8 Interesting Facts About Feminine Hygiene Units

Did you know? The first feminine hygiene unit was patented in the United States in 1939 by Gertrude T. Knight, a Chicago businesswoman. Today, women make up 48.5% of the global labour force. Over the years, it has become a mandatory provision for feminine hygiene in all workplaces.

Here in Singapore, businesses are providing a better work environment for women. They are also looking to invest in washroom hygiene services for them.

As an essential part of washroom hygiene, feminine hygiene units play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and well-being of women in public washrooms. Here are eight fascinating facts about feminine hygiene units that you may not know:

 

Female hygiene has been neglected in the past.

Historically, many parts of the world have neglected and overlooked menstrual hygiene and female needs. Women and girls have faced numerous challenges managing their menstrual cycles, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and social stigma and discrimination.

Many societies consider menstruation taboo, often associating it with shame and embarrassment. This, in turn, can lead to girls missing school during their periods or being excluded from certain social activities. Lack of access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products can also lead to health problems and infections.

 

Inadequate washroom facilities can hamper productivity.

With washrooms designed without considering feminine hygiene needs, getting a period can be stressful for women. Menstruation can impact women's mental and physical health and well-being, and not having clean or adequate facilities to meet these hygiene needs can create unnecessary stress. 

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of providing menstrual hygiene facilities and support for women's physical health and well-being and for gender equality. Some countries, like Spain, have even gone further by mandating menstrual leave for the female workforce. 

Facilities that do not have proper or clean washrooms can cause women to avoid making them feel stressed, embarrassed, and uncomfortable. This can result in decreased productivity and may lead to missed work days.

In addition, avoidance of dirty, smelly or ill-equipped washrooms can lead to not changing menstrual products frequently, which can culminate in health problems and infections. This can further impact their mental and physical well-being, as they may experience discomfort, pain, and even shame due to inadequate facilities.

 

Women in the workforce need access to washroom hygiene services.

Women also need access to facilities where they can change and wash and dispose of sanitary materials discreetly and hygienically—and here is where washroom hygiene units come in.

Washroom hygiene units are crucial to providing adequate washroom facilities for women in the workforce. These units are designed to meet the specific needs of women and provide a hygienic and convenient solution for managing menstrual hygiene needs.

 

Washroom hygiene units offer a discreet way to manage menstrual waste.

Women are typically advised to change their sanitary pads every 4-6 hours to maintain good hygiene and prevent the risk of infections. This means they may need to dispose of at least two pads during an average workday.

A dedicated sanitary bin in the washroom can help women manage their menstrual waste more conveniently and discreetly. These bins are designed to collect and contain menstrual waste, which can help to prevent odours and maintain hygiene standards in the washroom.

In addition to providing a more hygienic and convenient solution for managing menstrual waste, dedicated sanitary bins can also offer several health benefits. For example, by ensuring that menstrual waste is disposed of properly, these bins can help to reduce the risk of infections and other health problems.

 

They are different from your typical waste bin.

While you may think a feminine hygiene unit is just another regular waste bin, several factors separate it from a typical disposal unit. For one, an ideal sanitary bin should have auto sensors that eliminate unnecessary contact with the bin, hence a higher level of hygiene protection for users.

 

They do more than just store waste.

An ideal feminine hygiene unit has several features beyond just managing menstrual waste. One of these features is integral antibacterial technology, designed to prevent the spread of bacteria and promote hygiene in the washroom environment.

This technology works by using special coatings or materials infused with antimicrobial agents. These agents help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause infections or unpleasant odours.

In addition to the antibacterial technology, feminine hygiene units may come with scented liners. These liners are designed to deliver a continuous, pleasant fragrance that helps to mask odours and maintain a fresh and clean washroom environment. This can be particularly important in busy workplaces where washrooms may be used frequently throughout the day.

 

They come in stylish colours, too.

Feminine hygiene units are available in a wide range of colours and styles, which can help enhance the overall aesthetic of a washroom. This is particularly important for organisations prioritising branding and ensuring their washroom facilities are consistent with their overall brand image.

The availability of various colours and finishes also makes it easier for organisations to select feminine hygiene units that match their existing decor or design scheme. This can help to create a more cohesive and visually appealing washroom environment.

Providing adequate and discreet sanitary bins in washrooms is essential to promote menstrual hygiene and make women feel comfortable during their periods, even in small or limited spaces. The SaniPod™ is a wall-mounted sanitary bin that is small and space-saving, making it an ideal solution for washrooms with discreet cubicles. Having convenient and discreet options like the SaniPod™ helps to reduce the stigma around menstruation and promotes better menstrual hygiene practices, which is vital for the health and well-being of women.

 

Businesses have a role in promoting clean & comfortable spaces/ preventing infections.

Businesses need to have good hygiene practices at their workplace. Washrooms can be a breeding ground for germs, as within just 60 seconds of a toilet being flushed, the average-sized washroom can become covered in bacteria, urine, and faecal matter. 

However, it's not just the equipment that plays a role in maintaining good hygiene practices in washrooms. Communication is also crucial, particularly when it comes to encouraging proper menstrual waste disposal, emphasising the importance and correct way of handwashing, and ensuring that basic facilities such as hand soap, hand dryers, and hand sanitisers are readily available to employees.

Businesses can also give women access to facilities equipped for better menstrual management. To support your move, you should look into feminine sanitary disposals and automatic (no-touch) sanitary bins.

Private companies can also promote menstrual hygiene awareness and education among their employees. This can include providing information about menstrual hygiene best practices and offering support and resources for female employees experiencing menstruation-related challenges.

By prioritising feminine hygiene in the workplace, private companies can help to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees. This, in turn, can help to improve employee health, well-being, and productivity, while also promoting the overall success and sustainability of the business.

If you're looking for a high-quality feminine hygiene unit with advanced features and benefits, the SaniPod™ Classic Auto is a great option. This innovative unit is designed to provide the ultimate level of hygiene and convenience in public washrooms, with its automatic lid opening and closing mechanism, touch-free operation, and advanced odour control system.

The SaniPod™ Classic Auto has various features that make it stand out from other feminine hygiene units. For example, its automatic lid opening and closing mechanism ensures that users can dispose of their sanitary products without touching the unit, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting a more hygienic experience.

In addition, the SaniPod™ Classic Auto's touch-free operation makes it easy and convenient to use, as users simply need to wave their hands in front of the sensor to activate the unit. This feature also helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, ensuring that users enjoy a more hygienic and safe washroom experience.

At Initial Singapore, we offer a range of Initial Sanitary products. We aim to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria.

Additionally, we help you operate your washroom in the greenest, most eco-friendly way by using eco-friendly products and consumables and waste removal services.