washable sanitary protection

sashybo

I love my mooncup and would recommend it to anyone, I've been using mine for over a year now. It does take a bit of getting used to but it's worth it - no more tampons and that horrible dry feeling they give you.

I also use washable pads and find them a lot more comfortable as well. So many women seem very squeamish about the thought of reusables but the threads on this board really encouraged me to try both the mooncup and the washable pads so hope that they inspire others too.:T

ghostmadlittlemiss

I've just gone and bought 1 pad from Angel Tots to try it, so we'll see how it goes.

I didn't know these existed until an argument with my boyfriend over washable nappies. He thought the idea was totally gross and said something along the lines of, "What next, washable sanitary towels?" I'm kinda disappointed that they do exist though, I could've started my own business.
Kayleigh

blushingbride_3

i've just had a skim throught the post and its fab!
i have always said i would like to use washable nappies when i have kids so now i am thinking i should get some washable pads!

I have a mooncup, still learning as i find it hard to get out and end up having accidents!:( goo djob hubby is understanding, sorry if tmi

How good are these washable pads? do they smell? how do you change them if you are out? i.e where do you put them etc? also do they need changing more regularly than normal pads?
i would find the panti liner ones very good as i use panti liners most days.

where is best to get them and how long do they last?

sashybo

Hi blushingbride, I found this thread and others like them really helpful too. The mooncup can be tricky at first but it's really worth persevering.

I have some washable pads from www.peeweez.co.uk (just checked the site and can't find the pads now though ) which are pretty good and some from www.snazzypants.co.uk which are thinner. I'm sure there are a few links throughout the thread for other websites that sell washable sanpro as well though.

I find the washable pads are pretty good, I only use them when I'm the house or overnight but I know that the peeweez ones can be folded (so the messy part is inside) into a packet so you can change them whem out and about (The poppers on the pad act as fasteners).

I don't think they need changing any more regularly than normal pads but I suppose it would depend on how heavy your period was, like any pad. I know that the plain ones I got from snazzypants have two liners that you can put inside to make them thicker or thinner depending on flow.

I've had mine for over a year (I think - can't remember now, it could be two:o) and don't really know if they have a set life-span. I would think as long as they are washed properly and are still absorbent then they would last quite a while. Maybe it would be personal preference?

I soak my pads overnight in biological powder before washing and they seem fine to me - there can be a bit of staining but usually soaking helps to get rid of this. I think they still have a good amount of use in them yet.

I find the peeweez pads very absorbent but they can feel a bit bulky sometimes. The plain pads from snazzypants - might be popolino? - are much thinner and you can remove the inner pads - so can have one or two liners inside. These are the only ones I have tried but have had a look at other sites which look pretty good.

Hope this was of some help bb. :beer:

Oh and to find the pads on snazzypants click on browse shop and click on mum's things in there - will take you to different types of re-usable san pro.

kafkathecat

Hi
I have been using washable pads for approx 8 years and some of my pads are that old!. Popolino are quite cheap for anyone wanting to try. I have several different makes and they are all more comfortable than disposable. I have had no problems with leaking or smelling either!
If I am out all day I occasionally use a tampon otherwise I just take a plastic bag, no problems.

rosered1963

Hi all - I'm new here. I came across this thread by accident and was so intrigued that I decided to try buying some different pads from the sites mentioned here. I had never heard of reusable pads before!

About me: 45, awful painful periods - can't use tampons any more as so uncomfortable. I've heard the Mooncup is great, but I can't face it I'm afraid. For me, implants and Depo to stop periods are out of the question medically. I have to use pads. Have been using "Always" for 8 years now.

I have now received and tried washable pads from various suppliers mentioned on this thread. My favourites were a pack of all different shapes and sizes made up for me specially by an ebay seller (very reasonable if you buy a pack) who also sells on various websites - She goes under "Honour your flow" on various websites. I was so delighted with her things - so pretty and comfortable and I didn't feel awful going to bed at night wearing them in front of my husband! If anyone wants her email, please pm me as she doesn't have her own website yet, but I can give out email. It saves a lot on Ebay costs. I liked the other pads from other websites, but I'm afraid that money is short and they were too expensive to buy in singles, although they are good.

Also, I found I didn't have the symptoms I had using disposable pads that I had with Always: hotness and soreness is gone. Period pain does not last as long. Easy to wash and really no big deal for us women, who have so much to put up with! Sorry for the long post - just want to say thanks so much for everyone who posted here as I feel this has changed my life for the better.

sashybo

Hi rosered, glad this thread has been helpful - it and others like it really helped me too. I hope that it helps other women to try different methods of sanpro. :j

natashasprite

Hi!I am converted and bought a mooncup from boots yesterday...all good so far ,but it really hurts on removing it...any tips?

SusanC_2

natashasprite wrote: »

Hi!I am converted and bought a mooncup from boots yesterday...all good so far ,but it really hurts on removing it...any tips?

Try squashing it slightly as you pull it out so that the rim is not fully open (like a circle) but is squashed more like a semi-circle. This makes it less large when removing and ensures that there is not suction as the seal has been released.

redmandarin

This is a really interesting thread - well done to all the contributors!

As re-usable pads work out expensive, as you'd need to buy quite a few, I googled and found these!

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-make-your-own-homemade-sanitary-napkins-212407/
I like this site because it gives step-by-step video instructions - and she's a bit slap-dash with the cutting out and sewing, so it gives inspiration to everyone else who'll think "I can do better than that". Best of all her way is cost-free and environmentally friendly, because you don't necessarily need a pattern or have to buy fabric (you can use an old T-shirt) and you don't need a sewing machine (but you'll get a more professional finish if you do)!

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/make_your_own_pad.php
This has links to different types of patterns.

http://www.sckoon.com/clothmenstrualpads.html#different
I like these ones with inserts, and the design could be used as a guide when making your own (using a button fastening instead of a popper).

For those who have a bit of time, I think these ideas could be combined to achieve fantastic, individually designed pads - really cheaply!