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14 brands of sanitary napkins were tested,
of which nine were from the cotton-based category and
5 from the gel category. None of the brands had volunteered
for the IS mark as IS certifica tion is not mandatory
for this product.
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The brands tested included Carefree (Regular),
Kotex Dri-Guard (Extra large), New Kotex (Regular), New
Stayfree SilkyDry (Regular), Shapers Acti-slim (Ultra),
Shapers Natural Feel, She Comfort, She Teens, Stayfree
Secure (Regular), Stayfree Germi-Shield (Regular), Stayfree
Ultra Thins, Whisper Heavy Flow & Overnights (Regular),
Whisper Maxi and Whisper Ultra.
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The brands were tested as per the Indian
Standard IS : 5405 - 1980.
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She Comfort, She Teens and Whisper Ultra
did not conform to the parameters for absorbency and ability
to withstand pressure as per the BIS.
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New Kotex Regular, Whisper Heavy Flow &
Overnights (Regular), Kotex with Dri Guard (Ex tra Large)
and She Teens showed wrinkles.
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Four samples of Kotex with Dri Guard (Extra
Large) revealed dirt on the pad. One sample had an ant.
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Shapers Acti-slim (Ultra) did not give
the method of use and disposal instructions were not given
by Whisper Heavy Flow & Overnights (Regular). Shapers
Natural Feel, Shapers Acti- slim (Ultra), She Comfort
and She Teens did not mention the size on the packaging
material.
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Among the cotton filler-based brands, Whisper
Heavy Flow and Overnights topped the list. Among the Gel
brands Stay Free Ultra Thins was the top scorer.
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In the Cotton-based category, though Whisper
Heavy Flow & Overnights was the best scorer with 95
points, our ‘Best Buy’ in this category is
Stayfree Secure. With a score of 91 points, the cost works
out to Rs. 2.20 a napkin and Whisper Heavy Flow &
Overnights would cost you Rs. 8.20 a napkin.
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In the Gel-based Category, Stayfree
Ultra Thins is our ‘Best Buy’ with the highest
score. It was also the most inexpensive one at a price
of Rs. 5.63 a napkin.
Consumer
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