Part of Beyond Filters, a division of Filters for Families
In early 2020, Filters for Families responded to the earthquakes that hit Puerto Rico. While providing water filters to the refugee camps, Dr. Linda Smith saw the need for period management products. Filters for Families, a 501 (c) (3) non profit has provided menstrual products to communities in need across the globe before, but was not prepared for the dire need in disaster response. Menstrual products are often overlooked when prepping for disasters and in the relief efforts as well. During the pandemic, since filter projects were suspended, we decided to focus on Beyond Filters projects, specifically addressing this gap in our efforts with The Pad Project. We researched and tested existing reusable period products, but felt that none were quite right for our specific needs. We wanted a product that was:
A- universal: not sizing dependent like period underwear.
B- user friendly: no learning curve like menstrual cups.
C- reusable/sustainable: waste management is an issue in areas hit by disasters so disposable products aren’t viable, and often living situations are rough so the product couldn’t be high maintenance.
D- most importantly: be absorbent and leak resistant enough to provide real relief to menstruating people (some reusable pads we tested were not up to task).
Making our own pads was always an option, but after researching the existing products, creating our own was clearly the best course of action.
As 2020 progressed, we began to research the materials we’d need to create the best pads, focusing on absorbency and leak protection. We ordered fabric samples and tested absorbency along with other factors like dry time, durability, and care concerns. After finding suitable fabric, we developed a pattern for the pad, incorporating the absorbent material with the waterproof leak protection into a comfortable but protective shape.To best provide for those in need, we realized a starter pack was the way to go- creating two different pads from our initial pattern. The patterns went through many evolutions to find the best shape that provided coverage and protection but also folded to be discrete and easily stored. Once the pattern was finalized, prototypes were created for testing. We gathered feedback from our volunteer testers and the results were positive. Based on the comments, we made some small modifications to the pads to optimize their functionality. The designs are finished and we are ready to move forward.
Our aim is to create a stockpile of pads that will be ready for distribution as part of emergency response to disasters or to communities in need when opportunities arise. The initial stock pile goal is 500 starter packs- our starter pack contains two pads, that can provide three different levels of absorption from light to heavy. All our pads are and will be made by volunteers. Right now, Ivy Buchanan, the project manager, is the sole producer but we are hoping to bring in more volunteers as the world opens up. The starter pack will be packaged in a plastic bag that will protect the pads and can be used as a “wet bag” for a pad once used. We will also include a care card that will explain the use and care of the pads, a way to give us feedback, and an acknowledgement of the volunteer/s that made the pad. The $3,000 fundraising goal covers the cost of materials and packaging for the 500 starter packs. About $1,500 of the budget is the cost of the speciality fabrics we need for the pads, the absorbent fabric and the waterproof lining fabric. These fabrics fill our specific needs and are eco-friendly, 100% Free of PFAS & PFOA, CPSIA compliant, and made in the USA. The fabric company is implementing a price increase June 1st and we are hoping to place our order before then to maintain the total project budget, so we hope to meet half our goal before June.
Anything you can donate helps, six dollars covers the material costs of one starter pack, sixty dollars would let us provide ten starter packs, and $120 would cover twenty starter packs. The math goes on; please just give what you can. If you donate before June then you help us fund our speciality fabric order but don’t worry, donating anytime is more than welcome. We hope that this is just the beginning of The Pad Project, and that it will continue to grow with all our efforts.
Thank you for your interest in Beyond Filters: The Pad Project. Keep checking in on this blog to learn more about our work. Feel free to contact us and tell us anything you'd like to learn more about.
—Linda and Ivy
To donate, click here.
Beyond Filters is a division of Filters of Families