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.

[OnMyShoulders]

Thanks for choosing me to test FabLittleBags.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were easy to use. The bag/finger loops were the right size.

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

I tried them out at home and when visiting relatives. I find disposing of tampons really awkward and embarrassing in other people's houses so it was actually great having them there.

Any problems with them?

No, however I would have liked the seal to be a bit stickier/stronger.

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

Yes, I hadn't realised how bad it was to flush them.

Would you continue to buy them?

I think they'd be too expensive to use all the time but they're a super product to have in my bag for emergencies.

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

Yes.

Any other thoughts?

I would prefer if the packaging was plain so as to be a bit more discreet.

[Sylviasmothersays]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Very easy to use and discreet.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
At home rather than toilet paper and when out and about. They were much easier than nappy bags.
*Any problems with them?
No, although I didn't quite managed to use them one handed as described but this may be me rather than the product!
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
No because I don't think I would pay this much for the convenience. If they were much cheaper, I think I would. I might purchase some to keep when I am going away/out at work etc
Would you continue to buy them?
Only for occasional use at work/when away.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would but only for the same reasons as myself. I'd be more likely to recommend them/buy them for my DDs for when they get to period age as I can imagine that they will make it much easier when just starting out with it all
Any other thoughts?
Good product, just quite expensive.

[SammyF1976]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
ME - I found them easy to use, convenient when out and about and handy to have in my bag.
DD - As above.
Where did you use them?
ME - I used them on a weekend away; which was handy in public toilets (especially as one had no bin) and for about a day or two at home.
DD - I used them whilst at school which I preferred. I also used at home for a few days.
Any problems with them?
ME - None at all.
DD - I found the strip a bit problematic a few times. Almost a two handed job.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
ME - Yes I always thought it was okay to flush tampons. I will definitely not do that now.
DD - Yes, same as what my Mum says.
Would you continue to buy them?
ME - Possibly for holidays or weekends away but definitely not for monthly home use as they are too expensive to buy every month!
DD - No they are too much money for me.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
ME - I'd recommend to other women for holidays or weekends away but not for home use due to price.
DD - They are handy but too expensive for me to recommend to my friends.
Any other thoughts?
ME - Lower the price?
DD - No.

[Helseyr]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Discreet, easy to carry and simple to use

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them whilst at work , and also tried them at home instead of usual method
Any problems with them?
None at all
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Will avoid me flushing them in situations where there is no bin, and even where there is a bin it's nicer to use
Would you continue to buy them?
Probably not at this price, but if cheaper then definitely
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would indeed, easy to use and carry around in handbag
Any other thoughts?
Discreet , and handy, but a bit luxurious considering price...

[Bogeyface]

I would like to add that after a PP commented on the "per unit" price, I think that the handbag pack is extortionate at 40p per bag.

[Mrsmonkeymoo1]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally - easy to use once you got used to them
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them - at home rather than flushing
Any problems with them? Bit small for super tampons and its not quite as easy to manage with one hand
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Wasn't aware really that shouldn't flush - will think a bit more in future
Would you continue to buy them? Possibly as a pack to keep in my bag when out but expensive for what they are
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Again I may do
Any other thoughts? Good idea but expensive

[MammyCon]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them really easy to use.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I mainly used when out and about and in public toilets as even though all have a sanitary bin not all provide bags.
Occasionally used at home.

Any problems with them?
Not at all.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes when no sanitary paper bags in public or visiting people in their homes like friends, I felt they were great and would carry on using them as felt more comfortable placing in the bin.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes.

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

Any other thoughts?
Just generally a nice 'extra' to have and easy to use.

[woodwaj]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Easy! I liked them!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them. At home, I used the bags instead of flushing. I also used them with towels when my period was very light.

Any problems with them? No, I used them as per the instructions and they were fine.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? Yes they have changed my mind on disposal! How? I previously flushed, or rolled in loo roll, this just seemed much more of a clean way to dispose of them!

Would you continue to buy them? Only for occasional use, holidays or at friends houses etc. I would buy them if I spotted them on offer.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes, but only if it came up in conversation!

Any other thoughts? They would be good sold with tampons.

[Weemargaret]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I thought they were very convenient when I was out of home. They were easy to carry around as they are so small and they are much more hygienic that many other methods of disposal.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them.
I used them at home instead of wrapping them in toilet paper and also on a trip to visit relatives where I wanted to take it away with me rather than leave it in their bin. I would never flush tampons anyway, I always put them in the bin bug this was a more secure and hygienic way of wrapping them up.

Any problems with them?
I found it difficult to use them one-handed, I don't think it's as easy as advertised. I also didn't find the bags very secure, I was worried they would fall out while I was carrying them around. I think the bags could be slightly bigger.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I have never flushed tampons since a very embarrassing incident as a teenager and I will continue to put them in the bin. I'm happy to use toilet roll at home rather than the little bags as it is more cost effective but I would consider using the handbag ones as it can be inconvenient to dispose of tampons when out and about.

Would you continue to buy them?
I don't think I would buy the bathroom bags because I'm happy to dispose of tampons with toilet roll. I would like to buy the handbag bags but at £2.99 for 5 bags, I think this is too expensive and I would be unlikely to buy them at this price.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, I already have. I think they are a very good idea.

Any other thoughts?
I think the handbag bags especially offer a good solution to what can be a tricky problem. I would make the bags a bit bigger and lower the price, I would definitely buy them regularly if these happened.

Thanks for letting me try these products, I enjoyed trying them out!

[littlemouse15]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
ok
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
i used them when visiting my brother inlaw as he has no bathroom bin and uses carrier bags in the kitchen as his bin
Any problems with them?
no not that i can think of
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? i would of usually flushed , my bil is early twenties and has never had a girlfriend so would of been squemish and embarrassed about finding it in his kitchen bin/carrier bag
Would you continue to buy them? yes
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? yes
Any other thoughts? nope

[stodge74]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them really easy to use.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?
I used them both at home and whilst out and about, no problems very straight forward.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
they have yes, however if there was no bins to dispose then i would not be happy to carry it about in my handbag.

Would you continue to buy them?
unfortunately No but if the cost was more reasonable i would consider it.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Any other thoughts?
I would yes but obviously I would feel the need to mention the price.

[HouseOfMadness]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
They were really useful - I liked the handy packet to stick in your handbag.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them.
They came in really handy when away in our caravan - no trips to the toilet block to change I could change in the caravans toilet.

Any problems with them?
The opening was a little small when using a higher absorbency tampon and sometimes the plastic was a bit awkward to peel off the sticky part.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes. I think about disposing properly instead of flushing.

Would you continue to buy them?
Not sure - only if they were reasonably.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes they are a brilliant idea.

Any other thoughts?

[Beautifulstorm]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Really easy, the finger loop system is very clever!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them. I tested a few at home, but I mostly used them when out and about. They came in very handy at my Nanas, she has no bathroom bin and I felt the same wave of anxiety about trying to flush or what if it doesn't flush. Then I remembered I had them! They really are a peace of mind for situations like that.

Any problems with them? Nope none at all, they stayed well sealed and we're very easy to use.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes, I will admit I was a flushed before. These are a fab way to dispose of tampons, they also have room for a panty liner which is handy.

Would you continue to buy them? Yes, the price is a bit worrying though, maybe a drawstring system would be great for home use? So for the 1 day you use 1 bag.

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

Any other thoughts? I was a bit nervous carrying around a used tampon in my bag, all was fine though and no leakages.

[SweetPeaPods]

Thank you for the opportunity to test.
AF kindly arrived 6 days early so I could test.
I found them easy to use, and could easily keep them in bathroom or handbag.
I used them at home and at work.
No problems.
Yes definitely makes it easier to bin tampons.
Not sure if I will buy regularly as could be expensive.
I will definitely recommend and I have already recommended to my sister.
I think they are a great idea but sadly when money is tight (and tampons etc all add up too) I just couldn't justify these every month too.

[Sixgeese]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I liked the concept of them, using them was easy but I found that often pulled more than one out of the handbag pack at a time. And I would have liked a slightly bigger bag as I am a Super Plus user and it was a tight fit to put the used tampon in and hard to also put the used applicator in to it too.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Around the house, but for normal use I would just use them out of the house where there are no disposal bins.

Any problems with them?
Not big enough for the larger size tampon and I still had to dispose of the sanitary towel (very heavy periods so I have to double up on protection) and the price, I liked the concept very much and I will probably keep some in my handbag for emergencies but at that price they aren't for every day use.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I have always been a binner since I was taken on a field trip to a sewage works while I was at school and we had to look at all the towels and tampons that people had flushed...yuk, so no, these won't change my habits, but they will make it easier in the situations where there isn't a bin and I have wrap the tampon and stick it in my bag until I can dispose of later.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes, but not often.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I might mention them in passing, but tampons (and periods) aren't really a topic of conversation.

Any other thoughts?

[kungfupidge]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
they were really easy to use and i really liked the design

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?
i used them in my home and around town shopping i had no problems at all disposing of my tampon and found them to be super easy to use

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Would you continue to buy them?
i dont think they have changed how i use sanitary products as i dispose of mine in the bin anyway however they are a cute petitie way of keeping our water cleaner

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

yes i would as they are hygenic and very simple to use thanks for the cance to try these best wishes xx

[desperatehousewife21]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Very easy especially one handed!

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

At work and in a toilet in marks and spencer. I used one instead of using toilet paper/ sanitary bin although did put it in the bin as didn't want it in my bag!

Any problems with them?
No none at all.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes and no, I'd still use toilet roll/ sanitary bins where provided but if at a friends house id be v grateful of them.

Would you continue to buy them?
If they were a reasonable price yes.

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

Any other thoughts?
I liked the packaging and anyone who may see it wouldn't know what it was for. Very discreet.

[nulgirl]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Loved them. Found them discreet, easy to use and was brilliant to be able to seal used tampons up properly rather than using nappy sacks/ toiletpaper

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I have been off work sick so I used them at home which was great as I could confidently pop them in the bin upstairs knowing that they didn't smell or show any of the contents

Any problems with them?
Quite small for heavy flow days and sometimes the paper didn't come off the seal smoothly.
The excess use of white on the packaging is badly thought out for a product where you are handling blood. The string sometimes didn't fall neatly into the bag and stained the outside cover.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Happier to pop them in bin without multiple wrapping

Would you continue to buy them?
I would normally be the target market for this kind of product as I'm happy to pay for quality and don't always go for the cheapest option but I'm not I will due to the price. 15p per bag (even more for the travel pack) seems far too high and couldn't be justified for the entire period.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Would consider who I recommended them to due to price.

Any other thoughts?
Work on the pricing model. If the current design cannot be produced cheaper then work on simplifying. Areas to consider - removal of all/most of the printing on the outside of each bag and removal of the easy opening slots (if bags could be pushed open) could help reduce the high unit price. Don't need such a strong branding message on bags themselves as it is on the outside packaging.
Remove the excess white on the packaging

[AnnaForbes]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
A great idea. Anything which discourages flushing can only be a good thing.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?
Sadly they are too small for me as I tend to use a small towel as well as a tampon (perimenopause).

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
No they haven't. I'll continue to use a larger bag (I never flush them).

Would you continue to buy them?
Not for me but possibly for my daughter.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, if the bag was big enough to meet their needs.

Any other thoughts?

[Tinofsardines]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I liked them, as easy to use as nappy sacks with the added bonus of being more discreet.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them out and about and at work where we don't have a sanitary bin. I felt more comfortable disposing if the pouches than a tampon filled nappy sack.

Any problems with them?
A little on the small size for the 'super' days.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes and no. I'd be more inclined to use these than a nappy bag in situations where there wasn't proper sanitary bins mainly due to them not being translucent like nappy sacks. But otherwise I find that ultimately they aren't much more convenient.

Would you continue to buy them? Possibly to have in my bag as a just in case. Although due to cost it wouldn't be a regular purchase.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Possibly if the conversation arose.

Any other thoughts- I like the idea behind them but the cost factor is the main issue for me. I think less noticeable print would work better also- even plain white with a small logo as I'd be even more comfortable disposing if it was less obvious.

[DurhamDurham]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They look good, they look 'expensive'....but then they are expensive.
I like the colour scheme and the font, it presents a very hygienic image.

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

Both myself and my daughter used the bags when we went out for the day, they don't take up much room in our handbags and they were very easy and simple to use. They look like neat little bags and I don't think people would be aware that you were throwing away used tampons if they saw you throwing one of those bags away....not that it's a secret or anything to be ashamed of but it isn't pleasant to have to throw away a damp roll of toilet roll away which has a used tampon in the middle of it.

Any problems with them?

No problems at all, the bags are easy and discreet, they are easy to open with just one hand and are sturdily made so very unlikely to rip/tear.


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

I will continue to bin them without the bags when at home but I will keep a pack in my handbag for when I am out and about. I think my daughter might use them more often as she is at uni in shared accommodation with both male and female students.


Would you continue to buy them?

I will buy them so that I have a pack to hand for when I am out and about, I think one pack will last me a few months, I don't think I would need to buy a pack every month. I do think that although well made and good quality that they are a little on the expensive side. They work out quite a lot per bag when compared to nappy sacks.........although much better quality and more discreet than those I'm not sure many people will be prepared to pay the rrp.


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

In the event that it came up in conversation I would recommend the bags, however the only people I talk about my periods to are my two daughter's and my sister, I think women just 'get on with it'. As inconvenient and a pain that periods are you just have to get on with life and not let it restrict you.

Any other thoughts?

Much better than I thought they were going to be, very well made and 'neat'. Too expensive at present though, I will buy them to have in my handbag but I will use them mindful of the cost, if they were cheaper I would use them more often.

Many thanks for the opportunity to let both myself and my daughter try the bags.

[tinyterrors]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them really easy to use, I like the handbag pack especially as it's small enough to be discrete but not so small that it would get lost in my bag. It's easy to refill the handbag pack from the bigger bathroom pack too.
My dsd nabbed half of the bathroom pack when she was here to keep in her school bag and she said they were brilliant as they were so easy to use and removed the embarrassing (for her) rustle of popins bags that she was using.


Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them on days when I wasn't at home.

Any problems with them?
I had a slight problem using the bags with the bigger tampons as the bags were only just big enough.


Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Sort of. I usually use tissue or nappy bags but these are much more convenient, especially when I was somewhere with no bin so would ordinarily use a nappy bag which is both loud and tends to rip if I'm not careful.

Would you continue to buy them?
I'm not sure tbh. I thought they were a convenient and well made product but they're quite expensive.
I'll probably not buy any more for me as I'd easily need a pack and a half of the 20 bag packs each month and it's just too expensive when there are cheaper, if not as good, alternatives available.
I'd be more likely to buy them for my dsd and dd as they're young and get embarrassed about noisy wrappers when others can hear.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If it came up in conversation I'd recommend them as they are a good product if a little expensive.

Any other thoughts?
The bags would be better if they were slightly wider to fit the super plus tampons easier. It's a great product but a bit too expensive compared to popins and the like, the fact that the bags don't rustle and not see-through but the price per bag is too high for me to use every month.

[MessandMerlot]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Convenient and discreet, very good quality

Where did you use them?
Please describe how you used them
I used them while staying at a relatives house fir the weekend, they do not have a bin in their bathroom.
Any problems with them? No problems but if I had been using large tampons maybe they would have been a bit small
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? No, unfortunately I will continue to dispose if them in the same way, using nappy bags or loo roll.
Would you continue to buy them? Unfortunately they are just too expensive.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? I would mention them and say I liked using them.
Any other thoughts?
I feel like it's kind of an added expense on top of tampons that just isn't that necessary all the time but in certain situations eg camping I can see how they could be useful. Thanks for the opportunity to try them.

[london]

I havent had the opportunity to use them yet, but offered some to DD (18) who was very unimpressed. Said what was wrong with just wrapping up tampons in toilet paper and binning them? These were, in her view, an unnecessary product and far too expensive for her (she's a student). Sorry!

Will report back when I have had a chance to use them.

[Eyre89]

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Easy to use and discreet

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

Staying with relatives, as they are discreet.

Any problems with them? They will be too small on heavier days.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? When I'm away somewhere holiday etc then yes. Everyday no, they just feel like an added expense on tip of the cost of tampons for everyday. Especially with endometriosis when I can bleedfor months on end it would be too expensive to use all the time.

Would you continue to buy them? If I was staying with friends or on holiday.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes for holidays not for daily use at home when on your period.

Any other thoughts?

Consider different sizes and maybe the price could be adjusted.

Thanks for choosing me.