Design and Development of Feminine Re-usable Maxi Pads for Economically Challenged People

Abstract

Menstruation is one thing which almost every woman has to deal with every month. To manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, it is essential that women and girls have access to water and sanitation. They need private place to change sanitary cloths or pads; clean water and soap for washing their hands, bodies and reusable cloths; and facilities for safely disposing of used materials or a clean place to dry them if reusable. Considering above issues for women, this research mainly focused on designing and developing feminine reusable maxi pads for economically challenged peoples, the product is created with different styles, well supported by the line survey and also with different technical tests of fabric and product in order to take extra care for women’s health related problems. The product is developed with three different types of fabrics, forming three different layers of the product, such as 100% bleached knitted cotton, which is used as a top layer attached to the skin ,which acts as an absorbing fluid and create comfort to the wearer, poly wadding (non-woven) used at the middle layer , which is mainly used for absorbent purpose, easily washable, retain cotton shapes and water resistance fabric is used as lower layer , which acts as further resistant for the fluid to prevent from the leakage. The aim of the study is to protect women’s health, especially belongs rural area living women and girls from different health related issues caused due to menstruation, such as irritation, burning, attending class and works, cancer, infections which occur in the case of using normal cloths/ some disposable pads. The unique features of this product is that , this is made from materials which is easily available in market, cost affordable, environmental friendly, good absorbent, comfort, fluid resistant, high durability, has good tear and tensile strength.