More Confidence When Choosing Absorbent Products
The NAFC Seal helps you identify absorbent products that have met established performance standards through independent laboratory testing.
Choosing an absorbent product shouldn’t have to feel like guesswork.
With dozens of products, absorbency claims, styles, sizes and features available, it can be difficult to know what information to trust. NAFC created the NAFC Seal to give consumers another useful tool when evaluating their options.
When you see the NAFC Seal on an eligible product, it means that product has completed the program requirements and met defined performance standards through independent laboratory testing.
Products that successfully complete the NAFC Seal program will be listed here as they qualify.
Check back as participating products are added.
What Does the NAFC Seal Mean?
Products cannot simply purchase the NAFC Seal.
To qualify, eligible products must undergo independent laboratory testing and meet the requirements established for the program.
Testing looks at four important areas of absorbent product performance:
Rewet
How effectively the product helps keep absorbed liquid away from the surface.
Rate of Acquisition
How quickly the product absorbs liquid.
Retention Capacity
How effectively the product holds liquid under defined test conditions.
Breathability
How well product materials allow moisture vapor to pass through.
A qualifying product must meet the applicable program requirements across all four areas.
Why Did NAFC Create the Seal?
People who rely on absorbent products often have to make purchasing decisions based on packaging claims, advertising, trial and error, or recommendations from others.
That can be frustrating — and expensive.
NAFC believes consumers deserve clearer, more objective information about the products they depend on every day.
The NAFC Seal was created to:
- Bring greater transparency to absorbent product performance
- Give consumers another trusted piece of information when comparing products
- Encourage meaningful performance standards within the category
- Help people make more informed purchasing decisions
What the Seal Does — and Doesn't — Tell You
The NAFC Seal tells you that a product has successfully met the performance requirements of the NAFC Seal program.
It does not mean that one product is automatically the right product for everyone.
Your best choice may also depend on:
- The amount and type of leakage you experience
- Proper sizing and fit
- Daytime versus nighttime use
- Mobility and dexterity
- Skin sensitivity
- Clothing and lifestyle
- Personal comfort and preference
Think of the Seal as one useful piece of information to consider alongside your individual needs.
Which Products Can Earn the Seal?
The NAFC Seal is available for:
- Adult protective underwear/pull-ups
- Adult tabbed briefs
NAFC may expand the program to additional absorbent product categories in the future.
Products Are Checked Over Time
Qualifying for the Seal is not intended to be a one-time event.
The program includes ongoing product testing and review to help ensure that products carrying the Seal continue to meet program requirements.
Find Products That Have Earned the NAFC Seal
Browse products currently authorized to display the NAFC Seal.
Choosing the Right Absorbent Product
Absorbency is important, but it isn’t the only factor that matters.
NAFC has resources to help you understand product types, fit, absorbency, skin care and other considerations so you can find an option that works well for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manufacturers are responsible for the costs associated with independent product testing and, after qualifying, pay an annual licensing fee to NAFC to participate in the Seal program.
Payment alone does not qualify a product for the Seal. Products must first meet the program's applicable testing and participation requirements.
No. Product testing is performed by an independent third-party laboratory using the testing requirements established for the NAFC Seal program.
No. The NAFC Seal indicates that a product has met the program’s performance standards under defined testing conditions, but no absorbent product can prevent every leak in every situation. Leakage can also be affected by the amount and rate of urine loss, product size and fit, body shape, activity level, how the product is positioned, and whether the product’s absorbency level matches your needs.
Choosing the right product and fit can make a significant difference in how well it performs.
Not necessarily. The Seal provides information about tested areas of product performance. Comfort, fit, absorbency needs and personal preferences still matter when choosing a product.
Yes. NAFC maintains a list of products currently participating in the program. Products will be added as they qualify.
Check back as participating products are added.
Better Information. More Confident Choices.
NAFC has been helping people affected by bladder and bowel control conditions find trustworthy information and support for more than four decades.
The NAFC Seal is another way we’re working to give consumers the information they need to make informed decisions about their care and the products they use every day.
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