To think tampax compact pearl

[dontbesillyhenry]

Have a huge design flaw or is it just my flaps that get pinched by the applicator ?

All the pearl ones give me back ache- they only expand width ways like lillets which I guess is the issue- I like traditional tampax which expand both ways! The plastic applicators last a bit longer in my handbag, but are awful for the environment so I try to get the cardboard ones.

I agree about single use plastic. Stopped buying.

The non-pearl compact ones are definitely better.

Pearl is not well designed, but please don't take against plastic applicators in general or try to get them banned. I couldn't use tampons at all until I found the plastic ones. Once I'd got used to those I could use cardboard, but if there weren't plastic ones I'd have probably been stuck with pads forever.

"there is just no need for a plastic applicator when a card one does the job."

I had a need for plastic the first few times. A re-usable one would work though. Please don't ban the plastic applicators all together.

I found them really uncomfortable. Normal ones are much better.

What are the benefits of the applicator?

Is it just so you don’t have to use your finger or does it have some sort of optimal positioning advantage?

Gets it right up where it needs to be - I tried using non applicator once and was poking around for ages trying to get it high enough so I couldn't feel it. Applicator straight up there, easy.

And no rummaging around in there with your finger

Tampax make an extra light one (purple) vs the regular ones (yellow) but only available in Compak, don't make the Lites in Pearl or cardboard

I can't use non-applicator ones. I had trouble when I was in Austria and they didn't sell applicators.

I've had the same problem with them, but I can't get the non-applicator ones in the right place and the cardboard applicator ones always seem to be twice the size of plastic applicator tampons and I can't get them in. Do they do cardboard applicator tampons that are the same size as the plastic ones? I've stopped looking because I must have wasted boxes of cardboard ones trying and failing to use them.

These are the only ones I can use. Do I feel guilt about using all that plastic? Yes I do but at the same time being able to carry on normally during my period I think it’s worth it.

Not sure how you can get around it. Someone once posted a link to a reusable silicone applicator that looked interesting but I didn’t purchase as wasn’t overly sure about the logistics of washing and keeping it clean etc.

Like a pp i can't seem to get on with non applicator ones.

For years and years i struggled on with normal tampax (cardboard). Always hurt me by day 2. They make me sore and miserable and they always try to get out once soaked!

Tried moon cup. No go.

Tried Lillets (with applicator). Perfect for me. Fantastic! But for some reason not long after i discovered them the Tescos round here stopped selling them We're rural and our nearest shop which does sell them is bloody miles away and sometimes has none.

Sooo recently i tried tampax pearl. I hate the fact they're one use plastic but my god the relief. Interesting to hear about the width only stretch like Lillets are .... that's why i get on with them then!

I'd be up for buying one multi use applicator per box Or buying one applicator separately? Rinse it off like a moon cup and reload for the next tampon.

TAMPAX CAN YOU HEAR ME? :)

Someone once posted a link to a reusable silicone applicator that looked interesting

Oooh!

Off to google.

How many people who are complaining about tampax pearl plastic applicators used disposable nappies with their kids?

I've tried mooncup and can't get on with it.

Also tried sponge tampons and can't get on with them either. If it wasn't for pearl I would have to use pads.

The cardboard applicator ones are rubbish.

I use non applicator tampons with a very heavy flow. I normally dampen a tissue before changing to wipe my hands if I think it will get messy. I could never get the hang of applicators.

These are in the top 3 things that wash up on beaches on the north Normandy coast. Bad enough they exist but them to flush them....

I prefer the cardboard applicator ones and I find the widthways expansion ones uncomfortable. But the cardboard ones are getting hard to find and I fear they will be discontinued.

I have seen the applicators on beaches, I think they should be banned

They really shouldn’t be banned.

I would however support boxes of tampons sold with reusable plastic applicators.

Sorry but I never, for the life of me, worked out why anyone needs to use an applicator?
Lillets were always so much easier and less wasteful and no oppotunity to cause pain!

Sorry but I never, for the life of me, worked out why anyone needs to use an applicator?

Because since I was stitched having DD I can’t use non-applicator tampons at all. I can’t physically get the angle needed to use one.

Please don't ban applicator tampons, I really can't imagine having to poke around with a non applicator one! I do use the cardboard ones though.

I haven't used the Pearl ones for a long time. Do they expand widthways like Lillets rather than lengthways like normal Tampax? I tried Lillets this month and they were so comfortable - until they gave me thrush...

I have issues since having my kids - i can't get the non-applicator ones into the right position and they don't stay in or I can feel them and they nip me inside.

Lillets all the way! I come from a “third world” country, where ALL tampons have cardboard applicators and paper wrappers. So much better for the environmentn

This is precisely the reason that,back in the days when I needed to use sanitary protection,I never used these! Just one look at that applicator put me right off.

This is a timely thread for me, cos the other day I had to fish someone's plastic applicator out of the toilet and put it in the sanibin thing. I was horrified, I didn't know plastic applicators had become a thing (50s, mooncup user before that). And no, I didn't use disposable nappies cos I only wanted cotton against my kid's bum, apart from the plastic.

It's just the whole 'why?' thing. My son's nappies were passed on to my sister, she used them with her two, she's passed them on too. Obviously we each lost a few along the way to staining, but by and large they saved us so much money, and were so much better for little bottoms. I can't help but feel the same about plastic applicators. You never got women moaning about the cardboard ones pinching.