McKesson · Incontinence Pads & Protection
McKesson Ultra Heavy Absorbency Underpad
Avoid until brand discloses waterproof backing composition and treatment.
McKesson's underpad has waterproof backing of unknown composition and treatment. The brand offers no PFAS claims, certifications, or ingredient transparency.
The better-graded swap
Tranquility
Tranquility Personal Care Pads
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Good.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
cellulose, absorbent core with waterproof backing (composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What McKesson Ultra Heavy Absorbency Underpad is made of, ingredients and materials
McKesson Ultra Heavy uses a cellulose absorbent core, a plant-derived material with minimal inherent toxicity, paired with an unspecified waterproof backing. The backing material and its treatment chemicals are not disclosed on packaging or brand materials reviewed. Since waterproof backings in disposable absorbent products often rely on synthetic polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene) or polyurethane films, and may incorporate water-resistant treatments, the absence of transparency on composition and additives is the primary safety concern.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Waterproof backing composition undisclosed
The backing material identity and water-repellency treatment (possibly PFAS-based, flame retardant, or other synthetic additives) are not specified in available product or brand documentation. This prevents assessment of leaching or off-gassing risk.
Off-gassing from synthetic backing
If the backing is polyurethane, polyethylene, or treated polypropylene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or odors may occur, particularly when exposed to heat or stored in warm, humid conditions. No off-gassing testing or VOC limits are disclosed.
Skin contact irritation from coating additives
Waterproof backings often incorporate plasticizers, cross-linking agents, or antimicrobial coatings. Direct or prolonged skin contact with undescribed additives poses low-to-moderate risk of allergic or irritant reactions in sensitive users, especially if backing degrades over time.
What’s reassuring
Cellulose core integrity (mold/bacterial growth)
Cellulose itself does not harbor mycotoxins or pose inherent microbial risk. However, if underpads are stored in damp conditions, the cellulose can support fungal growth independent of product design.
Heavy metals
No evidence of heavy metal use in cellulose cores or standard backing materials. No recalls or safety alerts specific to this product are on public record.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Aeroflow Health (the distributor/brand) does not publicly disclose detailed material composition, PFAS use, or chemical certifications for this underpad product. The brand has not published environmental or safety statements regarding fluorochemical water-repellency treatments, flame retardants, or backing polymer sourcing. No independent certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Cradle to Cradle) appear on product materials, limiting third-party verification of chemical claims.
How it compares in its category
Hospital and incontinence underpads vary widely in backing chemistry. Premium alternatives (e.g., some Medline or Attends products) publish material specifications and some carry environmental certifications. Budget options and generic brands, including McKesson lines, typically omit detailed disclosure, making direct chemical comparison difficult. Cellulose-core construction is industry standard and lower-risk than fully synthetic cores; the gap lies in backing transparency.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to minimize off-gassing from backing materials. Replace underpads immediately after use (do not rinse and reuse). If used under heat sources (heating pads, warm bedding) monitor for odor or skin irritation, which may signal polymer degradation. Request detailed material safety data sheets from Aeroflow or McKesson; lack of response strengthens the case for switching to a brand with published chemical transparency.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- McKesson has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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More incontinence pads & protection grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.