Tips to Switch to Reusable Sanitary Products Plus Reviews on Specific Brands

Making the switch to reusables can be daunting.

The environmental impact, financial savings and anecdotal reduced symptoms are all great reasons to try it.

Reasons to use Period Underwear and Menstrual Cups

If you are thinking of making the switch but are unsure or have any questions, hopefully, this will clear things up.

Comfort

Most readers reported feeling that period underwear is much more comfortable than regular pads.

Other than being a little thicker in parts, they are just like regular underwear.

As for cups or discs, once inserted correctly, you don’t even feel them. They can be in longer than tampons too.

Cost

The initial cost of buying period underwear puts some people off but it often goes on sale.

And think about it, since you wash them, you don’t need heaps of pairs.

Many women use one for heavier flow overnight, then a few pairs during the day depending on their flow.

7 to 10 pairs suit most people or 1 cup or disc.

They can be as low as $10 to $15 on sale and last years.

A menstrual cup can be bought on sale for around $20 depending on the brand.

Studies show pads and tampons cost around $10,000 over a woman’s lifetime or $250 per year.

Period underwear costs $100 or so per person to acquire and lasts at least 2 to 3 years if cared for properly.

Sustainability

Being sustainable is one of the reasons people switch.

Instead of sending packs of pads and tampons to landfill every month, purchase underwear once and use it for a few years.

FAQ’s about Period Underwear

Here are the most common questions about period underwear we recieve:

How Long do They Last?

Period underwear can last 2 to 3 years if cared for properly.
Menstrual cups and discs are designed to last up to 10 years.

What if They Smell?

If properly cared for, washed properly after use and dried, this doesn’t become an issue.

Soaking them in vinegar and water will help if you run into this issue though.

Vinegar and water are great for other smells you find difficult to remove from clothes in general (e.g. body odour from activewear).

What Styles are There?

When it comes to period underwear there are various styles from g-strings to full brief and swimmers.

There is quite a selection to choose from.

For menstrual cups, there are different sizes and the tab at the end can be trimmed to suit your comfort level.

Discs also come in different sizes.

How Often Should you Change Period Underwear?

Every 4 to 6 hours or as needed if your flow is heavier.

You can wear one pair overnight but you shouldn’t be wearing one pair for the whole day.

Menstrual cups and discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow.

Isn’t it Gross?

Changing period underwear isn’t any different to changing your regular underwear unless it’s been heavy then you need to be a little more careful taking it off.

Be hygienic and smart about it, the same as your regular period.

Menstrual cups can be a little trickier. It might take a while to get used to inserting it correctly to seal properly so sometimes you will get leakage.

Taking it out requires a little practice too but once you are used to it, it’s easy.

You wash your hands and it’s not much different to a tampon.

How do you Swim?

Period swimmers are preferable as period underwear will leak.

Menstrual cups and discs are often better for swimming, especially if you have a heavier flow.

Which Brands are Best?

Many teens prefer Bonds since most grow up wearing Bonds or similar and it is an easy transition for teens/preteens.

Here are thoughts on some of the most popular brands.

Bonds

Bonds have a great range easily available in supermarkets plus often go on sale for 25% off. You can also select from heavy or light flow and full brief or bikini.

They are just like Bonds underwear but with some padding in the crotch.

Soft, comfortable, same sizing as regular Bonds, available in Woolworths etc.

All those things make them quite popular.

Plus, they are absorbent.

Love Luna – Super Soft and Comfy

Love Luna is also available at supermarkets.

The fabric is softer and silkier than the cotton bonds which some women prefer as it feels less like basic underwear.

Sizing is accurate but they do tend to be less absorbent than bonds and less coverage.

Toms – Tighter than Others

Toms has the same cotton feel as Bonds but tends to feel tighter.

They are absorbent and similar style but for most not quite as comfortable.

ModiBodi – Decent and Larger Selection

The period underwear brand most people think of first is ModiBodi.

They have mixed reviews but a wide variety from preteen through to adult, single pairs and larger starter packs.

ModiBodi also have period swimmers and can be bought in supermarkets.

How to Make the Switch

Grab a pair and try them next time you need them.

See how you feel about them, try the different brands if you want or buy a start pack from one of the brands.

Have you made the switch? What do you think of period underwear?

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