Disposable Menstrual Pads / Sanitary Napkins

There are several different types of disposable menstrual pads / sanitary napkins:

Panty Liner	Designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow, "spotting", slight urinary incontinence, or as a backup for tampon use.
Ultra-thin	A very thin (compact) pad, which may be as absorbent as a Regular or Maxi/Super pad but with less bulk.
Regular	A middle range absorbency pad. Most used by the women.
Maxi / Super	A larger absorbency pad, useful for the start of the menstrual cycle when menstruation is often heaviest. Maxi/Super also used by women after vaginal surgeries, childbirth or abortion.
Night	A longer pad to allow for more protection while the wearer is lying down, the size is little longer than regular pad, Night pads with an absorbency suitable for overnight use.
Maternity	These are usually slightly longer than a maxi/Super pad and are designed to be worn to absorb lochia (bleeding that occurs after childbirth). Special design for women after childbirth.

The shape, absorbency and lengths may vary depending on manufacturer, but usually range from the short slender panty liner to the larger and longer overnight. Long pads are offered for extra protection or for larger women whose woman's undergarments might not be completely protected by regular length pads and also for overnight use.

Other options are often offered in a manufacturer's line of pads, such as wings or tabs that wrap around the sides of the woman's underwear to add additional leak protection and help secure the pad in place. Deodorant is also added to some pads, which is designed to cover menstrual odor with a light fragrance. There are even pantiliners specifically designed to fit into thong/G-string type underwear.

Article Source: Sanitary Napkins