Molicare · Incontinence Pads & Protection
HARTMANN MoliCare Repositioning Underpad 30 X 36 Inch
Skip; waterproof underpad likely contains water-repellent coating, PFAS status unclear.
Repositioning underpads require waterproof barriers, typically achieved with fluorochemical or other treatments. Hartmann discloses no PFAS information, leaving coating composition uncertain.
The safe swap
Tranquility
Tranquility Personal Care Pads 13.5" x 6.5", 96/Case
70/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Absorbent cellulose core, polyethylene backing with waterproof treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
period care is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
MoliCare repositioning underpads use an absorbent cellulose core (similar to diaper fill) layered with a polyethylene backing and a waterproof treatment layer. The cellulose itself is benign, but the waterproofing chemistry is opaque. Most medical underpads rely on either PFAS-based water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings or wax/silicone treatments; Hartmann/Molicare does not disclose which. Polyethylene backing is inert under normal use but the interface between core and backing can shed microfibers if degraded.
The brand's record and disclosure
Hartmann (parent company of Molicare) is a German medical-device manufacturer with ISO 13485 certification and generally solid quality control for incontinence products. However, the company does not publicly disclose waterproofing chemistry, PFAS status, or toxicological testing for this specific underpad. No major recalls or contamination incidents are on record for Molicare underpads in the public domain. The silence on waterproofing ingredients is typical industry opacity for single-use medical textiles.
How it compares in its category
Repositioning underpads occupy a middle ground between cloth/washable options (higher environmental cost but fully inspectable) and single-use synthetic pads (convenience but material opacity). Molicare is a market-leading brand in Europe and comparable to Tena and Abena in construction and price. Most competitors equally omit waterproofing disclosure, so this product is not an outlier in transparency. Alternatives using certified organic cellulose or PFAS-free boasts are rare and significantly more expensive.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place and avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can degrade polyethylene and increase fiber shedding. Replace pads immediately after soiling and do not reuse; repeated washing of single-use underpads voids any waterproof coating integrity. Inspect backing for cracks, peeling, or powdery residue before use. Use in well-ventilated spaces; if odor or respiratory irritation occurs during unpacking or disposal, stop use and contact the manufacturer.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Waterproofing coating composition (likely PFAS, unconfirmed)
The polyethylene backing requires a waterproof treatment; industry standard is PFAS-based water-repellent coating. Molicare does not disclose the specific chemical. Contact with skin is intermittent (underpad is a barrier layer), but risk is disposal and atmospheric volatilization if burned.
Microfiber and cellulose particle shedding
Over time, the interface between absorbent core and backing can degrade, releasing fine fibers and cellulose particles. Risk is primarily inhalation during unpacking or disposal in enclosed spaces. Shredding increases with heat exposure or mechanical stress.
Polyethylene off-gassing or leachables
Medical-grade polyethylene is stabilized and does not typically off-gas volatile organic compounds at room temperature. No incidents reported for Molicare pads. Risk is only if product is exposed to heat >60C, which is outside normal storage and use.
Adhesive or tackifier residues in backing lamination
Cellulose-to-polyethylene lamination may use adhesives; these are not disclosed. ISO 13485 quality protocols generally exclude phenol-formaldehyde and high-volatility adhesives, so risk is low, but not independently verified for this product.
Skin irritation from sizing or processing agents in cellulose
Medical-grade absorbent cellulose is heavily rinsed and generally hypoallergenic. Molicare products are dermatologically tested for incontinence-care populations. No published reports of irritation or allergic reactions specific to Molicare underpads.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Incontinence Pads & Protection
Tranquility
Personal Care Pads 13.5" x 6.5", 96/Case
Cellulose, wood pulp, absorbent core, adhesives
Lower PFAS concern. Typical absorbent pad with no known treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Tranquility
Essential Booster Pads Heavy Absorbency, Long - 4-1/4 x 15 Inch (Case of 200)
cellulose/fluff pulp absorbent core with nonwoven layers
Lower concern. Core materials inherently PFAS-free, no evidence of water-repellent coating treatment.
⚠Risky category by default
Kotex
Absorbent Wrapped Liners
Cellulose-based absorbent core, wrapped nonwoven
Lower concern. No known PFAS use in standard absorbent liners.
⚠Risky category by default
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.