Buy Reusable Menstrual Pads
Cloth menstrual pads may seem unusual, but they have been used successfully by women for centuries during that time of the month. They decrease our effect on the environment and are simple to use; wear, fold them up in a neat little square, throw in the washer, and that's it! Fortunately today you can buy them pre-made and in pretty prints. However, before you splurge on a supply here are a few things to consider.
Contents
Steps
- Consider why you are shopping for reusable pads. If you want to primarily use cloth pads, you will need a large supply and larger sizes of pads. You also may want to look into waterproof linings, which although pricey, increase the wearing time of pads. If you are considering liners as backup for your menstrual cup or for discharge, you won't need that lining or thicker, longer pads.
- Research material. Waterproof linings are one thing to consider. Also consider whether you want a top layer of cotton or cotton flannel cloth on your pads. Cotton will tend to feel colder, while flannel feels warmer. If you associate coldness with wetness, flannel may be a better fit for you. However, cotton has a smoother texture more similar to most underwear. Take your pick.
- Guesstimate the correct size for your pads. Roughly measure your underwear widthwise, where you place disposable pads normally. Pads should be a little less wide or as wide as your panties. If length is important to you, measure the size of your preferred disposables.
- Buy a few trial pads. Scope out different websites and buy a few different styles, sizes, and patterns. This is a good way to test the waters, and figure out which kind you like best.
- Stock up on your favorite pads. There are lots of different venues to buy pads from. They range from extremely cheap to very expensive. Generally, you get what you pay for. There are very cute, cheap pads from individual sellers on Ebay and Etsy, but you can also use a search engine to find the main online retailers for cloth pads.
Tips
- If you purchase a pad and find it is not right size or not what you were expecting, see if the website offers returns. (Do not use the pad obviously!) Many will be nice and allow you to exchange the pad. However, it's best to buy the right size/type as you will have to pay for shipping several times.
- If you're interested in reusable menstrual products, but are a tampon user, consider trying a menstrual cup.
- If you are too cheap to buy and you're handy with a needle and thread, consider making your own reusable pads!
Warnings
- Don't leave soiled pads where your pets can reach them; they are attracted to the smell and will chew them up.
