reusable sanitary pads

[musicmadness]

Does anyone use these? i've done a quick search but i can't find the answer to a couple of questions so i was hoping someone would help.
I was looking at luxurymoon.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3 and it mentions loads of different types of topping (fleece, flannel, minkee etc). sorry if this sounds stupid but is there a big difference between them and does anyone know which ones are the most comfortable/absorbant?
I'd only really be using them at night as i always use tampons in the day but i am just so sick of waking up sweaty and itchy!
Also, are they as absorbant as disposables? I'm not squeamish about blood but i don't have a washing machine so while throwing a few extra pads in the wash is fine i don't want to have to pay extra to clean the bedsheets (i only tend to bother if they are noticably dirty )
thanks for any help

forget the pads - you need a Mooncup! Loads of threads on here - takes a little getting used to but once you've sussed it there's no going back.

i have read about mooncups before, but i must admit i am terrified of getting it stuck inside me (I am exactly the kind of person that would happen to )! how far do they have to go up your vagina? I read somewhere that they sit lower than tampons but somewhere else said they are right next to your cervix .
i might try one at some point, they just scare me a little to be honest! the pads are more for night time, i've always used pads at night (do not like leaving a tampon in me for 8+ hours) but disposable pads make me all itchy and uncomfortable and generally cursing the fact i am female and have to put up with it once a month!

It won't get stuck. Think it probably does sit a bit lower than tampon would, but seriously you'd have to be built very strangely indeed for it to get stuck or lost. It has a little tail to help you locate and remove it but it's not strictly necessary and I think they suggest you cut it off once you're used to it or if it's uncomfortable. Never bothered me, so mine is still intact. Without a washing machine and if you have sensitive skin a Mooncup would really help you out. It's extremely comfortable - and it feels much cleaner, healthier to me now than conventional sanitary protection. Should probably name change for this as I'm giving away way tmi but I often wear mine inbetweeen periods too.

Washable pads work really well - you need to get ones with a waterproof layer in them, but then I would say that they are more absorbent than disposables, as well as much less unpleasant.

I have moonrabbits brushed cotton ones which work well for me - I prefer cotton rather than fleece because I think its more breathable/less hot.

Having said that, I have never used tampons (can't stand them) and have used washable pads for 20yrs + but even so I am now a mooncup convert, to the extent that I haven't used my washable pads now for months.

Have you thought about a Jam Sponge?

Sorry but who on EARTH thinks up these names?!
JAM SPONGE?! I saw one yesterday about fairy hammocks FFS

That's what I'm looking for, Deemented! Thank you for the kick up the backside!

I hate using disposable tampons and/or pads, and just could not get on with my mooncup which is now in the bin . I wanted to try other cups but worried about wasting large amounts of money again. However, I think £10 is a reasonable amount to part with.

I don't understand, though - do you rinse it, squeeze the water out and put it back in as it is? You don't have to dry them each time before you use it again?

I rinse mine, squeeze it out then pop it back in - it's that simple. Then when i've finished my period, i rinse, then put them in a bit of hot water with tea tree oil in it, then leave to dry on a radiator, then it's ready for next time.

They come in a pack of two, a large one and a smaller one, and if you want to use them over night or have a heavy flow then i usually pop them both in. Actually, i have two sets and i just use both large ones.

Any other questions, then please just shout.

I started another thread so as not to hijack this one but...

I have very heavy periods for about two days. I'm thinking I'll get one set and wear them with pads/alternate with tampons and see how they go.

I'm worried it'll fall out of my fanjo though! Can you allay my fears? Tampons don't.

Do you genuinely feel it when they start to slide and are therefore full? What happens if you can't get to a loo in time? I mean, how much time do you get between feeling it slide and getting it out before you get a big mess!?

And I'm wondering about which is the best brand - I've seen sea-pearls too, which are marginally cheaper, but don't have waterproof bags with them, and both are the same size.

Is it useful having two different sizes?

I'll answer over on your thread

thanks for the advice :) i think i'll try a mooncup, still scares me a little tbh but i learned how to use tampons eventually so i should be able to get the hang of it. Does using them mean you can avoid that horrid squeaky feeling at the end of a period when there isn't much blood left? Tampons just leave me feeling so dry (sorry if TMI).

I've ordered a couple of pads (made sure of the waterproof layer :)) for the night. No way i'm leaving anything in me overnight! reusable or not.

champagnesupernova the term "fairy hammocks" was invented by Jo Brand. Since you ask!

Yes, the mooncup is fine at the end of your period. While I was getting the hang of it I found that using a bit of lubricant round the rim helped me a lot - I could kind of wiggle it around to the right place much more easily (sorry, TMI again)

I've been using a Mooncup for about 6 months now and I could never go back to using anything else. It did take me a couple of months to get used to using but it was definitely worth sticking with. Not only is it much better for the environment it has loads of other benefits too. The biggest one is that you can put it in when you think you are due on which has saved me from having to run to the loo 20 times in an evening to check if I'd come on or not on more than one occasion. And you don't have to think about how many tampons you might need every time you leave the house or have to go home early because you've run out. You can also keep using it right up until the very end of your period rather than having to change to pads for the last dregs. This is particularly useful if you have periods like mine which have a tendency to stop for sometimes a whole day and then come back with a vengeance - no more embarrassing accidents. Since I've learned how to insert it properly I've had no leaks whatsoever - I'll happily wear a white skirt now. It also holds a lot more than a tampon, I used to not bother changing my sheets when I was due on but now wouldn't think twice about it. It really is the next best thing to not having a period.

Sorry if I've come across all evangelical - the Mooncup tends to do that to you.

get a mooncup! i was dubious at first but having read threads on here about them i took the plunge and i wouldnt go back. i found it liberating in a way. knowing i can go out without having to take stuff with me in my handbag and my periods arent really heavy so i only have to empty it twice a day normally. its great

I want recycleable pads. I don't want a mooncup. I want an everyday pads, very light, post menopause, more for incontinense.