Skin health and incontinence care are naturally linked. If the air inside an incontinence product becomes too humid it can lead to friction, loss of cells and growth of microorganisms. The breathability of our products overcome this by allowing humidity to evaporate, while still capturing leaks effectively.
TENA breathable technology helps maintain skin health
Our research shows that breathability in incontinence products can increase the quality of life and wellbeing of the elderly. TENA ConfioAir™ technology promotes skin health and is fully breathable. Here’s how it works.
Designed with the elderly at heart
Breathability is especially important in elderly care, since our skin becomes thinner, more fragile and takes longer to heal as we age. Elderly people often need to wear incontinence products throughout the day, exposing their skin to greater risks of over-hydration.
That is why we developed ConfioAir™ Breathable Technology; to help skin maintain its natural moisture balance.
. ![Designed with the elderly at heart]()
Designed with the elderly at heart
Breathability is especially important in elderly care, since our skin becomes thinner, more fragile and takes longer to heal as we age. Elderly people often need to wear incontinence products throughout the day, exposing their skin to greater risks of over-hydration.
That is why we developed ConfioAir™ Breathable Technology; to help skin maintain its natural moisture balance.
How our breathability technology works
ConfioAir™ Breathable Technology has a super-absorbent core covered with an inlet material. On the backside of the product, there’s a micro-porous sheet which allows vapour to pass through, while moisture is trapped inside. When there’s a leak, the urine enters through the inlet material and is quickly captured by the super-absorbents, where it will stay, even if a user is sitting down.
When an incontinence product is worn, a microclimate is created between the skin and the product. This microclimate impacts the hydration of the skin. If air cannot flow through the product, the skin can absorb too much fluid and becomes fragile.
How our breathability technology works
ConfioAir™ Breathable Technology has a super-absorbent core covered with an inlet material. On the backside of the product, there’s a micro-porous sheet which allows vapour to pass through, while moisture is trapped inside. When there’s a leak, the urine enters through the inlet material and is quickly captured by the super-absorbents, where it will stay, even if a user is sitting down.
When an incontinence product is worn, a microclimate is created between the skin and the product. This microclimate impacts the hydration of the skin. If air cannot flow through the product, the skin can absorb too much fluid and becomes fragile.
- Skin
- Microclimate
- Skin-facing layer
- Absorption layer
- Breathable outer layer
. ![How our breathability technology works]()
- Skin
- Microclimate
- Skin-facing layer
- Absorption layer
- Breathable outer layer
Better skin care with TENA products
On top of using breathable incontinence products, skin health is best maintained by prevention and good hygiene routines. We have a range of products that can be used in combination to help protect sensitive skin.
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Keep skin dry
Choose products with a fast absorption that are gentle on the skin. This will keep skin dry and let it breathe. Always ensure that the product type, size and absorption level suit the residents’ needs. Make sure it is properly fitted for more comfort, dignity and leakage security and changed according to the individual care plan or whenever needed. Toilet as often as needed to prevent leakages. Any soiled products must be removed quickly and the skin thoroughly and gently cleansed.
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Keep skin clean
Skin should be carefully inspected and cleaned after every product change, especially the folds. Ensure skin is dry after cleaning and use skin care products that suit individual needs. The surface-active agents in a wash cream are kinder to sensitive skin in the perineal area than those found in soap. TENA no-rinse products effectively clean, moisturise and protect even the most fragile skin, helping the skin’s natural barrier stay intact.
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Keep skin protected
As part of a daily care routine, the whole body should be moisturised with a lotion to keep skin soft and prevent itching. When skin needs extra protection, use a barrier cream. This provides an extra layer that protects the skin from excess moisture and irritants like urine and faeces. A transparent barrier cream allows you to assess the skin’s condition after application. If there is no improvement after five days, adapt your care plan as necessary.
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand.* We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2024 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.