An investigator-blind, single-center, controlled, parallel group study to confirm the suitability of sanitary pads for menstrual protection in an ethnic nigerian population.

This study assessed the suitability of a widely used brand of sanitary pad with a formed film top sheet (study pad) for comfort, protection from soiling, and fit to underwear in a local female Nigerian population compared to a leading nonwoven product (reference pad) marketed in Nigeria. Two hundred eighty-nine healthy Nigerian women 18-45 years of age were randomized to wear one of the brands over two menstrual cycles. Both groups reported comparable (yet few) sensations of itching, rubbing/chafing, redness/rash, and burning/stinging. Participants rated menstrual protection of the study pad statistically significantly better for 88% of questions on a rating form. The percentage of negative comments regarding leakage and pad slip was statistically significantly lower for the study pad than for the reference product. There were no pad-related adverse events. These results show that the study pad was preferred in terms of comfort, protection from soiling, and fit to underwear. Further, top sheet technologies do not differ from nonwoven products in terms of compatibility to skin during use.