Consumer Council pilot projects and results
Consumer Council Comparison Projects and Results
A survey found that about 20% of the population in Hong Kong over the age of 60 suffers from incontinence. With the aging of the population in Hong Kong, more and more people suffer from urinary incontinence. Therefore, the demand of nursing products such as diaper, pull up or incontinence pad are increasing. These products are close to the user's skin. If the breathability is not enough, the surface is not dry enough or the hygiene level is not good, it will not only make the user uncomfortable, but also easily cause skin allergies, and even cause dermatitis or urethritis.
The Association had tested 30 types of diaper, pull up and incontinence pad, and found that 2 samples have serious rewet and 1 sample has leakage, and 11 models of diaper and 2 incontinence pads have low breathability. It may cause the user feel stuffy and uncomfortable. In addition, the price of each piece of diaper and pull up is not low, and for those who need to use them for a long time, the monthly financial burden is also quite a lot.
Test items and results
The test mainly refers to the Chinese mainland standards GB/T 28004.2-2021 and GB 15979 to evaluate the absorption and penetration, quality, hygiene level, harmful chemical substance content and pH value of the samples. In addition, a laboratory-designed test method was used to evaluate the breathability of the samples under simulated daily use conditions.
Absorption and Penetration Properties
Measure the absorption rate, rewet volume and leakage volume of diaper and pull up samples to evaluate their absorption and penetration properties. The test is carried out with physiological saline (test solution) heated to 36°C. Each diaper and pull up model will be tested with 5 samples, and then the average value will be calculated.
The rate of absorption varies greatly
The surface dryness of diaper or pull up is an important factor affecting their comfort, and the surface dryness depends on the absorption speed and rewetting amount. The faster the absorption speed, the more quickly the urine can be dispersed, avoiding embarrassment or moisture concentration caused by side leakage causing wet clothes, and keeping the user's skin dry. Factors such as the surface material of a diaper or pull up, the absorbency of the absorbent layer, and product design all affect its absorption rate.
The technician first places the sample on the curved base of the testing instrument, and then adjusts the opening of the device containing the test solution to the center of the sample. Start the detection instrument, pressurize the surface of the sample and inject 100 ml of the test solution, and then record the time required for the test solution to contact the surface of the sample until it is completely absorbed. In order to evaluate whether the sample can continue to absorb liquid rapidly, a second test was performed at an interval of 8 minutes after the completion of the first absorption test. The standard requires that the time required for the sample to absorb the solution for the first time and the second time should be 50 seconds or less and 100 seconds or less, respectively.
The test results showed that the time for each sample to absorb the solution for the first time was relatively short, and the absorption rate slowed down in the second test. Although the absorption time of all samples in the two tests met the standard requirements, there were significant differences in the performance of the samples.
The average time required for the diaper samples to absorb the solution for the first time ranged from 0 seconds to 13 seconds. In the second test, the absorption speed of each sample slowed down to an average of 7 seconds to 19 seconds. "Nice Care" (#1), "Cypress" (#6), "Dr. P" (#7), "Kieto" (#8) and "Molicare" (#9) for the first time, they all can be completely absorbed in an instant (0 seconds to 3 seconds), and the second absorption time of the solution is also 10 seconds or less, which is excellent; the absorption speed of "Banitore" (#13) is slower , the time required for the first and second averaging is 13 seconds and 19 seconds respectively.
The absorption rate of the pull up samples was generally slower than that of the diaper samples. The average absorption time of the 10 pull up samples for the first time ranged from 0 seconds to 19 seconds, while the average time for the second time was 11 seconds to 34 seconds. "ABENA" (#16) and "LIVEDO" (#17) had the fastest absorption speed. They could also absorb all the test solutions instantly in the first test, and took an average of 11 seconds and 17 seconds in the second test respectively. The first and second trials of “Topvalu” (#25) took 19 seconds and 34 seconds respectively, which was obviously inferior to other samples.
Diaper and pull up each have 1 type with high rewet
Diaper and pull up are generally used for a long time. Since the surface layer is in direct contact with the skin, if the absorbent layer fails to effectively lock the absorbed liquid, urine will seep back to the surface layer, affecting the comfort of the wearer. After completing the second absorption test, put the weighed absorbent paper on the surface of the sample according to the standard and simulate the weight of the human body sitting on the diaper for 1 minute. When finished, measure the weight of the absorbent paper again. By calculating the weight difference before and after the absorbent paper absorbs the liquid, the rewetting amount of the sample can be obtained. The less the rewetting amount, the drier the surface of the sample. The standard requires samples to have a rewet volume of 30 grams or less.
The test results showed that all the samples showed varying degrees of rewetting, but still met the requirements of the standard. The average rewetting amount of diaper samples ranged from 0.1 g to 13 g, with "Nice Care" (#1), "One Plus" (#3), "Dispo 123" (#4), "Cypress" ( #6), "Dr. P" (#7), "Kielo" (#8) and "Mannings" (#12) performed better, with an average rewetting amount of less than 0.5 grams. "Watsons" (#15) performed less well, with an average rewet volume of 13 grams; the average rewet volume of pull up samples ranged from 0.1 g to 20.1 g, among which "ABENA" (#16), "Plenitud" (# 18), "Inciban" (#21), "Certainty" (#22) and "Dr. P" (#23) also performed well with an average rewet volume of less than 0.5 grams. “Topvalu” (#25) performed worse, with an average rewet volume of 20.1 grams. If the rewetting rate of the sample is too high, the surface layer will not be kept dry, and the comfort of the user will be low. At the same time, it will also increase the chance of infection of sensitive parts and skin due to prolonged contact with the wet diaper surface layer.
Excellent leak-proof performance for most diaper/pull up
Leak-proof performance is evaluated by measuring the amount of test solution that seeps through the absorbent layer and the leak-proof layer. If the diaper leaks, it may stain clothing or linens. Before conducting the absorption rate test, technicians will place weighed absorbent paper on the bottom of the sample. After the rewet test is completed, take out the absorbent paper placed at the bottom of the sample and measure its weight. The standard requires samples to have a leakage of 1 gram or less. Most of the diaper and pull up samples had no leakage or only slight leakage, among which 12 diaper samples (#4 to #15) and 2 pull up samples (#19 and #20) had no leakage at all, which are Outstanding. “Topvalu” adult diapers (#25) performed slightly worse, with an average leakage of more than other samples (0.6g), but still met the relevant requirements of the standard.
Incontinence pad sample absorption performance is good
Incontinence pads are mainly used to absorb small amounts of urine, not to cope with urination. Therefore, its absorption performance was evaluated by conducting an absorption rate test. Immerse the sample completely in the test solution for 60 seconds, then remove the sample and drip off excess water, hang it vertically for 90 seconds and measure the sample weight. The absorption ratio is calculated according to the difference in weight before and after water absorption and the weight of the sample before water absorption. For each type of incontinence pad model, 5 samples are tested to calculate the average value of absorption rate.
Referring to the requirements of the standard for light incontinence products, the absorption rate of the sample should be 7 times or more. The test results show that the average absorption rate of the samples ranges from 21 times to a maximum of 34 times. All samples meet the requirements of the standard absorption ratio. Among them, "Plenitud" (#28) has the highest absorption rate, with an average of 34 times. "Refré" (#26), "Topvalu" (#27) and "Tena" (#30) also have an absorption rate of 30 times or more, and they are also excellent.
Poor air permeability of 11 diapers and 2 incontinence pad samples
The bottom layer of diapers, pull ups and incontinence pads needs to be leak-proof, but at the same time, it must also be breathable, so as to prevent the "moisture" produced by sweating or urination from being unable to discharge, resulting in hot and sticky feeling. In a hot environment, especially in hot summer, the skin is more likely to be irritated and develop rashes or allergies. The test is carried out by wearing the sample on a dummy model and simulating the situation of urination or seepage. By measuring the water vapor flow of the outer layer of the sample, its air permeability performance is evaluated. The greater the water vapor flow rate, the higher the water permeability, that is, the easier it is for the sample to wick away "moisture", and the drier and more comfortable it feels when wearing. According to the reference index of the laboratory test method, the minimum moisture flow rate of 2g/m2.h is classified as breathable, and the water flow rate of 35g/m2.h or above is classified as extremely breathable.
Among the 15 diaper samples, 11 samples (#4 to #13, #15) have a water vapor flow rate of 0g/m2.h or 1g/m2.h, which can be classified as "impermeable". The 3 samples, including "Nice Care" (#1), "White Industry" (#2) and "One Plus" (#3) have good air permeability, and the measured water vapor flow rate is 18g/m2.h To 33g/m2.h, it will be more comfortable to wear.
The air permeability of all pull up samples is good, and the measured water and air flow rate ranges from 10g/m2.h to 30g/m2.h. Among them, "ABENA" (#16), " LIVEDO" (#17), "Inchiban" (#21) and "Topvalu" (#25) have higher water permeability, and the measured water vapor flow rate is not less than 25g/m2.h.
In terms of Incontinence pad samples, the three samples (#26, #27 and #28) had good air permeability, and the measured water and air flow rate ranged from 17g/m2.h to 40g/m2.h. The "Refré" (#26 ) has the highest water permeability, reaching 40g/m2.h. The performance of the remaining 2 samples (#29 and #30) was not ideal, and no water vapor flow was measured on the outer layer of the sample.
Can "zero" leakage and high air permeability be at the same time?
The test results showed that none of the 11 diaper samples with low air permeability had leakage in the permeability test, but even the diaper samples with high air permeability and most of the pull up samples had very slight leakage. 2 models (#19 and #20) are both breathable and leak-free. The waterproof base film on the outer layer of the sample and the thickness of the absorbent layer will all affect its air permeability. The Association inspected the outer layer materials of each sample and found that the samples with low air permeability only had a layer of waterproof film as the outer layer, while the outer layer of the sample with high air permeability was made of waterproof film and non-woven fabric. Although they are both waterproof films, their materials are slightly different. If a manufacturer adopts a waterproof but breathable base film, "zero" leakage and breathability can actually be achieved at the same time.
Hygiene
A small amount of fungus was detected in 1 sample
If the hygienic conditions of disposable diapers, pull ups and incontinence pads are not satisfactory, there may be risks to the health of users. Refer to the standard test samples for total bacterial count and total fungal count, and whether the test samples contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus (Hemolytic streptococcus) and other pathogenic pyogenic bacteria and coliforms (Coliforms). The results showed that only a small amount of fungus (20cfu/g) was detected in the diaper sample "Flamingo" (#14), and the detected amount met the upper limit (100cfu/g) required by the relevant mainland standards. None of the above-mentioned microorganisms or pathogenic bacteria were detected in the rest of the samples, and the hygienic conditions were satisfactory.
Chemical Substance Detection
A small amount of free formaldehyde was detected in 4 samples
If the pH value of the material used in the sample is too high or too low, or if it contains formaldehyde or fluorescent whitening agent, it may irritate the user's skin, and in severe cases, allergic contact dermatitis may occur. The pH values detected in the 30 samples ranged from 4.3 to 6.4, all of which met the pH value requirements of the mainland standard for related products (the pH value should be between 4 and 8). Among the samples, only "Dr. P" (#7), "Flamingo" (#14), "Watson's" (#15) and "Livedo" (#24) detected a small amount of free formaldehyde, and the detected amount was between 18mg/kg to 24mg/kg ranged, and the detected amount was lower than the upper limit (75mg/kg) of the relevant standard. In addition, no migratable fluorescent substances were detected in all samples.
Although the amount of free formaldehyde detected in the above four samples did not exceed the upper limit of the standard, diapers and diapers will directly contact the skin and sensitive parts of the user, and the contact time is not short. The Association urges relevant manufacturers to review production materials and manufacturing processes to strengthen the health protection of consumers.
Quality
The weight of diapers, pull ups and incontinence pads is generally related to the amount of absorbent material. If the weight of each product in the same package is different, it reflects that the quality control of the production process may not be perfect. Detect 6 samples of each model and measure their weight to evaluate whether the weight of the samples is consistent. The weight deviation of incontinence pad samples "Topvalu" (#27) and "Tena" (#30) is relatively large. However, the weight deviations of all samples are in line with the relevant requirements of the standard (deviation is less than 10%). In terms of quality, all samples met the requirements of the standard, such as whether there were exudates, foreign objects and blemishes on the surface.
Label data
Sizes vary by brand
All diapers and pull ups samples have their sizes marked on the packaging, but 5 samples (#1, #9, #15, #19 and #22) did not indicate whether they are waist or hip sizes, and the method of marking is still to be determined improve. Even if the size is the same, such as large size L, the actual size will vary between different brands. Therefore, consumers should not only rely on the marked size when purchasing, but also carefully look at the waist or hip size marked on the product.
2 models did not indicate the production date and validity period information
18 models marked both the date of manufacture and the expiration date and/or shelf life; 5 models marked the expiration date and/or shelf life; 5 models only listed the production date of the product, without specifying the shelf life or expiration date, and the remaining 2 models were completely unmarked. Information and labeling methods need to be improved. Ideally, the production date and shelf life or expiry date should be marked at the same time, so that consumers can buy more recently manufactured products and use them up as soon as possible within the expiry date.
In addition to information such as size, production and expiry date, the product packaging should list the moisture absorption capacity of the sample, detailed composition information, usage instructions, etc., so that consumers can have a clearer understanding of the product before purchasing.