FAQ's

Aside from the obvious fact that you don’t throw away reusable pads, there are several differences. Some of the main ones are that: Cloth pads have wings that snap into place; there’s no adhesive like with disposable pads. Cloth pads tend to “breathe” better than disposables because they aren’t made of plastic (although some cloth pads have a waterproof breathable lining). This makes them more comfortable than disposables. Cloth pads are more fun than disposables because you can get them in a variety of colors and prints to match your personal style.

While it’s a personal choice, there are several good reasons for switching to reusable pads. You can: Keep thousands of disposable feminine hygiene products out of landfills. Save money by not having to buy pads each and every month. Experience the comfort of wearing soft, non-synthetic fabrics next to your body. Have less exposure to potentially unhealthy chemicals. Never again deal with an adhesive wing getting stuck in the wrong place.

Most cloth pads are estimated to last up to five years if they’re properly cared for. Some people say theirs last even longer than that. That estimated five years is based on the assumption that you have a rotation of about 10 pads.

Many people think of wood when they think of bamboo and wonder how it can make for a comfortable menstrual pad. Fortunately, bamboo is able to be made into a very soft, silky cloth fabric. A great thing about bamboo is that it’s very fast growing, and thus, highly renewable. And it isn’t a target of pests, so it doesn’t have to be treated with chemicals like regular cotton crops.

The good news is cloth pads tend to say fresher than disposable pads. That’s because their fabric breathes which allows moisture to evaporate. Less moisture means fewer bacteria to produce unwanted smells. If you do notice an odd smell, common bacterial imbalances could be to blame. That’s something to check out with a doctor.

Most women can expect to deal with 35 years of menstruation during their lifetime. That can cost you thousands of dollars in products over time. When you switch to cloth pads, you’ll spend a lot less on feminine hygiene. Everyone’s cycle is different, and so is the age when they start to use cloth pads.

Cloth pads absolutely can be used for light incontinence. People with this issue usually need to wear some kind of protection every day. When they wear disposable, plastic-based products, they run an increased risk of getting yeast and bacterial infections, in addition to ordinary irritation and chafing. Cloth pads can be heaven-sent for people who need to wear a pad every day due to their comfort and breathability.

Most users of reusable cloth pads go on and on about how comfortable they are compared to disposables, which can feel clammy. Reusable pads are very soft and breathable. This exchange of air can leave you feeling dry and with less chafing and irritation. Some users say the breathability makes them much cooler to wear than disposable pads, with their heat-trapping plastic parts.

It all depends on the pads. Some pads are made leak-resistant by the thickness of their fabrics. Other cloth pads have a waterproof lining, so they require less cotton fabric than pads with no waterproof backing. The thickness of the pad also varies based on the flow level the pads are designed for.

They sure can. They may want to start with pantyliner or small size pads to see how they like them. Starting early with cloth pads can help young people to feel in control of their cycles, and teenagers love the many colors and prints of cloth pads.

Typically, the most important factor is the absorbency level of the pad. You can go with a thinner pad with lighter coverage if you have very light flow or just need a backup for a menstrual cup or tampons, and go for thicker pads if you have a heavier flow. One way to get started is to measure the disposable pads that you like and order similar sized cloth pads.

Cloth pads are made to be very absorbent. They’re typically made with wings that snap around the underwear to keep the sides of the panties dry. Topsy Daisy pads include a waterproof backing but believe it or not, it may be not necessary depending on your flow level. Of course, just like disposable pads, you need to change them out before they become totally saturated. After wearing reusable pads for just a short while, you’ll have a good idea of how often you’ll need to change them.

You will probably need to change your reusable pad one to six times a day. You’ll know it’s time to switch out the pad if it starts to feel wet next to your skin. Naturally, the heavier your flow, the more often you’ll have to change pads. The lighter your flow, the longer you can get away with between changes.

Thanks to the wings with snaps on our pads, they fold up into perfect little squares that you can pack away in your purse. You probably will want to carry a plastic baggie with you when it’s your time of the month. You can use an ordinary Ziploc or plastic grocery bag. A super cute option is to use our waterproof carrying pouches that you can buy together with your pads.

Yes, in fact, cloth pads can be extremely absorbent. If you have a favorite overnight disposable pad, take a measurement of it and then look for one of our cloth pads that’s the same length or longer.

Unfortunately, no. Just like disposable pads, cloth pads will absorb the water, making them soggy and ineffective for period protection. However, a menstrual cup is a great alternative when you want to go swimming during your time of the month.

Yes, it’s recommended to wash your pads before wearing them for the first time. This will remove any fabric sizing and enhance the fabric’s absorbency. You only need to wash them one time before wearing.

Washing reusable pads is as simple as cleaning any other items of clothing. Washing pads might seem weird at first, but after doing it a few times, it’ll become status quo.

You can wash the pads during your cycle as you go through your stash or launder them all once your period ends. Basically, just wash them whenever is the most convenient for you.

This will vary based on the particular fabrics that make up your pads; however the majority of pads can be machine dried on a low or medium setting. You can also air dry pads but just like with any item that’s air dried, the pads might feel slightly stiff initially. Try to avoid leaving your pads in direct sunlight for extended lengths of time. The sun can bleach out the colors of your pads or damage waterproof backing materials.