O.b Pro Comfort Super Plus 16 pad vs Sport Super+5: which is safer?
Playtex Sport Super+5 is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
OB
O.b Pro Comfort Super Plus 16 pad
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleMicroplastic shedding or degradation
ReportedIrritation or allergic sensitization from adhesive or synthetic fibers
PossibleBacterial growth or contamination from prolonged moisture
Our pick
Playtex
Sport Super+5
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleAllergens and irritants in rayon or cellulose additives
PossibleBacterial overgrowth and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk
PossibleFragrance or odor-control chemical sensitivity
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Microplastic shedding or degradation, Irritation or allergic sensitization from adhesive or synthetic fibers and Bacterial growth or contamination from prolonged moisture on the OB and not on the Playtex.
- We flag Allergens and irritants in rayon or cellulose additives, Bacterial overgrowth and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) risk and Fragrance or odor-control chemical sensitivity on the Playtex and not on the OB.
- The OB is rayon/viscose, cotton, and gelling polymers where the Playtex is Rayon/cellulose absorbent core, plastic applicator, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: 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 period pads: see the full ranking