Sensory Characterization of Odors in Used Disposable Absorbent Incontinence Products.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to characterize the odors of used incontinence products by descriptive analysis and to define attributes to be used in the analysis. A further objective was to investigate to what extent the odor profiles of used incontinence products differed from each other and, if possible, to group these profiles into classes.


METHODS
Used incontinence products were collected from 14 residents with urinary incontinence living in geriatric nursing homes in the Gothenburg area, Sweden.


METHODS
Pieces were cut from the wet area of used incontinence products. They were placed in glass bottles and kept frozen until odor analysis was completed. A trained panel consisting of 8 judges experienced in this area of investigation defined terminology for odor attributes. The intensities of these attributes in the used products were determined by descriptive odor analysis. Data were analyzed both by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post hoc test and by principal component analysis and cluster analysis.


RESULTS
An odor wheel, with 10 descriptive attributes, was developed. The total odor intensity, and the intensities of the attributes, varied considerably between different, used incontinence products. The typical odors varied from "sweetish" to "urinal," "ammonia," and "smoked." Cluster analysis showed that the used products, based on the quantitative odor data, could be divided into 5 odor classes with different profiles.


CONCLUSIONS
The used products varied considerably in odor character and intensity. Findings suggest that odors in used absorptive products are caused by different types of compounds that may vary in concentration.
Heléne Widén, PhD, Sensory and Flavor Science, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Food and Bioscience, Gothenburg, Sweden. Susanne Alenljung, MSc, Hygiene and Odor, SCA Hygiene Products AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Ulla Forsgren-Brusk, MSc, Hygiene and Odor, SCA Hygiene Products AB, Gothenburg, Sweden. Gunnar Hall, PhD, Sensory and Flavor Science, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Food and Bioscience, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Heléne
H
Widén
Susanne
S
Alenljung
Ulla
U
Forsgren-Brusk
Gunnar
G
Hall
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016496:Incontinence Pads; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis*; D010465:Perception; D013358:Subject Headings; D013548:Sweden; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000451:nursing