If you were switching to cloth pads or a cup.....

Poonico · October 2009

what questions would you have? I am doing a post about these, but I want to leave people with more answers than questions, lol.

thank you so much

papagena · October 2009

My issue with a menstrual cup was how often I'd have to empty it, can you use it overnight, is it comfortable/can you feel it, is it sanitary, and are there risks of TSS with it.

my big ?'s with cloth would be handling laundry, both the actual laundering process at home and what to do when you're out and about.

Lotte134 · October 2009

For cloth pads - how many would you need to go full time and which absorbencies?

suzymarie · October 2009

Pads:

-How absorbant?

-How many will I need?

-What material should I look for (OBV, hemp, flannel, etc) and PUL or not?

What size to get? Maybe mention good lengths of pads for if you have light, medium or heavy flow.

-How to wash?

Honestly for someone who has never heard of it before you will probably get an ewwwww reaction no matter what. I think people need a few exposures to it before they can get over that knee jerk reaction.

suzymarie · October 2009

Definitely show how the PUL-backed ones fold up into a little packet that you can have in your purse or pocket.

jwpbride · October 2009

*makes mental note to be on the watch for said article*

crackerjackprinter · October 2009

Craaaap. You just reminded me that I need to be thinking of this...it was my intention to do all cloth pp.

triumphantreturnofplanningbug · October 2009

With switching to cloth, I was concerned about messiness in using them (leaks?! ew!) and storing them and washing them, the possibility of being allergic to the materials, how many I'd need, what sorts I would need, whether they would smell, whether they'd fit the underwear I already owned, and how long it would take before they'd basically paid for themselves, since they seemed expensive compared to disposables.

It might be neat to see if you can get some makers to offer a few trials, or have links to sellers people like, or offer patterns for people who want to make their own.

luvlieK · October 2009

Do you actually like them better?

What are the benefits?

What are the drawbacks?

Can I really use them and not have leaks? ?And not feel like I am in middle/high school all over, worrying about a leak?

Just how bulky are they?

How easy are they to make?

Do I have to worry about detergent buildup like diapers?

?

Is that enough for you? ?;o)?

Soyager · October 2009

I was gung-ho on using the cup and even attempted it on my cross-country trip this summer. One thing I did not consider: I have a tilted uterus and I think that prevented a good fit for me (at least with the Diva cup--I know there are others out there).

I wouldn't want to discourage someone from using it, but if you're doing an informative piece, it may be worth a mention; at least to mention that other cups are available or that pads may be a better option if you have odd inner-parts. (Or maybe I'm the only weirdly-shaped one who couldn't get it to work!)

Joes_love · October 2009

how sanitary are they?

do you have a lot of stains?

how do you store them when not using? what about when out in public and need to change?

how many do I need to go full time cloth?

any recommended sellers to start? (i recommend Pleat)

for cups- how often do i have to empty?

-can they be worn while swimming/dancing/cleaning/etc?

-at work I only have access to public bathrooms, does the cup need to be washed everytime you empty?

-is it easy to put in and take out?

luvlieK · October 2009

oh and the whole wool, fleece, pul debate

jennterrell · October 2009

my biggest question is what to do with soiled cloth pads, both at home and out-&-about. I'm thinking I'd need a bucket with some oxy-solution or something like that to store them in at home, but this would be a big hazard around my toddler, and would creep my DH out to no end.

MawrtyrB · October 2009

I used the Keeper cup for ages and I loved it. But I battled with yeast. Or I thought it was. So maybe some comment on how to deal with yeast.

I have a tilted uterus too but I've been able to use them. The disposable cups like Instead come loose for me though.

The question I always got from girls is how to do the emptying/cleaning especially when in public. However expect on extremely heavy days, I usually could get away with waiting until I got home.

ashawee127 · October 2009

Can I just say I am looking forward to this post?! (a bit of TMI to follow ...)

I have not switched to using cloth for AF & Co, but I am very interested in doing so ...

I will be the first to admit when I first saw these products in our local CD store, I laughed out loud. Ironically I was so for CDs and so weirded out to use cloth for myself. After the initial shock wore off however, I have grown more and more interested in using cloth, especially because in the past I have had to use some kind of pad or liner daily for months on end (I went 15 months without a break) due to spotting from my endometriosis.

I think most of the PP questions have answered my initial questions, but I'll list the ones that I can think of off the top of my head (some of them will be duplicates):

Most of my questions are related to pads because I am not sure about the cup yet.

How many do I need?
How on earth do I clean them? Does the blood REALLY wash out?
Are they comfortable? (more importantly are they thin enough to absorb a lot ... I have worn ultra thin pads for years because I hate feeling like I have a pillow in my pants!)
How do you keep them from bunching up in your undies to prevent leaks?
What do you do with the dirty pads when out (note: I have seen mini wetbags for this purpose)
How does your DH handle it? (mine is totally grossed out by the idea)

Want a personalized experience?

If you were switching to cloth pads or a cup.....

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