Cloth menstrual pads?

Contributor: meezerosity meezerosity
Is anyone here a cloth pad user? What are your favorites? I personally sew my own and use them in combination with a reusable cup. I'm a super heavy bleeder and I hadn't found any for purchase that suited my needs, cloth or otherwise. I love that they're washable so can be used over and over plus I don't have to worry about any leaks.
04/28/2012
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Contributor: bobomomo bobomomo
Nice idea, but I haven't used one I've seen them tho in online eco friendly sites and they seem great!
04/28/2012
Contributor: lisasharrer lisasharrer
Quote:
Originally posted by meezerosity
Is anyone here a cloth pad user? What are your favorites? I personally sew my own and use them in combination with a reusable cup. I'm a super heavy bleeder and I hadn't found any for purchase that suited my needs, cloth or otherwise. I love ... more
well thats all good but i dont bleed
04/28/2012
Contributor: VelvetDragon VelvetDragon
I also use a menstrual cup and cloth pads in conjunction. I started with Rag Hag and have a few different Etsy purchases now AND have made my own. I like All-in-Ones best, pockets are a pain to fiddle with.
04/28/2012
Contributor: potstickers potstickers
Quote:
Originally posted by lisasharrer
well thats all good but i dont bleed
Why did you post then?

I've used a free sample from Party in my Pants, and I love it! I'd like to get more, but I don't have my period often because of my birth control, so right now it's cheaper for me to buy disposable pads and tampons.
04/28/2012
Contributor: palindromic palindromic
I mostly use a Diva Cup, although I'd love to make my own pads. Do you have a link to a good pattern or anything?
04/28/2012
Contributor: Willowe Willowe
Quote:
Originally posted by palindromic
I mostly use a Diva Cup, although I'd love to make my own pads. Do you have a link to a good pattern or anything?
I'll second the request for a good pattern! I've always bought mine because I have yet to find a pattern that I like. But I love using them, they're definitely a lot much more comfortable than disposable pads.
04/28/2012
Contributor: meezerosity meezerosity
Quote:
Originally posted by Willowe
I'll second the request for a good pattern! I've always bought mine because I have yet to find a pattern that I like. But I love using them, they're definitely a lot much more comfortable than disposable pads.
link

That is my favorite pattern. You can add and remove inserts according to how heavy your flow is. I make them extra long for overnight pads too and put maybe 2-3 inserts in. I'm a really heavy bleeder I don't wear my cup at night. I've had it overflow on my in my sleep and my sheets looked awful after.
05/01/2012
Contributor: Vegan Silk Vegan Silk
what do you sew them out of? as a heavy bleeder myself I want to know what material is best!
05/01/2012
Contributor: VelvetDragon VelvetDragon
Most pads are made with cotton flannel or a similar material, with terry cloth as the absorbent layer in-between. I also have several with a polar fleece backing or a microfiber/suedecloth backing (not actually made from animals!), because it helps keep the pad in place. Many people also make pads out of bamboo or hemp.

For REALLY heavy days you can use PUL layer on the back -- a waterproof fabric. Honestly, though, even on my heaviest days, the issue has been more LENGTH and coverage for me than bleeding through, after all the layers of flannel and terry cloth are done with, even though I don't have any PUL-backed pads.

I do menstrual products presentations, and had some folks donate pads to me. One is a huge overnight pad. If you search "mama cloth pad" or "postpartum cloth pad" you'll see how good the coverage can be -- I know many heavy bleeders who use that size pad for overnights. The huge overnight/postpartum pad I have for my presentations has a cotton fabric on the front, and a couple layers of terry, and a nice polar fleece back. I think it would hold up to even the heaviest bleeding.

I'm not endorsing this site, as I have never purchased from them, but here are some examples of the kind of fabrics used.

In a pinch, you can even just sew a few layers of fabric together as a square, and fold it into your panties. Using a flannel or fleece backing, and well-fitted undies, it will actually stay in place surprisingly well!
05/01/2012
Contributor: Willowe Willowe
Quote:
Originally posted by meezerosity
link

That is my favorite pattern. You can add and remove inserts according to how heavy your flow is. I make them extra long for overnight pads too and put maybe 2-3 inserts in. I'm a really heavy bleeder I don't wear my cup at night. ... more
Thank you for the link! Once I get back home and have access to my sewing machine I'm definitely going to have to try making a couple.
05/01/2012
Contributor: PropertyOfPotter PropertyOfPotter
I don't have a period right now, but when I do that's what I'm going to look into
05/02/2012
Contributor: A.A. A.A.
Quote:
Originally posted by meezerosity
Is anyone here a cloth pad user? What are your favorites? I personally sew my own and use them in combination with a reusable cup. I'm a super heavy bleeder and I hadn't found any for purchase that suited my needs, cloth or otherwise. I love ... more
Luna Pads make great ones for anyone who doesnt want to DIY
05/05/2012
Contributor: hall5885 hall5885
I love them. I sew my own.
05/05/2012
Contributor: peachmarie peachmarie
I've been looking into any of the ones from Etsy. link
06/17/2012
Contributor: Doll In Dungarees Doll In Dungarees
I mostly rely on my diva cup, but do I own a couple by Party in My Pants: link. I need to buy more, but I normally don't bother wearing a panty liner with my diva cup, and will use a disposable panty-liner if I have to, but my cloth ones are much more comfortable.
06/18/2012
Contributor: epiphanyjayne epiphanyjayne
I've been wanting to try them
06/24/2012