Growing up in a middle-class Indian household, The time of menstrual cycle to me is all about staying home and taking rest. When I have seen a sanitary napkin for the first time, I was like what’s this weird stuff? Why is it’s shape so weird? How am I going to carry this for 5 days in between my legs? Later in the life, I’m curious about what are the materials used to make this useful elongated leakproof cushion.
PERIOD PADS ARE MADE UP OF
| Layer | Common Materials | Purpose |
| Top sheet (cover) | Polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) nonwoven fabric | Soft surface that contacts the skin and allows fluid to pass through. |
| Acquisition/distribution layer | Polyester or polypropylene fibers | Quickly spreads menstrual fluid to the absorbent core. |
| Absorbent core | Fluff pulp (wood cellulose) + Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), usually sodium polyacrylate | Absorbs and locks away menstrual fluid. |
| Back sheet | Polyethylene (PE) plastic film | Waterproof barrier that prevents leakage. |
| Adhesive | Hot-melt synthetic adhesives | Attaches the pad layers together and sticks the pad to underwear. |
| Release paper | Silicone-coated paper | Covers the adhesive until the pad is used. |
| Wings (if present) | Nonwoven fabric + PE film + adhesive | Secure the pad around underwear. |
SUMMARY
- 40–60% Wood pulp (cellulose fluff)
- 20–35% Polyethylene and polypropylene plastics
- 10–25% Super absorbent polymer (SAP)
- Small amounts of adhesives, release paper, dyes, fragrances, and finishing agents
PROS OF CONVENTIONAL PERIOD PADS
- Easily available
- Affordable
- Hygienic
- Very convenient to use
- Travel-friendly
CONS OF CONVENTIONAL PERIOD PADS
- Non-biodegradable as 90% of it is plastic
- May cause rashes
- May cause itching and allergies to people with sensitive skin and to people who are allergic to fragrances
MY FAV PERIOD PAD RECOMMENDATIONS
- Whisper Skin Love
- Bella Classic
- Bella Ultra
- Zoy Herbal
- Everteen Soft
- Pee-Safe Ultra Thin
- Lady Anion Day
- Lady Anion Night
OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO PERIOD PADS
BIODEGRADABLE PADS
These pads contain pure cotton, bio-degradable plastics, bamboo fibers and other plant derived substances. These are safe, non-toxic and compostable alternatives for conventional pads. Biodegradable pads are as effective as normal pads but they are a bit pricey and are least available to buy over the counter. So we always have to stock them up prior. Here are some of the really good, well performing biodegradable pads.
- Anandi Sanitary Pads
- Nua Toxin-free Pads
- Helium Premium Bamboo Pads
- Plush Pure Cotton Pads
- Azah 100% Rash-free pads
REUSABLE SANITARY PADS AND PERIOD PANTIES
When it comes to reusable period products, it takes a great toll on hygiene part. I used reusable pads for more than 5 years now. I still use them and I still find it difficult to maintain during some months when I’m out of energy to wash them. Apart from the fact that they reduce plastic waste on the planet, they are not travel-friendly and we have to be very careful while washing them, drying them and storing them especially in the monsoons and in winter months.
When it comes to period panties, they might look super logical in ads but in reality after 8 hours, If we are not home, how are we even supposed to remove our pants and put a new panty while the blood is flowing like a river in a public toilet. I cannot even describe that messiness.
However this is my point view on reusable period products and your POV might be different based on your priorities. So here are my best picks for reusable Menstrual pads and Period panties
MENSTRUAL CUPS AND TAMPONS
When something enters into our body which is not a part of our body, our body considers it as a foreign body and attacks it. Now that we put these menstrual cups and tampons inside us and they are not a part of us, prolonged usage may lead to health concerns related to immunity plus they may also put pressure on the glands around vagina. I sincerely don’t recommend using cups and tampons as a staple until and unless its an emergency situation like when you are on a beach vacay and you suddenly got the period!
Although menstrual cups are made up of medical grade silicone, it’s very important to clean, sanitize and store them with utmost care. A little contamination may lead to serious infections. However tampons are easy to use and dispose but they create huge plastic waste just like pads.
VAGINAL WASHES AND INTIMATE WASHES
Firstly our vagina has slightly acidic pH and it can clean by itself. We don’t have put these vaginal washes into it and clean it. These washes often contain detergents and fragrances which disrupts vaginal natural pH and make it dry.
A dry vagina = environment for germs to grow.
So no, I don’t have any links for these 😛 Just use plain water to clean down there. If you feel like your vagina is smelling like fish or rotten egg, go and see your Gynaec.
USEFUL APPS DURING PERIODS
1. CLUE
Clue is an excellent app for tracking period, ovulation and to log symptoms + a lot of menstrual health education too.
2. STARDUST
If you love mystical magical stuff, you will really love this app. It works same as clue but with more aesthetic fantasy kind of interface.
3. MEDISAFE
With the current busy lifestyle that we have, it’s really hard to take medications and supplements regularly without missing. This is when Medisafe app comes into play. It’s a pill and supplement remainder app where we add the name of medication or supplement, dosage and when to take it, Medisafe will automatically remind us. Such a life savior.
4. PLANT NANNY
This is a water tracking app. While on periods it’s really important to hydrate ourselves. This app has a small plant and whenever we finish our water goal, the plant keeps on growing and it kinda serves as motivation plus it send us water remainders so that we stay consistent with this habit.
5. THE 5-MINUTE JOURNAL
This app takes our journalling experience to next level. Everyday morning a new quote waits for us to begin our day with super power. As the name says, it just takes 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening to journal. More about the app in the video linked below.
SOLUTION TO PERIOD CRAMPS
If you are suffering with period cramps, I have made an amazing blog post on that one as well (CLICK TO READ)
1:1 PERSONAL CONSULTATIONS
I do offer 1:1 online and in-person consultations for these SERVICES.
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Great content! Keep up the good work!
Thankyou