I often read feedback from women with extremely heavy flow that no menstrual panties can protect them for a whole day. I understand and sympathize, having this type of periods on the first day as well, and even with the most absorbent models from Thinx, I feel more comfortable changing them after 4 to 6 hours.
However, there is another solution that I find rather practical, it is to use in complement a washable, reusable menstrual pad, and to remove it after 4 hours. Like that, the whole system (menstrual panties & menstrual pads) will make it possible to hold a whole day. Moreover, the reusable menstrual pad is smaller than a menstrual panties, less odorous, one can store it in her bag without any problem, it is very discrete.
I opted for the model Serviette Lavable plus – medium to heavy flow at PLIM (size PLUS) for 18€ (link to Mademoiselle bio, you can get 5€ discount by indicating me as a referrer: contact @ tourdumonde5continents . com, more info). I didn’t choose the most absorbent versions because right after the lockdown, well, everything was out of stock.
As usual, no one sponsors me, I paid for everything out of my pocket :
This is what it looks like. It is made of GOTS certified organic cotton. Apparently, if you’re not sure of your flow, you should choose this model. Then you’ll see if it’s too much, if it’s not enough, before switching to the “heavy flow” version or “heavy night flow” or on the contrary “light flow” version
Before use, it should be washed 1-2 times. I don’t know why. Personally, I put it in the machine with a normal washing powder (I never care about washing powders, I buy whatever is available at the supermarket)
As you can see, we have two snaps, to adjust the width of the pad and attach it to the panties. This gives a crotch width between 7 and 8 cm. That’s a lot compared to menstrual panties. In length, it’s 24 cm
The black face (with the label) must be on the panties. The colored side is the surface that will absorb the blood.
My opinion after 4 months of use
Touch: Cotton, the fabric I love the most in the world. So I’m thrilled! The patterns are really beautiful, and I believe that the patterns change from one absorbency to another, so it’s easy to distinguish light flows from heavy flows for example
Thickness : According to the brand “It is only 2 mm thick and weighs only 22 g, you don’t feel it and you quickly forget it”. Hmmm don’t we have the same units of measurement? I can feel it. I don’t forget it. Even worn with very thin panties, I find that it slips a little bit on very thin panties. On the contrary, it is necessary to use a slightly thick panty like organic cotton or menstrual panties, so that the pad is well fixed.
Moisture : However, I always have a little problem with moisture. This is the problem with cotton anyway, it isn’t a fast drying material. There are moisture stains around the blood stains. Even if it’s not embarrassing, I would have liked it to be completely dry. There you have a better comfort than a disposable sanitary pad, but less than menstrual panties.
Absorption : it gives me 4 hours of extra peace and quiet. So 4 hours with a washable pad + 6 hours with a menstrual panty = a long day of heavy periods without leakage. If I had taken a more absorbent model, I might have gained an extra 1 or 2 hours.
Even if there is a seam line at the edges, this seam line is only for the first layer of fabric. So there may be blood running towards the wings. Fortunately, the wings are also absorbent. Personally, after 4 hours, it is full and I take no risk => NO LEAKS to report.
So I would say that if you pay a minimum attention, there will be NO problem.
As usual, I will show you a picture of a full pad on a day of heavy flow (2nd day of menstruation, worn between 3pm and 8pm). Beware, especially if you are on a smartphone. You can see that the blood migrates dangerously towards the wings. Click here
Maintenance: as usual, I rinse quickly with cold water, then wash in the washing machine. It doesn’t dry very fast (organic cotton, eh!) but since it’s smaller than menstrual panties, if I wash it at noon, the next morning, I have a dry pad. The patterns are nice and allow to hide the stains that stayed on it. But personally, after 4 months, there are no stains left on it because I always wash it after use, for that very reason.
Odor : no odor to report
Conclusion :
Absorption: 8/10. Humidity 7/10. Comfort: 7/10
It should also be added that it’s made in organic cotton and made in France.
I think it’s a very good idea, to be used in complement of menstrual panties
But in terms of comfort, the menstrual panties remain all the same more pleasant to wear and can be easily forgotten.
Price: 18€ (link Mademoiselle bio, you can get 5€ discount for any order above 25€ by indicating me as referrer: contact @ tourdumonde5continents . com, more info).
