How to Compare Sanitary Napkins

A woman's needs during her menstrual cycle varies. When attempting to choose between sanitary napkins, however, there are a few universal traits you should keep in mind, including your body size, packaging of the product, the materials the product is made of, the absorbency potential, the presence of wings and the general construction of the napkin. Does this Spark an idea?

Size

Both age and size are a factor when choosing the appropriate sanitary napkin. For younger girls and girls who are smaller in stature, smaller pads are preferable. During days of lighter flow, some younger girls may even choose to use panty liners instead of sanitary napkins.

Packaging

If you are going to be carrying your pads around with you in your purse or storing them in other potentially dirty areas, such as the bathroom sink, you'll want to purchase sanitary napkins that come individually packaged. Individually-wrapped pads help keep bacteria and dirt from contaminating the pad itself.

Materials

Most sanitary pads on the market are made from synthetic materials, which you may be allergic to. To prevent potential reactions against synthetic materials, try to find a sanitary napkin that has cotton as the top layer of material. Another option is cloth pads, which can be re-used.

Absorbency

The amount the pad can absorb without overflowing is also important. You may choose a pad with a lower level of absorbency on days in which your flow is light, but for the heavier flow days, you'll want to make sure your pad can absorb without flowing over or making you uncomfortable.

Wings

Some sanitary napkins come with "wings," which are additional strips on both sides of the pad. These wings have adhesive on them and are designed to fold over the edge of the panty to keep the pad in place. Some women prefer them because they potentially have greater absorbency power, but other women find them bulky and uncomfortable. Your preference for wings should be considered when choosing between sanitary napkins.

Construction

When choosing pads, opt for one that has "breathable" layers. These layers are designed to keep your body heat and the moisture from your flow from being trapped together and allowing bacteria to grow.