Washable sanitary pads, menstrual cup or period underwear?

The world of menstrual products has evolved enormously in recent years. Where tampons and disposable pads used to be the norm, there are now numerous reusable options available that are not only better for the environment but also for your wallet.

Reusable sanitary pads work the same way as disposable pads, but are made from sustainable materials like cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These pads are washed and reused after use. They're available in different sizes and absorbencies, so you'll always have a suitable option, regardless of the day of your cycle. Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to use reusable sanitary pads .

Menstrual cups are flexible, funnel-shaped cups made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or TPE. They are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, depending on the amount of flow, and can last for years after thorough cleaning.

Period underwear is underwear specifically designed to absorb menstrual blood. This underwear has multiple layers of fabric that absorb moisture and neutralize odors. It can be worn as the sole protection or in combination with other menstrual products for added security.

One of the biggest advantages of reusable sanitary pads is their comfort . Because they are made of soft, natural materials like cotton, they are often much more comfortable to wear than their disposable counterparts. Cotton allows the skin to breathe, which helps prevent irritation and infection, something that can often be a problem with disposable products with plastic linings. This makes reusable sanitary pads particularly suitable for women with sensitive skin.

In addition, washable sanitary pads are very sustainable . Instead of having to buy a new supply of pads every month, you can use a set of washable sanitary pads for years. This means less waste and less pollution. Discover more about all the benefits of washable sanitary pads .

Reusable sanitary pads are also cost-effective . While the initial investment can be higher than with disposable pads, you'll quickly recoup the cost because you don't have to constantly buy new ones. The savings can be significant over time, especially considering how many pads a woman needs over a lifetime.

An added benefit: washable sanitary pads are easy to use . You don't need to insert anything internally, making them an accessible option for everyone. Plus, you can see exactly how much you're bleeding, which can be helpful in better understanding your cycle.

Menstrual cups offer an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility. Because they can be worn for up to 12 hours, they're ideal for women with busy lives who don't want to constantly change their period products. This also makes them perfect for women who travel frequently or lead active lifestyles, as you don't have to worry about leaks throughout the day.

Another major advantage of menstrual cups is their hygiene. Because they are made of medical-grade silicone or rubber, they are hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals found in some disposable products. This significantly reduces the risk of irritation and infection. Furthermore, menstrual blood is collected rather than absorbed, which helps minimize odors.

Menstrual cups are also a sustainable choice. They can last for years, meaning they have a much smaller environmental impact compared to disposable products. Note: Menstrual cups do require some practice to insert correctly and can be uncomfortable for some women, especially at first.

Period underwear offers an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience. This specially designed underwear has multiple layers of fabric that absorb moisture and neutralize odors, meaning you don't have to worry about leaks or unpleasant smells. Plus, it feels just like regular underwear, so you can feel comfortable and confident all day long.

This type of underwear is also very versatile. It can be worn as sole protection on light days or in combination with other menstrual products on heavier days. This makes period underwear a very flexible option that can be adapted to your needs, depending on where you are in your cycle.

Just like reusable pads and menstrual cups, period underwear is also a sustainable choice. It can be easily washed and reused after use, reducing waste. The downside: period underwear is often more expensive to purchase than reusable pads, and you need multiples to get through your cycle.

When it comes to comfort, all three options offer their own unique advantages. Reusable sanitary pads are often the most comfortable for women prone to irritation, as they're made of soft, breathable materials. This can be especially important for women with sensitive skin or allergies. Furthermore, they're external, meaning you don't need to insert anything—ideal for those who find that uncomfortable.

Menstrual cups, on the other hand, offer a high level of comfort because they're worn entirely internally, meaning you won't feel them once they're in place. They also offer the freedom to go longer periods without a change. However, inserting and removing them requires practice and can be uncomfortable for some, especially on the go or in public restrooms.

Period underwear combines the best of both worlds by offering the comfort of regular underwear with the protection of a menstrual product. It feels like regular underwear, yet provides the security you need during your period. The downside is that you wear it all day, even when it's full, which some women find less comfortable.

The environmental impact of menstrual products is a significant consideration for many women, especially in an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly important. Disposable products like tampons and pads contribute significantly to global waste, as they are often made of non-biodegradable materials and contain large amounts of plastic.

Reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear, on the other hand, offer much more sustainable options. Reusable sanitary pads can be washed and reused hundreds of times, significantly reducing the amount of waste you produce. Menstrual cups can last for years and only require a thorough cleaning between uses. Period underwear can also withstand numerous washes without losing its effectiveness.

Moreover, these reusable products consume fewer resources over their lifespan than their disposable counterparts. This means they not only produce less waste but also use less energy and water to produce, contributing to a smaller ecological footprint.

While the initial cost of reusable menstrual products can be higher than disposables, they're often much more cost-effective in the long run. A set of reusable sanitary pads can last for several years, meaning you don't have to buy new ones every month. For a full cycle, you'll need about 20-25 pads, a one-time investment that will last for years. Learn more about how many reusable sanitary pads you need .

Menstrual cups are one of the most cost-effective options, as they can last up to ten years with proper care. This means you recoup the cost of a single menstrual cup many times over compared to constantly buying tampons or pads. However, you often only need one cup, while with washable pads you need several.

Period underwear also has a higher initial cost and is often the most expensive of the three options. You need multiple pads (at least 5-7 for a cycle), which makes the initial investment considerably higher than with washable pads. Furthermore, you can't always wear period underwear as regular underwear because of the extra layers.

Proper maintenance and care of your reusable menstrual products is crucial to extending their lifespan and maintaining their effectiveness.

Reusable sanitary pads are surprisingly easy to care for. After use, you can pre-rinse them in cold water, but this isn't necessary. Store used sanitary pads in a wet bag or bucket without a lid during your period. This provides sufficient ventilation and prevents odors and bacterial growth. After your period, wash all pads in the washing machine on a low temperature with a mild detergent. Need more tips? Read our article about the best detergent for reusable sanitary pads and how to remove blood stains .

Menstrual cups require more maintenance. After each use, they should be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. At the end of your cycle, it's recommended to sterilize the cup by placing it in boiling water for a few minutes. This must be done after every cycle, which is more work than with washable pads.

Period underwear can be washed just like other underwear, but it's important not to use fabric softener, as this can reduce absorbency. It's also a good idea to air-dry them after washing instead of putting them in the dryer to minimize wear and tear. As with washable pads, wash them after your cycle.

Choosing the right menstrual product depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and budget.

Choose washable sanitary pads if:

• You have sensitive skin or are prone to irritations
• You don't want to use internal products
• You find easy maintenance important
• You are looking for an affordable, sustainable option
• You want to see exactly how much you are bleeding
• You are just starting out with sustainable menstrual products

Want to start using washable sanitary pads? Find out which trial pack suits your flow .

Choose a menstrual cup if:

• You have a very active lifestyle (sports, travel)
• You want to be able to go for a long time without changing
• You have no problem with internal products
• You are willing to invest time in learning how to use it

Choose period underwear if:

• You prefer not to wear or insert anything extra
• You have a light to medium flow
• You have a higher budget for the initial investment
• You want to use it as a backup for other products

The choice between reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear depends on your personal needs and preferences. Each of these products offers unique benefits that can contribute to a more comfortable and sustainable menstrual experience.

For many women , reusable sanitary pads are the ideal choice because they offer the perfect balance of comfort, ease of use, affordability, and sustainability. They're made of soft, natural materials that are kind to your skin, easy to care for, and require no internal insertion. Furthermore, the initial investment is lower than period underwear, and they're more accessible than menstrual cups. Want to learn more about the benefits? Read on to find out why you should switch to reusable sanitary pads .

It's important to try different options to see what works best for you. Many women find that a combination of products is most effective, depending on where they are in their cycle and their daily activities. For example: washable pads for at home and light days, and a cup for heavy days or exercising.

Investing in reusable menstrual products not only saves you money, but also reduces your environmental footprint and contributes to a more sustainable future. Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident during your period. Ready to get started? Try a sample pack of LottePads® to discover what works best for you!