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Why reusable menstrual pads and period panties?
We are being more cautious with our food and the products that we use.
We are more careful about what we consume and what we put on our skin.
But what about period products?
What are tampons and pads are made of? Are they even safe?
Today, we have a lot more options for our menstrual flows. We have period panties, reusable sanitary pads, and cups.
I haven’t tried the cups. But, I have been using period panties and reusable pads since 2018.
I’m never going back to traditional pads or tampons.
And here’s why.
Your guide to reusable menstrual products:
- Problems with traditional pads and tampons
- What are reusable menstrual pads and period panties?
- How do they work?
- Pros to reusable pads and period panties
- Cons to reusable pads and period panties
- Where can I buy reusable pads and period panties?
- How to use reusable pads and period panties
- How to wash reusable pads and period panties
- Tips to make them last
The problems with traditional pads and tampons
There are a few issues with traditional pads and tampons.
First, companies are not required to include ingredients on the packaging.
This is troubling because we deserve to know what we are using on our bodies.
Tampons are regulated by the FDA as medical devices. And the FDA does not test the products.
Manufacturers test the product, and they submit their findings to the FDA. The FDA only reviews what manufacturers submit.
The FDA provides a guidance document on its website.
This document hasn’t been updated since 2005.
So we really can’t trust manufacturers with our safety.
Do a quick search to see what traditional pads are made of.
Chlorine bleached wood pulp. Yuck.
Generally, a mixture of cotton and rayon makes tampons. However, we have no way of knowing if pesticides and herbicides were used.
Traditional pads and tampons are not great for the environment either.
Traditional period products create a lot of waste.
I think I was using about four-five tampons or pads a day.
Let’s say the average period lasts five days.
That’s 20 tampons or pads (minimum) discarded each month. That’s 240 tampons or pads per year!
What are reusable menstrual pads and period panties?
Reusable menstrual pads and period panties are washable and reusable.
These are far better for us and the environment. They are designed to last years, with proper care.
Each has specific materials used for wicking, absorbing, anti-microbial, and drying.
Of course, we still need to scrutinize these products.
However, companies are a bit more transparent about the materials used.
These companies are required to submit the same information to the FDA before they hit the market.
How do reusable pads and period panties work?
For the most part, each company has designed its materials to enhance absorption and prevent leaking.
I use Dear Kate’s period panties. Their website explains the three layers to their panties.
Layers one and two are the absorbent layers.
These first two material layers focus on three functions: wicking, anti-microbial, and breathability.
This helps dry the liquid faster.
The third layer is the barrier. The barrier focuses on stain releasing and breathable functions.
This third layer helps prevent leaking.
Reusable pads have similar materials to absorb liquids and prevent leaking.
Pros to reusable pads and period panties
You might be wondering if it’s worth a switch to reusable menstrual products.
As I mentioned above, I will never go back to using traditional pads and tampons.
Here are a few pros to reusable pads and period panties:
- Less waste
- More durable
- Safer materials
- Better for you
- Better for the environment
Since these are washable, you can reuse them. No more taking up the whole trash can with yucky pads.
Most are designed to last several years. As long as you take care of them properly.
Companies that make these products are more transparent on their website.
However, you should still do your research.
Cons to reusable pads and period panties
There is more maintenance involved when you go with reusable period products.
For example, you have to thoroughly rinse and soak them after each use. Then hang to dry before washing.
If you plan to travel, you will have to carry a wet bag with you. The wet bag will serve as your soaking mechanism.
It can be costly if you want to build up your stock in one shot.
But, in the long run, you will save more money going with reusable period products.
Plus, your health is more important.
When used properly, they prevent leaking. So you won’t have to replace stained undies.
It’s also really nice not going to the store every month for pads and tampons.
Where can I buy reusable pads and period panties?
I bought mine online. I’ve also seen LunaPads at Target.
I use Dear Kate period panties (I have full and mini) and LunaPads reusable pads and inserts.
My eco-friendly pick would be from Mama Bear Baby Wear. All products are handmade and registered with the FDA as “Medical Device Manufacturer”. She makes pads, inserts, wet bags, and wallets. You can check her shop here.
How to use reusable pads and period panties
Know your flow. That’s the best advice anyone can give.
To get the most out of your reusable pads and period panties you have to know your flow.
Knowing your flow will help you determine which products you need to use on specific days of your period.
For the most part, period panties come in thin or thick layers. Some describe them as mini or full.
Most companies tell you how many tampons’ worth of blood each hold.
Period panties are not meant to replace pads or tampons. They are mostly designed to help protect against leaks.
I would love to use period panties only. But you’d need a lot of period panties if you want to use them instead of pads and tampons.
Well, my flow is too heavy.
If you have a light flow, you might be able to use period panties only.
Reusable pads will describe their products as a mini pad, maxi pad, long pad, and some have inserts.
The inserts can be used with the pad or separately.
In my experience, the reusable pads hold way more than the panties do.
If you’re new to reusable period products, try the pads before the panties.
I use period panties as back up.
My period hack routine
- Day 1: medium flow. Regular (tight-fitting) undies with a reusable pad (no insert).
- Night 1: heavy flow. Full period panty with a reusable pad and insert.
- Day 2: heavy flow. Same full period panty from last night with a reusable pad (no insert). Change pad once.
- Night 2: medium-heavy flow. Full period panty with a reusable pad (no insert).
- Day 3: medium-heavy flow. Same full period panty from last night with a reusable pad insert (insert only). Change insert once.
- Night 4: medium flow. Full period panty with a reusable pad insert (insert only).
- Day 5: light-medium flow. Mini period panty only.
- Night 5: light flow. Mini period panty only.
This is the template I use.
However, some days I need more protection and some days less. It depends on my working schedule.
If I’m home more frequently, I’m able to use the bathroom right away.
That first night is super heavy. So sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, and I have to change my pad.
How to wash reusable pads and period panties
As mentioned above, you will have to rinse your reusable pads and period panties in cold water after each use.
You should run cold water over them until the water runs clear. Hang dry then pop into the wash the next time you do laundry.
Only use cold water and never put them in the dryer.
You can also hand wash if you need to.
Most companies recommend an additional soaking after hand washing to make sure all soap is out of the material.
For the best care, however, follow the instructions on the company’s website.
Each company formulates its materials and each has different care instructions.
Tips to make your reusable period products last
We want to make these last as long as possible. They are predicted to last five or more years with proper care.
So we have to make sure we take care of them properly to get the most out of them.
Know your flow
A few tips I have are to know your flow. I mentioned this above, but this comes in handy.
Reusable pads and period panties aren’t cheap so make sure you buy what you need based on your flow.
If you feel blood coming out, bolt to the bathroom. I do this so that the flow goes in the toilet rather than on my pads and panties.
If they aren’t used as much, they will last longer.
Care for them properly
Rinse thoroughly in cold water immediately after each use. The longer the blood sits, the harder it will be to get it out.
Typically I bring these into the shower with me. I also rinse and soak them in the bathroom sink.
Use laundry bags for your period panties and reusable pads when you throw them in the wash.
Laundry bags will help keep the materials safe in the wash. And it will also make it easier for you to separate since they should not go in the dryer.
Keep in mind that stains do not mean it is dirty. Some stains just don’t come out.
I’ve read that if you leave them to dry in the sun, this can help reduce staining.
Reusable period products should lie flat when drying. This will help the material dry evenly.
Purchase when you can
I wasn’t able to buy up my stock all in one shot. Reusable period products are not cheap.
Make a plan to save some money. Buy reusable and replace traditional period products as you can.
As some of you may know, I work as a professional pet sitter.
Some clients tip so I saved and used tips to fill my stock.
I started with the reusable pads to see if it worked for me.
After success with these reusable period products, I bought my period panties.
Choose period products wisely
I bought the reusable maxi pads with inserts because my flow is quite heavy. I like to have the inserts just in case.
When you use reusable pads you should wear tight-fitting undies.
If the pad doesn’t sit tightly, you will have more leaking.
I’d recommend going with the hipster style period panties rather than briefs. I have not tried the thongs.
The briefs are quite large and can be uncomfortable in warmer weather when you sweat. The material will absorb your sweat as well.
So if the larger briefs are not washed right away, your sweat will develop an unpleasant smell.
Dear Kate makes full hipsters that have enough material for backup.
You should also get darker colors and no lace. Even with proper care, my lace ripped and it snags a bit.
The lighter colors will fade with time and show stains more prominently.
I understand it can be overwhelming at first, but please research it.
Reusable products are the way to go today. We need to focus on less waste and more sustainable living.
These reusable period products are much better for you and the environment.
Did you find these tips useful? Pin the image below to your Period Hacks board on Pinterest.
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References
Menstrual Tampons and Pads – FDA
The Facts on Tampons – FDA
