Where do I start? - materials
This page will hopefully guide you through the various brands, materials used in pads and how to start your journey into reusables.
Materials.
Generally your pad will have three layers: a top layer, an absorbent core and a waterproof layer.
Waterproof.
PUL (polyurethane laminate) is a good choice for anyone concerned with leakage. This material in used in cloth nappies and in making waterproof pee sheets, the con with PUL is it isn't very breathable.
Windpro Brand fleece is another very popular choice, again super waterproof and is more porous than PUL so breathable - great for people in warmer climates.
Polyester fleece is another waterproof fleece, the more breathable of the waterproof layers but generally adds more bulk.
Absorbent core.
Cotton flannel is not ideal for heavy days, but is a nice, natural and non bulky material. Personally, my favourite material.
Bamboo fleece is increasingly becoming the most popular material with manufacturers and users after a highly absorbent and natural product.
Zorb is a man made material that is super absorbent. Originally designed for cloth nappies Zorb is the most absorbent of all the cores.
Top layers.
Cotton and cotton flannel, again a favourite of mine. Super breathable, feels like undies. Great for those who may be prone to thrush, not so great for heavy flows and will stain if you don't care for the pads. These pads should be washed at no more than 40 - regardless of instructions, and like to be sun bleached.
Polyester fleece is a man made fabric that has a slight pile in the fabric, good for heavy flows. Not my favourite as I find it too warm and feel the liquid can 'sit' on the pile rather than absorb. Bamboo also comes as a fleecy/velour type top layer and is slightly better than polyester fleece.
Minky another polyester fabric, Minky has a furry feel and is non absorbent so liquid will pass through to the absorbent core, Minky is brilliant for non staining pads - no matter how heavy and messy my period has been Minky pads have always washed clean. But again another man made fabric and can be warm.
When making the change it is really important to find the right product. Learning about the materials is a start but finding the right product can be make or break.
Materials.
Generally your pad will have three layers: a top layer, an absorbent core and a waterproof layer.
Waterproof.
PUL (polyurethane laminate) is a good choice for anyone concerned with leakage. This material in used in cloth nappies and in making waterproof pee sheets, the con with PUL is it isn't very breathable.
Windpro Brand fleece is another very popular choice, again super waterproof and is more porous than PUL so breathable - great for people in warmer climates.
Polyester fleece is another waterproof fleece, the more breathable of the waterproof layers but generally adds more bulk.
Absorbent core.
Cotton flannel is not ideal for heavy days, but is a nice, natural and non bulky material. Personally, my favourite material.
Bamboo fleece is increasingly becoming the most popular material with manufacturers and users after a highly absorbent and natural product.
Zorb is a man made material that is super absorbent. Originally designed for cloth nappies Zorb is the most absorbent of all the cores.
Top layers.
Cotton and cotton flannel, again a favourite of mine. Super breathable, feels like undies. Great for those who may be prone to thrush, not so great for heavy flows and will stain if you don't care for the pads. These pads should be washed at no more than 40 - regardless of instructions, and like to be sun bleached.
Polyester fleece is a man made fabric that has a slight pile in the fabric, good for heavy flows. Not my favourite as I find it too warm and feel the liquid can 'sit' on the pile rather than absorb. Bamboo also comes as a fleecy/velour type top layer and is slightly better than polyester fleece.
Minky another polyester fabric, Minky has a furry feel and is non absorbent so liquid will pass through to the absorbent core, Minky is brilliant for non staining pads - no matter how heavy and messy my period has been Minky pads have always washed clean. But again another man made fabric and can be warm.
When making the change it is really important to find the right product. Learning about the materials is a start but finding the right product can be make or break.
