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What size washable menstrual pad do I need? The complete guide for every flow

09 December 2025

Switching to reusable sanitary pads for the first time can feel like entering a whole new world. A world where you no longer have to choose between irritation, sticky disposables, or leaks at the worst possible time. A world where your body can finally breathe.
But then comes the big question: what size do I need?

Don't worry, I'll take you step by step through all the LottePad sizes—from the smallest panty liners to pads that can withstand a literal heavy waterfall. After today, you'll never have to hesitate again. In fact, you'll easily be able to choose the perfect set for your flow.

The difference between panty liners and sanitary towels

Before we dive into sizes, this is important:
Panty liners are meant for lighter moments, sanitary towels for real flow.

  • Panty liners: spotting, start/end of menstruation, light discharge or urine loss.

  • Sanitary pads: actual menstruation, from light to very heavy bleeding.

All products have the same soft quality, breathable fabrics, and the familiar LottePads comfort. You simply choose what your body needs.

The panty liners (Mini, String, Normal, Normal ZV, Maxi)

Mini – the smallest and finest

Perfect for: spotting, light discharge, cup security, or if you just like to wear something that feels fresh.
Comfort: super thin, barely noticeable.
Tip: ideal as a starter model for young girls.
Length: 14 cm

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String – for lingerie with a string model

Perfect for: days when you want protection but don't want to sacrifice your favorite thong.
Comfort: stays in place surprisingly well thanks to the clever design.
Tip: very useful if you exercise.
Length: 14 cm

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Normal – the daily favorite

Perfect for: light periods, light discharge, or as extra security for light urine loss.
Comfort: Slightly more surface area than Mini, but still super light and breathable.
Length: 20cm

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Normal ZV – especially for light urine loss

Perfect for: people with a sensitive pelvic floor or little “oops” moments.
Comfort: no buttons that can get in the way when you are cycling or horse riding, for example.

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Maxi – the largest insert

Perfect for: those who want a little more protection but don't yet have to resort to sanitary pads.
Comfort: soft, flexible and ideal for active days.
Length: 24 cm

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The sanitary pad sizes (Light, Medium, Heavy, Heavy+, Superflow)

This is where it gets interesting.
Every woman bleeds differently—and that's okay. That's why I offer different sizes, so you always have the right protection.

Light – for the first and last days

Perfect for: spotting, a light flow, or days when you want to feel safe without feeling bulky.
Absorption: comparable to a thin disposable sanitary pad, but soft and breathable.
Length: 24 cm

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<h2 data-end= Medium – the all-rounder and most popular size

Perfect for: Average flow, those days when “I’m okay, but I don’t quite trust it yet.”
Absorption: Ideal for daytime use. Approximately 40 ml
Length: 25.5 cm

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<h2 data-end= Heavy – for real menstruation days

Perfect for: women with a heavy flow who don't want to experience leaks.
Absorption: much higher than average disposable products. +/- 60 ml
Length: 30 cm

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<h2 data-end= Heavy+ for nights and heavier days

Perfect for: lying down, sleeping, postpartum and anyone with really heavy bleeding.
Absorption: thicker, wider, longer.
Best combination: +/- 80 ml
Length: 46 cm

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<h2 data-end= Superflow – your ultimate security

Perfect for: extreme periods, postpartum, and women who normally need to change every 2 hours.
Absorption: the highest of all. +/- 120 ml
Length: 37 cm

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How many pads do you need per cycle?

On average, customers use:

  • 5-6 pads per day for an average menstruation

  • 6-8 pads per day for heavy to super flow

  • 2–3 panty liners per day for spotting or certainty

  • 1 Heavy, Heavy+ or Superflow for night per day.

Washing frequency plays a role here. If you wash faster, you'll need less.


My best working combinations to start with

For light menstruation

  • 2 Light

  • 3 Medium

  • 1 Heavy

For average menstruation

  • 3 Medium

  • 2 Heavy

  • 1 Heavy+

For heavy / super flow

  • 2 Heavy

  • 2 Heavy+

  • 1 Superflow

These sets are the most commonly purchased because they cover all situations.

Want to experience the products yourself?

Order a trial pack and discover how comfortable reusable pads can be.

Order trial pack from €18

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