Menstruation evokes a sanitary napkin, tampon or menstrual cup. Solutions to make life easier for these ladies are constantly evolving. We are surprised to see more and more women, after the revolution of innovative solutions such as the tampon or the cup, turning to our grandmothers' washable protections. Nevertheless, it is not a question of using pieces of fabric folded on themselves to obtain the necessary thickness. This greener alternative comes in a more practical and comfortable form, which is the washable sanitary napkin.
Reusable pads: efficient and comfortable
What do women want at all costs for these menstrual devices? They are looking for a comfortable and effective device. Yes, they would like to feel no difference between wearing a pad or not. However, they want to be reassured that there is no risk of leakage. Both day and night can be worry-free. Washable sanitary pads meet all these requirements perfectly. First of all, they are very comfortable in contact with the skin because they are soft, supple and discreet. Secondly, they are highly effective because they are made from 100% absorbent cotton on the inside and a waterproof and breathable film on the outside. The wings are very sticky, soft and also breathable to avoid leaks and irritation. If you don't like having to put on, adjust and stick the washable sanitary napkin, you can use a more practical, all-in-one alternative that is the menstrual panties. With the same absorbency qualities, they are easy to use because they can be put on like a classic panty. Thickness is added to better pick up and absorb the flow. Since washable panties and sanitary pads are made of breathable material, they allow air to pass through, maintain a dry environment and do not trap bad odours caused by the flow. This is not the case with disposable pads.
Washable towels: good for health and the environment
Washable sanitary napkins are also healthy and environmentally friendly. By using a reusable sanitary napkin, you can say goodbye to irritation and other types of discomfort. Usually made of natural material, a washable pad is always soft. In addition, the chemicals added to conventional pads to give them more absorbency can be harmful to your health. Beyond simple irritation and itching, they can cause vaginitis or endometriosis. They sometimes contain synthetic perfumes, dyes, absorbent gels (wood pulp or chlorine), polypropylene or polythene. What's more, their fragrance mixed with the flow gives rise to a very unpleasant odour. In addition, the use of reusable towels is good for the environment. Disposable towels take hundreds of years to decompose. They leave a considerable ecological footprint. And a woman can use 10,000 to 15,000 sanitary pads or tampons in her lifetime. Worse yet, the manufacturing processes and packaging of these products are just as harmful to the planet. So why not take the plunge and go for the washable pad?
How to choose your reusable towel?
You have to check the ecological side of the product. The inside should be made with a natural material such as cotton, hemp or bamboo. The outside must be breathable and waterproof for more comfort and efficiency. If possible, opt for GOTS and OEKOTEX certified materials. Then choose from the different sizes available. There are two very specific categories: towels for daytime and towels for nighttime. The latter can also be used during the day by women who have an abundant flow. On this point, it is important to choose the right size. Depending on the brand, there are 5 to 6 sizes available: mini, smart, medium, plus, max and extra. They are distinguished by their length and thickness. In any case, the thickness of a sanitary napkin does not exceed 3 mm for better comfort. Make sure you check with the seller before making your purchase. The price can vary greatly from one brand to another. Also, note that a sanitary napkin can last 3 to 10 years, which makes a big difference in terms of saving money.
What if you choose another eco-friendly alternative?
In the same category as reusable sanitary pads, you have menstrual panties. The concept is the same, to use natural and super absorbent material to collect the flow. The inside must be soft so as not to irritate the skin. The whole must be well breathable so as not to trap moisture and generate feelings of discomfort and bad odours. The menstrual panty is perfectly described with these characteristics. A 2-in-1 solution, the panty is more practical. You can use it like your thongs, briefs or shorts. The whole panty can be made with other more sensual materials such as silk or lace. It can be made in different colors and even with fancy patterns. But, we add three absorbent layers to the bottom of the panties. Menstrual panties are more interesting as they can replace up to 3 or even 5 tampons. You can wear it all day long or even up to 12 hours. If you have an abundant flow and fear leaks, use the panties in conjunction with another menstrual device such as a cup. In any case, both the panties and the reusable pad are easy to wash. Rinse them in cold water, then machine wash them at 40°C and you're done.