Reusable cloth menstrual … whaaaaat? Some of your eyes are widening in horror, but before you freak out too much, I promise, this is doable … I challenge you to at least read to the end of the article … and think about it.
Lunapads International has been producing a variety of reusable cloth menstrual pads from their facilities in Vancouver, Canada since 1993. According to their website, “Lunapads are now used by thousands worldwide: as a result 1 million disposable pads and tampons are now being diverted from landfills every month.”
I first wanted to try a reusable cloth pad out of concern for the environment. When I started researching, I was surprised to learn that many women also have health concerns about disposable pads.
What did I think? I recently had the opportunity to try out an assortment of Lunapads cotton menstrual pads and liners. Short and sweet review: I liked them and I’m going to keep using them. I was pleasantly surprised that in some ways they are more comfortable than disposable pads. I found them cooler and more breathable.
I was lucky to start this cycle on the weekend, so I could get the hang of the pads in the privacy and convenience of my own bathroom. I was a bit nervous about dealing with them at work, but I looked into the suggestions for managing them in public washrooms and was well prepared. Thankfully, the experiment went smoothly.
Lunapads’ website has a ton of great tips, advice and how-to videos, which I found super helpful … essential, really.
Conveniently, the pads and liners come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses and there’s even a selection of fun prints and colours.
What are the drawbacks? You have to wash them (duh). But this really isn’t a big deal. I much preferred washing these to washing a soiled diaper. The Lunapads website’s information is really helpful for using and taking care of the pads.
Another drawback is that they feel a bit bulky. Again, this isn’t a big deal. What is actually IN disposable pads to make them so absorbent – I doubt it’s good for me?
I found that I had to change them a bit more frequently than I would a disposable pad. Yes, I had a few minor leaks and felt a bit like a novice teenager all over again. But I’m totally confident that I can get the hang of this.
Anything else? I was very excited to read about Lunapads work to provide reusable pads to girls in developing countries. Because many of these girls have nothing to manage their periods, they can miss a significant portion of their schooling. Lunapads donates pads, facilitates donors purchasing pads at cost and also provides sewing patterns and instructional videos so that you can make pads to donate to girls in need.
Are they good value? I absolutely believe that Lunapads are good value. These work out to be less expensive than disposable pads in the long run (since when is healthy and environmentally-friendly actually cheaper?)
I had a fairly small selection to work with for this trial, but I’m going to be purchasing a few more for myself (and perhaps stitching up a few extra liners with some cotton I already have on hand).
I am encouraging my sisters and friends to seriously consider making the switch.
Where to buy? You find a local retailer through the Lunapads website (there are hundreds of retailers across North America, including select London Drugs stores).
Have YOU tried reusable cloth menstrual pads? Will you think about it?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.
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I love em. I had managed to get a sample of Lunapads a while ago and then ordered some more and will be getting even more…I think they are amazing and will never go back to the disposables.
I have used a different version of luna pads since my son was born 14 years ago. There were 2 university students selling them at the farmers market in Halifax. I have never looked back. I use to suffer from regular infections, a chemically odor, and uncomfortable itchiness. Since using the pads I have NONE of that. Because we travel a lot I also use natracare pads which are disposable but are perfume/chlorine free and are biodegradable. They also have tampons and you can get them in most health food stores and London drugs. Great review Jennie, and go get some ladies! Washing the re-usable ones is so NOT a big deal!
Like Kerry, I received a couple from a blogger event and I liked them so much I bought some more. In fact, I ordered a few more refills just today!
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I haven’t tried them yet (still breastfeeding E, so kind of a non-issue right now), but I plan to in the future. I have heard that cloth pads are a MUCH better choice for those of us who deal with endometriosis.
As your sister, I assure you I’m doing my part as well…but via the Diva cup. I got to check Jennie’s out and they felt super soft and absorbent. I’m just not a pad person.
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