FabLittleBag reviews thread; find out what MNers think about the innovative tampon disposal bags NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We asked 500 MNers (and 150-200 of their teenage daughters) to try FabLittleBag during their periods – this is the thread for their reviews, comments and feedback. Some testers were also teenage girls (daughters of MNers).

The team at FabLittleBag say – “our new bags use clever finger loops to make tampon disposal easy, discreet and hygienic. The biodegradable bags are opaque and seal closed. They provide confident disposal every time, anywhere. We believe they are the best solution to tampon disposal. Period.
They come in a handbag pack of 5 perfect for ensuring confident disposal when out and about, and a bathroom pack of 20 to keep at home next to your tampons. You top up your handbag pack from your bathroom pack as needs be”.

FabLittleBag’s are available now at Waitrose, Ocado and www.fablittlebag.com – plus they will be available at Wholefoods from March. Bathroom Packs of 20 bags £2.99 and the re-fillable HandBag Pack £1.99 includes 5 bags for on the go use.

Questions for testers (if you and your DD took part please answer for her as well: together or separate posts)

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Would you continue to buy them?
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Any other thoughts?

Selected testers who add feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where two winners will each win a £100 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

PS: see here for info on what FLB are doing as a DIRECT result of this feedback from MNers.

How did you find it using the Fablittlebags generally?
They were easy to use and good to have in my handbag

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them?
I used them when out in a restaurant which didn't have a sanitary bin. I used them as instructed.

Any problems with them?
No

Do you think it will change how you dispose of tampons? How?
No as I don't flush them and most toilets have sanitary bins

Would you continue to buy them?
No as whilst I liked them I thought they were expensive and you could use nappy sacks for example which are far cheaper. If they were on offer I may consider it.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes depending on their circumstances

Any other thoughts?
No

Both myself and DD(16) got to try these so will add mine and DD's thoughts.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
(Me) I use nappy bags anyway to dispose of my used tampons in so used the FabLittleBags in the same way. I found them smaller and less 'rustly' which I prefferred.
(DD) I found them quick and easy to use, and like my mum I prefferred the way they don't seem to make as much noise as nappy sacks etc!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
(Me) I used them when out shopping, the pack fits neatly in my handbag so perfect when out and about
(DD) I used them at school. Our toilets don't have bins inside the individual cubicles, just one large bin by the sinks and I hate doing the walk of shame with a tampon in tissue or a noisy nappy sack over to the bin. These bags were much more discrete.

Any problems with them?
(Both) None that we found

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
(Me) They haven't changed how I dispose of my tampons as I as have never flushed mine, always wrap in a bag and put in the bin
(DD) Due to the issues with the bin at school I would often take my tampons home to dispose of, always wrapped up of course! Using these bags meant I could bin them straight away, much better!

Would you continue to buy them?
(Me) Personally I don't think so, they are too expensive for me to justify when they do the same job as a nappy sack which is way cheaper.
(DD) Yes I will, they made me feel far less self-conscious so well worth the extra spent on them
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
(Me) I would if the conversation cropped up but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend them. Maybe perhaps to other mum's whose daughters feel like my DD does about disposing of tampons in a discrete way
(DD) I showed them to all my friends and recommended them thoroughly! We all feel the same embarrassment about the way we have to dispose of our tampons and a lot of my friends intend to buy some FabLittleBags for their next period :)

Any other thoughts?
I'm really glad I applied to test these out, I didn't think my DD would be that impressed but I now wish I'd done more to improve her experience at school - I guess as you get older, especially after going through childbirth (4 times in my case!) you do tend to lose your inhibitions somewhat. Whereas everything is excruciatingly embarrassing for a teen. Will definitely be sticking up on the FabLittleBags for her sake. Thank you!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? I liked the thickness of the bags- made it more discreet when putting in the bin. Having said that, I didn't find it as easy to use the loop handle and seal as the diagram showed.

Where did you use them? At home mostly, but also when out and about.

Please describe how you used them. To dispose of my tampons in the same way i always have, except it was in a nicer bag.

Any problems with them? Not big enough for my needs- first few days of my period, I require a super size tampon. Also for pads theyare not big enough.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? Not really, as I've disposed of them in the bin for over 20 years now.

Would you continue to buy them? Although I like the idea of them, they weren't suited to my needs, so probably not. Plus, due to cost although not as opaque, . ll continue to use nappy sacks.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Not sure.

Any other thoughts?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found then easy to use
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home as I'm the only female in the house and responding of my Tampax was better with the bag
Any problems with them?
When I first saw them I thought I would struggle using them but found the easy
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes loads better
Would you continue to buy them?
Yes if they are priced right
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes I've told my friends about them
Any other thoughts?

1. Great product easy and convenient to use.

1. I carried them in my baby change bag when out and about and also at home, when I was at a friends house I felt quite reassured that I could nip to the lop and change and not have to worry about a mess.
2. I found them on the small side.
3. Yes and no I usually wrap in a lot of tissue but these were great and didn't need any at all.
4. These are expensive for what they are So probably not.
5. I would recommend them
6. Tesco do a similar product for about a quid.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were easy enough to use, the one handed use was clever.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them

I used them both at home and out and about. Usually I flush (I know!) so this has helped change the habit.

Any problems with them?

Not in their use, but they are not very discrete in terms of the packaging - and if the brand takes off that would be even more in point!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

I flushed before, or wrapped in loo paper and put in the bathroom but (which feels really unhygienic) this provides an hygienic alternative.

Would you continue to buy them?

It depends on price point - and I'd rather they were more discrete.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?

Only if they raised disposal as a concern - probably not in normal conversation - but yes.

Thanks for the opportunity to test them out!

Responding for me and DSD here:

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Great when out and about, where not all looks have a bin. DSD particularly liked that they were discreet in her hand if she had to go and look for a bin (I'm less self conscious so don't especially mind this so much).

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them

We both had a pack for our bags - so used them when we were out of the house - shopping, school/work, family day out. At home, we just used the bathroom bins and tissue.

Any problems with them?

The opening was a bit narrow for ultra/super flow tampons.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?
How?

Definitely for DSD who would flush if there was no bin in the cubicle. For me, I try to never flush so am less bothered by looking for a bin.

Would you continue to buy them?

Would probably have a handbag pack for emergencies, but I would find them expensive to buy us both for everyday use. I might buy some for DSD as she found them really useful, but I'd be more likely to be unembarassed about wandering around with tissue parcels.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?

Maybe for me, but DSD has mentioned them to her friends.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? I thought they were great, being able to use them with one hand to open and close worked well.

Where did you use them? I used them at home. I think they'd be ideal for being at a friends house etc and not knowing how to dispose of tampons. Unfortunately I kept forgetting to put in my bag.

Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?

I used them at home instead of the usual wrap in toilet roll and put in bathroom bin, which becomes smelly if you forget to empty fairly often.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

No I never flush and always put in bin, but it was better than wrapping in toilet paper. I have nappy sacks but usually forget to use and I don't know if they're biodegradable.

Would you continue to buy them?
I think I would, maybe a bit expensive for regular use, maybe to have in bag for other houses.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes, I'd prob mention if conversation came up.

Any other thoughts? Good design, would like to see them come with a box of tampons.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Fine, but they're a little on the small side for a full xx large tampon. DD had no problems with her regular and super ones. The one handed thing was not really a selling point for me.

Where did you use them? At work and on holiday - we don't have a proper disposal bin in every cubicle at work, and it was easier to dispose of the bag than a bloody mess wrapped in tissue! They were absolutely brilliant on holiday where there was often no bin at all - the fact that they sealed so well made it possible to chuck them in my bag until I could find a bin. DD used them at school, and found the bags really useful - she boards and there is only an open bin in her shared bathroom, and not every loo in school has a proper sanitary disposal bin.

Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?

As above - also used at home.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

No - I don't flush them. They made the bathroom bin less smelly.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would definitely buy them for holidays, particularly when going somewhere remote, but I think they're a bit expensive for day to day use.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes, if it came up in converssation.

Any other thoughts? No.

I haven't yet reviewed this product as my period has been rather elusive this month!! However I passed them onto my sister who gave me the following feedback:

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
It was a bit fiddly to use at first, but once I got used to the "technique" of looping my fingers through the holes it was quite easy.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Used at home and work. Great at work because I can hide the new tampon in the bag until I get to the toilet. I hate wrapping tampons in tissue and being able to just pop it into a bag made my life a bit easier; plus it felt more hygienic.

Any problems with them?
Only getting used to the looping of the fingers. once I'd used them a few times it got easier.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, I never really thought of using a bag for them be it this one or a nappy bag, and it helps to make the "process" easier and cleaner for me.

Would you continue to buy them?
I don't know - they are priced very high for what they are. I think I would buy to have a stash in my handbag for emergencies, but perhaps use nappy bags in the future at home.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would if the price was lower.

Any other thoughts?
Great product - shame about the price. Would buy if they were cheaper.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
A bit fiddly. I have to use very absorbant tampons and trying to get them into the fairly small opening wasn't as easy as I'd imagined.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I took them in my handbag on a long haul flight and then during the first day of holiday.

Any problems with them?
Yes, I struggled to easily drop the used tampon in. I ended up with messy fingers

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, I gave up with the FabLittleBags and have since been using Wilko sanitary disposal bags which have a much larger opening and are just as easy to carry.

Would you continue to buy them?
No, not when the Wilko ones are so much cheaper and more suitable for my needs.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Probably not.

Any other thoughts?
They're too expensive and not suitable for me, but they have made me think more about how I'm disposing of tampons.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I actually liked the idea, i use nappy bags or toilet tissue normally, they were much better than both of those options. Less crinkly/noisy than the nappy bag and felt more hygienic than the toilet roll wrapping!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used at home but also used the travel pack to use at work, was good to put into my bag.

Any problems with them?
Maybe a bit fiddly for a bigger absorbency tampon, I didn't quite the hang of the little handles but practice makes perfect!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not really - i have always tried to bin rather than flush.

Would you continue to buy them?
If the price was lower I would.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Maybe - I feel my friends would be unlikely to use them rather than toilet paper.

Any other thoughts?
The packaging was nice and the travel pack a good size - felt like a little luxury (if that is possible on your period).

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Great idea for the awkward disposal of tampons
(DD) A big fiddly
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
When I went out in a shopping centre
(DD)At a friends house
Any problems with them?
No problems, easy to use
(DD) Found opening the bag fiddly and putting the tampon in
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I would usually wrap it up in tissue and put in the sanitary bin - if there is a bin provided, or flush down the loo. Now with a FabLittleBag it is much easier to dispose
(DD) Probably use more often when I get used to the bag
Would you continue to buy them?
A bit expensive but would use them when I was away from home
(DD) I'd use them if mum kept buying them
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes I would recommend
(DD) Yes I'd recommend
Any other thoughts?
Great idea but needs to be cheaper for everyday use. I use a small handbag which now has a FabLittleBag with a couple of tampons and a couple of FabLittleBags inside it permanently.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them useful and straightforward to use
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
At home, out and about
Any problems with them?
No, once I got the hang of the technique I found them very useful
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I usually just use tissue and I much prefer the idea of wrapping them up and sealing them properly
Would you continue to buy them?
Only if on offer
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, though the price is too high
Any other thoughts?
Priced too high but a great idea - I wasn't convinced at first that I would like them but I really did. Would be great if they were combined with a packet of tampons

I found them easy to use, once I realised how to open them! I thought the packaging could me different. My husband guessed straight away when the pack came through the post that it was sanitary related.
I kept some in the bathroom and some in my handbags, but as most of the places I went to had bins, I mainly used at home.
I may recommended them to other tampon users and they made think about how I dispose of tampons more, and I am more conscious not to flush them down the toilet. However, I would only purchase if on special offer as they are too expensive

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Very simple, I usually wrap in tissue and bin, this was much the same
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them Used them whilst doing a long drive, made disposal at a service station easy
Any problems with them? They are not large enough for heavy days
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Not changed, made slightly more pleasant
Would you continue to buy them? No, they are too expensive for what they are, and not large enough if you are 'heavy'
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? No, see above
Any other thoughts? I would actually buy them if they were bigger and cheaper

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Easy to use and handy to have when out and about
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them when we were away in our motorhome. Very little can be flushed down the chemical toilet so it was handy to be able to use a descret bag to dispose of used items especially with having my teenage stepsons with us.
Any problems with them?
Not really anything that could go wrong
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Nope - at home used tampons are wrapped in tissue and put in the bin. I am the only person that empties the bin so not an issue for anyone else how they are disposed of. Out and about, most public toilets cater for disposal.
Would you continue to buy them?
Not at the price that has been suggested. I pay a lot for tampons as it is without having to pay for something thats sole purpose is to be thrown away.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would mention these to other women but the price would be a major down point
Any other thoughts?
Maybe a collaboration between the bag makers and tampon producers to create a disposal bag out of the wrapper of the new tampon?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Easy to use
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
at home
Any problems with them?
a bit small, and didn't get the hang of the loops at first
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes - I have been known to flush if a bin not available.
Would you continue to buy them?
I would if they were cheaper
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
would be unlikely to discuss it
Any other thoughts?
Too expensive, will stick with nappy sacks. I like the idea of a pack combining these with tampons. Also a version for pads at the right price would be of interest

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I thought they were very easy to use.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them

I used them on holidays in the hotel we were staying at and at home.

Any problems with them?

No problem at all, I was a bit concerned at first that it could get a bit messy, but it did not at all.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

I use to flush them before as I found it much easier (even though I know that they do block pipes...) but now I am committed not to flush anymore as I would be mortified to block a drain!

Would you continue to buy them?

If the price wasn't so high, then I definitely would.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?

I would recommend them when out and about as they are very handy, but probably not for when at home due to the price.

1. Easy to use and don't take up a lot of room in your bag.
2. Used them out and about in cafe, public toilet and relatives house.
3. I found them easy to use after a few goes at home, I have v heavy periods and found them a great help when disposing of tampons.
4. Yes as when no other option I have occasionally flushed. These bags mean I can hygienic ally keep with me until I find a bin.
5. Yes as handy to have.
6. Yes definitely
7. Great idea to cut down on flushing tampons, great compact and discreet design as you could fit in a small clutch even.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Easy to use, hygienic and discreet.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them.

I used the bathroom pack at home and the refillable pack at my mums and mother in laws, both don't have bins in their bathrooms so disposing of tampon applicators in the past has been embarrassing but these little bags made it much better!

Any problems with them?

No.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

Yes. I don't flush my tampons anymore, instead I dispose of the old tampon in the bag along with applicator of the new tampon.

Would you continue to buy them?

I have just gone back to the contraceptive implant so hopefully won't have a cycle for the time being. When I have them in the future I'll certainly look for them.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?

Yes.

Any other thoughts

Would be better if you could buy them from cheaper supermarkets as we don't shop at Waitrose so I wouldn't go out my way to buy them there.

DD and I were excited to get our little green package in the post. We both thought they looked good and sat back to wait to use them. We used them in the home where our bathroom bins have no lids so waste is visable. They are very simple to use and it's true; you only need one hand to deal with the bags. They are much more discret than nappy bags, when we had visitors I didn't have to worry what might be lurking in the bins. Also I used the handbag pack out and about and put the used packet in my bag until I could dispose of at home. There was no mess or leakage into my bag - great stuff! I will definately be buying some although more places to buy would be great because I have no waitrose near to me and I don't do online grocery shopping. Yes, I would prefer it if they were cheeper, but this is the exact thing I have been searching for and I am HAPPY.

My daughter and I both received the bags.

In principle a neat idea but in all honesty until I am told that flushing is going to block my toilet I am going to carry on flushing.

I think they would be better aimed at the towel/liner user as these are much harder to dispose of neatly.

We thought the instructions were clear and the bag easy to use but not something that we would buy.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Using FabLittleBags was, well, fabulous. It was very convenient and luxurious. Easy to use and made me feel good about disposing appropriately.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used it at home (since my toilet is very tiny and bin is small and I hate my boys finding horrible bloody things in the bin) and whenever I was out and about. Bin or no bin I prefer to use little bag because it's so discreet.
Any problems with them?
None whatsoever.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not really. I never flush and always wrap it in toilet paper. Unfortunately toilet paper soaks through but bag is very discreet. So no it didn't change my habits but it made the whole experience less stressful.
Would you continue to buy them?
I would if they were widely available and way cheaper.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes!
Any other thoughts?
Disposal bags shouldn't cost that much . I find the price totally ridiculous. Maybe in the future every tampon box will contain similar bags for disposal of used tampons.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Yep, they were really easy to use, found them pretty useful!
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them? I used them mostly at home, but out and about once also, I used them for little pads I was using to protect from tampon leaks as well as for tampon disposal, I actually think they were more handy for that!! The only con I'd say is sometime they wouldn't quite seal properly.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Would you continue to buy them?
I would continue to buy them if they were on offer as they're particularly handy when out and about!
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Any other thoughts?
Yes I would absolutely recommend them if a relevant conversation was brought up.