The Period Pad 3.0 - Sustainable, Menstrual Protection with Smart Detection

Overview

500–800 years. That is how long a single disposable pad can remain in the environment. Despite being used by millions of people daily, most menstrual products are uncomfortable, environmentally harmful, and offer little support for health monitoring. In this project, I developed a biodegradable menstrual pad designed to improve user safety and environmental sustainability. The pad composts in just 30 days under controlled conditions and incorporates multiple safety features, including the ability to detect infections such as yeast infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and Clostridium sordellii through visible colour changes. It also includes a 7–8 hour timer mechanism to indicate when the pad should be changed. Redesigning the shape to be leak-proof allows for accessibility. Also, the materials are made out of invasive plants. Using 130 user interviews, including individuals with physical disabilities, along with fluid simulations and material testing, I optimized absorbency, comfort, and accessibility.

Awards (2)

• Silver Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Health & Wellness

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