Years of working in fashion and seeing the sacrifices some women make and the discomfort they feel to look good sent Elena Zaltsberg looking for a solution—a product that could be used as a barrier between a women’s clothing and her most delicate area. When she couldn’t find such a product, she went about developing one on her own. The result is an anatomically-correct, supportive-shaped insert that fits in a woman’s pant or underwear or, as she calls it, Essentia Shield.

“There was just nothing like this on the market,” Zaltsberg says. “And, it was something that women wanted. Not many people talk about the discomfort but once they open up, it is clear what a problem it can be.”

The Essentia Shield features a patented supportive shape that prevents irritation when a women is wearing thongs, g-strings, jeans and other tight fitting cloths without showing an unnecessary bulge or panty line.

Described as non-menstrual but capable of absorbing some moisture, Essentia is made of organic cotton and other Earth-friendly materials and will retain its supportive shape throughout the day and keep its wear feeling fresh, rejuvenated and comfortable.

A fashion executive by trade, Zaltzberg knew little about nonwovens or disposable products as she approached this problem so she created the original prototype out of cotton fabric, but she has been studying disposables and nonwovens technology for the next generation of the product.

“Right now, the product is a reusable cotton product but it is not efficient,” she says. “We really want to make a disposable version. It makes more sense.”

To better understand nonwovens, Zaltzberg recently attended the Hygienix conference in Austin, TX where she started seeking partnerships. “We don’t know much about this business but we have learned that it would only take a small machine adjustment to make our design.”

The current prototype has been tested by hundreds of real women with positive feedback, Zaltsberg says.

"The timing is perfect to bring the Essentia panty liner to the marketplace," she adds. "It will improve women's well-being and will lead to a healthier life for many, many women who sorely need this innovative and disruptive product. Because of this and great need for innovative hygienic products by the industry, its financial return will be significant while creating a new industry segment for women with busy and active lifestyles."