Incontinence Pads vs Shields Incontinence Pads for Men: which is safer?
Eco by Naty Incontinence Pads is the clear pick. Depend Shields Incontinence Pads for Men carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Our pick
Eco By Naty
Incontinence Pads
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleHeavy metals in cellulose or plant-derived materials
Depend
Shields Incontinence Pads for Men
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyPFAS in waterproof backing
PossibleSuperabsorbent polymer (SAP) integrity and microfiber shedding
ReportedBacterial and fungal growth in absorbent core
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Heavy metals in cellulose or plant-derived materials on the Eco By Naty and not on the Depend.
- We flag PFAS in waterproof backing, Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) integrity and microfiber shedding, Bacterial and fungal growth in absorbent core and Skin irritation and sensitization from non-woven layers or residual manufacturing chemical on the Depend and not on the Eco By Naty.
- The Eco By Naty is Bamboo-derived viscose, cotton, plant-based absorbent core where the Depend is Absorbent core (wood pulp, SAP), non-woven layers, polyethylene backing/waterproof barrier, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 45 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Eco By Naty is the one to buy.
Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More incontinence pads & protection, see the full ranking