+86-19905053351       info@toplonsun.com
Home
BLOGS
You are here: Home » Blogs » Industry News » Soft Vs. Hard Airlaid Paper: The Hidden Engine in Diapers & Sanitary Pads

Soft Vs. Hard Airlaid Paper: The Hidden Engine in Diapers & Sanitary Pads

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-27      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Soft vs. Hard Airlaid Paper

The Secret Engine Behind Comfortable & Absorbent Hygienic Products

70%+
Hygiene Products Use Airlaid
30%
Faster Absorption
99%
Bacteria Elimination

Airlaid paper is the unsung hero in everyday hygiene products. Unlike traditional paper, it's manufactured through an innovative air-forming process where fibers are suspended in air and deposited onto a conveyor, creating a highly absorbent, low-lint nonwoven material. This technology powers everything from diapers to medical masks, delivering comfort and performance you rely on daily.

Understanding Airlaid Paper Technology

Airlaid paper (also called airlaid nonwoven) is produced through a unique dry-forming process:

  • Fiber preparation: Wood pulp and synthetic fibers are separated and refined

  • Air-forming: Fibers are suspended in air and deposited onto a moving conveyor belt

  • Bonding: Fibers are bonded using latex, thermal, or hydrogen bonding techniques

  • Curing & Finishing: Material is dried, cured, and wound into rolls

Hard vs. Soft Airlaid Paper Comparison

PropertyHard Airlaid PaperSoft Airlaid Paper
Core MaterialLatex-bonded wood pulpThermal-bonded pulp + polyester
TextureRigid, roughSilky, skin-like
Absorption SpeedModerate3X faster liquid absorption
Lint ControlLow dustZero-lint (medical-grade)
Hygiene Product UsePackaging inserts (<5%)Body-contact layers (70%+)

Applications in Hygienic Products

Sanitary Pads & Tampons
  • Ultra-soft top layer prevents skin irritation

  • Rapid menstrual blood absorption

  • pH-balancing pulp blends

  • Prevents fiber residue in sensitive areas

Baby Diapers
  • Acquisition layer spreads liquid 30% faster

  • Prevents diaper rash through instant dryness

  • Holds 15X its weight in fluid

  • Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin

Wet Wipes
  • Bamboo pulp blends biodegrade in 6 months

  • Silver-ion infusion kills 99% bacteria

  • Maintains strength when wet

  • Carries lotions and solutions effectively

Packaging Inserts
  • Provides structural support for products

  • Prevents crushing during shipping

  • Low-cost dust protection

  • Recyclable material option

Future Trends in Airlaid Technology

Sustainable Materials

Shift to bamboo and sugarcane fibers reduces biodegradation time from 200 years to 6 months. Carbon-neutral production processes are becoming standard for eco-conscious brands.

Smart Functionality

pH-sensing airlaid for infection alerts (UTI detection in diapers), temperature-responsive absorption layers, and antimicrobial protection that activates with moisture.

Hybrid Structures

Combining hard and soft airlaid in layered structures for products needing both durability and absorption. Also, integration with other nonwoven technologies for enhanced performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does airlaid paper increase product costs?

Yes - soft airlaid adds 15-20% to material costs compared to standard nonwovens. However, premium brands can charge 50%+ more for the enhanced comfort, making it a worthwhile investment. The cost is offset by reduced returns and increased brand loyalty.

 

Who are the top airlaid paper suppliers?

The global airlaid market is dominated by: Glatfelter (USA), EAM Corporation (Sweden), McAirlaid's (Germany), and Georgia-Pacific (USA). These companies supply major hygiene brands worldwide and invest heavily in R&D for next-generation materials. If you need airlaid paper for disposable hygiene products, Lonsun is a good choice.

 

Can airlaid paper handle heavy menstrual flow?
Absolutely. High-loft airlaid variants can absorb 30ml in just 3 seconds (compared to 8 seconds for cotton). Advanced designs incorporate superabsorbent polymers within the airlaid matrix for extended protection during heavy flow days.


Airlaid Paper: The Innovation Behind Comfort

Soft and hard airlaid papers work behind the scenes to deliver the comfort, protection, and performance we expect from modern hygiene products. As technology advances, these materials continue to evolve, offering more sustainable solutions and smarter functionality for the future.

Quick Links

Product Category

Contact Us

Address: Shengrong Plaza, No.1110 Dongfu Road, Tongyuan Community, Chengdong Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian
 
Tel.:  +86-595-22069986
Mob./WhatsApp:  +86-19905053351
Email:  info@toplonsun.com
Send Us Message
Copyrights 2023 LONSUN. All rights reserved. SitemapPrivacy Policy