Standard Guide for Odor Evaluation of Absorbent Hygiene Articles

Abstract

5.1 This guide provides general guidelines and recommendations for evaluating odor of absorbent hygiene articles simulating product experience under controlled conditions. Absorbent hygiene categories include but are not limited to, adult, baby, feminine, and pet absorbent products. Assessments may include finished products or individual materials/components of the finished product. 5.2 The procedures in this document are intended to simulate or exaggerate real world in-use and disposal product odor experience with assessment by trained panels and are not designed for direct use during consumer testing. The complete odor experience is a combination of the biology, insult malodor, product odors, and environmental context. 5.3 Multiple sensory evaluation methods may be required to get a complete understanding of the product usage experience through the entire product lifecycle. Additionally, parts of this guide may be used for targeted work that can still be meaningful, such as a single, aged time point. 5.4 This guide is unique due to the typically unpleasant odors experienced with the use of absorbent hygiene articles. These undesirable odors from bodily secretions, referred to as malodors, are a source for product development opportunities for odor control. 5.5 Common odor control approaches include removal of odorants (for example, by absorption, adsorption, or chemical reaction), change of perceived odor (for example, by masking or nose-blocking), and prevention of odor formation (for example, by bacterial inhibition or enzyme inhibition). Considerations should include the appropriateness of the odor control approach with the insult used. For example, odor control by inhibiting the bacterial formation of malodor can only be evaluated by including malodor generating bacteria in the test system.