TotalDry · Incontinence Pads & Protection
TotalDry Ultimate Incontinence Pads
Skip until brand discloses or third-party tests the waterproof layer.
TotalDry Ultimate pads use a waterproof backing, a common application for PFAS coatings. Renfrew provides no material transparency or PFAS claims, and no public lab testing verifies safety.
The better-graded swap
Lille
Suprem Light Mini 220ml 12 Packs Per Carton
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
Likely absorbent core (SAP/cellulose) with unspecified waterproof backing layer
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What TotalDry Ultimate Incontinence Pads is made of, ingredients and materials
TotalDry Ultimate pads likely use a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) core combined with cellulose fluff for liquid absorption, topped with a waterproof backing layer of unspecified composition. The backing is the critical unknown, it may contain PFAS (fluorinated compounds that repel moisture and oil) or alternative polymers like polyethylene. SAP itself is generally recognized as low concern for skin contact, but the backing's chemical identity directly determines whether long-term skin and systemic exposure poses a 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.
PFAS
Waterproof backings in incontinence pads commonly use PFAS compounds for water repellency. Renfrew's refusal to disclose or test suggests possible presence; no independent test results are available for this product.
Source, ATSDR ↗Skin irritation from adhesives or coating residues
Incontinence pads use pressure-sensitive adhesives and antimicrobial coatings whose specific chemistry is typically proprietary. Long-term skin contact (especially in warm, moist conditions) can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals if irritants are present.
Polymer degradation and leaching from moisture or heat exposure
SAP and polyethylene backings can degrade under sustained humidity or high temperature, potentially releasing monomers or oligomers. Improper storage (e.g., damp bathrooms, direct sunlight) accelerates this risk.
Microplastic migration from pad disintegration
Repeated flexing, moisture, and temperature cycling can break down cellulose and SAP particles. While ingestion risk is low, inhalation of dust particles during pad removal and disposal is a minor concern in poorly ventilated spaces.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public evidence that TotalDry uses formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, but antimicrobial coatings are common in this category and rarely disclosed. Request ingredient list from manufacturer if odor control claims are made.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Renfrew has not publicly disclosed the chemical composition of the waterproof backing or stated a position on PFAS use in this product line. No third-party certifications (such as bluesign, Oeko-Tex, or similar) are listed on available product packaging or materials. The absence of transparency is notable in a category where some competitors (particularly European and premium brands) have begun disclosing PFAS-free formulations or undergoing independent testing.
How it compares in its category
Most mainstream incontinence pad brands remain silent on PFAS, making TotalDry typical rather than exceptional in disclosure standards. However, some competitors (e.g., certain Tena, Depend, and store-brand alternatives) have responded to consumer pressure by publishing PFAS test results or switching to PFAS-free backings. TotalDry's lack of any public commitment places it in the middle tier of the market in terms of chemical transparency.
If you buy it
Monitor your skin for irritation, rash, or persistent itching, which might suggest a reaction to backing chemicals or adhesives. Store pads in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight, as moisture and warmth can degrade polymer layers and potentially increase leaching. Replace pads every 2-3 hours during use to minimize prolonged skin contact. Given the PFAS uncertainty, consider requesting a safety data sheet from Renfrew or switching to a brand with published PFAS-free testing if affordable.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 42% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- TotalDry has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to TotalDry Ultimate Incontinence Pads?
- Bamboo-derived viscose, cotton, plant-based absorbent core
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- Absorbent material degradation and bacterial growth
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
5pcs Bamboo Charcoal Washable Incontinence Pads
- bamboo charcoal textile, washable cotton-blend absorbent layer
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.