Make the switch to reusable menstrual pads for home and travel
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Considering making the switch to reusable menstrual pads but not too sure about practicality and effectiveness? Unsure how you can use these away from home?
This post will answer questions about how to use reusable menstrual pads at home and during travel.
What are reusable pads?
Reusable pads are made from fabrics such as bamboo and cotton with a hidden plastic liner to prevent leakage. Many brands make reusable pads now but I suggest looking for brands that use organic unbleached materials.
Just like regular pads there are a range of sizes for different menstrual flows and panty liner sizes. Fasteners on the wings ensure the pad stays in place and doesn’t slip around.
Why make the switch?
Environmental
Have you ever considered how may disposable menstrual items you will use in your lifetime? Consider all that waste that ends up in landfill:
- wrappings / packaging if not recyclable,
- adhesive strip backings,
- applicators (if you use them), and
- the actual product
National Geographic estimate that between 5,000 – 15,000 pads and tampons are used by an individual in their lifetime!
Even just swapping 50% of your items makes a HUGE difference over time. For example, you may still want to use disposable items for heavy days and use the reusable pads for lighter days.
Fabric is better than plastic
Most reusable pads are cotton or bamboo which is much nicer against your lovely private bits than plastic based products that may also be bleached.
Do they feel wet?
Initially I was sceptical about whether the pads would effectively draw the moisture away. Surely they would feel wet!
Whilst I did notice some wetness when they were ready to change, they didn’t feel squishy or uncomfortable.
Do they leak?
Leakage was not an issue but if you have heavy periods you may need to change them more frequently. For heavy flows you could use a menstrual cup and liner/pad combo. Pads can be found in a range of sizes to cover different flows.
The pads generally have wings that fasten around the underwear to keep them in place. This reduces the risk of leakage and the pad sliding around.
Are they hygienic, do they smell?
They are completely hygienic and odourless if you follow the care instructions. On a side note, I have heard from a friend that reusable pads do smell if you use them for incontinence and you need to change them straight away.
Do they feel thick to wear?
The thickness of the reusable pads can take some time to get used to. But in time it will feel weird to wear a disposable pad again!
Do they get stain?
Even after years of use there were no stains on the products. Magic maybe? Make sure to follow the washing instructions.
Isn’t it gross to clean them?
Nope! This was probably my biggest ‘icky’ factor before using the product. But I told myself it couldn’t be worse than when I was cleaning cloth nappies! And it was seriously fine.
Any clumpy bits can be removed first with toilet paper and dropped straight in the toilet. Then give them a rinse and stick them in a bucket to soak. Wash them in the washing machine and hang out to dry. Ensure the instructions for washing are followed.
TIP | Save water by giving them a first rinse while you are in the shower!
Continue reading to find out how to store and clean the pads while away from home.
So…I just stick a dirty pad in my handbag if I am out?
Reusable pads can be folded into a square and fastened as a cute little bundle.
My system was 2 zippered pouches, one for clean pads and one for dirty. This keeps the clean and dirty pads separate until you are ready to clean them.
My pouches were not waterproof and I never had any issues with leakage.
Are they really worth the money?
If money is going to be defining factor then do your maths before investing. Women spend around $200 – $250 per year on disposable pads and tampons depending on choice of brands (cheaper vs organic) and rate of use.
The menstrual pads range from $13-$20 for liners to $23-$30 for super overnight. Reusable pads should last 3-5 years which is definitely going to be a cost saving.
So it’s upfront expenditure for longer term savings.
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How can I travel with them?
Provided you have a way to wash the pads you can definitely take them travelling. But keep in mind that you need to be able to dry them properly before storing.
If you are travelling and won’t have access to washing/drying facilities then a menstrual cup will be a better option. Menstrual cups can be used all day and rinsed out before the next use. You sterilise them in boiling water between periods which makes them easy to care for. I personally would vote for the menstrual cup in a pads vs cups competition.
Feel like you might be embarrassed about washing pads at a hotel/shared laundry? Why not try menstrual underwear? I loved period underwear (before I went through early menopause!) for the ease of use. They look and feel like normal underwear at a cost of around $25-35 each. Although prices seem to be dropping as more brands are making period underwear.
Where to purchase
This review is based on the adeii range which I purchased from a local store, however I can’t seem to find them online anywhere to provide a link. Similar products can also be found at biome (I seriously love this online store!).
Health food shops generally stock reusable sanitary items too if you want to try and shop local.
Not convinced yet?
If you really aren’t ready to move to reusable menstrual pads then try and choose products that are made from natural unbleached fibres. Even swapping to a product in recyclable packaging is better than plastic packaging. Also skip the plastic applicator for tampons!
Not sure about the pads? Try menstrual cups or menstrual underwear and see if that works for you.
As mentioned above, even if you can swap some of your products each month it will make a huge difference over your lifetime!
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