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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that reusable sanitary/incontinence pads are a waste of money

79 replies

JesusSufferingFuck22 · 01/03/2022 20:11

I really want to make the switch. I currently use Tena extra plus and my bathroom bin has never been so heavy! I've looked at multiple brands and on the surface they look good but when I read more of the reviews I feel like I'm going to regret any purchase I make. I'm a bit Confused about storing them in a bag an washing them but can get over that if they actually work, are comfortable and don't smell!
Is anyone really happy with their reusable pads?
TIA

OP posts:
SugarMiceInTheRain · 01/03/2022 20:14

I love mine. Tend to cause less irritation than disposable ones, leak less and are saving me a fortune. I was sceptical too so bought some fairly cheap ones off amazon or ebay or something as didn't want to spend a fortune on something I wouldn't keep up with (like I did with washable nappies) Hmm

MattHancocksPrivateNurse · 01/03/2022 20:14

I have only used a mooncup or cheeky wipes washable sanitary pads for over 4 years now and they are brilliant. If I get caught short and have to use a disposable pad of tampon now I absolutely hate them. Honestly it’s a great investment and makes a big difference with plastic waste. I can’t speak for incontinence ones though.

Branleuse · 01/03/2022 20:15

Yabu. Reusable pads and period pants are brilliant

WeDontShutUpAboutBruno · 01/03/2022 20:15

I am, I recently invested in some for my daughters and I, as well as moon cups.

I have really heavy periods and they are working absolutely fine for me. I find reusable pads are far more comfortable than disposable ones too.

LefttoherownDevizes · 01/03/2022 20:17

I really struggle with flooding and have never leaked with my reusable pads, they are larger, more secure and can cope with a sudden deluge much better than disposable pads.

More comfy and don’t rustle or rub too. Complete cover

TheProvincialLady · 01/03/2022 20:18

Washable sanpro is a thousand times more comfortable than disposable and smells a lot LESS. Plus I haven’t had thrush since making the switch 6 years ago whereas I used to suffer several times a year. I would never go back.

Why don’t you just buy one and see if you get on with it before committing to a whole set?

kwaziseyepatch · 01/03/2022 20:18

I prefer mine. They're baba and boo ones. Feel so much nicer than disposable pads

HW1989 · 01/03/2022 20:18

I use a menstrual cup and period pads and have done for a while. A million times better and more comfortable than tampons and pads.

chipshopElvis · 01/03/2022 20:19

I've used them for nearly 13 years now. They're not perfect but they work. I've saved heaps of money and I don't get thrush any more (used to get it regularly).

SantaMonicaPier · 01/03/2022 20:20

I've used washable for around 15 years. Not only are they better for the environment but they irritate me less and I only realised when I stopped using disposable. I made a lot of mine but I also have many from different brands that are still going strong after 8 plus years. They are hand made so heavier initial outlay but worth it. I found Luxury Moon carries some great brands, also Homestead Emporium but I had to import those from Canada. WeeNotions used to make amazing storage bags but not sure if they still do.

SoberSerena · 01/03/2022 20:21

I use them for my period and absolutely love them. Never use anything else. I like period pants best.

Turnitupto11 · 01/03/2022 20:21

I've used reusable pads and a mooncup for the past 10 years and would never change back. I have very sensitive skin and disposable pads always irritated my skin, but reusable ones don't. They don't smell and I just put them in a cloth bag in the washing machine, ready to wash with the next load.

Eileen101 · 01/03/2022 20:23

I prefer my reusable sanpro so much. It's more comfortable, smells less, quieter (as in, no rustling packets) and better for the environment.
I possibly have a higher ick factor though as I did cloth nappies with both of my kids.
Mine are Little Lamb.

Onionpatch · 01/03/2022 20:23

I find them so comfy compared to a disposable. But i do have a light flow.

WellJuhnelle · 01/03/2022 20:26

YABU - they are brilliant. I like the pants more than the pads but I will never go back to disposables now

Blossom64265 · 01/03/2022 20:27

They are a game changer.

I used to have to see my own because I am allergic to the disposables. Being able to buy commercial products is amazing.

Washing is easy and effective. Sun gets out stains. I’ve had an issue with odor once in 20-some years and it was quickly solved with a vinegar soak and then a regular wash.

My dd isn’t allergic, but when she got her first period, I offered to get her whatever she wanted. Despite the fact that she is still growing, I was happy to buy her period pants. At her age they probably aren’t the most cost effective option, but they are the most comfortable and they are very convenient. I’m not going to begrudge her that just because she is going to outgrow them and need the next size up.

Original poster
JesusSufferingFuck22 · 01/03/2022 20:29

@SugarMiceInTheRain

I love mine. Tend to cause less irritation than disposable ones, leak less and are saving me a fortune. I was sceptical too so bought some fairly cheap ones off amazon or ebay or something as didn't want to spend a fortune on something I wouldn't keep up with (like I did with washable nappies) Hmm
we're the cheap ones ok, or did you upgrade?
OP posts:
hibbledibble · 01/03/2022 20:29

Yabu. They save lots of money, as they can last virtually forever, compared to disposable products. They are also lots more comfortable, not to mention better environmentally.

GeneLovesJezebel · 01/03/2022 20:30

I found the period knickers smelly.
They’re ok for home, but I don’t wear them to work.

Original poster
JesusSufferingFuck22 · 01/03/2022 20:31

@TheProvincialLady

Washable sanpro is a thousand times more comfortable than disposable and smells a lot LESS. Plus I haven’t had thrush since making the switch 6 years ago whereas I used to suffer several times a year. I would never go back.

Why don’t you just buy one and see if you get on with it before committing to a whole set?

Yes, I just need to decide on which one! There's so many out there.
OP posts:
hibbledibble · 01/03/2022 20:32

@GeneLovesJezebel

I found the period knickers smelly. They’re ok for home, but I don’t wear them to work.
There is no reason why they should be smelly. How are you washing them?

A quick hand rinse, followed by a machine rinse and then a long 40c cycle does the job.

hibbledibble · 01/03/2022 20:32

Cheeky wipes pads and knickers are good

OmgIThinkILikeYou · 01/03/2022 20:34

Going to buy the knickers, I love my moon cup but would love to not put anything inside me.

Hugasauras · 01/03/2022 20:37

They are brilliant, so much nicer to wear and they don't smell. I have period pants and reusable pads from Cheeky Wipes and really like them.

SoberSerena · 01/03/2022 20:38

I had a mooncup for ages and far prefer period pants. It's all very personal though, but I definitely prefer not having to do the whole mooncup process. I don't think reusable pad or period pants were readily available then, so it was the best option available for me