Tranquility · Incontinence Pads & Protection
Tranquility Select Ultra Underpad 36" X 36"
Skip until Tranquility discloses waterproof coating materials.
Tranquility Select Ultra is an incontinence underpad with undisclosed waterproof backing. Brand makes no PFAS claim; coating materials and treatment methods are not publicly documented.
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
Cellulose core with plastic backing/waterproof coating
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
This underpad uses a cellulose core (wood pulp), which is inherently non-toxic and biodegradable. The concern centers on the plastic waterproof backing and coating layer applied to prevent liquid penetration. Tranquility has not publicly disclosed whether this coating contains PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals"), which are persistent chemicals used to create water and oil repellency. Without ingredient transparency, consumers cannot assess whether synthetic polymers like polyurethane, acrylics, or fluorinated compounds are used.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tranquility (owned by Essity) does not maintain publicly available detailed material composition or PFAS declarations for this product line. The brand has not published independent certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle, or PFAS-free statements) that would verify coating safety. This silence on waterproof treatment chemistry is typical of the incontinence-care industry, but it leaves a significant gap for consumers seeking certainty about exposure to synthetic chemicals.
How it compares in its category
Most disposable underpads (Attends, Depend, store brands) use similarly undisclosed waterproof coatings and face the same transparency gap. A small number of premium brands now market PFAS-free or certified-safe backing, though verification is limited. Reusable fabric underpads with washable polyurethane or sealed organic cotton liners offer an alternative if you want explicit material control, though upfront cost is higher.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, as UV and warmth can degrade plastic coatings over time and potentially increase leaching. Replace underpads if the waterproof backing shows cracks, peeling, or delamination, as this compromises both function and chemical containment. Do not cut or crush pads, as this may fragment the plastic layer. If using for extended periods (e.g., daily for mobility-limited individuals), monitor skin for irritation, though reactions are uncommon.
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.”
Waterproof coating composition (polymer/coating hazard)
The plastic backing likely uses synthetic polymers (polyurethane, polyethylene, or acrylics) as a base, possibly with fluorinated or non-fluorinated repellents. Tranquility's silence means PFAS presence cannot be ruled out. Non-PFAS alternatives (silicones, waxes) exist but are unconfirmed here.
Coating degradation and microplastic/leachate release
Over time, plastic coatings can crack, peel, or fragment, especially with repeated use, heat exposure, or mechanical stress. Degradation may release polymer particles or residual monomers. Risk is low for intact pads in normal use but increases with age or damage.
Skin contact irritation from coating or adhesives
No reported widespread adverse reactions to Tranquility underpads are on record. Cellulose core is hypoallergenic. Any irritation would more likely stem from prolonged moisture contact than chemical composition, but individual sensitivities to plastic polymers are possible.
Incineration or disposal byproducts (if burned improperly)
If PFAS-containing coatings are incinerated at low temperatures or burned in home fires, they may release hazardous fumes. Proper disposal (municipal waste or specialized incontinence-product take-back) minimizes this risk. Landfill disposal is safe.
Cellulose core quality and mold/bacterial growth if stored wet
Cellulose itself is not prone to contamination if kept dry. Once saturated, the pad is designed for single use and disposal; extended moisture exposure could theoretically support mold, but this is outside normal use. No documented issues reported.
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.