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 i find using FabLittleBags?
Simple to use once i realised the loop bit were to open one handed-silly me! Handy size to fit in even small bag. Quieter and more descreet than rustling nappy bags.

Where did you use them? Describe howw you used them.
Used in friends house with no bathroom bin - poped tampon filled bag in my handbag until got to a bin at home, so much better than flushing or wrapping in loo roll then trying to find bin. Used then at home too so that bathroom bin kept without tissue covered tampons - good when you have baby trying to get into anything soon as back is turned.

Any problems?
First few times using forgot to wait till used applicator before sealing bag so had to use two.
Think bag is bit too small as i stuggled to seal on small tampon plus new wrapper and applicator so for heavier flow maybe a problem.

Have they changed how you despose of tampons?
Yes, would always use a bag instead of flushing when no bin is available.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes, expensive but would only use when out and about and no bin is there so not use all the time. Too expensivr to use at home all the time-nappy bags it is then!

Would you recommend to other users?
Yes, a handy product.

Any other thoughts?
Size needs to be a bit bigger.
Good product for encouraging especially younger girls not to flush as they may be to embarassed to use a friends bin with just loo roll wrapped up...as i felt as a young teenager.
Good back up to have in bag but wouldnt use everyday.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them quite easy to use. I usually use PopIns to dispose of tampons and towels.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home. I can see the benefit in using them when out and about or in a place with no bin. The bags seem secure enough to keep in your handbag until you get home to bin them.

Any problems with them?
Yes, I found that I had to use the finger loops and then push the bag open properly with my other hand.
I found the opening at little bit too small for a super plus tampon. I would like to see the bag a bit bigger to accommodate a sanitary towel and tampon as I have to use both and it seems wasteful to use two different bags for each change of tampon/towel.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
No because I have always used a bin to dispose of tampons.

Would you continue to buy them?
Not regularly because of the high price point, but I would possibly buy them if they were on offer to use on holiday.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If it came up in conversation with rich friends!

Any other thoughts?
I think they're a good idea but the price is far too high for me to consider using them every time I changed a tampon (I have long and heavy periods, so I dread to think how much it would cost me to use one each time)
I really like that the bags aren't see through at all; my only complaint with the product I currently use (PopIns).
Make them larger and cheaper and I would buy them regularly.

Thanks for the opportunity to test them!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were fine. I did find them discrete and easy to use. I did keep forgetting about them though (I guess if I continue to use them they will become habit).

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

I used them at home and out and about. I used them the way I was told to use them as far as I can tell.

Any problems with them?

I didn't like that hard little out and about pack. I found it a bit daft and hard to reseal, it's aldo pretty sharp. I put them in a pocket of my bag in the end.

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

When I remembered to use them. However I still disposed of them as I used to i.e. In a sanitary bin at work, or my toilet bin at home.

Would you continue to buy them?

I don't think I would to be honest. Although if they actually came attached to the tampon or pad box and the price was a little higher then I'd probably use them happily enough. But to buy them separately in packs of 20, I'd need more than 20 a month I think, that would be £6 a month, more than the San pro itself.

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

No, probably not. I'm uber british and don't talk about these kind of things for a start. ;)

Any other thoughts?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were very easy to use. The loops meant the bag could be held open by one hand, and the seal which closes the whole bag kept everything secure.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?

I used them both at home and when I went swimming. They are a nice size to keep in your bag. I had no problems using these. I also used these for sanitary towels, which the bag worked well for.

I left the refillable Handbag pack in the bathroom for guests as we have a septic tank so really don’t want people flushing sanitary wear. It was nicer than nappy sacks and clear what they were for without being awkward.

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

I never flushed tampons before but these are a nicer way of disposing them in the bin, than using nappy sacks. I like that the plastic is thick enough not to be see through and that the bag seals completely.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes but mainly for swimming and for keeping in the bathroom for guests to avoid tampons being flushed down the toilet and clogging the septic tank.

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

Any other thoughts?
These are also good for sanitary towels. Perhaps they could be marketed for this too or a slightly larger version made for sanitary towels.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Good, easy. Convenient, well designed.

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

I used them both at home and out and about. My daughter took them to school.

Any problems with them?

Nope, I like them.

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

Unfortunately not for me because of the price, however, I would buy them for my daughter for her to use at school or at friends as she really preferred having something to use.

Would you continue to buy them?

Only for my daughter until she's more confident.

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

I would mention them as I think they are clever and useful, but I would mention the price.

Any other thoughts?

Just thanks for picking us to test them, my daughter especially is impressed.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? - handy and easy to use
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them - I used them at home in my own bathroom and also out in public bathrooms
Any problems with them? No, none
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes - previously I flushed as I didn't realise how bad it was!
Would you continue to buy them? Maybe, yes, if the price was right
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes
Any other thoughts? Good idea if the price is affordable for regular use.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
A faff, not worth it at all.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I tried them on a day out shopping and at work.

Any problems with them?
Really tricky working out how to use them, keep it open with one hand etc.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
No.

Would you continue to buy them?
No. Outrageously expensive

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
No.

Any other thoughts?
I thought i'd love them but just didn't.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Absolutely fine.

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

I used them at home and when at work. Very discreet for the office.

Any problems with them?

I found the opening a little small for a super heavy tampon.

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

They have certainly made be rethink flushing them which I tend to do at home.

Would you continue to buy them?

I would but probably not to use all the time as I think the price point is too high. I think they would be great to have in my handbag if I were out and about, on a plane, train etc.

Would you recommend them to other women?

Yes I would. I think they have a use for certain circumstances.

Any other thoughts.

Was initially concerned about yet more plastic, but happy to see they were completely biodegradable. Although still wonder how long they would take to break down.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Fine. Fairly easy but not too sure about the one handed option as I always used two hands to open the bags.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Used them at home and out and about. At home - no problem and just as easy as wrapping them up and throwing it in a bin. Great to have at a friend's house as I could take it home to dispose of instead of having a blood soaked tissue wrapped tampon in my bag.

One gripe is that the opening is quite small (I know they do it for discretion) but it's almost not big enough for a super tampon - I had to really force it to go in.

Any problems with them?
No problems at all.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not really as I had always wrapped in tissue and binned.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would love to, but it is quite expensive. I might buy for occasional use such as going to friends houses. But will probably continue to use tissue at home.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
No as it'a a tad on the expensive side.

Any other thoughts?
Would probably be more inclined to use it if it was cheaper.

How did you find using fablittlebags generally? They were fine.

Where did you use them? At work as I don't have a sanitary bin, it was great not to have something rolled in tissue forgotten about in my bag (boak)

Any problems? No.

Would I recommend? Yes

Will I continue to buy them? Yes if they were cheaper.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Very easy to use.

Where did you use them?
Mainly at home, I liked having my used tampon sealed in a bag as my little girl can sometimes put her hands in the bathroom bin!

Any problems?
None that I noted

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?
Not really, but if I had to change a tampon at someone's house i would probably flush it, but if I had one of these in my handbag I would be more confident to bin it.

Would you continue to buy them?
No, they are too expensive and not necessary. I liked them cause I had them but would not feel the need to actually buy them.

Would you recommend them?
Yes I would, but don't really think they are necessary.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Quite good, really convenient when out and about and hygienic.

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

At home and work. Found them incredibly handy, no awkward questions.

Any problems with them?

None.

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

I am definitely more aware of not flushing anymore, would always try to dispose of that way as it is much easier to keep in the bag.

Would you continue to buy them?

If they were on offer, then yes. But a little expensive for every time.

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

Definitely.

Any other thoughts?

Would be good if they were slightly bigger for other sanitary products, or a different style for pads etc. But overall really good!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Really straightforward

Where did you use them?
At home and work.

Please describe how you used them.
I would usually flush my tampon as I had no idea you shouldn't. It's a lottery re:hygiene/availability of bins for disposal so I felt reassured being able to have the Fab Little Bag with me.

Any problems with them?
Used them as instructed and it was really simple. No problems whatsoever.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes I will bin them from now on - absolutely no doubt about it.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes I would if they were easily available to me. Mainly for emergency situations where there's no bin available or you're not comfortable putting them in the bin I.e at a friend's house or something.

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

Any other thoughts?
Thank you for letting me try them! Great product! .

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found the instructions didn't explain that there was a sticky strip to remove and I ripped the tab off one side as I assumed that was how they worked.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home and out and about. I used one at my mothers where there is no bin.
Any problems with them? The sticky didn't work very well.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?

I had a different method of storing used tampons but I've never flushed a tampon.
Would you continue to buy them?
No, I don't see the value over using a nappy bag.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
They are not good enough or seal well enough.
Any other thoughts?
The instructions are wrong and confusing. The opening is small and I had to push the tampon in.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Very easy to use and convenient. I liked them very much.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
At home and at in-laws house/friends house.

Any problems with them?
Not really, the loops were a bit fiddly using first time - but I soon managed. Didn't really do it one-handed though.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, definitely. I am ashamed to say I was a flusher. I will be binning every time from now on.

Would you continue to buy them?
Perhaps, but they are expensive for what they are.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, if price wasn't an issue.

Any other thoughts?
Too expensive but a brilliant product! Thank You

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I liked them, easy to use and a simple solution to the 'what do I do' issue when out and about.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them

Used mainly at clients houses ( domestic cleaner) Before I've wrapped up in toilet paper and hoped I remembered a nappy bag as I would be mortified if I clogged anyone's waste pipes.
Any problems with them?

Not really, maybe slightly larger so sanitary towels fit better as well.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?
How?

It made me think about the effects of flushing them at home which I was in the habit of.

Would you continue to buy them?
Maybe.. Price is a bit on the high side and the listed stockists aren't places I normally shop
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes
Any other thoughts?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Really handy and convenient way to dispose of tampons especially when unsure of facilities such as at a friends house.

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

I used them at home, on a day out at chessington so and a 4 hour road trip to a friends with service station stops. Tucked in my jeans pocket so v discreet

Any problems with them?

Like a previous poster has said, the super plus tampons were a bit of a poor fit which meant it was a bit trickier to fit them in without a mess.

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

As a previous flusher I will now buy these to use at home and out and about

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes the price is reasonable

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

Yes

Any other thoughts?

Don't think so - good innovative product that does the trick - job done!!!!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? I bit fiddly and narriow
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them-I used them at home
Any problems with them?-I thought they were a bit fiddly to use
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?-Previously I would use tissues and plastic bags, this is much more convient
Would you continue to buy them?-No, they are too expensive
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?-No because of the expense
Any other thoughts? No

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Me: very easy
DD: simple and quick

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Me: at home and when at work
DD: at home

Any problems with them?
Me: no
DD: no

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Me: usually I flush tampon down the loo. I will dispose of in the bags going forward
DD: usually I wrap in loo roll. Might use bag in future

Would you continue to buy them?
Me: I think they are too expensive
DD: only if mum bought them!

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Me: yes
DD: guess so

Other: quite pricey. They could be bigger

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
They were a great idea. I normally just use a nappy bag and put them in the bin in those.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?
I used them on a day trip out. I tried beach toilets, a pub toilet, and a motorway service station toilet. They made the same noise opening as a bag would have. The loops were handy. There were no problems. I found the handy size convenient but they are so thin you are not aware that you are near the end of them and suddenly you are out!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?
I am generally a binner of them anyway. I have only ever flushed on a very few rare occasions.

Would you continue to buy them?
Maybe the handbag pack for convenience. Probably not the home pack, I will just continue with the nappy bags until a cheaper alternative can be found. They are quite expensive and another big cost to having a period.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes. The handbag pack is great and I like the idea of them composting. I am not sure about how one product would compost faster than the other though. It makes you think wider about the environmental impact overall of your period.

Any other thoughts?
Lovely idea. The cost is prohibitive for me to continue using them at home. I would definitely buy them at a better price point.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them quite simple and discreet to use.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home where we have no bathroom bin and at work. At work I put them in the bins provided but it was nice not to have to use a nappy bag or tissue.

Any problems with them?
Sometimes using the one-finger opening was fiddly and didn’t open the bag the whole way down, so there wasn’t much room for the tampon meaning it was hard not to make a mess when dealing with a full tampon.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, I used to flush tampons at home and will no longer do so.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would buy them to use while on holiday or similar but feel they are too expensive to use all the time during a period.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If the conversation came up, I probably would.

Any other thoughts?
The bags could maybe do with being a darker colour so any spills etc don’t show and the price is too high for me to consider using them all the time during my period, however if the price wasn't so high I would definitely continue to use them.

How did you find using the FabLittleBags generally?

a little fiddly at first, but once got the hang of them, they were a doddle.

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

I used them at home mainly, as work has the sanitary bins. Popped in the outside bin once used. Used them in a friends house and just put in my bag until I got home.

Any problems with them?

Struggled at first to get the hand of opening them with one hand, while in toilet, so practised later in day. I found it hard to get them open fully to get a tampon in, but a quick blow into the bag sorted that out!

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

Yes, as was previously a flusher! Didn't realise the problems with that, so have been educated.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes, but only for use out and about and would buy when on special offer. They are quite pricey for what they are compared to nappy sacks.

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

Only if they saw them and asked what they were. Not s usual topic amongst my friends.

Any other thoughts?

Not keen on the green colour - darker colour would be better and possibly less in your face bright green!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I thought they were good quality, discreet little bags that were easy to use.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home but I popped the handbag packet in my bag just in case I needed to use them whilst out and about.

Any problems with them?
I thought they were great but would have liked them a little bigger overall for heavier flow tampons.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, I used to flush tampons all the time but will now dispose of them in the bin.

Would you continue to buy them?
I think they are very expensive for what they are. I would maybe buy some for my handbag - to use if there were no facilities available.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, I would recommend them as I like the idea of being able to dispose of tampons in a biodegradable bag.

Any other thoughts?
Could the costs be brought down by slightly thinner bags and no printing on the wrapper?

Thanks for sending them to test.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Absolutely brilliant. It took a moment or two to work out which fingers/thumbs to use which sounds ridiculous! Once I had sussed it, they were very simple to use. They make the whole week of hideousness feel more sanitary, less stressful and actually made such a difference to me. I really didn't expect that from some bags!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home, at my parents' house, out and about, at work

Any problems with them?
No problems at all. They lived up to their name!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Definitely. I sometimes flush tampons when out and about, especially when there aren't suitable (or filthy) disposal bins. I hate doing that because I know the impact on the environment. I use nappy bags at home to dispose of in our bathroom bin and sometimes take a stash of nappy bags in my handbag/work bag which is a nightmare for smell/rustling noise etc. I hate using nappy sacs - firstly, the bags themselves are not exactly biodegradable. Secondly, you can see through them and despite wrapping the tampon in loo roll, I can always see what's inside. Thirdly, nappy bags are slightly scented but this often seems to vaguely mask any blood odour rather than eliminate it. Fourthly, the bags are tricky to use in situ and so you have a potentially messy transfer moment. I just spend the whole week feeling like I have a constant, grubby reminder of what I have to deal with each month.

These Fab bags are brilliant. They are small, easy to use, lock it all away so you can't see/smell anything, they are discreet and fit in any bag or pocket. I love them.

Would you continue to buy them?
Absolutely 100%. They do add to the overall menstruation cost which is tedious, but the pluses far outweigh the cost issue.

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

Any other thoughts?
I use non-applicator tampons and have ridiculously heavy periods and so the tampons I use at my heaviest are the biggest you can get. These just about fit in the bag perfectly, which is great for me, but I imagine non-applicator tampons would be harder to accommodate. Maybe look at creating two different sizes?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Easy to use, great idea

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them I was at a funeral wake in a village hall and there was no bin in the toilet. I use towels, so wrapped in paper and rolled it up and popped it in the bag. I realise they are designed for tampons, but a slightly wider bag for towels would be a great idea. I also used them when I was working in an office that had no bin available, and was happy to carry it in my bag sealed until I could get to a bin.

Any problems with them? No, but I missed the sticky strip initially, so tied the bag together at first and the plastic wasn't strong enough so tore. I then checked the bag again and found the sticky strip. The sticky strip does not appear to be on the instructions.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? I have never flushed and always used nappy bags or food bags due to growing up in a house with a septic tank. They are a brilliant idea as much tougher than nappy or food bags.

Would you continue to buy them? I would love to buy them but they seem a little expensive. I would buy them to keep in my handbag when out and about, but not to use at home as the cost is too high for that. But for using when out and about, they are a brilliant idea.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes I would highly recommend them, but think that the cost would put some people off. Plus if they are only available at Waitrose, then you are missing a huge amount of your target audience. Women who shop in Tesco and Sainsburys have periods too you know! If I want to purchase more it will have to be online as the nearest waitrose is 30 miles away and I never shop there.

Any other thoughts? A fantastic product, but too expensive to use for every single disposal, but extremely handy for carrying in your handbag for those times when you can't use a bin. A wider version for towels would get my vote and my purchase too.