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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:
TheCraicDealer · 01/03/2022 22:24

If you find your reusables "smelly", make sure you're not washing them with fabric conditioner. Therin lies the path to success. The fabric conditioner coats the fibres which allows smells to develop and reduces the fabric's absorbency.

I've been using WUKA pants for a year and really like them. I wash them in a load with cleaning cloths and towels, so with bio powder and no fabric conditioner. No issue with smells and I've never leaked.

MrsTumbletap · 01/03/2022 22:26

The period pants from Primark are fantastic. Will never use pads/tampons again.

So easy, just put on your knickers and you are done!

Upwardtrajectory · 01/03/2022 22:37

I agree with a pp - don’t get fleece topped pads, they were sweaty and smelly and too bulky.
My biggest problem with reusable pads is the wings - I’ve never had a pad leak through the bottom of the pad but it tracks around the wings in seconds and then wicks onto clothing from there.
I’m currently trying some wingless ones from Etsy, which seem much better.

NCforThis2022 · 01/03/2022 22:42

I have the primark period pants for 3 months , and I love them. I am going to upgrade, probably to modibodi ones, but I wanted to try something cheaper before committing. I can get quite sore around my abdomen during my period, but I felt that the period pants had a support there than regular underwear generally doesn't.

Tilltheend99 · 01/03/2022 23:26

I’m interested to know, when people say they have heavy periods, could you fill a nighttime towel within an hour? You say that the pants are better for preventing flooding but if you were out and about would you need to change your period pants every hour or do they hold more? Genuinely interested as here a lot about moon cups and period pants but am a bit sceptical that they would be useful for very heavy days.

pawpaws2022 · 01/03/2022 23:35

@crispsarny

These are great www.honouryourflow.co.uk/ excellent quality, small independent UK business Smile
Second these I also like rag hag on Etsy
pawpaws2022 · 01/03/2022 23:36

@Tilltheend99

I’m interested to know, when people say they have heavy periods, could you fill a nighttime towel within an hour? You say that the pants are better for preventing flooding but if you were out and about would you need to change your period pants every hour or do they hold more? Genuinely interested as here a lot about moon cups and period pants but am a bit sceptical that they would be useful for very heavy days.
I use reusable pads, honour your flow do the best ones for heavy days and mine are heavy The kind where you want to brace if you cough or sneeze or stand up BlushGrin I've never ever had a leak with the honour your flow ones and I have with tampons and normal pads
Oysterbabe · 01/03/2022 23:39

I have modibodi but I only wear them on the first and last day while the bleeding is not enough for a mooncup. I got fed up of the constant washing and having to carry spare pants or bloody pants in my bag.

gogohm · 01/03/2022 23:41

I have modibodi and use them for san pro and stress incontinence. I'm similar situation to you. I have the heavy flow ones that last a full day for me

cuno · 01/03/2022 23:44

I've been wanting to buy period pants but don't know where to start as there's a lot of brands. The initial purchase is expensive for me as well so want to get it right first time.

Original poster
JesusSufferingFuck22 · 02/03/2022 00:17

@Upwardtrajectory

I agree with a pp - don’t get fleece topped pads, they were sweaty and smelly and too bulky. My biggest problem with reusable pads is the wings - I’ve never had a pad leak through the bottom of the pad but it tracks around the wings in seconds and then wicks onto clothing from there. I’m currently trying some wingless ones from Etsy, which seem much better.
How do the wingless ones stay in place?
OP posts:
Original poster
JesusSufferingFuck22 · 02/03/2022 00:23

@cuno

I've been wanting to buy period pants but don't know where to start as there's a lot of brands. The initial purchase is expensive for me as well so want to get it right first time.
I'm the same. There's just too much choice. Some are just straight up too expensive to just try.
OP posts:
PenStation · 02/03/2022 00:29

Period pants are a total game changer for me. Love my Modibodi ones. I’ve had them for about a year and they are as good as new.

DumpedByText · 02/03/2022 00:35

My DD (14) uses Modibodi period pants, she swears by them. Comfortable, no leaks, no smell and we don't have to buy pads etc

They do incontinence pants to, take a look on their website. They are not cheap though, we have 10 pairs and they last her whole period with spares.

AmoozedBooze · 02/03/2022 00:36

A quick hand rinse

Unfortunately that’s not possible for me. The instructions say to rinse until the water runs clear but even after 5 minutes of rinsing the water is still quite dark red. On my heaviest days I have to use about 7 pants and that’s way too much water wastage.

Cabbagepie · 02/03/2022 02:04

Really wanted to like reusble pads but just didn't work for me as they moved around so much that leaks were inevitable. This was inspite of wearing close fitting knickers and trying turning the pad round to take advantage of the fabric nap as advised.

LimeSegment · 02/03/2022 02:31

I use period pants and I really like them. However I agree with you that they don't save money. If cost is the biggest concern, you can get a pack of the cheapest pads or tampons on sale for £1-2. So it would take a few months to break even on a reusable product, and you need to have 5+ of them. Many people have 10+ and have brought them a variety of brands and styles.

There is also an element of greenwashing there, with the sellers always advertising more styles, colours, designs etc basically saying "the more you buy, the more you save the environment".

Luckily cost isn't the biggest concern for me in regards to San pro, so I find them great.

Nat6999 · 02/03/2022 03:18

Reusables may be ok for periods but are useless for bladder incontinence, I have an overactive bladder & bladder spasms & the only thing that keeps me even nearly dry are tena maxi night pants or the Boots stay dry maxi night pants, I still get the occasional leak but manage most of the time. I would love to be able to wear reusables & normal knickers but they are no good if you loose a full bladder.

Latenightreader · 02/03/2022 07:56

My physio gave me a pair of incontinence pants she had been sent as a sample and they were worse than useless. I can’t remember the brand sadly, but even a tiny drip made them feel soggy and unpleasant, and after walking for a few minutes with small leaks I had to change them because they soaked through. I use a moon cup, but disposable pads for that.

Sammilouwho · 02/03/2022 08:09

I use cheeky wipes period pants and love them, I used them after giving birth too and they've been great. I've had them maybe 2/3 years and they're still in great condition. I've never noticed any smells and nobody has said anything to me, i don't normally rinse them out fully either (I do put them on a quick 15 minute wash with towels/tea towels and then a longer wash though)

crispsarny · 02/03/2022 09:23

@JesusSufferingFuck22 Honour Your Flow do happy hour with discounts, just sign up to be informed, they also do discounted end of lines/colours which is what I originally purchased to get a feel for them. If you follow their sizing though you can’t go wrong, they cater for women of all sizes, issues, heavy flow, bladder problems etc. I tried some other brand before with wings they were rubbish, moved about, HYF have wings, very secure, they stay put, do not move about, they do different backings, lovely colours, soft & gentle skin friendly fabrics.

Upwardtrajectory · 02/03/2022 12:38

Jesus
How do the wingless ones stay in place?

Some have those sticky pads on them, like you get on the bottom of slipper-socks. The ones I’m trying now have thin ribbons rather than whole wings, which have been fine so far.

EvilPea · 02/03/2022 12:41

I’ve just bought period pants from Amazon for really heavy flow.
Had a bit of trouble hunting for some that you don’t wear in addition to a pad. They are brilliant. I’m a complete convert.

LeaveYourHatOn · 02/03/2022 12:45

Mooncup was ok until i hit premenopause and periods got ridiculously heavy - no cup could cope with it, it was constantly leaking and getting it out made the entire toilet area look like there'd been a murder.

Reusable pads are revolting imo and I can't understand the love for them at all - way thicker and more uncomfortable than disposable, washing was a nightmare as they never came out properly clean, keeping them until washing was rank....absolutely not for me in any way at all.

Lavender24 · 02/03/2022 14:21

I was hesitant about this too but I absolutely love my reusable pads now. They're so soft and comfy. I have these ones from Amazon.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07YGN1NY7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8