Selecting the right incontinence underpad directly impacts resident comfort, infection control, and facility operating costs in Canadian long-term care (LTC) settings. The 60x90cm size is standard across most LTC facilities, but the key-layer material — standard polypropylene (poly) versus polylactic acid (PLA) — introduces significant differences in absorbency performance, environmental footprint, and regulatory alignment. This comparison examines both options to support procurement decisions for Canadian LTC incontinence products.
Understanding 60x90cm Underpad Construction
A 60x90cm underpad typically comprises four layers: a key sheet (the layer in contact with skin), an acquisition/distribution layer, an absorbent core, and a waterproof backing. The key-sheet material is the primary variable here, governing fluid intake speed, rewet potential, and skin health. Standard polypropylene (poly) key sheets have been the industry baseline for decades, while PLA — a biodegradable polymer from renewable resources — is gaining traction as facilities pursue sustainability goals under frameworks such as Accreditation Canada's Required Organizational Practices for environmental stewardship.
Absorbency Comparison: Standard Poly Key Layer
Fluid Intake Speed. Standard poly key sheets use thermally bonded fibres that provide rapid fluid strike-through, typically achieving 0.8–1.2 seconds per 5 mL of saline in standard EDANA test methods. This fast intake reduces moisture contact time with skin, supporting pressure injury prevention protocols common in LTC.
Rewet Performance. Polypropylene key sheets exhibit rewet values of 0.05–0.10 g under 0.5 psi load. While acceptable for routine use, the hydrophobic nature of poly can allow fluid to migrate back to the surface under sustained pressure — a concern for bed-bound residents who remain in position for extended periods.
Core Utilization. The poly key layer works effectively with fluff pulp and SAP cores, achieving 85–92% core saturation before lateral leakage occurs. For a 60x90cm underpad, this yields approximately 1,200–1,500 mL total absorbent capacity.
Standard poly underpads from our 60x90cm standard poly underpad range meet these benchmarks consistently.
Absorbency Comparison: PLA Key Layer
Fluid Intake Speed. PLA key sheets, produced from spunbond polylactic acid fibres, deliver strike-through times of 1.0–1.5 seconds per 5 mL — slightly slower than standard poly but well within clinical parameters. The marginally slower intake is offset by enhanced rewet control from PLA's different fibre geometry.
Rewet Performance. PLA key sheets demonstrate superior rewet values of 0.02–0.05 g under identical 0.5 psi load. This approximately 50% reduction in rewet compared to standard poly is clinically meaningful for reducing moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) in incontinent residents — a key quality indicator tracked by Accreditation Canada's Qmentum program.
Core Utilization. PLA key layers achieve comparable core saturation of 83–90%, with total absorbent capacity in the 1,150–1,450 mL range. The fibre structure provides inherent loft that maintains separation between wet core and skin, further reducing rewet.
Our 60x90cm PLA underpad series meets CSA Group standards for sustainable material sourcing while delivering absorbency performance that matches conventional poly designs.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Parameter | Standard Poly Key Layer | PLA Key Layer |
|---|---|---|
| Strike-Through (5 mL saline) | 0.8–1.2 s | 1.0–1.5 s |
| Rewet (0.5 psi) | 0.05–0.10 g | 0.02–0.05 g |
| Core Utilization | 85–92% | 83–90% |
| Total Capacity (60x90cm) | 1,200–1,500 mL | 1,150–1,450 mL |
| Biodegradability | Not biodegradable | Industrial compostable (CSA Z760) |
| Skin-Feel (Rewet) | Moderate | Superior (lower moisture) |
| Cost per Unit | Baseline | ~10–15% premium |
Regulatory and Standard Considerations for Canadian LTC
Canadian LTC facilities operate under rigorous quality frameworks. Accreditation Canada's Qmentum program includes Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) for skin care and pressure injury prevention that directly relate to underpad performance — adequate absorbency and low rewet are clinical requirements.
For facilities with sustainability targets, CSA Group standards such as CSA Z760 (Biobased Content) and CSA Z9100 (Environmental Management for Healthcare) provide guidance on integrating bio-based materials like PLA into procurement. PLA key-layer underpads align with these standards by replacing petrochemical-derived polypropylene with annually renewable plant-based polymers.
Health Canada's Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282) classify underpads as Class I medical devices, requiring establishment licensing and proper labelling — a compliance baseline met by both poly and PLA products.
Recommendations for LTC Procurement
Choose standard poly key layer when: Budget is the primary constraint, maximum intake speed is critical for high-flow incontinence, or facility composting infrastructure is unavailable. Poly underpads remain a reliable, cost-effective solution for Canadian LTC incontinence products procurement.
Choose PLA key layer when: Sustainability goals, Accreditation Canada environmental ROPs, or CSA standards are active drivers; rewet reduction is prioritized for high-risk skin breakdown populations; or facility waste diversion programs accept industrially compostable materials.
Both options deliver clinically adequate absorbency for the 60x90cm format. The decision depends on the balance between environmental objectives, skin health priorities, and budget parameters specific to each facility.
Related Reading
Explore more guides in this category:
0 comments