Sainsbury's is selling Period Knickers!

[morrisseysquif]

I'm past that stage of my life but I thought I'd post this for those who haven't.... apologies if this isn't news!

here

Ok, TMI post so scroll on by those who are squeamish.

I have very heavy periods. Lots of clots. When I use a mooncup, I have to empty it every hour for the first two days of my period.

When I changed from using tampons to using a mooncup, my whole period changed. I used to have heavy flow for 7-9 days, no lighter days at all. With a mooncup, it changed to really heavy for the first two days, then lighter flow for 3/4 more days. When I changed to period pants, it has changed a little, bit I have noticed that rather than my flow changing, it’s more that I lose blood when I go to the toilet (and I feel the need to go more often - oddly roughly in line with when I used to have to empty my mooncup) so although I do obviously lose blood into the period pants, there is an awful lot that goes straight down the toilet. And clots are often wiped away.

I drive a lot, and cannot access a toilet for up to 3 hours, and in those circumstances, my period pants hold out. Yes, I c an feel the blood/clots/whatever leaking into my pants, but just the same as when using a pad. Oddly enough, I always hated using pads - went straight to tampons from my first period, and only ever used pads post birth (and couldn’t wait to get back to tampons/mooncup once I’d switched), but for some reason, this feels very different. The pants are definitely a lot more comfortable than disposable pads. I have recently trialled reusable pads in case my dd2 wants to try those out (so I can truly know if reliable) and again, they are so much more comfortable.

Period pants really do stand up to heavy periods and clots.

@cologne4711 , you can buy really long really wide pads for night time. Have a look at some of the makers suggested below. They often refer to post partum pads but that is often just heavy flow.

I use the Knix brand and find they are great as tampon back-up and one their own for the last day or two when flow is light.

I was always a tampon user, but as periods got heavier post DC I started needing a back up pad for the first day or two. Having period pants means I still have the security of no leaks but I can stop buying/using pads.

The pants are much more comfortable than having a pad down there.

Yes they are expensive but so is buying pads every month!

@ElfDragon thank you for your candour- really helpful!

I forgot to thank you @ElfDragon . That was massively helpful

Thank you to all who've posted advice on here, I might try a pair and see how I get on.

Are the rest of them like the Innersy ones that people are linking to on Amazon? They specifically state they are to be used with pads/tampons and that they don't replace them.

I thought the point was that you don't need tampons/pads if you use them.

@JeezyPeeps I was thinking the same thing. They're quite clear you're not meant to use them alone.

Glad it's not just me! Seems pointless to pay out for expensive period pants if you still have to pay for pads or tampons.

These are the ones from Amazon that I bought - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WZQ7DPL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?psc=1&th=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

Do you find they work alone @Ulysses or do you use tampons/pads with them?

I can't use tampons, my Mooncup isn't the same since having DD and I'm using pads because there's nothing else but I hate them. Period pants is the next step.

Really interesting thread- thank you.

Can reusable pad wearers please let me know if these pads are the same length as disposables? I have a long gusset!!

Is bamboo better than cotton?

I don't get on with disposal STs with wings (but probably due to the itchy scratchy plastic) so am I likely to dislike reusable pads and therefore should I try pants instead?

I generally have a light flow so use pads not tampons.

I only just bought them @MushroomTree so have used them on days 3-5 but I couldn't feel any dampness and was able to forget I was on my period.

I suffer from superheavy periods though so anticipate using them on the first couple of days with other protection (or changing more frequently). They are made from bamboo so are lovely and soft as well.

I’d never use these without a pad or tampon - they would be awash! They are fantastic for night time and my daughter had very heavy periods and at school she can’t always get to the loo in lessons so these stop accidents happening and give her the confidence that she’s not going to bleed through.

Thanks @Uylsses. How many pairs did you buy?

I got just 2 pairs as I was just wanting to try them out, and machine washed them and put them in the airing cupboard to dry overnight. I'm definitely going to invest in more though.

DD14 has just started her period so I am going to get some for her but will look at the less granny style pants!

Thanks. I think I'll order some. I've got the period from hell right now and horrible scratchy plastic pads aren't helping my mood.

Couldn't think of anything worse. I have been given them for girls in my school but they will be staying in my cupboard. Too much period poverty in my school. I have a good supply of pad and tampons for anyone who needs them.

"Can reusable pad wearers please let me know if these pads are the same length as disposables? I have a long gusset!!"
You can invest in ones customised for your size. Look on Etsy and Folksy.

Commiserations @MushroomTree . I'm away to the gynaecologists today about my periods. They've been playing havoc with my wellbeing. Being comfortable whilst having them has helped though.

I’d never use these without a pad or tampon - they would be awash

Do you have ones designed to be used on their own, or ones designed to be used as backup? The more expensive ones seem to be designed to be able to be used alone.

My dd 12 uses period pants on their own.

They are OK, but sizes are restrictive and they do not hold much. If you have a heavy flow, avoid.

Dd also uses pads - some bought but some I have made for her 😇

I didnt get in with the thinx knickers when I tried them, just because my flow is too heavy tbh and it's stupid but I dont like how the lining is black, I would rather see how close I am to soaking through, sorry if that's a but tmi but theres a reason disposables are white and you can see what's going on! Howrver, I use Honour Your Flow reusable pads in conjunction with moon cup and i love them. I used to hate disposables, all that manky plastic in your underwear, utterly gross. Having proper absorbent natural fabric next to your skin feels so, so much better for any length of time. You can get the honour your flow pads with an underlay of either plastic or very dense wool and the wool I find surprisingly effective and doesn't soak through even overnight, so it's a totally plastic free solution.

For those that are wondering how to wash these things best, what I do is have a flip top bin in the bathroom which I put my reusable pads in once used. At the end of my cycle I soak in cold water and then wash in the normal way, possibly with a random amount of mild laundry bleach if it comes to hand. Very easy and not in the least grim.