Essity Technology Tackles Unpredictable Flow

Essity has launched a new generation of sanitary pads designed to better address unpredictable menstrual flow, one of the everyday challenges contributing to the global menstrual health gap. Acording to internal and market research, globally six in 10 women report anxiety about leakage during sleep because of unpredictable flow. In addition, one in three women experience sudden gushes, reinforcing the need for solutions that better respond to real-life unpredictability. This challenge is part of a broader menstrual health gap, where barriers such as stigma, lack of knowledge and unmet product needs continue to affect women’s well-being, confidence 

Through the development of a next-generation fluid management system, Essity’s Smart Protect pads capture sudden gushes instantly and distribute fluid more evenly, helping prevent leakage and providing reliable protection day and night. The product combines an instant-absorbing center, interconnected distribution channels and a body-adaptive shape, helping to deliver up to 100% leak-free days and nights. The innovation builds on deep ethnographic research across the consumer journey, exploring emotions, anxieties and triggers throughout the day and night, complemented by a first-of-its-kind clinical study conducted during sleep.

“At Essity, we are committed to advancing menstrual health through innovations that help solve real consumer problems and unmet needs. Unpredictable flow can create stress, discomfort and loss of confidence, at any time, day or night. With this new generation of products, we are combining deep consumer insight with advanced innovation to deliver better protection, greater peace of mind and support for everyday well-being,” says Tuomas Yrjölä, president Personal Care at Essity.

Essity is launching the Smart Protect innovation in Latin America under the brands Nosotras and Saba and in Europe under Bodyform, Libresse, Nana and Nuvenia. This step supports Essity’s strategy to drive profitable growth through meaningful, consumer-driven innovation, with differentiated products designed to address unmet needs, strengthen brand preference and accelerate growth in period care. By focusing on real consumer challenges and evolving period care beyond basic protection, Essity continues its commitment to improving well-being, confidence and everyday life for people around the world.