Introduction of a Low-friction Layer inside Sanitary Products Intended to Reduce Friction-induced Skin Irritation

Sanitary napkins are essential during menstruation, but they can sometimes cause skin irritation due to friction. In this study, we propose a novel design: introducing a low-fiction layer within the bulk of a sanitary napkin. Friction tests were conducted between an artificial skin block and sanitary napkin specimens with and without a low-friction layer. The strain distribution on the lateral side of the artificial skin block was experimentally measured. The friction coefficient and strain decreased when the low-friction layer was applied under loads greater than 1.96 N. The larger the normal load, the larger the strain. Because lower strain on the skin correlates with reduced skin irritation, the use of a low-friction layer in sanitary napkins is expected to reduce skin irritation, particularly under high contact pressure.