Development of a Low Cost Re-usable Microfibre Sanitary Pad

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management is a big problem for women and girls in Zimbabwe as the sanitary pads are expensive. An average pack of 8-10 at $US1.50 is significantly expensive for females coming from low income families, which has caused women and girls to resort to unhealthy ways such as using grass and cow dung for managing their menstruation, which exposes them to infections. The aim was to develop a low-cost re-usable microfibre sanitary pad with good performance properties and low cost maintenance, affordable to poor women. The design was based on the Johnson and Johnson re-usable (a rectangular shape) sanitary pads. The new re-usable pad was developed from polyester microfibre materials. It has a pocket for an insert of another material that will enhance the collection of blood. The developed pad was tested for wicking, leakage and strike through properties. The newly developed pad exhibited better properties and yet cheaper than the commercial disposable pads.