Tampax

[Pamdoo]

It's getting harder and harder to find the paper applicator ones? They seem to be promoting the plastic ones. I can't abide them as I find them really uncomfortable to put in and I can never get them in properly. You also get less in a box. Also I'm convince they aren't as good. Surely the plastic ones are not as good for the environment? Is it just me that prefers the cardboard standard ones?! I bleed like mad and the plastic ones don't cut it (except for my vagina when it slices me on the way in)

I agree. I used supermarket own brands for ages as they still do cardboard applicators. I've now switched to non-applicator and actually find them easier.

I always choose the cardboard applicator type. What are you supposed to do with the plastic applicators? Can they be washed and recycled?

Let me be the first to say: Mooncip :) they changed my life. Periods are so easy when you can basically forget about it for the whole day

I have no idea, I've just found the cardboard ones harder to buy now, near me nowhere still sells them except morrisons!

@ghostcurry are they effective for very heavy flow? I may get one to try at home, are they easy/ comfortable to put in?

Asda's own ones have cardboard applicators. Bought them by mistake for Dd and she told me the 80's had called wanting their tamping back 😳

Always thought tampax were a bit shit, uncomfortable when they expand and the pinch from the plastic applicator... yeah no thanks.

Have you tried non applicator tampons? I use Lilets or supermarket own brand, never looked back.

@grovee

I prefer the cardboard type too, for environmental reasons. I agree they are getting harder to find.

Yes a m9oncup is better for heavy flow than other options.

They are very easy to use after the initial learning curve.

Plastic applicators are an abomination, I have seen them on beaches in Scotland..ugh!

I switched to a Menstrual cup this year. Took me a few months to get the hang of it properly but it really does change your life.

You need to try a few options and find the best fit and experiment with changing etc. But they are great. I have one or two heavy days and it is so much better than tampons or pads.

Better for the environment, no packaging etc to worry about

Lillets applicator tampons are cardboard I'm sure.

femininewear.co.uk/collections/menstrual-cups

This has a range of menstrual cups, I started with a mooncup which was OK but bought a lunacup which is now my go to as it was a choice of stalks (mines a ring pull 😂)

Changed my life, I have hideous heavy periods since I was sterilised and it's amazing

I agree OP. I hate those plastic ones.

I have switched to supermarket own brand cardboard applicator ones now when I can't find the Tampax ones. Boots have a decent substitute.

Can't think why they do it given the scandal about plastic at the moment. If I had more time I would lobby them about t.

I may email them about it. They're also more expensive and you get less in a pack, which baffles me when 'period poverty' is also a big subject at the moment.

Mooncup user here too! Can definitely recommend.

I hate tampax, they expand lengthwise which I find less comfy than lil lets which are width wise. I do non applicator though. I am tempted by another mooncup. Hmmmm

Menstrual cups are the best! I bought one a few months ago, and after one cycle of getting the hang of it, I now absolutely love it! I wouldn't ever go back to towels or tampons.

I have a very heavy flow and use a menstural cup. It took me several months to get to grips with positioning it, but it’s worth persevering with. It won’t feel comfortable initially, but after a while, you won’t notice it’s there.

I hate the cardboard ones myself. They're longer and I can't use them comfortably.
I only just tampax pearl. I really couldn't care less about the plastic applicators tbh.

The prevalence of tampons with applicators is a very British thing. The vast majority of tampons sold in Australia don't have them - nothing wrong with using your finger! Far better for the environment.

That's nice @happymummy12345
Let's all not give a shit about how we're using up precious limited resources to chuck away into landfill.

I use plastic applicator tampons and I’m not prepared to stop.

However I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible in other ways.

I find applicator tampons too much of a faff. I use cotton digital ones. I do have a mooncup I am trying to use exclusively but I'm fairly new to it so far.