What really makes modern incontinence products “absorbent”

Everyone knows: a good incontinence product must absorb reliably.

But only few people know what actually makes this possible on the inside – and why the quality of different incontinence products varies so much.


The key component is called Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) – the heart of every high-quality absorbent core.


🔬 In laboratory conditions, SAP can absorb up to 300 times their own weight in pure water. Under real-life conditions, such as saline liquids like urine, the capacity is lower – but still impressively high.


🔬 Chemically, SAP usually consist of sodium polyacrylate: 

long polymer chains that are “coiled up” when dry.

When liquid is absorbed, they unfold, form a three-dimensional gel, and bind the fluid.


🔬 The degree of cross-linking of the polymer structure determines its properties:

• Less cross-linking → higher absorption capacity, softer gel

• More cross-linking → more stable gel, better performance under pressure (e.g. when sitting or lying)


🔬 Crucial but often underestimated: the amount and quality of SAP used.

Too little SAP → reduced performance.

Optimally used SAP → better dryness, skin protection, and leakage security.


High-quality manufacturers therefore combine modern polymers with precise dosing and distribution, made possible by new, highly efficient production facilities.

The result: consistently high quality, without cutting corners on materials.


Why does this matter?


Because the absorbent core is invisible – yet it largely determines how dry, safe, and comfortable a product performs in everyday life.


That’s exactly why we offer the complete Attends range – a brand with over 45 years of experience in developing reliable incontinence solutions.


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