Tena · Incontinence Pads & Protection
TENA Air Flow Underpads 4 Pack / 40
Wait for transparency to improve, as waterproof underpads carry PFAS risk.
TENA Air Flow underpads are incontinence products with waterproof backing, historically reliant on fluorinated coatings like aqueous film-forming foams or water-repellent coating treatments. Aeroflow provides no public disclosure about PFAS use, materials, or testing.
The better-graded swap
Tena
TENA Very Light
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
Absorbent core, synthetic polymer backing with waterproof layer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What TENA Air Flow Underpads 4 Pack / 40 is made of, ingredients and materials
TENA Air Flow underpads use a synthetic polymer absorbent core (likely superabsorbent polymer/SAP) bonded to a waterproof backing layer designed to prevent leakage onto furniture or bedding. The waterproof layer typically relies on plastic film or coated non-woven textiles; in incontinence products, this layer frequently contains PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") as water-repellent finishing agents, though Aeroflow has not publicly disclosed their specific chemistry. The absorbent core itself, when maintained dry and replaced regularly, poses minimal risk, but the waterproof backing is the material class most likely to contain fluorinated compounds.
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.
PFAS
Waterproof coatings on incontinence underpads are the primary end-use category for PFAS in textiles; Aeroflow's silence on ingredient disclosure is consistent with widespread industry practice. Direct skin contact with the backing is possible during use, especially for extended wear.
Source, ATSDR ↗Bacterial colonization and odor from moisture retention
If underpads are not changed promptly or are left damp, the absorbent core and backing can support bacterial and fungal growth, leading to skin irritation, odor, or infection risk. This is a hygiene concern rather than a chemical hazard, but is directly tied to product replacement frequency.
Skin sensitization or irritation from coating or additives
Incontinence pads may contain preservatives, plasticizers, or residual manufacturing chemicals in the waterproof layer or adhesive that could trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Individual reactions are rare but documented in case reports; users with fragile or compromised skin should test a small area or consult a care provider.
What’s reassuring
Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) safety
SAP cores in incontinence pads are non-toxic when intact and dry; no recalls or adverse health events linked to SAP in this product category are documented. Ingestion or aspiration would be hazardous but is not a realistic exposure route for underpads used as designed.
Synthetic polymer degradation and microparticle release
No evidence of microplastic shedding or polymer breakdown during normal use of incontinence underpads is on record. The risk is low under standard storage and use conditions, but underpads exposed to heat, friction, or extended moisture may degrade over time.
The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Aeroflow (primarily a telehealth and medical supply distributor) has not published detailed material safety data sheets or PFAS ingredient disclosures for their TENA-branded incontinence products. No major product recalls or safety controversies specific to these underpads are on record. However, the absence of transparency about waterproof coatings is typical of the incontinence-product industry and represents a compliance gap rather than a proven safety failure. Consumers should note that Aeroflow has not committed to phasing out PFAS or pursuing fluorine-free waterproof alternatives.
How it compares in its category
Most disposable incontinence underpads on the market carry similar PFAS risk in their waterproof layers; few brands have made public commitments to PFAS-free alternatives. Reusable, washable underpads (available from brands like Medline and some specialized suppliers) eliminate the waterproof-coating hazard entirely but require more frequent laundering. TENA Air Flow is mid-market in price and absorbency for a 40-pad bulk pack; it is not positioned as a premium or eco-certified option, and no third-party certifications (e.g., Oeko-Tex, GOTS) are advertised for this product line.
If you buy it
Replace underpads promptly after use to minimize skin contact with any residual waterproof coating and to reduce moisture retention, which can promote bacterial growth or skin irritation. Store pads in a cool, dry place away from heat sources; high temperatures do not typically trigger PFAS off-gassing from underpads, but degraded or compromised pads should be discarded. Change pads at least daily and more frequently if soiling occurs, as prolonged contact with any plastic-backed incontinence product increases exposure risk. If skin irritation, rash, or odor develops, discontinue use and consider reusable alternatives or request a product safety data sheet from the manufacturer.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tena 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.