Reusable tampon applicators for super plus extra/super ultra tampons/extra heavy flow

[Whyismycatanasshat]

Do these even exist?
Is anyone able to recommend a reusable applicator for those of us who need to use the super plus ultra/super heavy flow tampons?
Both Lillets and Dame applicators are only suitable for use with (up to) super tampons which really aren’t sufficient for me!
As my stocks of lillets with plastic applicators are rapidly dwindling, and despite many years of trying I can’t use non-applicators, I really need a solution!

Following! The lilets super plus extra with applicators are the only ones that work for me. I'm gutted that they've been discontinued.

How about investing in a pair of period pants OP? At least that buys you some time if your tampon leaks.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor

Yes, these have been mentioned, but don't work for the largest sized tampons - Super Plus Extra, and Ultra.

Oh shame😢

Oh no way, does this mean the super duper lillets have been discontinued???? They're the only ones that I've used in years and years and even they don't fully contain the flow. Savers still have them.....or did last month. Oh dear, oh dear.

Super-duper tampons are still around @frugalkitty , but not with applicators. And reusable applicators only work with tampon sizes up to Super Plus.

Cockle I like lillets because they don't irritate like most others I've tried, I think it's the stitching that I'm allergic to with tampax etc. And they actually expand widthways although I still go through one an hour or less on my heavy days.

I have three boxes left which means I need to crack on with some research. Very glad I saw this thread!

I'm so sorry you're going through this. And sorry I couldn't help there. I was a flooder all my days back before menopause and found the Mirena + super + pads gave me a few hours at a go. My DD follows my example and has tranexamic acid, period knickers and a long pad as well. My sister had a laser ablation which helped her in early 40s. Have you asked for any of this from GP? (They do fob us off though- only recently are things starting to centre women in a care plan).

@frugalkitty savers are selling the last of the lillet applicator stock unfortunately :(

Hello all; as promised I have returned to review the TOTM applicator; we may have a result!

I am reviewing and revisiting this post a bit earlier than expected, period arrived overnight so I’ve missed the perfect time to start tranexamic acid so this is going to be a rough one; probably ideal testing conditions actually, one of the many joys of being pill free to ttc I suppose… I digress…

Today we are reviewing the TOTM reusable applicator and it’s suitability for super plus extra and ultra tampons - specifically Lillets as that’s what I need; firstly it’s loading is different from the Lillets and Dame applicators, it that it’s side loading which gave me hope for a larger tampon capacity size fitting and no faffing at getting a string in the perfect place; the plunger is a good size and it has a good amount of plastic moulded into a little knob at the base to get a hold of when using, unlike Lillets and Dame applicators which rely on you pinching the base of the applicator tube itself.

The TOTM is a much more plasticity applicator so I’m not sure how long it will last in comparison to the other two which feel more robust.

The TOTM applicator seems to fit and release the super plus extra tampons quite well; still not as smoothly as a non-reusable applicator would but it definitely works unlike the Lillets and Dame. So far I’ve only used super plus extra, but as the non-applicator ultra tampons aren’t any wider I suspect they would work too.

Personally I’m not thrilled at the thought of using them in a public bathroom yet so may buy another so I don’t have to rinse them immediately. The cases seem very secure. Bonus points there!

Quick questions for the more regular Lillets users - I’ve only ever used Lillets applicator super plus extra; now I’m having to be using non applicator versions and have discovered the Ultra absorbency- are they much more absorbent than the super plus extra? They look the same size and shape! Thanks

And also, I was this afternoon days old
wheni discovered you twist Lillets wrappers to open them; not curse manically whilst trying to open them at the ends… :facepalm

Thanks for updating. I was watching the thread with interest before.

I'm still not sure. I have to use Ultra because I'm so heavy; I've no idea how ultra compares to the size of SPE...they have one more 'drip' rating, so surely they must be a little longer or thicker?

I'm s bit nervous because if the tampon sits tightly in the applicator, then there may be a bit of resistance when trying to use the plunger... I imagine having to push quite hard till it finally gives way and enters the hoo-ha with some speed and force which is quite scary!

Not sure why they can't make applicators for all of us ☹️

Just use a mooncup

@SmellsLikeMiddleAgeSpirit I can confirm the Ultra ones can be successfully used with the TOTM applicator; due to it having a cut away at the side, there is a lot less force required to get it to exit than with the other two on the market!
I have found myself pushing the plunger into to tampon before inserting so I must have a mini fear of the plunger going awry.

’Just use a mooncup’

Just back off? That’s a very unhelpful suggestion here. Mooncups are not for everyone.

This. If a cup or a disc did the job we’d be using them.

Also, in the midst of trying to avoid flooding, not wanting people to know you’ve got stuff going on, adding something that can be another layer of faff (emptying, rinse, refit) to the whole public/work toilet changing of product scenario isn’t top of my list.

Another one here who has recently discovered the combination of Lil Lets Ultra and a TOTM applicator! Sometimes I find the plunger gets a bit stuck but I always get it to work eventually.

Thanks for clarifying, OP... I think I need to invest in a TOTM applicator now!

Hi. A very late reply. But if anyone is still struggling..I found myself in exactly the same situation. Despite trying the non applicator tampons I just could not use them. Was getting desperate as the last of the Super Plus Extra Lillets were no longer available. Never suffered with heavy periods before but aged 47 I guess thats what hormones do. Anyway. I emailed Lillets asking if they had plans to introduce paper applicator tampons for the heavier absorbency and their response was no. They recommended their reusable plastic applicator but pointed out that they were not suitable for anything above the Super variety. I began to think I would just have to stay in 2 days a month as it was getting that bad but I bought the applicator. Think it ws around £18. After a few failed attempts ( since realised I had caught the string when I closed the applicator meaning it was not able to be released!), I can now confirm that the applicator takes the Ultra and the Super plus extra tampons. At first it's a bit resistant but two months in and while they are still not as smooth as the lighter absorbencies, it works without any problems. I have just come back from a long trip.in the far east where toilets were not always that great. Being able to use an ultra was a godsend. If you're still struggling, buy the reusable applicator. Im so thankful I did!!

@Suzierac
Thanks for that... was that the TOTM applicator you bought?

Hi no, sorry I should have been more specific. When I looked, that applicator was out of stock which is why I went to the Lillets one out of desperation! I have put a photo below. Without trying to sound dramatic, I really was in tears at the thought of having to use sanitary towels or go to the toilet every 30 minutes, so I just wanted to hopefully tell people who are also struggling that there is a solution:-)

Thanks @Suzierac
I'm a similar age, and going through the same. 😒

It sucks doesn't it! I thank myself very lucky to have not struggled at all until now and have even more sympathy for those women who suffer even before perimenopause:-( hopefully this will make a difference at least:-)