Menstrual sponges?

[Flamingnorahs]

Hi, looking for some advice on menstrual sponges please?
Want to reduce the waste of the menstrual products I use. Are the sponges tricky to put in/take out?I have tried a cup but found it very uncomfortable (don't know if I was putting it in wrong or was the wrong size but reluctant to buy another) and cloth pads which I found to slide around quite a bit. Don't know much about period pants either. How often do you change them etc? Any advice gratefully received, thanks.

I used sponges for a bit and liked them best of all the green alternatives probably. The tricky thing is sterilising them between periods. If you boil them they go hard and work less well. I think I used a vinegar? It’s a long time ago now. They came with an advice sheet. Also when they’re full you leak, so you need a backup on heavy days. But you can’t feel them at all, much more comfortable than a cup or a tampon. I also didn’t like cups, found them painful.

I would be worried about toxic shock syndrome with these OP. They have a massive surface area so massive area for bacteria to grow.

Ooh, thanks for the replies. To be honest I hadn't given too much thought on the best way to clean them! They do look much comfier than cups but now I'm concerned about the cleanliness. Hmm. Back to the drawing board I think...