To wonder why more people don't use cloth sanitary pads?

[Bex107]

They have changed my life, and I'm so sad I didn't discover them sooner! When my periods came waltzing back just three months after DS arrived I couldn't bear the thought of tampons or plasticky towels, but I couldn't find anyone I knew who'd used cloth. They are bloody (!) wonderful, if you're considering it give them a go - I wish I'd had someone to tell me that!

Just no

My decision.

Yuk sticking with my towels. Its bad enough having a period without playing around with it. I find towels simple and easy to use. They cleanly fold on themshelves into the bin. Easy! No mess.

I don't fancy cloth pads or moon cups. However I have invested in a couple of pairs of Diary Doll pants which are very nice. And close fitting.

I don't know why but I just couldn't which is silly really. I love the menstrual cup I have and it's seriously changed my periods for the better but I can't be doing with more washing and drying than I already do. I also can't work out the logistics of it all.

I do think if you are going to do cloth pads you won't get away with carrying a small handbag, or indeed no handbag.

This has been really interesting reading as I had no idea that cloth pads were a thing. I'm going to look in to it for 11yo dd who started her periods last week and found pads really uncomfortable.

Can anyone recommend any for teens? We've been using the lil-lets teen range as they're shorter in length than normal ones.

How do moon cups work if you have quite a bit of clotting?

Tampons only. Ever.

It's great we have lots of options. Not so great that sometimes people start thinking everyone should make similar choices for menstrual products.

Mooncup anyone? Reusable, hygienic, odourless

Anyone have any experience of using reusable post partum pads?

No ta Oomph. Not for me.

I've been meaning to try them for a while as I don't like the thought of all the chemicals they use in disposable towels these days.

This has given me the final push to do it, going to check some out now....

I have vaguely thought about using them. Perhaps I will have another look. I use Cottons pads which have no dyes, chemicals, fragrance in the top layer because I found other pads irritating.

Nope. Just no. Why? because by the time I get up and get home from work it's normally 12 hours and I have no desire to have several bloody bits of cloth sitting in my handbag in a warm office for that long even if they are in sealed bags. (And have the worry of them shifting when I'm sitting down and so bleeding all over the place on my work chair).

I'm shocked at reading people wan these pads at 30 degrees, it really is not a high enough temp to get them properly clean. Even the NHS recommends 60 to ensure all bacteria is killed or 40 degrees if using a bleached- based washing product.

From NHS.co.uk
"To prevent the spread of germs, all underwear, towels and household linen should be washed at 60C (140F) or at 40C (104F) with a bleach-based laundry product."

they don't specifically talk about washable sanitary products but I'd presume they'd be included in this list.

Fair enough, sparkling. I've had mine for 8 years and wonder how I managed before!

And to answer your original question OP, more people don't use them because they aren't exactly convenient, I for one don't want to be carrying around blood stained pieces of cloth in my handbag, all day long.

Yuck disgusting, you put dirty bloody pads in with people's washing without rinsing them. Yucky and unhygenic. At least wash them in the machine separately.

bakeoff how many people actually do that? I rarely use 60c washes, but do use mio fresh occasionally, which does sanitise.

Just out of interest how many cloth pad users can reliably flood a pad, and require a mooncup and pad due to their flow, which consistently makes them anaemic.

That's why i won't use them.

I always wash my bedding, towels and underwear in a 40 wash with biological washing liquid. I would contemplate washing on anything lower. Many of my friends and family do the same.

I'm not sure about everyone else but if you are washing at 30 , you aren't cleaning them properly!!

*never contemplate

Wondering why isn't unreasonable. But there are many, many good reasons why, as provided by PPs.
Personally I hate pads of any type (literally had a kicking, screaming tantrum age 12 when my period came and I put a pad in my knickers and realised how horrendous they felt to me. I insisted my mum let me try tampons instead.) I survived (and hated) disposable maternity pads for the lochia, but anything other than cotton knickers twixt my thighs drives me mad.
And mooncups are expensive and seem like a hassle, and the idea of having something popped open inside my vagina all day just grosses me out. And leaks? And getting it out??
No, it's super-slim non-applicator tampons for me, thanks! Although right now I'm on a continuous dose of the combined pill, so periods are not a thing!
I'm glad there are loads of options available for women, but I'm not glad of the "my method is superior" people (not saying anyone here is doing it, but I notice it a lot online.)
And also, regarding what a pp or two said - my menstrual blood does have an odour. All blood has an odour in large enough quantities, according to my nose

Fauchelevant are you saying that choice of sanitary protection affects anaemia? I don't get this at all...