Reusable menstrual pads are a type of menstrual hygiene product and are an alternative to disposable sanitary napkins or to menstrual cups. Because they can be reused, they are often more cost-effective than disposable sanitary napkins. In addition, they are often made from more environmentally-friendly materials than disposable sanitary napkins and can be worn during more types of physical activity[1].
Types
There are many different varieties of reusable sanitary pads, including washable, cloth menstrual pads, reusable menstrual panties, and reusable menstrual underwear[2].
What are they made from
Reusable sanitary pads are usually made of an absorbent material that is sandwiched between two waterproof materials. These cloth menstrual pads are usually made in several layers that have cotton or hemp, but not plastic[3]. The outer layers are usually made from cotton or hemp because they are very effective in absorbing blood. The top layer is the layer that is in touch with the skin. This layer is usually made from bamboo or organic cotton for softness[4]. The bottom layer is made from polyester or flannel, just to make sure it won’t leak.
What are the best Reusable Menstrual Pads?
These days it’s easy to find a wide range of menstrual products. Thanks to the recent interest in natural, healthy, and eco-friendly alternatives to disposable products, you can now buy reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and even period underwear. While reusable products are often more expensive than disposable ones, they’re much cheaper in the long run.
1. Leekalos: Bamboo Menstrual Cloth Pads (6 Sets)
2. Teamoy: Reusable Washable Cloth Menstrual Pads (10 Sets)
Perfect for travel, outdoor, exercise, or daily use! Come with a waterproof PUL wet bag with two zipper compartments is ideal to separate your clean pads from dirty ones. You can hang it anywhere or carry it conveniently on its handles.
3. wegreeco: Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads
Made of the bamboo charcoal bamboo inner layer, in addition to absorbing liquid quickly and effectively without the addition of chemicals (you can also use them as liners in your cloth diapers).
4. simfamily: Reusable Waterproof Bamboo Charcoal Menstrual Pads
5. Langsprit: Absorbent Reusable Sanitary Pads
When Were Reusable Menstrual Pads First Used?
No one is really sure when reusable pads were first used, but there is evidence that shows women in Africa used pieces of cloth for that purpose. The cotton pads we use today are more like the ones used in Ancient Rome and were made from lint from the belly of sheep. The first reusable pads were just pieces of cloth and they were used so that women could avoid the smell and mess of the primitive sanitary napkins that consisted of cotton, wood, and pieces of paper.
It was not until the 20th century that pads became big business and even then, they were mostly used by women in the Middle East and Asia. Reusable pads are made of fabric, but they are quite different from the reusable pads that are used today.
A menstrual pad is a sanitary product worn by women during menstruation to protect their clothing from the menstrual fluid. It is also known as a sanitary towel, sanitary napkin, sanitary nappy, pad, panty liner, or lady’s napkin. Menstrual pads have been around for thousands of years but became commercially available and popular in the 20th century.
The first modern disposable menstrual pads appeared in the 1930s and were made from wood pulp and held together with Cellulose Acetate Adhesive. The first commercial pads, called “S Kotex”, were made with an outer wrapping of heavy crepe and an inner lining made of cotton wool. These were soon followed by pads using rayon and cotton flannel. The first commercial pads were sized and were advertised as being able to handle “8 days of normal flow”.
What Are The Pros of Using Reusable Menstrual Pads
Some reusable products like menstrual cups are actually free! By switching to reusable menstrual products, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and get the period products that work best for you. There are lots of reasons to consider reusable menstrual products instead of disposable ones. In addition to the obvious financial and environmental benefits, reusable menstrual products are often more comfortable, convenient, and easy to maintain than disposables.
The Advantages include:
• Environment-friendly: If you are using disposable pads, you are adding to the world’s waste problem. These pads often can’t be recycled, and they are just thrown into landfills.
• Save Money: You will save money by using reusable pads. Some women spend $300 a year on disposable pads. These pads often last for only one cycle.
• Convenient: You can use reusable pads when you are traveling or at work. It is also much more discreet than using tampons.
What Are The Cons of Using Reusable Menstrual Pads
The main disadvantage of using reusable menstrual pads is the need to wash them regularly. While disposable pads are already washed during the manufacturing process, reusable pads need to be washed in your own home. However, washing a reusable pad is not a difficult task. If you want to save money and reduce the amount of waste you produce, reusable pads may be a good option for you.
The Disadvantages include:
• Some women find them uncomfortable.
• You have to do laundry every week.
• They may not be as effective as disposable pads.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog on reusable menstrual pads. Have you tried reusable pads? If so, please let us know what your experience has been like. Have you used other reusable menstrual hygiene products? If so, please share with us in the comments on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Thanks for reading, and happy periods!
