preventing leaks with almost negligible breathability, as coagulated blood clots significantly hinder breathability. Since women can change sanitary pads when uncomfortable, the bottom layer is typically a waterproof PE film.
Since babies use diapers all day and often for extended periods, diaper design focuses on breathability and leak prevention. The outer membrane typically uses breathable materials to prevent urine leakage while maintaining airflow to avoid overheating the baby's skin. Diapers are usually designed in a "pant" style to better wrap around the baby's bottom, ensuring comfort even during extended activities. In contrast, sanitary pads emphasize convenience and invisibility, designed for adult women and used for shorter periods. Women need to move frequently during menstruation, so sanitary pads are designed to be thinner and more compact, ensuring they remain discrete and do not hinder movement.
Although diapers and sanitary pads serve different purposes and designs, they both cater to their respective target groups, providing a comfortable care experience. B.I. Industrial offers a range of diapers and sanitary pads products that meet consumer needs, helping them make suitable choices based on their usage requirements.