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.

Me....

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Quite easy to use. Discreet, small but not too small.

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

Used at home for tampons and applicators. Then put in bin in bathroom.

Any problems with them?

No problems, they served their purpose well.

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

I previously flushed tampons and binned applicators and they have made me think that flushing tampons is not a good idea so have stopped doing that.

Would you continue to buy them?

I wouldn't. I think they are expensive and have 'over engineered' a problem. I also have dogs so a ready supply of waste bags. These also serve the purpose in, granted, a less sophisticated way but much much cheaper!

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

I might, I could see a use if you are away from home a lot and want something nicer to use they might be good.

Any other thoughts?

Great idea, great bag but very much a luxury solution that I wouldn't buy.

My daughter (15, been having periods for 18mths, uses towels)...

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were fine.

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

I used them for towels, worked well, I opened them with my fingers as suggested and closed them easily.

Any problems with them?

No

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

I used to roll them up and wrap in tissue and the bags are nicer than doing that.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes.

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

No I don't talk to my friends about periods.

Any other thoughts?

No

I wonder if the makers of the bags will be reading or commenting on any of this feedback, taking it on board to make any changes, or if it's too late for that and it's just to publicise the bags

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them easy to use, they didn't really need any instructions. The finger loops were a good size and worked well.
I liked the way they sealed securely and the thickness and design meant that you couldn't see into the sealed bag or tell what was in it.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I used them at home to dispose of tampons. Usually I use nappy sacks which are harder to open and harder to seal securely without mess.

Any problems with them?
I found the size a little too small to neatly get the tampon and string into easily. It was possible but they only just fit. I don't think the print is needed, I would prefer a plain bag.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not really. When I'm at home I am able to use nappy sacks which are much cheaper. When I'm out then there is almost always a bin for sanitary product disposal in public toilets.

Would you continue to buy them?
Yes, I would use them when staying with friends or family because they are so discreet.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes but I'm not sure the topic would come up in conversation!

Any other thoughts?
I use both tampons and sanitary pads (due to heavy flow) so I would like it if a larger size of bag was available for disposal of sanitary pads.
When I first heard about this product I thought that it was used to remove the tampon as well as dispose of it. That would be a lot better for me because it would be less messy.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Not bad to use, bit tricky to find somewhere to balance them whilst inserting a new tampon if I was going to put applicator/wipes in there too.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Used them at home and out of the house.

Any problems with them?
No
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I will try not to flush them if at all possible

Would you continue to buy them?
Possibly for use outside of the house, a bit expensive/overkill for putting straight in the bin that I empty at home.

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

Any other thoughts?
Perhaps make them a bit bigger?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them a bit small as I often change a panty liner at the same time. Didn't really use the loops for one handed opening. I really liked that they were completely opaque, and that they sealed properly.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
At home and out and about. Used the bag for tampon, but bag was too small for panty liner and wrapping etc.

Any problems with them?
As described above, the bags would be better if they were a little bigger. I would also prefer a plain bag without writing on, and also a dark colour rather than off-white.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I always bin anyway, but these will be great for when out and about. I am quite happy to carry on with the sanitary disposal bags that I already use for when I am at home (much cheaper and also bigger), but when out or at a friend's house I would prefer to use these as they are more discreet, and seal securely.

Would you continue to buy them?
I wouldn't buy them to use at home as am happy with other sanitary disposal bags to use in my own home/bin. However I will buy them to use when not at home.

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

Any other thoughts?
I am glad that I have taken part in this trial as this product will be useful for me!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
me very simple to use and even I could manage the one handed opening.
dd easy to use
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
me used them whilst on holiday, felt reassured that I had a means to dispose wherever I went.
dd at work and on nights out,particularly liked the handbag pack
Any problems with them?
me would like to be able to dispose of panty liners or towels at the same time or even separately so would like the option of a larger size.
dd no
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
me yes I was a habitual flusher but won't now instead will make sure I have fablittlebags handy instead.
dd yes like the bags and easy to use
Would you continue to buy them?
me yes definitely
dd I'd get mum to buy them
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
me yes
dd yes
Any other thoughts?
would like similar bags to use for towels and liners.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Very easy. I liked that they were not see-through, and found that the seal held well so I could happily take the used bags home to dispose of. No smell either which is a plus!
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I tried them both at home, and at work. In future I would only use them as a back-up when out of the house as they are quite expensive. I use a panty liner too when I'm on my period- so put that in the bag as well as my used tampon. The bag was a little small for this- and personally I'd find then more useful if I could fit other products in the bag, otherwise it's defunct really - nobody is going to use 2 separate disposal bags. I liked the handbag case- nice and durable, and room to fit in a couple of panty liners as well as the bags.
Any problems with them?
I think they would be better a little bigger. That'smy only problem with them.
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not in the house , I have always binned. Out of the house I very occasionally flushed if they were no bins available. I will probably keep a supply of these bags as they are effective, and no smells escape to use in that situation as I can bin at home.
Would you continue to buy them?
Yes, though only for use out of the house whee there is no sanitary bin - I think they are too expensive, and too small for everyday use sadly. If you changed the price and size, then I would probably use them each tampon change.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
If someone was flushing I tell them how bad it is. I have recommended moon cups and reusable pads in the past, so yes- if someone struggled to know how to dispose of their used tampon I would say that I used these bags.
Any other thoughts?
Only that they are pretty expensive. This will put lots of people off.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Found them quite fiddly but did make me bin rather than flush
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Used at home and when out
Any problems with them?
Found them quite fiddly and kept forgetting to removed the sticky strip before using. Also found it hard to use them for larger sized tampons
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Definitely made me more likely to bin
Would you continue to buy them?
No - too expensive, but now I've changed my habits I will look for an opaque nappy or dog disposal bag instead
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, if they are ok with the price point and use regular size tampons
Any other thoughts?
I didn't like the conspicuous branding on the bags and think supermarkets will quickly make own brand versions and damage this original products market

1. Discreet, nice thick material and easy to open one handed
2. On days out in school holidays. Was able to use the bag where toilet facilities weren't that great
3. Yes I think they are a little small for 'heavier flow' days
4. Yes they have prompted me to remember to dispose of tampons in the bin!
5. I would for times when I had lots of days out planned or on holiday
6. I would for convenience but price needs to be a little lower.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I found them reasonably easy to use although thought they could have been a little bigger.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used

Used them whilst at home and away on holiday. They were especially usually when on holiday as they allowed me to dispose of tampons discreetly.

Any problems with them?

No

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

Yes, as whilst I generally binned I sometimes used to flush in desperation when there weren't suitable facilities for disposing of tampons when out and about.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes, although I would probably mainly use them when out rather than at home.

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

Yes

Any other thoughts?

Yes - bigger packs for disposal of sanitary pads please.

Thanks Mumsnet!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I quite liked them, they were practical to have in my bag when I was out and about

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
When I was out and about mostly didn't really use them at home

Any problems with them?
No

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Not really I've always binned my tampons never ever flushed them

Would you continue to buy them?
I wouldn't go out of my way to buy them due to the cost, nappy sacks are far more cheaper and do the job just as well, these are good and I enjoyed using them and liked the product however seeing as buying tampons every month is quite expensive adding more onto this doesn't appeal to me

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

Any other thoughts?
Just the fact they are abit pricey would put me off buying them again

Thanks for letting me trial the Fab Little Bags Mumsnet! I'll go into detail on this review, anyone who doesnt like discussing periods - turn away now...

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I was really pleased to try them, as it something that I thought would be really useful to me. I did think they are a really good idea, and a good solution for tampon disposal.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
I decided that I would put them in my bag (actually the changing bag as that is where i carry my tampons etc!) and use them out and about. We went to Legoland so it was a good opportunity to be out the house for a full day and see how I used them.

I had a practice at home first, to see how the finger loops worked and if I could manage one handed. Pleased I tried it out as I found it really fiddly to open the pouch one handed and to hold the loops over my fingers. I am useless!

So I tried them when out, and found it a little bit tricky. I still used toilet paper over the tampon, as I was worried about mess. The opening isn't actually that big and larger tampons needed a bit of encouragement - especially one handed. The sticky bit was good and sealed it nicely. I then disposed of them in the sanitary waste bins in the toilet. I didnt need to take them back out with me to put in a bin or my bag. But I could of done quite happily - although they are VERY bright packaging! Maybe something a little more subtle?

Any problems with them?
Yes - the opening is too small if you are not a good aim!

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
They did make me think about it more, and not just flush tampons away. I used to flush all the time, but after blocking a toilet at home, I realised it wasn't good for the environment either. Its a real shame that they have to be thrown in a bin, and I wish they were easier to dispose of.

Would you continue to buy them?
I might get some for when I am out of the house for my changing bag. They are good for emergencies but I wont use them at home as they are quite expensive and also it doesn't feel necessary, I am happy to wrap a tampon in toilet paper or the wrapper from my sanitary towel and put in a bin (lined with a plastic bag!).

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Any other thoughts?
Yes I would say to give them a try, especially if you are going away on holiday or out and about in public toilets. It does add a cost to tampons - maybe in the future they could be included in the box of tampons when you buy them - disposable bags with them?

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts
:)

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

A bit of a faff- was used to flushing tampons, and would often forget to use them.

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

At home and whilst out- no problems with them.

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

I never considered that it was bad to flush them before- I now realise I shouldn't really do that. So yes I have reconsidered!

Would you continue to buy them?

No I wont, I think they are a completely ridiculous concept!

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

No

Any other thoughts?

I think they are expensive, of course they were great quality bags- a good sealing system. But for me I'm afraid I will not buy them nor use them!

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
I found them handy to use and easy to open and dispose of, it was an ideal time to test them as i was away on holidays at the time.

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them.
I was away for the Easter Holidays on holiday in the UK and was often visiting people at their houses and out at cafes or restaurants. I used these quite a few times when disposing of tampons .

Any problems with them?
No problems.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
I was already aware i shouldn't flush them down the toilet and always disposed of them in a bin. However this product may be useful if out and about and don't want to wrap in a tissue and leave them in the bin. However, I wouldnt use this product at home.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would consider buying them for occasionals such as camping , holidays or festivals . But i would use them rarely i think. I think the price point for the bags is a little too high to allow me to use them regularly.

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

Any other thoughts?
the Handbag pack is slim and light and doesnt take much room in my handbag - easy to take on the go with you. The floral design on the packaging is cute too.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Really great - easy to use and handy for my handbag.

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

I used them when out and about - easy to pop in my handbag.

Any problems with them?

The sticky strip was a bit fiddly but not really a problem.

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

Definitely. I hate to admit that I used to flush tampons, not really thinking about the environmental issues - I'll be disposing of them in a bin or taking them home with me from now on. Thanks for bringing to my attention.

Would you continue to buy them?

If I saw these on offer I would certainly buy, but I'm not sure I can justify the cost ordinarily.

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

I would recommend them to friends as a solution to an often icky problem.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Easy to use, clever and discreet for use both at home and when out and about. Great looking

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

I used them at home and at friends house where I had them in my handbag.

Any problems with them?
No problems but i think it shouldn't state tampon disposal on the packaging to be a bit more discrete.

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

I've always thrown them in the bin so that hasn't changed. I think it would be great if there was not a bin handy so you could store them in your bag.

Would you continue to buy them?
Maybe if i was going to be out a lot maybe for day trips or holidays.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would as there's nothing else out there like it.

Any other thoughts? Maybe make them cheaper to make them afforable to use every month.

My DD Answers:-

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

Easy to use.

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

I used them at school.

Any problems with them?

No problems no noise and easy to close.

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

It made it easier having to think where to throw it out.

Would you continue to buy them?

Yes if my mum buys them for me.

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

Yes if they asked me about it.

Any other thoughts?

No

Thank you for selecting us.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
Great idea and easy to use!

Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them
Out and about as there are not always bins available.

Any problems with them?
The heavy flow tampons can be a bit tricky to get in.

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, when out and about. Because I can now wrap them properly and hygienically.

Would you continue to buy them?
I would if they were cheaper.

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

Any other thoughts?
Could there be an option for sanitary pads too?

Both myself and my daughter tried these bags. My reveiw:
How did you find using the FabLittleBags generally?

Quite straightforward, I usually use nappy bags and dispose and found these to be just as easy. They were very convenient when using public toilets.

Where did you use them?

I used them at home and the smaller packet in my handbag for when I was out.

Any problems with them?

I found if I was using a super tampax that the bag was quite small and not really big enough to get it in without using my fingers to push it in. I would prefer if the bags were plain too with no writing on them.

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

No, I already bagged them anyway, I would never flush.

Would you continue to buy them?

No probably not. I thought they were a bit too expensive to use for a whole period. Would consider a smaller bag for my handbag for occasional use though.

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

I have told my sisters about them, both bag already and are going to look out for them in shops.

My daughter's review: Age 19.
How did you find using the FabLittleBags generally?

Very convenient and easy to use. Straightforward instructions.

Where did you use them?

I used them at home and the smaller packet in my handbag for when I was out.

Any problems with them?

I found them to be a bit too small, not really enough room for tampax and wrappers.

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

No, I already bagged them anyway. The bags made it a lot easier though.

Would you continue to buy them?

I would really like to but as a student I find them to be too expensive for everyday use. Would buy a bag for my handbag though.

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

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? Yes I found them great when out and about
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them - I found them great on the go but didn't use them at home
Any problems with them? No problems but for me they are just good for going out when you want to dispose of them privately in a public sanitary bin but at home I would still use tissue
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How? Yes although I never flushed them anyway - it's a better, hygienic way
Would you continue to buy them? No because of price
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? Yes I would if you are happy to spend the money it's a much more environmentally friendly option
Any other thoughts?

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

They were easy to use,and neat/compact.

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

Out and about,and at home.

Any problems with them?
No

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

I don't flush anyway,unless out and no sanitary bin. However,I do feel uncomfortable in other people's houses so they are perfect for this.

Would you continue to buy them?

Hmm,not for home use but for my handbag yes,occasionally.

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

Possibly

Any other thoughts?

They are too expensive to use at home. I buy little bags for disposal in my home bathroom bin.

How did you find using them?
Easy and discrete.
Where did you use them?
Happened to be on holiday, so in a cottage sharing with various family members and in public toilets.
Any problems?
No
Have they changed how you dispose of tampons?
No. I never flush. I use nappy bags and bin them.
Would you continue to use them?
No. I can't justify the expense.
Would you recommend?
No. I just don't think the price is justified. Periods are already an expensive business!
Other thoughts?
Nice idea but an expensive unnecessary luxury.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?

I found them easy to use and like the fact that they are big enough to fit the tampon and an applicator in.

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

I used them at home and work. We have a septic tank so flushing is a big no! I found them much more discreet than nappy sacks to use and felt disposing of them easier and I love that they aren't see through like nappy sacks.

Any problems with them?
The hole do do with being a little bit bigger. They weren't as easy to open as I thought they would be.

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

No, I'm not a flusher anyway. The only thing I may change is to keep them in my bag in emergencies.

Would you continue to buy them?
Probably not as they are too expensive. I will keep the remaining ones in my bag in the travel wallet for just in case but it's unlikely that I will refill the wallet.

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
I would and have mentioned them but due to the cost I wouldn't recommend them.

Oops missed a bit!

Any other thoughts?
It's a shame they are so expensive and aren't available more locally to me.

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally?
The bags were easy to use

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

Any problems with them?
No

Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?
Yes, I used to flush my tampons but now I am more aware of the impact on the environment I will bin them

Would you continue to buy them?
Only if they were on a very special offer as they are too expensive

Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users?
Yes, if they were on offer

Any other thoughts?
I would love to see a similar bag produced for the disposal of sanitary towels

How did you find it using the FabLittleBags generally? easy and discreet
Where did you use them? Please describe how you used them at home and when out
Any problems with them?no
Do you think they have changed how you dispose of tampons? How?yes made it easier little packet fits nicely in bag
Would you continue to buy them? not at current price
Would you recommend them to other women who are tampon users? yes but probably would not buy due to price
Any other thoughts? are a good idea easy to use however are very expensive