Tena · Incontinence Pads & Protection
Tena Air Flow Underpads, Heavy Absorbency, 23 Inches x 36 Inches, 60 Count
Wait for waterproof backing disclosure, as PFAS risk is unconfirmed.
Tena Air Flow underpads are absorbent incontinence products with a waterproof backing, but the brand does not disclose that backing layer's chemical composition. Waterproof barriers in medical textiles commonly use PFAS-based treatments to repel fluids.
The better-graded swap
Because Market
Because Booster 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 core with waterproof backing layer (composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What Tena Air Flow Underpads, Heavy is made of, ingredients and materials
Tena Air Flow underpads use a cellulose absorbent core, which is a plant-based, chemically inert material with no established toxicity hazards. The critical unknown is the waterproof backing layer, which is not publicly detailed by Aeroflow. Waterproof backing in incontinence products typically uses synthetic polymers or film coatings; if PFAS-based, this poses inhalation and dermal exposure risk during handling and disposal, particularly for caregivers who contact the product repeatedly.
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 backing composition not disclosed by Aeroflow. PFAS-based Teflon-family coating (such as Teflon-type coating or similar) are commonly used in incontinence pad films; unless explicitly excluded, presence cannot be ruled out. Repeated caregiver handling and eventual disposal pose low but unquantified exposure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Plastic degradation over storage or use
Waterproof backing will degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat, moisture, or UV light during storage or use. Degraded backing may flake or release particulates; long-term chemical stability of adhesives bonding the layers is unspecified.
What’s reassuring
Backing material leachables and skin contact
No documented cases of dermatitis or chemical irritation from Tena Air Flow underpads. Cellulose core itself is biocompatible; risk depends on undisclosed backing adhesives or plasticizers, which are not identified in public information.
Moisture barrier durability and seal failure
No reported failures of the waterproof layer in clinical use. However, repeated folding, pressure, or friction during changes may compromise seal integrity over the product's shelf life, potentially leading to leakage and indirect skin exposure.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Cellulose in incontinence pads may be treated with cross-linking agents or antimicrobial finishes to improve absorbency and odor control. Aeroflow does not disclose such treatments; formaldehyde-based resins are possible but not documented in this product line.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Aeroflow Health (parent company) has not published material composition disclosures, safety certifications (such as ISO 14971 or biocompatibility standards), or PFAS-avoidance statements on this product line. The brand maintains a clinical/medical supply positioning but lacks transparency comparable to leading incontinence brands that voluntarily disclose backing materials. No significant safety recalls or controversies on record for this specific SKU.
How it compares in its category
Tena Air Flow competes in the heavy-absorbency underpad segment with products from Aeroflow, Attends, and Tranquility. Competitors like Attends and Tranquility similarly withhold detailed backing specifications, making this a category-wide disclosure gap. Air Flow's cellulose core is standard; differentiation depends on the undisclosed backing, which is where PFAS risk concentrates in this product type.
If you buy it
Store underpads in a cool, dry location away from direct heat or sunlight, as this may accelerate backing degradation and potential leachable release. Replace soiled pads promptly to minimize skin contact duration; the waterproof backing is intended for one-way moisture transfer only. Caregivers handling large volumes should ensure adequate ventilation and consider gloves if repeated contact causes skin irritation. Dispose of used pads according to local guidelines; incineration is preferred if available, as landfill leaching risk is unknown.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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.