CARE ASSISTANT
IDWhat our protections are made of
You place this product against your skin, sometimes all night long, sometimes every day for years. You have the right to know what is in it. This page explains it, without jargon, and also states what we do not know.
What is in a protection
An absorbent protection is an assembly of layers. Each performs a specific function, and their arrangement explains why a product remains dry on the surface while retaining a large volume of liquid.
| Layer | Material | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Topsheet, against the skin | Hydrophilic nonwoven (polypropylene) | Allows liquid to pass through to the inside and drain away — this is what keeps the surface dry to the touch. |
| Side barriers | Hydrophobic nonwoven (polypropylene) | Repels liquid instead of absorbing it: this contains side leaks. |
| Acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) | Technical nonwoven | Distributes liquid along the entire length rather than letting it pool in one spot. Without it, even a highly absorbent product will overflow. |
| Absorbent core | Cellulose pulp (fluff) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) | The pulp absorbs liquid rapidly; the superabsorbent locks it in under pressure and prevents it from flowing back when sitting down. |
| Core wrap | Cellulose tissue | Holds the core in place to prevent bunching or shifting once wet. |
| Backsheet | Polyethylene film, or film laminated with a nonwoven for a cloth-like feel | Prevents liquid from leaking through. The cloth-like version is breathable and makes less noise. |
| Elastics | Elastic threads or bands, elastic waistband | Fit the product closely against the body where leaks typically occur. |
| Fasteners | Resealable tapes and landing zone | Allow adjusting, opening, and reclosing without tearing. |
| Adhesives | Hot-melt adhesives | Bond the layers together. They do not come into contact with the skin. |
| Wetness indicator | Reactive ink | Changes colour when the product needs to be changed. Featured on selected products in the range. |
| Packaging | Polyethylene film or cardboard | Protects the product until use. |
The exact composition varies across product lines and sizes: not all protections feature an elastic waistband, a wetness indicator, or a cloth-like backsheet. The packaging of your product is authoritative.
Why these materials
They are not chosen to appear modern. They are chosen because they get the job done:
- Cellulose pulp absorbs quickly and is cost-effective — it provides the bulk.
- The superabsorbent polymer retains liquid: it turns liquid into gel and holds it even
under body weight. It is what prevents wetness from pressing back against the skin.
- Nonwovens make it possible to produce, using the same polymer, one layer that allows
liquid to pass through and another that repels it — depending on whether it is treated. This accounts for the difference between the topsheet and the leak barriers.
- The film seals the system. Without it, liquid would pass right through.
What we measure
Our absorption capacities are measured in a laboratory using a 0.9% saline solution that simulates urine, following a consistent method. They serve to **compare our products with one another** — not to predict how long a product will last for you, which depends on individual factors.
What we will not tell you lightly
European regulations do not require materials to be listed on the packaging of absorbent products, as they do for food or cosmetics. Many manufacturers stop there. We prefer to publish the table above.
However, we will not replace a lack of information with reassuring claims. If you have a known sensitivity, an allergy, or if you are planning care for already fragile skin, write to us with the exact product reference and the batch number printed on the packaging: we will provide information specific to that product, using the supplier's technical sheet, rather than generic statements about the range.
In the event of a reaction
Stop using the product and seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Then let us know — product reference, batch number, what occurred — at sk@nateen.com. This is how material defects are identified. Please refer to the Medical Disclaimer for the procedure to follow and your reporting rights.
Brief glossary
Nonwoven — a thin material that looks and feels like fabric without being woven or knitted, similar to felt. Most of what you touch on a protection is made of it.
Hydrophilic / hydrophobic — water-permeable / water-repellent. The same polymer achieves both depending on how it is treated.
Cellulose pulp (fluff) — defibrated wood fibres. Paper, before it becomes paper.
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) — small granules that retain several hundred times their weight in liquid and hold it under pressure. Also found in baby nappies and dressings.
ADL — acquisition distribution layer, the layer that spreads liquid. The critical detail that separates a product that holds from one that leaks by overflowing at the sides.
Hot-melt — an adhesive applied hot that sets as it cools. It bonds layers together without solvents.
Write to us
Apogee Medical Supplies s. r. o. · sk@nateen.com · +421 948 289 290 · Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:00.