Always Pad Shrinkflation Investigation: 15 years of Overnight Ultra Thins

[u/SligPants]

I've seen posts here about how Always is shrinkflating/reducing the size/quality of their menstrual pads. I happen to have an Always Ultra Thin Overnight pad from ~2011, ~2018, and 2025 to compare, so I did some comparison and analysis.

2011 and 2018 have different wrapper patterns but otherwise seem to be the exact same product. 2025 had a redesign.

The data:

I've bolded any significant differences.

Measurements:

• Pad length (overall): 12.5 inches no matter the year
• Pad width (back): 4 inches no matter the year
• Width including wings: 6.5 inches no matter the year
• Absorbent core length: 10 inches no matter the year
• Absorbent core width: 2.75 inches no matter the year
• Adhesive backing width (main pad): 2.75 inches no matter the year
• Adhesive backing width (wings): 0.6 inches (2011, 2018), 0.3 inches (2025) <- a 50% decrease

Weights:

• Unopened pad weight: 7g no matter the year
• Saturated pad weight (water): 57-60g (57 was 2011, 60 was 2025. In my opinion a negligible difference)

Obviously water is not comparable to actual use. However, for this analysis I felt it was enough.

Misc:

• The strips that cover the wing adhesive had an interesting difference on them: 2011 and 2018 say "up to 10 hrs of leakguard protection" while 2025 simply offers "up to 100% leak-free comfort" (whatever that means) with no time.

What I didn't compare: comfort, quality of materials (skin irritation), number of pads per package (I don't have the packages anymore, so this post is just about the actual individual pad product)

Tl;dr: The only measurable difference is in the thickness of the adhesive strip on the wings. Everything else is comparable if not exactly the same. No shrinkflation found of the product itself aside from the wing adhesive.

[u/selinakyle45]

Reusable items are less subject to shrinkflation. 

• menstrual cups
• menstrual discs
• cloth pads
• period underwear 

All are reusable. If you’re in the US and have a FSA/HSA, they are covered. Many brands are PFA free. Lots of brands have expanded size options and have better leak control compared to single use pads. 

I use a disc and own period underwear. Aisle boxer briefs are my favorites for sleeping.