Introducing "Bear," the ultra-absorbent period shorts that eliminate the need for pads on your period!
NEWSBOARD / DESIGN
May 29, 2020

Introducing "Bear," the ultra-absorbent period shorts that eliminate the need for pads on your period!

Bé-A Japan Co., Ltd. will begin accepting pre-orders for "Bear," ultra-absorbent period shorts that eliminate the need for traditional menstrual products, via crowdfunding starting June 1st, ahead of the official online store's general release on July 30, 2020 (Thursday).

Photographed by Leslie Kee

Pre-orders begin via crowdfunding on June 1st

Developed with the concept "Girls be ambitious. What you wish for can change your life and the world," Bear is a femtech product designed to alleviate the stress and burden many women experience during their periods, such as leakage or changing pads, aiming for "comfort so great you forget you're on your period."

Utilizing proprietary Japanese technology, the shorts feature a special processing that allows the main body to absorb approximately 120ml*2 (equivalent to 12 tampons) of liquid over a 47cm long specification. This eliminates the need for traditional menstrual products, allowing you to go through your day feeling as if you're wearing regular underwear.

Additionally, the shorts are treated with antibacterial and deodorizing agents to suppress odors during menstruation. They also incorporate powdered "terahertz ore," which emits "terahertz waves"—a cutting-edge technology—printed onto cotton fabric. A double-layered fabric gently wraps and warms the abdomen, which tends to get cold during periods. They are also easy to wash and reusable, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly product.

Through Bear, Bé-A Japan Co., Ltd. aims to support women's physical and mental well-being and active participation in society. By proposing a "life without disposable menstrual products," the company strives to contribute to a modern society that demands sustainable manufacturing and consumption.

*1 Previously, absorbent period shorts primarily offered absorption levels sufficient to catch leaks when using tampons. Bear is designated as "ultra-absorbent" because it absorbs approximately three times the average menstrual flow on the second day of a period (approx. 120ml / 12 tampons), and is developed for use without tampons or pads.
*2 Based on Bear's absorption test.


■ Secure absorption with a 5-layer absorbent structure
Bear is meticulously produced in Japan. A 5-layer absorbent structure, co-developed with a leading domestic manufacturer that handles everything from baby underwear to adult incontinence wear, absorbs 120ml of liquid (equivalent to 12 tampons). The absorbent layer extends 47cm in length and reaches up to the waist at the back, eliminating concerns about front or back leakage. It also instantly absorbs liquid, keeping the skin dry.

As it absorbs more than three times the average menstrual flow on the second day of a period (30ml-50ml), the heaviest day, you can wear these shorts alone without worrying about leaks.

Introducing "Bear," the ultra-absorbent period shorts that eliminate the need for pads on your period!
Introducing "Bear," the ultra-absorbent period shorts that eliminate the need for pads on your period!

【Product Features】
■ Antibacterial properties over 5 times that of conventional fabrics
Menstrual blood itself doesn't typically have a strong odor. The smell originates from bacteria multiplying on the shorts or delicate skin. Bear's antibacterial function prevents bacterial growth, freeing you from unpleasant odors. This function remains effective even after repeated washing.


■ "Warmth Design" incorporates "terahertz waves," a cutting-edge technology
Terahertz waves are electromagnetic waves that vibrate one trillion times per second. Falling between light and radio waves, they possess properties of both and are known for their superior penetration into substances compared to far-infrared rays.

Due to their safety and versatility, terahertz waves are being extensively researched and applied in fields such as medicine and biotechnology. This technology is also adopted in Bear. Terahertz ore, which emits "terahertz waves," is pulverized into 1-2 micron powder and printed onto a soft, fluffy, ribbed cotton fabric. The double-layered fabric gently wraps and warms the abdomen, which tends to get cold during periods. This effect will not wash off.


■ Easy to wash
As these are daily wear items during menstruation, ease of washing was a priority. After rinsing by hand 3-4 times until the water runs clear, simply machine wash and dry as usual. The shorts are sewn so that the main fabric and the absorbent layer separate, making them easy to rinse and quick to dry.
* It is recommended to use cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can cause proteins in blood to coagulate, making stains harder to remove.


■ Reusable, making it sustainable and eco-friendly
The average woman experiences menstruation for about 40 years, from her first period to menopause. This amounts to approximately 480 periods (40 years x 12 months). Assuming each period lasts 5 days, women spend about 7 years of their lives menstruating. If one person uses 5 disposable sanitary pads per day, that's 25 pads per period, totaling about 12,000 pads in a lifetime.

Most disposable sanitary pads are plastic products made from petroleum. Bear, following in the footsteps of sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, offers reliable absorbency without the need for pads or tampons, making it an eco-friendly product that helps reduce plastic waste.

【Product Overview】

Bear Signature Shorts
¥6,900 (excluding tax)

With a 5-layer technological structure, it absorbs approximately 120ml of liquid. Wear them with the same comfort as regular underwear, free from worries of leakage. The absorbent and antibacterial features eliminate dampness and odor. Furthermore, the abdominal area features a comforting design for women. Reduce plastic waste from disposable menstrual products and embrace a sustainable menstrual life. These period shorts embody the fusion of Japan's superior technology and women's desires.


【Bear Signature Shorts Q&A】
Q. How many hours can I use one pair? (e.g., during travel)
Bear Signature Shorts quickly absorb approximately 120ml of liquid, compared to the average menstrual flow of about 50ml on heavy days. This is equivalent to about 12 tampons (company research). Therefore, even on the second day of your period or if you have heavy flow, you can comfortably spend the entire day without pads or tampons.

Q. Does the absorbency change with repeated use? When should they be replaced?
The absorbency and terahertz processing are semi-permanent, but the fabric has a lifespan due to aging. Please use them as you would your regular underwear.

Q. Can I wear them while sleeping?
The absorbent layer extends to the waist, providing excellent protection against front and back leaks. You can wear them with peace of mind while sleeping or lying down. The outer layer is water-repellent, so even if there's a side leak, it won't stain your clothes or sheets.
* Menstrual flow varies individually.

Q. Can I wear them during sports?
They are suitable for sports as they fit snugly without shifting like pads and offer high absorbency for extended wear. However, they are not designed for aquatic sports.


【Pre-orders begin via crowdfunding on June 1st】
Ahead of the official online store's general release on July 30, 2020 (Thursday), pre-orders will begin on June 1st via the crowdfunding project site "CAMPFIRE (URL:https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/256579)".

One pair of shorts: ¥6,000 (excluding tax)
Set of 2 pairs of shorts: ¥11,400 (excluding tax)
Set of 3 pairs of shorts: ¥15,900 (excluding tax)

Furthermore, funds raised through crowdfunding will be used to donate "Bear Signature Shorts" to medical facilities as support for healthcare professionals on the front lines.

For female healthcare workers, who are on their feet and require strenuous movement, and often wear light-colored uniforms, "leakage" during menstruation is a significant concern. Moreover, due to busy schedules, long working hours, and the need to wear specialized clothing that is not easily removed, the anxiety and inconvenience are amplified when they cannot change pads or tampons at their convenience.

We want to provide ultra-absorbent period shorts that offer peace of mind and comfort, allowing those who protect our lives and health to forget about menstruation. We also wish to offer the comfort of living without constantly thinking about periods to teenage girls whose cycles may still be irregular. With this in mind, a portion of the funds will also be used for the development of smaller sizes. We hope that Bear Signature Shorts will be of benefit to as many people as possible.

The crowdfunding rewards include the Bear Signature Shorts along with Bear Washing Powder (10g individual pouch - trial size).

When menstruation starts unexpectedly, or if there's unforeseen bleeding that stains favorite underwear, clothes, or sheets, yellowing and spots can appear even after thorough washing. This is a blood-specific powder detergent, free of surfactants, created to solve these problems.

By soaking, it lifts and removes not only proteins like blood but also pigments, thoroughly eliminating odors and stains from the source without damaging the fabric. It supports a sustainable lifestyle where clothes are cherished and used for a long time.


■ Crowdfunding Overview
Target Amount: ¥1,000,000
Campaign Period: June 1, 2020 (Monday) - July 15, 2020 (Wednesday)
Operating System: CAMPFIRE, Inc.
Project URL:https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/256579