Fellow washable pad users

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

I want to start a new line of reusable sanitary products and was hoping to get some feedback from some of my fellow mumsnetters. I've been a regular here since my son was born last year, but have name changed to talk about my business idea as it's very outing!

I currently use washable pads, but feel there is room for improvement on what's in the market.

What do you all think?
Likes and dislikes about the product you use?
Areas that could be improved?
Price point?

I'll take any feedback I can get! TIA

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

Bumping

[DomesticAnarchist]

I have some which slide backwards. No idea why, but it's infuriating.

So making some guaranteed to actually stay put would be a start.

[Jeffjefftyjeff]

I would like something that doesn’t slip. Not sure if that is even feasible. Like the dark pad bit (seen white ones and would never buy them). All the choices when I last bought seemed a bit zany - plainer colours would be good. Something that comes with a bit of blurb/ few statistics about how you’re saving the planet to make me feel good!

[PalePinkSwan]

Definitely a dark pad not white.

Mine have little labels on showing their size/absorbency, which I like. But it would be easier if the different sizes were different colours so they were easier to grab.

The designs tend to be garish or a bit hippy, I’d rather something plainer.

Organic fabric.

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

What about the practicalities when you are out and about? Would you like a wetbag with a side pouch for clean pads or would you prefer two separate bags? How many pads should the bag hold etc?

I'm not sure about slippage. I haven't really had this problem with the pads I've tried, but will take the info on board. I think the design I have in mind should avoid slippage due to the shape. Have you tried tighter knickers?

[ZibbidooZibbidooZibbidoo]

I’ve just ordered my first reusables from Etsy. Waiting for them to arrive. I agree with the designs being quite out there. Far too many unicorns, cats and superheroes. Lots of rainbows and tie dyes. Sweary messages. That’s all been covered so something plainer and less garish would be great.

[PalePinkSwan]

I’d like two sizes of pouches actually - one that just holds one pad and has a separate zipper bit for a used pad, and one for days out that can fit 3 clean and 3 used in a separate pocket.

Again I’d like the pouches to be reasonably plain or normal looking so that they look like a normal sponge bag rather than looking like something a 6 year old who just discovered glitter would carry.

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

Totally hear you on the designs! I feel the same!

[NannyR]

I like pads that are long but not necessarily bulky, super absorbency. I find with some brands of reusables that the length correlates to the absorbency, thin, normal pads are too short for me, if I buy a longer pad they can be too bulky.

I totally agree about the patterns, I don't want rainbows, cartoons and tie dye on my pads, just something plain.

[MrsRubyMonday]

I love my reuseables, charcoal bamboo fabric, black and grey paisley waterproofing on the back. My only complaint is that although I buy the high absorbancy, it's hard to find any that are shaped the way I need. I would like some that flare out front and back for night time (more at the back, like bum width, but almost triangular like the front of a pair of pants at the front), as things can get heavy and messy, which is why I use reuseables in the first place. I would also consider some form of grippy fabric on the back, as they can have a habit of twisting round underneath while trying to get everything situated..

[misscph1973]

I use mine with Diary Doll period pants. I would like some that are wider so that they fit with period pants. Period pants have a very wide gusset, a good thing, but the pads I have are slimmer, for normal pants I guess.

[slippermaiden]

I like the bright colours, and don't find any pads slip at all, I think tight, big () knickers helps with that? I do find them all very expensive though, £10 minimum for a 12" heavy pad is quite expensive! I would t be without them now though, used them for about 5 years and the ones I have still going strong. Definitely agree that width at front and back is important.

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

I'm bumping this again for more feedback. I'm going to be finalizing my design over the next few weeks. Any further thoughts?

[ThreeTwins]

I make my own pads as I could never afford to buy good wahm ones. I cant stand cheapy ones- all microfibre and plasticky. I don't get on with very flared/narrow middle pads as I am a middle bleeder- I need all the absorbency in the centre! Most of mine are straight, not too long with wide wings and PUL backs.

I find thick pads difficult to rinse out easily so have come up with a trifold style that washes well. Cotton jersey on the back grips Well, particularly in cotton knickers, and as above, tight fitting knickers help too.

I like patterned fabric- nothing too crazy but also not too dark, so I can keep an eye on flow.

A bit of blurb/tips/washing instructions might be helpful for newbies?

[30hours]

I have white pads and tbey haven’t stained. They’re towelling material which works much better than flannel.

[GreyCloudsToday]

I only wear reusables at night as the ones I have are bulky and slip massively (towards the back). They are annoying to wear with tighter trousers such as stretchy jeans. It's difficult to know what absorbency to go for and too expensive to buy loads and try them. Saying that I do really like them for night time ue to get a rest from tampons which can be quite drying. I didn't get on with a Mooncup sadly.

[SwayingInTime]

I have slippage issues too so never wear them out, just round the house and at night. I want to buy @threetwins pads though!

[bellinisurge]

I no longer need pads - post menopause- but my dd is about to start her periods. We discussed reusable pads and she was a bit dubious. I told her that it's entirely up to her but I would obviously help her with that or with any other choice she made - and to look at all options as she goes along. When I was still having periods I had never heard of them.
I guess what I am saying is that something that would appeal to young girls would be great . Planning to introduce dd to Precious Stars vlog as and when.

[fuzzyfozzy]

I'm fairly new and have one set from amazon.
I like the idea, mine don't slip but the whole thing is too wide. Ok if I'm in jeans but if I'm in a dress the underneath hangs down and rubs.
So maybe narrower or two poppers?

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

Thanks for the feedback ladies. From my research, I think it will be difficult to design the perfect pad that works for everyone as we all have different preferences and bleeding patterns. I'll do my best though!

It's such a shame about slippage issues! I've had these with some of my pads and it's very annoying! Period pants are great as you don't get that issue but not great for heavy flow, quite expensive and I don't think will last as long as a pad.

[SmallStepsBigChanges]

@ThreeTwins great design! Beautiful pad. It's fantastic if you can make your own.

[thefirstmrsdewinter]

I have some plain black cotton ones (Lunapads I think) where the wings are just extentions of the edge of the pad, and blood just wicks right round the wings which kind of defeats the purpose. It's the sort of design issue that makes you appreciate the role of plastic in the disposable pads.

I recently bought some Bloom & Nora pads (here: www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/bloom---nora/bloom---nora-reusable-bamboo-sanitary-pad---bloom---maxi/) which have piping around just the edge of the pad and the wings are separate underneath the pad, which seems like a better design to avoid the wicking issue. They're also more rigid/less floppy, which seems to help keep them in place.

I agree with pp re slippage. I wear the Lunapads back to front (so the longer bit of the pad is at the front) and they have still occasionally slipped back too far to be of any use.

For all the moaning above I do prefer reusable pads to disposables and wish I'd bought them sooner. So much nicer on my skin (no more rashes or chafing). Amazon is flooded with cheap microfibre rubbish purporting to be natural fibres so it would be nice to see more good quality brands out there. Ethical concerns (sweatshop-free, fair wages etc) are also important to me. Good luck with your project!

[UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername]

I have two brands; one slips all over the place but the other stays put. None of them are really big enough for the first couple of nights though; I find I'm leaking far more at night than I ever did with disposables. Not that I'd go back, mind you!

[S0upertrooper]

Op I don't use SP anymore but I sew and wonder if there is a market for a DIY kit? Maybe something that could be sewn with daughters to get them started? Good luck with your business idea!

[PoesyCherish]

OP have you started making these yet?

Some longer, thinner ones would be really good. I'm quite small and find the 6-7 inch ones are okay but anything longer then tend to be wider and the wings hang down and rub massively. I don't wear very tight fitting trousers so this gets quite uncomfortable. It's for this reason that in the new year I'm going to save up and buy a sewing machine so I can make my own.