When menstrual products are provided in public restrooms, they are often tampons, but not everyone can use them. A large number of people are allergic to tampons. Therefore, those responsible for hygiene plans should consider a variety of menstrual products. True toilet hygiene means addressing all needs and providing different types of tampons as well as alternative period products.
Contents
- Menstrual products as part of modern toilet hygiene
- Often underestimated: allergies and sensitivities to tampons
- Why variety in menstrual products in sanitary spaces is important
- Hygienic provision through dispenser and disposal systems
- Practical tips: optimally equipping sanitary spaces with menstrual products
- Toilet hygiene also means considering allergies in the product offering
Menstrual products as part of modern toilet hygiene
The topic of menstrual hygiene in public places is often considered taboo. Studies show that young women and girls in particular are affected by so-called period poverty. For example, a study by WaterAid in the UK found that 26% of those affected delay changing tampons or sanitary towels for financial reasons, thereby risking health consequences. A continuous and free supply in public and workplace sanitary facilities is therefore an important building block for health, equality and hygiene.
For example, the city of Melbourne, Australia, launched a project providing free tampons and pads in public washrooms. The goal is to combat period poverty and destigmatize menstruation. The project, approved by Victoria city council, has been well-received since its launch in November 2024. Initiatives like this clearly demonstrate that free menstrual products in public washrooms are in demand and help close supply gaps.
Often underestimated: allergies and sensitivities to tampons
While tampons are generally safe, around 17% of women in Europe report increased skin sensitivity in the intimate area and report tampon allergy symptoms. According to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, residues from cotton processing, such as pesticides or bleaching agents, may contain trace substances that irritate particularly sensitive individuals. Fragrances and superabsorbents, designed to absorb fluid efficiently, can also trigger contact allergies or a burning sensation.
It is important to distinguish between true allergies and skin sensitivities. An allergy is an immunological reaction to certain ingredients, whereas irritation affects the skin and mucous membranes locally. Estimates suggest that about 1–2% of menstruating people react sensitively to specific tampon components – a small but significant group, considering that around 112 million people menstruate in Europe.
Offering a selection of different types of tampons and menstrual products not only supports health but also strengthens confidence in an institution’s hygiene standards.
Why variety in menstrual products in sanitary spaces is important
Standardising on a single tampon type is insufficient. People with allergies or sensitive skin need different tampon types, such as fragrance-free, chlorine-free, or organic tampons. Pads or menstrual cups made of medical-grade silicone can also be comfortable alternatives.
Cultural or religious reasons may also lead some individuals to avoid tampons. Providing alternative menstrual products, like pads, ensures they feel comfortable and respected. Offering a range of options allows all users of sanitary spaces to make an informed and inclusive choice.
Providing variety demonstrates respect for everyone using public or workplace washrooms. It signals attentiveness to personal hygiene while raising awareness for inclusion and diversity. Facilities can easily implement this variety with multi-chamber dispensers that hold different product types, such as organic tampons or sensitive pads.
Tampon and pad dispensers from CWS Hygiene provide hygienic, lockable compartments and are easy to refill. Additionally, QR codes can provide information on product ingredients, ensuring transparency and building trust.
Hygienic provision through dispenser and disposal systems
Hygiene does not end at the product; it begins with proper provision. Tampon and pad dispensers ensure a clean, organised, and discreet supply with numerous benefits:
- Lockable systems guarantee hygienic quality and protection against vandalism.
- Avoiding openly displayed products prevents contamination.
- Controlled refilling ensures consistent supply security.
Disposal is equally important: sanitary bins allow contact-free, odour-proof disposal of used menstrual products. This keeps washrooms clean and pleasant, especially in high-traffic areas such as schools or workplaces, and prevents tampons from being flushed down toilets.
Many public institutions have already implemented these measures. Numerous schools, universities, and businesses are now equipped with dispensers and hygiene boxes.
The goal is to provide menstrual products as routinely as toilet paper.
Practical tips: optimally equipping sanitary spaces with menstrual products
Washroom hygiene should also be ensured through clear signage and easily accessible dispensers for tampons and pads. Clearly arranged dispensers improve user-friendliness and allow quick access to suitable products.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of tampon and pad dispensers, in addition to hygiene boxes, is essential for safe and odour-proof disposal. Partnering with a reliable service provider like CWS Hygiene ensures that refilling, maintenance, and hygiene checks are always performed to a high standard.
Training cleaning staff is another key element. This ensures that dispensers and bins are properly maintained and refilled. Additionally, integrating topics like allergies, well-being, and inclusion into hygiene and diversity plans demonstrates respect and creates an environment where all users feel comfortable.
A modern, well-prepared sanitary concept contributes significantly to user satisfaction and enhances the reputation of facility management and the organisation.
Toilet hygiene also means considering allergies in the product offering
Tampon allergies are rare but important for an inclusive hygiene strategy. Providing a variety of menstrual products hygienically and ensuring proper disposal not only improves comfort and satisfaction but also strengthens trust in the facility. Professional dispenser and disposal systems from CWS Hygiene make this easy and sustainable for everyone.
Consult our CWS Hygiene experts about our products and practical rental model and enjoy convenience and protection with a tampon-and-pad dispenser in the rental service.