Reusable Sanitary Pads: Answering all Your Questions

If you are switching to reusable sanitary pads or starting your journey with these sustainable period products, Kudos to you!

However, it is understandable that you might have a few questions or perhaps a lot. In this article, we will be addressing all the questions relating to usage, caring, maintenance and period health, but not limited to them.

So here are solutions to the most frequently asked questions we have heard about reusable sanitary pads.

How to use reusable sanitary pads?

Reusable sanitary pads are not akin to conventional disposable pads with a sticky end that you can fix upon your underwear.

These products have a clasp on the wings, which are at the opposite end of the absorbent part. These wings are then looped around the undergarment’s surface and then clasped tightly. This design ensures that the pad is securely placed on the panty with less to no scope of displacement.

Are reusable sanitary pads as sustainable as they claim to be?

Here are a few reasons that might help.

As the name suggests, reusable sanitary pads can be washed and used multiple times for at least 3 years. This reduces your usage of disposable sanitary products, which automatically makes these pads a sustainable and eco-friendlier choice.
It is economically efficient to not buy disposable sanitary products every month.
Reusable sanitary pads are primarily made of cloth, a biodegradable material. It is devoid of harmful chemicals.

That’s all great. But what about hygiene and safety?

When it comes to menstrual hygiene, the major factors are cleanliness and dryness of the pad to avoid irritation, infection and the much feared Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Reusable sanitary pads are equipped with multiple layers of cloth and leak proof polymer bottom. The layers absorb the blood and leave the cloth surface (that is in touch with the skin), dry, clean, and ‘breathable’.

Like your conventional pads, you should change these pads after every 6 hours. With reusable sanitary pads, it is important that you wash them with gentle cleansers and preferably dry them directly in the sun, in a well-ventilated area. This will ensure no bacterial build up which may lead to infection.

How to choose the right size of reusable sanitary pads for myself?

This has a lot to do with the flow. Women tend to experience heavy flow days and light flow days.

Avni’s Lush reusable sanitary pads are available in 5 sizes and absorbency levels. In order to ensure a convenient experience, we recommend you check out our size chart where we have segregated our pad sizes based on the flow and which one would be ideal for your period flow.

Are reusable sanitary pads similar to organic cotton pads?

No. While both are sustainable, organic cotton pads are more likely to be disposable. Reusable cloth pads are meant to be used and reused.

Do reusable sanitary pads smell?

Again, no. Reusable sanitary pads do not allow odour to build up because the cloth surface absorbs the blood and is breathable which allows the moisture to evaporate.

In case of any smell, there are chances of bacterial imbalances that you should get checked by your doctor.

In order to make the experience more suited for your olfactory senses, you can add natural essential oils to your cleaning process.

Interestingly, by simply line drying your washed cloth pads in direct sun will also add a fresh natural smell which is long lasting and healthier in comparison.

Can I wear cloth pads after giving birth?

Cloth pads are often the most common postpartum choices, especially the bulkier options.

Heavy cloth pads not only help absorb more blood but can be soaked in soothing (and safe ingredients) and frozen before using them.

They are especially comfortable and healing to use after giving birth.

Don’t cloth pads leak?

Not if you change them frequently like regular pads. Cloth pads are equipped with multiple layers and absorbent layers. The wings have extra strong clasps that are steadfast on the panty surface.

Unless you use these pads for more than 7-8 hours or don’t place them properly, there are fewer chances of them leaking or staining your clothes.

Can I use reusable sanitary pads while travelling?

Of course! Once you are done using the pads, you can easily fold them into little squares with the help of the clasps and store them in plastic bags until you wash them.

They would neither leak nor smell, so you are good!

Can I use reusable sanitary pads if I have vaginal infection?

Reusable cloth pads work especially well in case your sensitive nether regions. This is because of the pads of natural fibres, high absorption rate and low moisture retention. This allows your pad to be dry and prevent any irritation and further infection.