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Introduction to Cloth Pads

If you're new to cloth pads, you probably have lots of questions! Learn the how and why behind using cloth menstrual pads here, plus find answers to the most common questions about making the switch.



How to Use Cloth Pads

Although they may seem daunting at first, cloth pads are really very simple to use! This versatile design ensures thorough cleaning. All of our pads have wings that snap around the gusset of most styles of underwear. This holds them in place while you go about your day--no adhesives necessary.

Snap the pad around your underwear. The smooth side of the pad goes against your skin, and the wings wrap around the crotch of the underwear to snap together.
Change the complete pad every 2 to 6 hours or as needed. Your used pad goes in your laundry basket or a soaking container if you're at home, or a Carry Bag if you're on the go.

You'll want to change your cloth pad about as often as you would change a similar disposable pad. For example, if you typically change your disposable pad about every four hours, you'll want to do the same with your Ecopadz Day Pad. You can also check the pad (even remove it from your underwear and turn it over) to visually see how saturated it is. Like a disposable pad, if a cloth pad becomes fully saturated, it may leak. If you're out of the house, you can easily use and change your cloth pad. Simply bring a discreet Carry Bag with you to hold your used and fresh pads. After removing your used cloth pad, you can easily fold the pad in on itself and snap it shut to form a neat little package that can be slipped into your Carry Bag. Once home, you can wash the pad when you're ready


How to Choose the Right Pads for You

When you're deciding which style of cloth pads you need, the most important factor is the absorbency level. After you determine your absorbency, you can choose if you need a longer or larger style for additional coverage. The table below will help you determine which styles may be right for you. Or try our quick product recommendation survey for a personalized selection of reusables.


CHOOSE PANTYLINERS IF...

Choose the EcopadzPantyliner if you prefer mini sized liners, and the EcopadzPantyliner Plus if you prefer more coverage in the front and back. Choose the Ecopadz Thong Pantyliner for use with thong underwear. View size chart here.

Shop Day Pads Shop Day Pad Plus

CHOOSE NIGHT PADS IF...

The Ecopadz Night Pad comes with 1 Night Holder and 2 Inserts that allow you to customize the absorbency of the pad according to your flow. For the most coverage, choose our Night Pad Plus which includes 1 Night Holder and 2 extra-coverage Night Inserts. View size chart here.

Shop Night Pads

Of course, most people will want a variety of cloth pads in their collection. While the number of pads you need will vary based on the length of your cycle and the level of your flow, we typically recommend the following: 3 to 6 Pantyliners, 6 to 12 Day Pads, and 1 to 3 Night Pads.


How Many Cloth Pads Do You Need?

GETTING STARTED

You don't have to go all in to get started with cloth! You can simply start supplementing your disposable products with cloth pads as it suits your budget. If you're ready to get your full set, here's some helpful tips for choosing the right amount.


CONSIDER ABSORBENCY & COVERAGE

Ecopadz washable cloth pads are just as absorbent as disposable period products, only without the plastics! For example, our reusable cotton Pantyliner will absorb the same amount as your standard-sized disposable pantyliner. If you use long pantyliners, then you’ll find an even better match in our Pantyliner Plus (hint: the “Plus” means it has extra coverage area).

Since our Day Pad is as absorbent as your standard maxi pad, then you’ve probably already figured out the the Day Pad Plus is as absorbent as a maxi pad, but for those who prefer long maxis. Get more details and compare sizes and absorbencies of Ecopadz cloth pads on our Size Chart.


DETERMINE WHAT YOU'RE ALREADY USING

Now, consider your own cycle: which style pad do you prefer and when? How often do you find yourself changing those disposable pads? Are some days heavier than others, so you swap in a fresh pad more often? You can piece together how many Ecopadz you’d need to cover your cycle by tallying the products you’re already using. Tip: if you have a long cycle or heavy flow, you can “double” the size of your cloth pad stash by doing a load of laundry mid-way through your period.


Why Use Cloth Pads?

YOUR HEALTH

Disposable tampons carry a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused by usually harmless bacteria found on our skin or in parts of our bodies. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream through a cut or tear, they release a toxin. Tampons may create a more ideal opportunity for the growth of these bacteria, and can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing its natural moisture, which can lead to minute tears that may increase the chance of TSS. Toxic Shock Syndrome is real and can be fatal. Learn more about the symptoms of TSS here.

While pads have never been linked to TSS, conventional disposable pads contain all kinds of chemicals -- and manufacturers are not required to list these ingredients on their packaging! These ingredients range from wood pulp and adhesives to artificial fragrance and chemical gels. Not the type of stuff you want next to one of the most sensitive parts of your body!

THE ENVIRONMENT

The average woman will use 12,000 to 16,000 disposable pads, tampons, and pantyliners in her lifetime. Thatʼs a lot of waste in our landfills! Not to mention the manufacturing, packaging, and transportation waste of getting these products from the factory to you. Sad but true: the most common trash items found are sanitary pads &plastic tampon applicators.

Using something once is not enough! Our society has gone from relying on high quality reusable products to cheap disposables. When you choose to reuse anything from dishes to towels, youʼre helping make a cultural shift that values quality over wastefulness.


YOUR BUDGET

Twelve thousand disposables add up! While it seems like a small monthly expense, over your lifetime youʼll be spending thousands of rupees on pads and tampons that just end up in the trash. Although cloth pads are an initial investment, they pay off over time.

We like to use the analogy of ceramic dishes. Buying paper plates would certainly seem cheaper, but everyone agrees that investing in dishes youʼll use for years is the smarter choice! Plus, youʼll get greater enjoyment from your nice dishes. Cloth pads are exactly the same. You can compare your costs below:

Disposables Rs.300 per month x 12 months = Rs.3600 per year Rs.20000 for 5 years Cloth Pads Rs.2000 one-time cost (typical kit)Rs.2000 for 5 years


YOUR COMFORT

Before switching to cloth pads, many of us had no idea that the chafing, irritation, and soreness we experienced each month were due to disposable pads and tampons. We thought it was a normal part of menstruating! Taking care of your body feels good, and so does eliminating plastic and chemicals from your period routine. Cloth is more breathable than disposable pads and wonʼt over-dry like a tampon can. And youʼll never again experience an adhesive pad wing sticking to your leg. Whatʼs not to love?


THE BOTTOM LINE

Deciding what kind of menstrual protection to use is a personal choice. Think about the products you use now and why. Was it because your mother or sister used them? Or because they were the first ones you tried? Most importantly, are they working for you? Choosing your form of protection based on what you value is an important part of self-care. We often ignore our own health -- to our detriment! Making conscious decisions about the way we treat our bodies is a powerful message to our children, friends, family, and ourselves.


Frequently Asked Questions

WILL ECOPADZ CLOTH PADS LEAK?

Ecopadz are designed to be highly absorbent. The flaps that snap around your underwear act as wings to protect the sides of your panties. We choose not to include a nylon or waterproof backing because these materials can trap in moisture, leading to odor or bacterial growth. And we find it is not necessary because Ecopadz are so absorbent! But just like disposable pads, they may leak if you leave them on too long and they become saturated. You will become familiar with just how long you can go before changing your pad. You should change your Ecopadz about as often as you would change disposables (every 2 to 6 hours, or as needed).


HOW MANY ECOPADZ CLOTH PADS DO I NEED?

Menstrual cycles vary greatly from person to person. Consider how often you renew your period protection throughout the day to get an idea of how many Ecopadz products you may need to cover your cycle. You'll want to change your Ecopadz cloth pad about as frequently as you would a disposable pad of a similar absorbency level. You may choose to purchase enough Ecopadz pads to last your whole cycle, or you may be like the many Ecopadz customers who choose to do a load of laundry midway through their period. Very generally, we recommend having about 6 to 12 day pads, 1 to 3 night pads, however it all depends on your flow and how often you do laundry. Choosing one of our Value Kits is a great way to get started with cloth pads!


I HATE THE FEELING OF DISPOSABLE PADS. ARE ECOPADZ COMFORTABLE?

Yes! All-cotton Ecopadz are soft and breathable, which is so much better than plastic pads that can chafe and irritate your skin.

If you are raw and irritated at the end of your period, please know that it does not have to be that way! With all of our pads you will experience the comfort and breathability of cotton. The soft flannel conforms to your body without the twisting and bunching up that can happen with disposables. And because there is no plastic backing you will have less chafing and irritation. One of our customers reports they're much cooler too..


HOW LONG WILL ECOPADZ LAST?

With proper care, Ecopadz are made to last at least 5 years.


WHAT ARE ECOPADZ MADE OF?

Ecopadz cloth pads are made with soft cotton flannel on the outside and absorbent cotton on the inside. Our color pads are made with conventional cotton fabrics.


WHY DO ECOPADZ COST MORE THAN DISPOSABLES?

In the long run, reusable menstrual products actually cost much less! When compared to the amount of money spent on disposables, it only takes a few years to make up the cost of your Ecopadz. Think of this: it would be tremendously expensive (not to mention wasteful!) to continuously re-stock our kitchens with disposable paper plates, so we buy plates that we can use indefinitely. We make an initial investment into something reusable that will last a long time. It's the same idea with Ecopadz!

If you're on a limited budget, it's great to start by supplementing your current products with Ecopadz and increasing your collection of reusables over time as your budget allows. Also, watch for specials that we offer on the website from time to time - we've got some great deals.


ARE ECOPADZ AS SAFE AS DISPOSABLES?

Yes! We've all had that time when we weren't quite expecting our period some blood got on our underwear. You didn't think they were now dangerous to your health because you got some blood on them and you probably did not throw them away. We think that it is safer to launder reusable pads than throw disposables in the landfill.

Disposable pads and tampons are not sterile products, although the over-packaging and whiteness of these products leads you to believe they are. In fact, they are often laden with harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin in one of the most porous parts of your body. In recent years there have been discoveries of disposable products contaminated with mold or e.coli. By laundering your menstrual products yourself, you won't have to wonder if they have been treated with care and are properly clean.

Ecopadz are one of the safest options when it comes to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) because blood is not staying in the vaginal canal, where the development of TSS is most likely to occur. TSS is caused by usually harmless bacteria found on our skin or in parts of our body. If the bacteria get into the bloodstream, through a cut or tear, they release a toxin. While the risk is still minimal, tampons create a more ideal opportunity for the growth of these bacteria and can dry out the vaginal canal by absorbing the vagina's natural moisture, which can lead to minute tears and increase the chance of TSS.


DO ECOPADZ WORK FOR PEOPLE WITH VULVODYNIA, VAGINITIS OR ALLERGIES?

Yes! We've sold many Ecopadz to folks dealing with these conditions who find the pads helpful during their cycles. Some sufferers of these conditions have noticed that tampons and disposable pads can be a source of vaginal irritation, and most are unaware that disposable products are highly processed and may contain chemicals to "keep you dry" or cover up odor. Vaginal irritation, allergies, burning, itching, and frequent yeast infections can all be exacerbated by disposables.


DO ECOPADZ WORK FOR LIGHT INCONTINENCE?

Yes! A number of our customers have told us they use Ecopadz for light incontinence. Again, they help prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe, which is important for people who are wearing them everyday. And just the same as with menstrual use, the number and style of Ecopadz you use will depend on how heavy your leakage is. Please note that Ecopadz are not designed for full incontinence.


ARE ECOPADZ GOOD FOR POSTPARTUM (AFTER GIVING BIRTH)?

Yes - the night pads are especially great for postpartum. While many new moms find they need a large amount of Ecopadz or pads to carry them through postpartum, any amount of reusable pads would be helpful. They are softer and kinder than plastic on your skin.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR COTTON AND ORGANIC COTTON?

Organic cotton means that no pesticides or herbicides were used to grow the cotton, so the soil and water were not polluted, nor did farm workers breathe in any harmful chemicals as they worked with the cotton. By purchasing organic cotton Ecopadz, you are supporting healthy agriculture. Be aware that while disposable organic cotton pads or tampons may be better for your health, they still create the same amount of landfill waste as conventional disposables. Plus, organic cotton products require more resources (mainly water), than their disposable counterparts. If the organic cotton product is reusable (like Ecopadz!), this extra usage is offset by the fact that it won't need to be replaced immediately. However, organic cotton disposables must continuously be replaced, causing vast amounts of resource waste.

Still have questions? Get in touch with us.


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