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Any suggestions for period pads that are less irritating to wear

19 replies

KeyleftinCar · 27/04/2026 12:35

I started some new medication two months ago and since then have been utterly miserable when I have my period. It started again yesterday and I'm finding no matter which pads I use, they irritate me badly. I've tried maternity pads, Bodyform (which I've used for years with zero issues), Always sensitive, cotton pads and Flo "natural" pads which were the worst of all.

I've just ordered some Dame washable pads which are currently being rinsed through in the washer. I have period pants but only a couple of pairs- I'm size 28 currently after a long period of ill health and not many brands go so big. I can't use anything internally so tampons, cups and such aren't an option unfortunately!

I'm open to any other suggestions please! I have discussed this with my GP and there's no physical issues - I think I've just become really sensitive to the texture of the pads!

Thank you!

OP posts:
WhatNextImScared · 27/04/2026 16:39

I would try a range of period pants and also change them regularly

Dugs2010 · 27/04/2026 16:40

Dunnes Stores do their own brand pads, more for leakages but absolutely brilliant, cannot cope with the irritation from others!

jumpingjohnny · 27/04/2026 16:45

Google theperiodlady. They started as thenappylady with cloth nappies but now have a separate site for CSP (cloth sanitary products).

I used to suffer with UTIs and thrush quite regularly but haven't had either since switching to cloth 8 years ago.

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Icecreamandcoffee · 27/04/2026 16:45

Washable reusable pads. There are allsorts of shapes and sizes available nowadays to suit all body sizes and period heaviness. I only use reusable washable period pads and period pants now and it is so much more comfortable.

LittleNoosh · 27/04/2026 16:47

Yoni.
They’re free from nasty chemicals and plastic and really soft.

Pistachiocake · 27/04/2026 16:47

Some of the knickers come in bigger sizes, not sure all ranges do, but I find Luna and ModiBodi comfortable.

Blarn · 27/04/2026 16:51

Cheeky Wipes period pants go up to a size 30 and they often have offers on to make buying them a bit more economical. I remember after giving birth I wore Kotex pads, they were very chunky but actually surprisingly comfortable and very soft. No scent either.

KeyleftinCar · 27/04/2026 17:50

Thank you! I've ordered some from Cheeky Wipes!

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Inmyownlittlecorner · 27/04/2026 17:53

I’ve started using Enroush. I’ve got a subscription with them now. Both DDs & myself have noticed a difference in our periods. We’re not as heavy & there’s no itchiness or irritation that we’d all get with other sanitary towels. Flo are good too.

7238SM · 27/04/2026 18:05

That sounds really tough OP. Could you use hormonal control so you don't have periods at all?

This might be a weird suggestion, but have you tried incontinence products? Its likely the exact same materials as menstrual pads but might be worth a try. The always discreet underwear XL are for sizes 22-28+. TBH- I don't know if there is a difference between menstrual pads and incontinence ones?

Branleuse · 27/04/2026 18:06

I like M&S period pants

stichguru · 27/04/2026 18:11

See how you get on with the washables. I changed years ago for environmental reasons, but they are 100 times more comfy than disposables. I would never go back. Now I am in early menopause, no more blood, but random wet discharge so I need to wear something a lot of the time, and they really don't bother me at all.

KeyleftinCar · 27/04/2026 19:23

Branleuse · 27/04/2026 18:06

I like M&S period pants

I have a pair of those and the seam drives me utterly batty.

I've got some mooncup brand pads which aren't irritating me ATM!

OP posts:
namechange0998776554799000 · 27/04/2026 19:31

i buy washable pads from Honour Your Flow. I've used them for years and my periods are so much lighter when I use them vs plastic pads. They feel just like cotton underwear so zero irritation and I prefer them to period pants as I can change as often as I like with no hassle.

I bought a couple of their waterproof zip up bags and I keep two in the bathroom: one with clean pads, one for dirties. When I change a pad I put it straight in the dirties bag (no rinsing), then every couple of days I put the whole bag (unzipped) in a load of washing along with other undies etc. They come out clean and go straight in the tumble dryer, come out perfect. Because the bags are sealed there's no smell or anything.

When I'm out & about I take a smaller wash bag in my handbag with another one for dirties and follow the same process.

I would never go back now, I can't believe women are still using plastic pads now there are alternatives! So many out there who have no idea how much better life could be without them.

ohyesido · 27/04/2026 19:44

I don’t need them anymore thanks to a successful ablation, but I suffered awful chafing and discomfort from pads. One day I started using the maxi night towels without wings (happy accident after DH did the grocery shopping) and they were so so much better and more comfortable. I think the make was Coty

OP posts:
KeyleftinCar · 28/04/2026 02:31

I've honestly spent a fortune on Amazon trying different things to figure this out 😆

Any suggestions for period pads that are less irritating to wear
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