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?

Very easy and convenient to use. I didn’t work out till further down the line the closing strap. This is the only bit that could be improved on as if you don’t pull the glue strap before putting tampon in it can get bit messy.

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

Used them at home, in the office and out and about. They were very convenient for home usage as I don’t have sanitary bean next to toilet, or a space to place one and as a result have to carry used tampon across half of the flat. Tried once at work but found with bins provided there isn’t really need for them.

Any problems with them?

No.

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

Yes, I was 100% flusher before, I did not flash a simple tampon since getting these. Even if I don’t use them I now think about disposal and they definitely changed the habit of flushing.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes.

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

Yes

Any other thoughts?

I was quite skeptical about FabLittleBags and thought they are expensive for what they are, however after receiving the product for testing I think they are great quality, very convenient to use and worth the price. For anyone going on holiday, visiting friends or simply taking a long walk somewhere they are essential product to have. They are discreet, nice looking and I am confident would not leak or smell if they had to be carried in a handbag for some time. I am very happy with these.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Handy - filling a real gap in the market.
Sadly period and tampons not often talked about. I therefore didn't know the damage flushing tampons caused.

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

I used them at home mainly. At work we have bins for disposal.

Any problems with them?

Nope except that I might slip a tampon in my pocket but forget the bag as its not second nature for me to not flush.

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

Yes, totally. I had no idea of the damage potential by flushing tampons.

Would you continue to buy them?
Maybe, if they were easily available or at the right price. Ideally, these would be sold with the tampons.

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

Need more awareness on the damage tampons are causing. The more people know the stigma can be removed regarding disposal. Well done this company for bringing this awareness to women.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Great. I always worry about people (including my young children) finding icky stuff in our bathroom bin, so this reduced my concerns.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them:
At home and at work.

Any problems with them?
The colour was a bit lary!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? Yes
How? I usually flush them down the loo, so this allows me to put them in the bin which is echo friendly.

Would you continue to buy them? Yes, a little pricey though. I wonder if the government will tax us on this little 'luxury'?

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

Any other thoughts? All in all, a good product which solves a problem that not many of us will ever talk about.

Luc x

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? I loved the size and how discreet they are. Easy to put in my bag or pocket for out and about
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them mainly at work and on days out with the kids found they were a perfect solution for disposing of tampons quickly and cleanly
Any problems with them?
I haven't come across any problems yet
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?
Yes they have I'm no longer worried about if toilets I use have proper sanitary bins as I know now I have a supply of the bags I can dispose cleanly anywhere
How?
Would you continue to buy them?
Yes I will be buying them on my next shopping trip I think they are great
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I highly recommend these to other women
Any other thoughts?
Great solution to what can be an awkward problem. They can be used at home or out and about and the are so discreet

I found them easy to use (like the one-handed operation).

I mainly used them at home and a couple of times when I was out. I was at a friend's house on one of the occasions and brought the used bag home with me. Much more discreet than the nappy bag and tissue I would usually use.

No problems at all.

I have recently become a convert to putting tampons in the bin (only found out via MN about a year ago that they were not bio-degradable) so I shall continue my current disposable of tampons.

At £2.99 for 20 they are too expensive for me to use regularly at home although I might buy a pack of 20 and keep a couple in my handbag.

I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend them to friends unless they came up in conversation.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
It was fairly novel to begin with, as I usually wrap in paper and bin. I was conscious that I was throwing away an expensive little bag, though.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them in public toilets and disposed of them in sanitary bins.

Any problems with them?
None

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I always binned anyway, but it was certainly different to use a purpose-built product.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would consider it to keep in my handbag, but I wouldn't use them at home.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If it came up in conversation about, for example, toilets without bins, I might suggest that they are secure and discreet. I would have no qualms about keeping a used one in my handbag until I found a bin.

Any other thoughts?
Nope! Thanks for choosing me to try them.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Convenient and easy. DD has just started her periods and I am glad to have started her using these almost straight away.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them. Whilst out and about. DD at school.
Any problems with them? No.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? I used to flush despite knowing it isn't a good idea.
Would you continue to buy them? Yes, for myself and DD.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes, especially mothers of young girls.
Any other thoughts? I wasn't expecting to be converted as I thought the price high, but the convenience outweighs the extra expense.

Thanks for sending me these

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Very easy and convenient to use. Even though I am clumsy.

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

At home - to dispose in the bin instead of flushing. Have sanitary bins at work so didn't need them there.

Any problems with them?

No.

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

Yes, I used to flush at home but now I bin. At work I've always binned.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes even though I am generally a stingy person. I'm surprised how much I like them. There is a voice in my head saying 'they are just a bloody bag for petes sake' but somehow they seem to be more useful than I had thought. Maybe I felt more guilty about the flushing than I had realised.

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

Yes if it came up in conversation.

Any other thoughts?

I think these bags are much more handy than you'd think. It doesn't sound like the world's biggest problem to solve but they are something that makes life easier.

Me:
How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Thought they were an excellent idea and v easy to use.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them Used Them whilst out and about mostly. Had them in my handbag
Any problems with them? Bit small for large sized tampons and their applicators.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes, but only for when I'm out and about, at home I'll still use the cheapo super drug bags.
Would you continue to buy them? Yes for keeping in my handbag.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes most definitely.
Any other thoughts? Could do with being slightly large, u think the cost could be a bit prohibitive on top of the price of tampons.

DD:
How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? They were good for having at school and I liked being able to just use one hand and seal them shut.
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them. I used them at school and when out.
Any problems with them? No
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes, before I flushed them, I only knew not to because my mum told me to use these bags.
Would you continue to buy them? My mum might as she buys all the stuff like tampons etc
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Not something I talk about a lot!
Any other thoughts? One's for sanitary towels would be good.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Thought they were great!
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them. I used them at home and out and about
Any problems with them? No
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes, I always used to flush them
Would you continue to buy them? Yes if the price was right
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes
Any other thoughts? They should come attached to each tampon!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Easy to use
DD - they were fine

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home and at work where there is only one sanitary bin in a certain toilet
DD - I used them at home and a school

Any problems with them?
They were a bit small & tricky to get the tampon in
DD - no I didn't have any problems

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I sometimes flush at work as there is only one sanitary bin so yes when using away from home
DD - yes at school

Would you continue to buy them?
Not sure as they are quite pricey
DD - I'd use them if mum bought them

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If it came up in conversation
DD - no that would be odd

Any other thoughts?
Could be a little bit wider, liked that they weren't noisy
DD - would be better if didn't say tampon disposal on them. Would be more likely to use similar ones for towels rather than tampons

Thanks for letting us both try them

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I thought they were a little fiddly you need to remember to set them up before removing the tampon, but if you remember that then very helpful. I like that they're biodegradable but essentially not too different to using toilet paper or a paper bag. It's good that they're waterproof.

Where did you use them?
At home and public toilets

Please describe how you used them
As above, prepared with one hand then it was easy to put the tampon in and seal.

Any problems with them?

Finger loops a bit fiddly, you need two hands so if you forgot to get it ready you've got no chance

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I think they're useful to have in your bag, especially when you're visiting friends and family with no bin.

Would you continue to buy them?
No, unless on offer, they're a luxury I think! As opposed to tampons which aren't!

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes
Any other thoughts?
They could be bigger so they can fit in a tampon wrapped in tissue.

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 mostly, also out and about on a couple of occasions.

Any problems with them?
No, but couldn't quite get the grip of the one-handed thing.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons?How?
No because I already use pop-ins.
Would you continue to buy them?
probably not on a regular basis as they are so expensive.
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would as they are more discreet than pop-ins but would probably recommend pop-ins for everyday use and these for times when extra discretion is needed.
Any other thoughts?
Good product, just too expensive.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
They were really handy to keep in my handbag and they were really easy to use and discreet.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at friend's houses who have a septic tank and they were much better than using nappy bags.

Any problems with them?
No but they would have been better a little bigger, they were fine for smaller tampons but bigger ones were trickier.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I never flush them as we can't at home so they haven't changed how I dispose of tampons, but they are handy for friends houses as I don't like putting them in the bin there and end up bringing them home with me in a nappy bag.

Would you continue to buy them?
They are too expensive to buy regularly but I will buy them occasionally to keep in my bag

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

Any other thoughts?
I am sure they would sell more if the price was dropped. Larger bags would be handy too

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Generally fine.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
At home and at work

Any problems with them?
1st time I missed the peel off strip and sort of knotted the handles together! And sorry if a bit tmi - but I didn't find getting the tampon in the easiest, especially on heavy days.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
It's really highlighted alternative disposal to me

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes, although a lined bin and tissue would be ok at home, I would buy to have some when I was out.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would, although sanpro doesn't usually come up in conversation!

Any other thoughts?
I think overall the size of the bag is ok, but needs to be bigger at the top / the opening needs to be wider.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I found them easy to use if a little small for super plus tampons. My daughter thought they were great and easy to use though getting the strip off the sticky tape was not always so easy.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home and work and once at MILs. We do have special sanitary bins where I work so never have a problem disposing them normally but my daughter's work place does not have a bin and she thought these were great for her work.
They were great at MILs as she doesn't have a bathroom bin.

Any problems with them?
I didn't apart from a bit small for a super plus tampon. Daughter had problems with the strip.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
We always use popins and bin at home so no change there. Much better than wrapping in loo roll at work and out and about
Would you continue to buy them?
I would for my daughter to take to work and maybe have a packet in my handbag for whenever needed but they are much more expensive than popins (£1 for 50) and therefore I would not use them at home.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes if the topic came up. Daughter said she would too and had shown them to one of her colleagues.

Any other thoughts?
We both think they are too expensive for regular use but great for every now and then when out and about and my daughter will use them at work but not at home.
I also like the fact they are not scented and didn't stink my bag out with a sickly perfume smell.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them really easy to use, very handy to have the ability to hold them with one hand, and they are very discreet.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home and whilst at a relatives house over the holidays, also at a soft play that didn't have facilities to put tampons in. I used them as instructed, kept them in my bag until needed.

Any problems with them?
Not at all, thought it might be a bit tricky with one hand, fighting on, but it was very easy, and simple.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Definitely, I'm afraid to say I genuinely wasn't aware of the no-flushing rule but I am now and will always use bags to dispose of tampons when there is no bin.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would be happy to buy them, they do the job perfectly and I love the design. The price is fine too.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Definitely, I have already to friends and family.

Any other thoughts?
Great name, great idea, great product, thank you for choosing me and my daughter, it has changed how we dispose of tampons forever!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Very easy to use as they were so small and slim
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them I used them mostly when I was out but at the beginning when I was full flow and a little messy I used them too.
Any problems with them? No problems once you get the hang of it
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Before I would have to wrap them up with loads of tissue which was a waste but now its easier to dispose the quickly without wasting toilet paper.
Would you continue to buy them? I will continue to buy them as it made me feel more confident when I was out shopping and needed to change
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?I would recommend to other ladies out there. once you try them you wonder why you didnt think of it before.
Any other thoughts?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were easy to use, I would have liked there to be enough space for the applicator to go in the bag too.

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

I tried them first at home but I don't think I'd spend the money to use them at home. They fitted very easily into even tiny handbags for going out.

Any problems with them?

No.

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

I usually just wrap in loo roll and will continue to do so at home as the bags are quite expensive.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes, for occasions like a camping trip they would be extremely useful as there are often no proper sanitary bins on campsites and these would be much nicer for everyone who has to use the communal rubbish bin. They are useful for visiting other people too as it can be awkward to dispose of tampons in other people's houses. I wouldn't buy them to use all the time because of the cost.

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

Yes.

Any other thoughts?

I am pleased that they contain at least a percentage of organic material as I worry about the environmental impacts of tampon disposal. If they discourage other women from flushing that has to be a good thing.

1. How did you find using the fablittle bags generally?

• I found it very easy to use especially with the one hand opening.

2. where did you use them?
   *At home and out and about.

3. any problems with using them ?

• No none at all.

4. do you think the have changed how you dispose of tampons?how?

• yes I always flushed them but I think this is better and easier so will be doing it this way from now on.

5. would you continue to buy then?
   *Yes definitely

6. would you recommend them to other women?
   *Yes I would.

7. any other thoughts?
   *No I think they are good in every way 😊
   Thank you for letting me take part in this trial 😊

1. How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I found it a bit tricky In the beginning as the instructions weren't too clear and I didn't notice the sticky strip or how to use it.

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

I used them at home, I found them very slim which was good but the colour is too bright! especially as my period is quite heavy it can get quite messy and it showed a lot on the packet, the packet definitely needs to be a darker colour maybe black with the writing in green or white.

1. Any problems with them?

it made changing my tampon more difficult as I had one hand out of use due to having to have my fingers in the loop of the bag to hold it open. The opening of the bag is also too narrow it definitely needs to be wider to be able to fit the tampon and applicator.

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

It hasn't changed how i dispose of tampons as I mainly wrap and put in a little purple plastic bag. At work they provide paper bags.

1. Would you continue to buy them?

Unfortunately I won't as I don't think it will be worth my money as they are quite expensive for what they are.

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

if someone was looking for an alternative to scented bags or nappy bags then yes.

1. Any other thoughts?

Sounds like a well meaning idea, but I don't believe we should be adding more costs on something we cannot really control.
Tampons when not on offer can be quite expensive.

Thanks

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Great for tampons. Too small for sanitary towels (always night plus wings)

Where did you use them?
Days out & en suite bathroom.

Please describe how you used them
Any problems with them?

Instructions required re sticky strip.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not at home - I will continue to use biodegradable nappy bags as they're cheaper. I always binned tampons.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes - to keep in my handbag and at work. I'd also take them camping.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes - I think they go in sanitary bins more easily as they don't fill with air.

Any other thoughts? Too expensive. Could you get a tampon company to include some free in packets? A hotel to use them instead of the normal white bags? What's their price point?

Both myself and my daughter tested these:

They were easy to use and very easy to carry around.

I use them at work and my daughter has used her's at school. We have also used these when out and about when there is little places to dispose of properly.

We had no problems with their use and they do the job that they are intended for.

It doesn't change the way I dispose of tampons as I always binned them anyway. It will get my daughter into good habits.

To be honest, I probably wouldn't buy these very much as they are a little expensive for the amount of sanitary products that we use. I would probably have a stock for my daughter to use for school as they are perfect for that.

We would both recommend them.

They are a great product and do a good job.

Honestly - why are there any better than nappy bags? They seem extortionately priced for what they are.

They are a bit expensive but they are not see through and seal easily so one does the job whereas I can wrap a tampon in so much toilet roll or two or more nappy sacks and then it gets difficult to dispose of without people seeing what you have in your hands. Discretion is the idea. They are good but I just can't afford that amount on top of the price of tampons and st's every month.