What Are Reusable Sanitary Pads Made Of? A Complete Guide to Materials and Quality
Imagine Elizabeth, a Form 5 student in Lagos, holding her first reusable pad and wondering: “What exactly is this made of?” She’s heard they’re different from disposables, but she wants to understand what materials will be protecting her during those important school days. Meanwhile, her mother Mrs. Adebayo is asking herself the same question—after spending nearly ₦18,000 yearly on disposable pads for her three daughters, she needs to know if these reusable alternatives are truly worth the investment.
If you’re like Grace and Mrs. Adebayo, you deserve to know exactly what goes into the pads that will be closest to your body. Therefore, understanding the materials in reusable sanitary pads isn’t just about curiosity—it’s about making informed choices for your health, comfort, and budget.
Understanding the Basic Structure of Reusable Sanitary Pads
Before diving into specific materials, it’s essential to understand how reusable pads work. Unlike disposable pads that rely on synthetic gels and chemicals, reusable pads use carefully selected natural and synthetic materials that work together harmoniously.
The Three Essential Layers Every Quality Pad Needs
Every well-designed reusable pad has three crucial layers. First, the top layer sits against your skin and must be soft, breathable, and quick to absorb moisture. Next, the absorbent core forms the heart of the pad, soaking up and holding menstrual flow throughout the day. Finally, the waterproof backing prevents leaks while still allowing air circulation.
These layers work together like a well-coordinated team—each has its specific job, but they must complement each other perfectly.
How These Layers Work Together for Maximum Protection
When menstrual flow reaches the pad, the top layer quickly wicks moisture away from your skin to prevent that uncomfortable wet feeling. Subsequently, the absorbent core locks in the fluid and distributes it evenly across the pad’s surface. Meanwhile, the waterproof layer ensures nothing leaks through to your underwear or clothing.
This system provides superior protection compared to disposable pads, which often leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable after just a few hours.
Top Layer Materials: What Touches Your Skin
The top layer deserves special attention because it’s in direct contact with your most sensitive areas. Consequently, the material choice here significantly impacts your comfort and health.
Cotton - The Classic Choice for Sensitive Skin
Cotton remains popular for good reason—it’s naturally soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. However, not all cotton is created equal. Organic cotton, grown without pesticides or harsh chemicals, offers the gentlest option for sensitive skin.
Cotton’s main advantage is its familiarity and reliability. Furthermore, it’s relatively affordable and easy to care for, making it accessible for most families.
Bamboo - Nature's Soft and Antibacterial Option
Bamboo fabric has gained popularity recently, and for excellent reasons. This remarkable material is naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and incredibly soft—often described as feeling like silk against the skin.
Moreover, bamboo is highly sustainable, growing up to three feet per day without requiring pesticides or excessive water. For environmentally conscious users, bamboo represents an ideal choice.
Hemp - The Super-Absorbent Natural Fiber
Hemp might surprise you with its softness and absorbency. Despite its tough reputation, hemp fabric becomes softer with each wash while maintaining exceptional durability.
Additionally, hemp naturally resists odors and bacteria, making it excellent for menstrual products. However, it can be more expensive than other options.
Why Sana Pads Choose Bamboo for Our Top Layer
At Sana Pads, we’ve chosen bamboo for our top layer after extensive research and testing. Bamboo’s natural antibacterial properties help prevent odors and infections—crucial in Nigeria’s warm, humid climate. Furthermore, bamboo remains cool and comfortable even during active days, whether you’re in school, at work, or fetching water.
The moisture-wicking properties of bamboo also mean you stay dry and comfortable, even during heavy flow days or when you can’t change your pad immediately.
What makes our pads unique?
1
Cost-Effective
Long-lasting durability means you save money over time.
2
3
Able to handle heavy flow prevent leaking.
Absorbent Core Materials: The Heart of Every Pad
The absorbent core determines how much flow your pad can handle and how long you can wear it comfortably. Therefore, understanding these materials helps you choose the right pad for your needs.
NAFDAC registration ensures that products meet safety standards and manufacturing requirements. Additionally, it provides legal protection for your organization and demonstrates the manufacturer’s commitment to compliance.
Working with unregistered manufacturers can result in:
- Legal liability for your organization
- Product seizure by regulatory authorities
- Inability to import or distribute products legally
- Damage to your organization’s reputation
Cotton Terry and Fleece - Reliable Absorption
Cotton terry, similar to towel fabric, provides excellent absorption and durability. It’s particularly good at holding liquid without feeling bulky against your body. Similarly, cotton fleece offers good absorbency while remaining soft and comfortable.
These materials work well for moderate flows and are easy to wash and maintain.
Bamboo Fibers - Superior Absorbency and Odor Control
Bamboo fibers can absorb up to three times more liquid than cotton while remaining thinner and lighter. This means better protection without the bulk that can make you feel self-conscious.
Additionally, bamboo’s natural odor-resistant properties keep you feeling fresh throughout the day—especially important during long school days or busy work schedules.
Hemp Fleece - Maximum Absorption for Heavy Days
For women with heavy flows, hemp fleece provides unmatched absorption capacity. It can handle significant amounts of fluid while preventing leaks and maintaining comfort.
However, hemp requires more initial preparation (pre-washing) to reach its full absorbency potential.
Microfiber - Quick-Drying Synthetic Options
Microfiber offers the advantage of quick drying, which can be helpful if you need to wash and reuse pads quickly. Nevertheless, some users find synthetic materials less breathable than natural fibers.
Sana Pads' Bamboo-Cotton Blend: The Best of Both Worlds
At Sana Pads, we use a carefully designed bamboo-cotton blend in our absorbent core. This combination gives you bamboo’s superior absorbency and antibacterial properties alongside cotton’s reliability and softness.
This blend is particularly effective for Nigerian users because it handles heavy flows while remaining comfortable in our climate. Moreover, the bamboo-cotton combination maintains its effectiveness even after repeated washing in various water conditions across Nigeria.
Waterproof Layer: Your Final Line of Defense
The waterproof layer might seem simple, but it’s crucial for preventing embarrassing leaks. However, not all waterproof materials are suitable for menstrual products.
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) - The Gold Standard
PUL combines the waterproof properties of polyurethane with the breathability of fabric. This creates a barrier that prevents leaks while allowing air circulation to prevent buildup of heat and moisture.
Quality PUL is essential for active lifestyles—whether you’re playing sports, working in the field, or simply going about your daily activities.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) - Flexible Protection
TPU offers similar waterproof properties to PUL but with enhanced flexibility. This means the pad moves with your body more naturally, reducing the risk of leaks during movement.
Natural Wool - Breathable Water Resistance
Some pads use wool as a natural water-resistant layer. While not completely waterproof, wool provides excellent breathability and natural odor resistance.
Why Leak-Proof Doesn't Mean Breathable
The challenge with waterproof layers is maintaining breathability. Cheap waterproof materials can trap heat and moisture, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation. Therefore, quality matters significantly in waterproof layers.
Sana Pads' PUL Choice: Protection You Can Trust
Sana Pads uses high-quality PUL in our waterproof layer because it provides reliable leak protection while maintaining breathability. This is particularly important for Nigerian users who need pads that perform well in warm, humid conditions.
Our PUL layer is thin enough to remain discreet under clothing while strong enough to prevent leaks during even the most active days.
Our most purchased packages
The
Starter Package
Contains 3 normal Sana Pads and a free pouch for carrying pads.
Ideal for those who are just starting to use reusable pads.
The Light Flow Days Package
Contains 4 Normal Pads and 1 Maxi Pads including a free pouch for carrying pads. Ideal for women who work long hours.
The Heavy Bleeder Package
Contains 3 Normal Pads, 2 Maxi Pads and optionally 2 Labia Pads for maximum protection + free pouch. Ideal for women with a strong flow.
Materials to Avoid: Red Flags for Nigerian Consumers
Unfortunately, not all reusable pads are made with quality materials. Consequently, knowing what to avoid can save you money and protect your health.
Synthetic Chemicals and Fragrances
Many cheap pads contain synthetic fragrances or chemical treatments that can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or disrupt your natural pH balance. These chemicals are particularly problematic in hot, humid climates where they can become more concentrated.
Poor Quality Plastics That Cause Irritation
Low-quality waterproof layers can crack, become sticky, or cause skin irritation. Furthermore, they may not provide reliable leak protection, defeating the purpose of the waterproof layer.
Non-Breathable Materials That Trap Heat and Moisture
Materials that don’t allow air circulation can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. This is especially concerning in Nigeria’s warm climate, where trapped moisture can lead to infections.
How Sana Pads Selects Materials for Nigerian Climate
Creating effective reusable pads for Nigeria requires understanding our unique climate and lifestyle challenges. Therefore, we’ve carefully selected materials that perform well in our specific conditions.
Considering Heat, Humidity, and Active Lifestyles
Nigeria’s climate demands materials that remain comfortable in high temperatures while managing moisture effectively. Our bamboo-cotton blend excels in these conditions because bamboo naturally wicks moisture away from skin while cotton provides familiar comfort.
Additionally, our materials maintain their effectiveness whether you’re in air-conditioned offices in Lagos or working outdoors in rural areas.
Balancing Durability with Comfort
Nigerian women need pads that can withstand frequent washing in various water conditions while maintaining comfort and effectiveness. Our material selection prioritizes durability without sacrificing the softness and breathability essential for all-day comfort.
Quality Standards That Matter for Long-Term Use
We source materials that meet international quality standards because we understand that our customers view reusable pads as investments. Therefore, every material must maintain its properties through years of use and washing.
Time to get involved
Caring for Different Materials: Making Your Investment Last
Understanding how to care for different materials ensures your pads remain effective and comfortable for years. Moreover, proper care prevents premature wear and maintains hygiene.
Natural Fibers vs. Synthetic Materials - Different Care Needs
Natural fibers like bamboo and cotton generally require gentler care but reward you with improved softness over time. Conversely, synthetic materials might tolerate rougher treatment but can lose their effectiveness if not cared for properly.
Washing Tips for Nigerian Water Conditions
Whether you’re washing with borehole water, well water, or treated municipal water, certain principles apply. Cold water rinses immediately after use help prevent stains, while gentle detergents maintain material integrity.
Furthermore, avoiding fabric softeners preserves the absorbent properties of your pads.
Red flags include:
- Websites with no recent updates or broken functionality
- No social media presence or inactive accounts
- Lack of online reviews or testimonials
- Inconsistent contact information across platforms
Moreover, poor online presence often indicates operational challenges or lack of investment in business development.
Drying Techniques That Preserve Material Quality
Air drying in shade protects materials from UV damage while ensuring complete drying. In humid conditions, ensuring complete drying prevents mold and bacteria growth.
Making the Right Choice: Materials for Your Needs
Different users have different needs, so understanding which materials work best for various situations helps you make informed decisions.
Our quality commitment includes:
- Using only certified organic cotton and bamboo fiber materials
- Multiple absorption layers designed for Nigerian climate and usage patterns
- Rigorous testing for durability, absorption, and skin safety
- Quality control processes at every production stage
Additionally, we maintain detailed documentation for all materials and processes, ensuring complete transparency with our partners.
Best Materials for School Girls and Active Teens
Young women need pads that are comfortable, discreet, and reliable during long school days. Bamboo-cotton blends offer excellent absorption while remaining thin enough to be discreet under school uniforms.
Optimal Choices for Working Mothers
Working mothers need materials that provide all-day protection while remaining comfortable during various activities. The bamboo-cotton combination in Sana Pads offers this reliability while being easy to care for.
Heavy Flow Solutions: Which Materials Handle More
For heavy flows, the absorbent core becomes crucial. Hemp and bamboo fibers excel at handling significant amounts of fluid while preventing leaks and maintaining comfort.
Testimonials
Women around the world patronize Sana
“Buying disposable pads every month really added up, so I thought I’d give Sana Pads a try. I was surprised by how soft they are, and they work well for long days at university.
Washing them is simple, and I haven’t had to buy new pads in months, which has saved me money. I also like that they’re more eco-friendly. It feels good to have an option that’s both affordable and better for the environment.”
Women around the world patronize Sana
At first I felt irritated using a washable sanitary pads,I decided to give it a try and to my greatest surprise,it was very comfortable and very easy to wash, you can even go about your daily activities without fear of getting blood stain in public, I wanna say a Big shout out to SANA PADS!!
Divine Favour Eweka
Women around the world patronize Sana
I’ve tried several pad brands over the years, but Sana pads truly stands out. From the first use, I noticed the difference — soft on the skin, super absorbent, and incredibly comfortable. Even on my heaviest flow days, Sana pads holds up so well. What I also love is how breathable and skin-friendly the material is. If you’re looking for a pad that combines comfort, reliability, and quality, I highly recommend giving Sana pads a try.
Racheal Tarttive
Women around the world patronize Sana
I’m absolutely loving Sana reusable pads! They make me feel so relaxed and at ease during my periods. Plus, they’ve significantly reduced the cost and stress of buying disposable pads every month. Kudos to Sana for creating such an amazing product – I’m a forever fan!
Florence Kigbu
Women around the world patronize Sana
Sana Pad is very good, makes u feel comfortable and free, i love the pads the best ever!.
Susan Eweka
Women around the world patronize Sana
Sana pads have been a game-changer for me! Comfortable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective, they’ve given me confidence and peace of mind during my periods. No more worries about leaks or waste – Sana’s got me covered! Highly recommend!
Blessing Augustine David
Women around the world patronize Sana
I’ve tried several reusable pad brands, but Sana stands out for its exceptional quality, comfort, and durability. The design is thoughtful, and the materials are gentle on my skin. Switching to Sana has not only reduced my environmental footprint but also saved me money in the long run. I’m grateful for this sustainable solution!
Blessing Madubuike
The Economics of Quality Materials
Understanding the financial impact of material choices helps you make smart decisions for your budget and health.
Why Premium Materials Save Money Long-Term
While quality materials cost more initially, they last longer and perform better. Therefore, investing in well-made pads with quality materials reduces replacement costs and provides better value over time.
Cost Per Use: Breaking Down the Real Value
When you calculate the cost per use, quality reusable pads become incredibly economical. A Sana Pads kit costing ₦3,000-₦5,000 and lasting 2-3 years costs less than ₦50 per use—compared to ₦500-₦1.500 per cycle for disposables.
Investment vs. Monthly Spending on Disposables
Nigerian women spending ₦500-₦1,500 monthly on disposable pads spend ₦6,000-₦18,000 yearly. In contrast, a quality reusable pad set represents a one-time investment that pays for itself within months.
Ready to find your ideal manufacturing partner? Take the first step by reaching out to learn more about how quality manufacturers like Sana Pads can support your organization’s mission to improve menstrual health and education outcomes across Nigeria.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Health and Future
Understanding what reusable sanitary pads are made of empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your health, comfort, and budget. Quality materials like the bamboo-cotton blend used in Sana Pads provide superior protection while remaining comfortable in Nigeria’s climate.
When you choose reusable pads made with quality materials, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in years of reliable protection, environmental sustainability, and financial savings. Moreover, you’re choosing dignity, comfort, and the confidence that comes with understanding exactly what you’re putting closest to your body.
Ready to experience the difference that quality materials make? Explore our range of reusable pads or contact us to learn more about bulk orders for your organization. Your health, comfort, and budget deserve the best—and that starts with understanding what goes into every pad you choose.
Author: Margaret Ochegbudu
