WO2019096411A1

WO2019096411A1 - A hygiene monitoring system and a method therein

Info

Publication number: WO2019096411A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/079672
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy AHONG; Danny PORTHIYAS; Jacob Edding; Joel Ironstone; Jeremy DABOR; Catherine Sauve
Original assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2017-11-17
Filing date: 2017-11-17
Publication date: 2019-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-17

Abstract

A hygiene monitoring system comprising: a hygiene monitoring device for monitoring a hygienic state of an article, the hygiene monitoring device comprising a monitoring unit provided to an electrode strip, the monitoring unit configured to receive information from the electrode strip about the hygienic state of the article when the electrode strip is arranged in proximity to the article; and a station for receiving the hygiene monitoring device, the station comprising: a securing component configured to receive and hold the hygiene monitoring device; and a guiding element configured to support the electrode strip in a defined shape when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the securing component.

Description

A Hygiene Monitoring System and a Method Therein

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hygiene monitoring system, and, in particular, a hygiene monitoring system comprising a hygiene monitoring device and a station for receiving the hygiene monitoring device, where the station comprises a guiding element. The present disclosure also relates to a method in such a hygiene monitoring system.

Background

A hygiene monitoring device may be used to monitor a hygienic state of a user. For example, a hygiene monitoring device may monitor a wetness level, a temperature and/or a concentration of a particular substance associated with the user. In certain known devices, the hygiene monitoring device is attached to an article which is worn by the user such that the hygiene monitoring device may monitor a hygienic state of the article. In some devices, the hygiene monitoring device transmits information relating to the monitored hygienic state of the user, such as a soiling event. In other devices, the hygiene monitoring device provides an alert, such as a sound, to notify a detection of a soiling event.

Certain hygiene monitoring devices comprise an electrode strip with one or more electrodes, which is configured to be attached to the surface of the article or within the article. As such electrode strips may need to conform to the shape of the article, which may change depending on the movements of the user, the electrode strips may be flexible. However, it has been found that the monitoring of the condition of the electrode strips so as to detect any failures proves to be unreliable and inconvenient, due to deterioration (or other change over time) of the electrode strip .

Accordingly, there is a need for a system which allows for a reliable and convenient way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

Summary of the Disclosure

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hygiene monitoring system comprising: a hygiene monitoring device for monitoring a hygienic state of an article, the hygiene monitoring device comprising a monitoring unit provided to an electrode strip, the monitoring unit configured to receive information from the electrode strip about the hygienic state of the article when the electrode strip is arranged in proximity to the article; and a station for receiving the hygiene monitoring device, the station comprising: a securing component configured to receive and hold the hygiene monitoring device; and a guiding element configured to support the electrode strip in a defined shape when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the securing component.

It has been found that electrode strips of such hygiene monitoring devices do not tend to fail catastrophically; rather, such electrode strips gradually lose performance. For example, the electrode strip may be configured to measure impedance. It has been found that minor changes in the electrode strip' s physical properties such as shape cause measurement drift. Accordingly, determining any failures in the electrode strip tends to be difficult. Typically, after use of a hygiene monitoring device, the user or caregiver stores the device in various places which results in the electrode strip taking various shapes during storage. It has been found that if any assessment of the electrode strip's condition is done during storage, results tend to be relatively unreliable due to the finding that the shape of the electrode strip during assessment of its condition has a great effect on the reliability of the results .

With the above configuration, the station may provide for a convenient place to hold the hygiene monitoring device after/before use, which also, due to the guiding element, allows the electrode strip to be maintained in the same fixed defined shape each time the device is received in the station after/before use. This allows for a more reliable assessment of the electrode strip's condition.

Hence, with such a configuration, the system may allow for a reliable and convenient way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the station comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is moveable (e.g. pivotable) relative to the first portion from a first position to a second position. The second portion comprises the guiding element which is configured such that as the second portion is moved from the first position to the second position the electrode strip is guided from a first shape to the defined shape.

With such a configuration, as the guiding element is configured such that upon movement from the first position to the second position the electrode strip is guided from a first shape to the defined shape, the electrode strip may be made to more accurately form the defined shape each time it is received in the station. This allows for an even more accurate determination of a deterioration of the electrode strip .

Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a system that allows for a more reliable way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the first position is an open configuration of the station. In one embodiment, the second position is a closed configuration of the station.

In one embodiment, the first portion is a first casing portion and the second portion is a second casing portion. In the second position, the first casing portion and the second casing portion together define an enclosure for the hygiene monitoring device.

As the first portion and the second portion are casing portions which define an enclosure, the hygiene monitoring device may be isolated from the external environment outside the station.

Hence, with such a configuration, it may be possible to provide for a more reliable way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the enclosure defines at least one vent hole .

With such a configuration, the vent hole may allow for the hygiene monitoring device to dry.

In one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are connected together by a pivotable connection. In one embodiment, the pivotable connection is a hinge.

With such a configuration, it may be possible for caregivers to place the hygiene monitoring device in the station and effect the movement of the first portion and the second portion using a single hand.

Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a system that allows for a more convenient way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the guiding element is a first guiding element and a second guiding element.

In one embodiment, the first guiding element defines a curved portion arranged to guide the electrode strip away from the second portion of the station.

In one embodiment, the first guiding element defines a channel portion arranged to limit the movement of the electrode strip in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the second guiding element comprises a wall of the second portion. In one embodiment, the guiding element comprises a ridge.

In one embodiment, in the first position, the guiding element is configured such that the first shape of the electrode strip defines a bend. In one embodiment, the guiding element is configured such that the defined shape of the electrode strip defines a sharper bend than the bend of the first shape .

As the defined shape of the electrode strip defines a sharper bend than the bend of the first shape, it means that upon movement of the first and second portions, the electrode strip is constrained to the defined shape in a more repeatable manner. Hence, with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a system that allows for a more reliable way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, in the first position, the guiding element is configured such that the first shape of the electrode strip is a substantially straight shape. In one embodiment, in the second position, the guiding element is configured such that the defined shape of the electrode strip defines a bend .

As the electrode strip is guided from a straight shape to a shape with a bend, it means that upon movement of the first and second portions, the electrode strip is constrained to the defined shape in a more repeatable manner.

In one embodiment, the defined shape defines a single bend. In one embodiment, the defined shape defines multiple bends. In one embodiment, the defined shape is U-shaped. In one embodiment, the single bend or each of the multiple bends is substantially between electrodes of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, in the defined shape the electrode strip is folded in two. In one embodiment, in the defined shape, the electrode strip is folded in two approximately half way along its length.

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises a housing. The electrode strip extends from the housing. The securing component is configured to receive and hold the housing. In one embodiment, the monitoring unit is within the housing . In one embodiment, the electrode strip defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes exposed on a first surface of the electrode strip. In the defined shape, the electrode strip is bent such that the electrode strip defines a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section and such that the electrodes in the first longitudinal section face away from the electrodes in the second longitudinal section.

With such a configuration, the electrodes do not interfere with one another which allows for a more reliable way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip.

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device is configured such that it is received in a single predetermined orientation in the securing component. In one embodiment, the housing has at least one asymmetric feature configured such that the hygiene monitoring device is received in the single predetermined orientation in the securing component.

In one embodiment, the defined shape is a specified coil shape .

In one embodiment, the guiding element comprises a central protrusion and circumferential guide configured to support the electrode strip in the specified coil shape.

In one embodiment, the defined shape is a predetermined shape .

In one embodiment, the electrode strip is configured to be releasably attached to a surface of a wearable article.

In one embodiment, the electrode strip is flexible.

In one embodiment, the electrode strip comprises a flex-PCB. In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises a transmitter configured to transmit data to an external device, for example, a centralised server.

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises a battery. The station is configured to charge the battery when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the station.

In one embodiment, the station is a charging station for the hygiene monitoring device.

In one embodiment, hygiene monitoring device is configured to monitor wetness level, a temperature, a concentration of a particular substance (liquid or gas) associated with the user, movement and/or temperature.

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises a biosensor .

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device is removably attachable to a wearable hygiene article. In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises a mechanical fastener component, such as a hook material patch, that may removably attach to a corresponding loop material on the wearable hygiene article. In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device comprises an adhesive fastener component, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, that may removably attach to a corresponding tape landing zone on the wearable hygiene article .

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device is re- useable .

In one embodiment, the wearable hygiene article is a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper or incontinence shield. In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device is configured to be removably attached to a hygiene product, preferably a disposable absorbent hygiene product.

In one embodiment, wherein the hygiene monitoring device is removably attachable to an outer surface of the hygiene product .

In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring system further comprises a wearable article. In one embodiment, the hygiene monitoring device is removeably attachable to the wearable article .

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method in any of the hygiene monitoring systems as described herein for assessing the performance of an electrode strip of a hygiene monitoring device, the method comprising: receiving the hygiene monitoring device in the securing component such that the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape; monitoring a response from the electrode strip whilst the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape; and comparing the response with a predetermined response.

With such a method, a reliable and convenient way of detecting a deterioration of the electrode strip may be provided .

In one implementation, the method further comprises obtaining the predetermined response by: receiving the hygiene monitoring device in the securing component such that the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape; and monitoring a response as the predetermined response from the electrode strip whilst the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape. In one implementation, the method further comprises determining whether the response and the predetermined response differs to an extent which exceeds a threshold indicative of a failure of the electrode strip.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show a hygiene monitoring device for monitoring a hygienic state of a user;

Figures 3 to 6 show a station for receiving the hygiene monitoring device shown in Figures 1 and 2; and

Figures 7 to 10 show a hygiene monitoring system comprising the hygiene monitoring device shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the station shown in Figures 3 to 6.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a hygiene monitoring device 10 for monitoring a hygienic state of a user. The hygiene monitoring device 10 may be removably attached to a wearable article of a user so that it may monitor the hygienic state of the article.

The hygiene monitoring device 10 comprises a housing 11 and an electrode strip 12 which extends on both sides of the housing. In other embodiments, the electrode strip 12 may extend on only one side of the housing 11.

The hygiene monitoring device 10 comprises a monitoring unit (not shown) provided to the electrode strip 12 which is configured to receive information from the electrode strip about the hygienic state of the article. In this embodiment, the monitoring unit is disposed in the housing 11.

In some embodiments, the hygiene monitoring device 10 further comprises a transmitter (not shown) which is configured to transmit data to an external device, such as a centralised server (not shown) . The hygiene monitoring device 10 is configured to transmit information relating to the monitored hygienic state of the article. In some embodiments, hygiene monitoring device 10 may be configured to sound an alarm/alert when a particular hygienic state of the article is detected.

As shown in Figure 2, the electrode strip 12 of the hygiene monitoring device 10 comprises four electrodes 12a-12d which are spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the electrode strip 12. The hygiene monitoring device 10 is configured such that the electrodes 12a-12d may be brought into contact with the wearable article such that they may measure the hygienic state of the article, for example, by measurement of the wetness level of the article, presence of particular chemical compounds/compositions and/or pH levels. The specific arrangements of the electrodes will be known to a person skilled in the art, and, for example, may include any of the arrangements disclosed in WO 2016/090492, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by law.

The electrode strip 12 is flexible so that it may conform to the wearable article. In some embodiments, the electrode strip 12 comprises flex-PCB. Flex-PCB is commonly known in the art and may comprise a PCB which may flex without any permanent deformation. For example, flex-PCB may include a flexible substrate.

Figures 3 to 6 show a station 20 for receiving the hygiene monitoring device 10. The station 20 comprises a first casing portion 20a and a second casing portion 20b. The second casing portion 20b is pivotable relative to the first casing portion 20a so as to transition the station 20 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. As shown in Figure 6, the first casing portion 20a and the second casing portion 20b are connected by a hinge 24 which allows the second casing portion 20b to be pivoted relative to the first casing portion 20a.

The station 20 comprises a securing component 21 which is configured to receive and hold the housing 11 of the hygiene monitoring device at a defined location relative to the station 20.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the securing component 21 comprises a first flange 21a, a second flange 21b, a back wall 21c, a first shelf 21d and a second shelf 21e. The first shelf 21d corresponds to the first flange 21a and the second shelf 21e corresponds to the second flange 21b. The securing component 21 defines a cavity C delimited by the first flange 21a, the second flange 21b, the back wall 21c, the first shelf 21d and the second shelf 21e.

The hygiene monitoring device 10 may be received in the station 20 by inserting the housing 11 into the cavity C defined by the securing component 21. Once the housing 11 is inserted, the securing component 21 holds the housing 11 in place such that the hygiene monitoring device is held at a defined location relative to the station.

As best seen in Figure 3, the first casing portion 20a comprises a first guiding element 22. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first guiding element 22 is in the form of a channel with a curved portion disposed at the bottom thereof (i.e. proximal to the second casing portion 20b) . As detailed below, the first guiding element 22 is configured to support the electrode strip 12 of the hygiene monitoring device 10 in a particular shape when the housing 11 is received in the securing component 21.

As also seen in Figure 3, the casing portion 20b comprises a second guiding element 23. The second guiding element 23 includes a wall of the second casing portion 20b and a ridge 23a. In a similar manner to the first guiding element 22, the second guiding element 23 is configured to support the electrode strip 12 in a particular shape when the housing 11 is received in the securing component 21 and the station 20 is in the closed configuration.

Figures 7 to 9 show a hygiene monitoring system 100 comprising the hygiene monitoring device 10 and the station 20. In these figures, the first casing portion 20a and the second casing portion 20b are arranged such that the station 20 is in the open configuration.

Figures 7 to 9 show the hygiene monitoring device 10 received in the station 20. As can be seen, the securing component 21 receives and holds the housing 11 of the hygiene monitoring device 10 such that the housing 11 is held at a defined location relative to the station 20. The electrode 13 is not directly held by the securing component 21 but extends/hangs above and below the housing 11.

The hygiene monitoring device 10 may be inserted into the station 20 by inserting the housing 11 into the securing component 21. In particular, the cavity C has a top opening through which the housing 11 may be inserted downwardly. The first shelf 21d and the second shelf 21e act to limit the housing 11 from further downward translation and act to support the housing 11 in the securing component 21. In the open configuration of the station 20 as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the electrode strip 13 is supported in a first shape by the first guiding element 22. In particular, the first guiding element 22 receives the electrode strip 12 in its channel and limits movement of the electrode strip 12 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal length. The curved portion of the first guiding element 22 acts to guide the electrode strip away from the second casing portion 20b. In the first shape (i.e. the shape taken when the station 20 is in the open configuration) , the electrode strip 12 defines a shallow bend due to the curved portion of the first guiding element 22.

Figure 10 shows the station 20 when the first casing portion 20a and the second casing portion 20b are moved such that the station 20 is in the closed configuration. The hygiene monitoring device 10 cannot be seen in this figure, but may be received within the station 20 in the manner described in relation to Figures 7 to 9.

As the second casing portion 20b is pivoted relative to the first casing portion 20a so as to close the station 20 from the open configuration shown in Figures 7 to 9, the second casing portion 20b, and, in particular, the second guiding element 23 contacts the electrode strip 12 and acts, together with the first guide element 22, to guide the electrode strip 12 into a defined shape.

The defined shape of the electrode strip 12 comprises a bend and takes a U-shape. The bend in the defined shape is sharper than the bend in the first shape.

Below, the use of the hygiene monitoring system 100 is described in detail, and, in particular, the use of the hygiene monitoring system 100 to assess the deterioration of the electrode strip 12. After use of known hygiene monitoring devices, they may be stored overnight (or during the day, depending on the particular use), for example, after washing the device. It has been found that after use, caregivers tend to store the hygiene monitoring devices in various places such that the electrode strip takes a different shape every time it is stored, which has been found to result in relatively unreliable assessment of condition due to the finding that the shape of the electrode strip during assessment of its condition has a great effect on the reliability of the results .

Using the hygiene monitoring system 100, the caregiver is provided with a convenient place in the form of the station 20 to store the hygiene monitoring device 10 regularly before/after its use.

Once the housing 11 is received in the securing component 21, the station 20 is closed by pivoting the second casing portion 20b relative to the first casing portion 20a, thereby transitioning the electrode strip 12 from the first shape to the defined shape.

Once in the defined shape, the hygiene monitoring device 10 may perform an analysis of the condition of the electrode strip 12, for example, by taking base-line measurements of the signals being received from the electrode strip 12. The hygiene monitoring device 10 may then store/transmit these base-line measurements.

At a later time, for example, after use of the hygiene monitoring device 10, the caregiver may again store the hygiene monitoring device 10 in the station 20 by inserting the housing 11 in the securing component 21 and closing the station 20. The electrode strip 12 will adopt the same defined shape as before, and the hygiene monitoring device 10 may again perform the analysis of the condition of the electrode strip 12 by taking the same base-line measurements of the signals being received from the electrode strip 12. The hygiene monitoring device 10 may then again store/transmit these second base-line measurements.

As the electrode strip 12 adopts the same defined shape every time it is received in the station, the base-line measurements conducted at different times may be reliably compared to determine any failure of the electrode strip. For example, the first base-line response may be compared to the second base-line response, and, if they differ to an extent that exceeds a threshold which is indicative of a failure of the electrode strip 12, it is then evident that the electrode strip 12 has failed.

In alternative implementations, the first response may not be measured while the hygiene monitoring device 10 is received in the station 20. Rather, the first response may be any response which allows for a comparison with the second response to indicate a failure of the electrode strip 12. For example, the first response may be measured (for example during manufacture or whilst the hygiene monitoring device 10 is in a different station) while the electrode strip 12 is in a different shape from the defined shape. In these situations, the comparison of the first response and the second response may be adjusted to take into account the different shapes taken by the electrode strip 12 when the first response and the second response are measured.

In other cases, the first response is not obtained using measurements from the electrode strip 12 of the hygiene monitoring device 10. Rather, the first response may be a known response measured from other devices, or calculated in some manner.

Optionally, the first response and/or the second response may be used to calibrate the electrode strip 12. For example, an offset/scaler may be determined using the first response and the second response which may be used to correct subsequent measurements from the electrode strip 12.

Although the above explanation is considered to fully clarify how the present disclosure may straightforwardly be put into effect by those skilled in the art, it is to be regarded as purely exemplary.

For example, although the above embodiment of the station 20 comprises a first housing portion 20a and a second housing portion 20b, the station may instead comprise a single portion so long as the station is suitable for receiving the hygiene monitoring device 10.

Furthermore, it is not essential to have a moveable portion of the station so long as there is at least one guiding element configured to support the electrode strip in a defined shape when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the securing component.

In the above embodiments, the hygiene monitoring device 10 comprises a housing 11 which has a monitoring unit therein. However, in alternative embodiments, the hygiene monitoring device may not comprise any distinct housing so long as the securing component of the station may receive and hold the hygiene monitoring device. In such embodiments, the securing component may receive and hold the electrode strip of the hygiene monitoring device.

In embodiments without a housing, the monitoring unit may be provided on the electrode strip itself, for example, as part of the PCB .

In the above embodiment described in relation to Figures 3 to 10, the station 20 comprises a first guiding element 22 and a second guiding element 23. However, two guiding elements are not essential and the station may comprise a single guiding element so long as the single guiding element is configured to support the electrode strip in the defined shape when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the securing component .

In the above embodiment, the electrode strip is shown as an elongate strip. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrode strip may not be elongate in any particular direction. For example, the electrode strip may be in the form of a square or a circle.

In the above embodiment, the electrode strip comprises four electrodes. In alternative embodiments, the electrode strip can include any number of electrodes, including a single electrode. In the case where the electrode strip includes a single electrode, a second electrode may be provided on the housing .

All of the above are fully in the scope of the disclosure, and are considered to form the basis for alternative embodiments in which one or more combinations of the above- described features are applied, without limitation to the specific combinations disclosed above.

In light of this, there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit their own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present disclosure, while retaining some or all technical effects of the same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of his common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalent modifications or adaptations fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A hygiene monitoring system comprising:

a hygiene monitoring device for monitoring a hygienic state of an article, the hygiene monitoring device comprising a monitoring unit provided to an electrode strip, the monitoring unit configured to receive information from the electrode strip about the hygienic state of the article when the electrode strip is arranged in proximity to the article; and

a station for receiving the hygiene monitoring device, the station comprising:

a securing component configured to receive and hold the hygiene monitoring device; and

a guiding element configured to support the electrode strip in a defined shape when the hygiene monitoring device is received in the securing component.

2. The hygiene monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the station comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is translatable relative to the first portion from a first position to a second position, and wherein the second portion comprises the guiding element configured such that as the second portion is translated from the first position to the second position the electrode strip is guided from a first shape to the defined shape.

3. The hygiene monitoring system of Claim 2, wherein the first portion is a first casing portion and the second portion is a second casing portion, and wherein, in the second position, the first casing portion and the second casing portion together define an enclosure for the hygiene monitoring device.

4. The hygiene monitoring system of Claim 2 or 3, wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected together by a pivotable connection, preferably, a hinge.

5. The hygiene monitoring system of Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein, in the first position, the guiding element is configured such that the first shape of the electrode strip defines a bend, and, optionally, wherein, in the second position, the guiding element is configured such that the defined shape of the electrode strip defines a shaper bend than the bend of the first shape.

6. The hygiene monitoring system of Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein, in the first position, the guiding element is configured such that the first shape of the electrode strip is a substantially straight shape, and, optionally, wherein, in the second position, the guiding element is configured such that the defined shape of the electrode strip defines a bend .

7. The hygiene monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the defined shape defines a single bend or multiple bends, and, optionally, wherein the defined shape is a U- shape .

8. The hygiene monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the hygiene monitoring device comprises a housing, wherein the electrode strip extends from the housing, and wherein the securing component is configured to receive and hold the housing, and, optionally, wherein the monitoring unit is within the housing.

9. The hygiene monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the electrode strip defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electrodes exposed on a first surface of the electrode strip, wherein, in the defined shape, the electrode strip is bent such that the electrode strip defines a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section and such that the electrodes in the first longitudinal section face away from the electrodes in the second longitudinal section.

10. The hygiene monitoring system of any preceding claim, wherein the hygiene monitoring device is configured to be removably attached to a hygiene product, preferably a disposable absorbent hygiene product.

11. The hygiene monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein the hygiene monitoring device is removably attachable to an outer surface of the hygiene product.

12. A method in a hygiene monitoring system of any preceding claim for assessing the performance of an electrode strip of a hygiene monitoring device, the method comprising:

receiving the hygiene monitoring device in the securing component such that the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape;

monitoring a response from the electrode strip whilst the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape; and

comparing the response with a predetermined response .

13. The method of Claim 10, further comprising obtaining the predetermined response by:

receiving the hygiene monitoring device in the securing component such that the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape; and

monitoring a response as the predetermined response from the electrode strip whilst the electrode strip is supported in the defined shape.

14. The method of Claim 10 or 11, further comprising determining whether the response and the predetermined response differs to an extent which exceeds a threshold indicative of a failure of the electrode strip.