PeriodMate Cloth Menstrual Pads and Panti Liners (Polkadot, Small)

I'm 29, mother of 2, and brand new to reusable menstrual products. I've always had insanely heavy and terribly painful periods. I hate pads and tampons, but I wasn't really aware of any other options until recently. I bought these on a whim and I honestly expected to try it and hate it. I'm a pretty sqeemish person and I just thought the pads would be super gross. First Impressions, these things are soft. Once I put the first one on, I knew I was going to give it chance. It is unbelievably comfortable. They're not any thicker than a normal pad so it didn't show through my jeans or anything. After a few hours of use I went to change it because I'm a pretty heavy bleeder and there didn't appear to be much fluid in the pad so I kept it on for a few more hours. Once I finally changed the pad I felt as if I hadn't actually been losing as much fluid as I thought until I decided to rinse it out. I rinsed it out in the sink after use strictly to see how much fluid was in the pad and it was ALOT. I was so shocked. This super soft pad held more blood than the Always disposables that I used to wear. Not only did it hold ALOT, but it all rinsed out easily with no staining at all. It's ready to be washed in the machine, but already looks clean. I'm hooked and I'll never wear disposables again.

I've waited a couple months before leaving this review to really get a sense of how much I like these, and I really like them and plan on buying more.First thing I'd like to address is comments about the pad sliding around. The pamphlet that comes with the pads says to wear tighter fitting underwear to avoid this from happeneing. The first time I tried them, (which has was before I was menstruating so I could see if this was an issue), as soon as I stood up from sitting down, they slid backwards a lot, which worred me. I tried a different style of underwear (MeUndies brand), and I have not had them slide since, even while wearing overnight. I like that they wrap around to protect from leaks and to hold them in place (there are 2 snaps so you can use different widths depending on how wide your underwear are).When you hold them, they may seem like they'd be bulky to wear, but shockingly, the aren't at all. Wearing them, they are as comfortable, if not more comfortable, than the disposable pads I previously used (Always). The fabric is so soft, even after several washings and regardless if they are dried in the dryer or on the clothesline.It may take getting used to the idea of rinsing them out, but I used cloth diapers with my kids, so it's not a big deal to me. I accidentally forced one my daughter to try them (she did not want to) by "forgetting" to buy more disposable pads when she ran out. Surpringly, she actually likes them and has chosen to wear them even after I bought her more disposable pads and she asked me to buy more. Even she finds they hold more than disposables, so she's hasnt had to change as often, which is convenient when at school, and hasn't had them leak like disposables.I was also worried about using them when it's hot out, but we just had a heat wave where temperature were over 110F and because they are fabric, they were actually better in the heat than disposable pads because there's no plastic and they breathe.The absorbancy is amazing! It may be TMI, but I can wear one of these pads for up to 6 hours on days I normally can't wear a super tampon for more than 1 or 2 hours without it leaking badly. When I change the oaf, it seem like there's not much in there until you rinse it (can take a moment before it absorbs enough water to start rinsing out), but then you see how much rinses out! I have never had one if these pads leak through, ever, and neither has my daughter, but we've both had disposable pads leak.As you can see, I'm a convert and will definately be buying more and am thrilled that my daughter likes them too. They will pay for themselves within a few months, saving us a lot of money over the lifespan of the pads, not to mention a ton of plastic garbage from going to the landfill. The only negative I have to say is that I wish the wet bag was a wet/dry bag, with 2 separate pockets, so you can carry clean and used pads in one pouch. Having it as just a wet bag makes it smaller, so easier to carry discretely, so not a big negative.

I love these. I think I'm converted from the disposable stuff now.I will say that you absolutely need to wear panties that fit nice and snug when you're using these; the first night, I didn't heed that warning, and I learned my lesson...I needed to get rid of those panties, anyway.I will say that it doesn't outright look like it's absorbed any blood, but it wasn't anywhere on my panties, once I wore a properly fitting pair. When I run it under the faucet to clean it before washing it, it's clear that it's soaked it all up. On my heaviest days, I definitely want to use these, and I appreciate that I also get the carrying bag in case I do need to change it out while we're away from home. I can't afford a full set of menstrual panties, and these do the same job without costing me a fortune. I also can't wear tampons or the various cups available thanks to pelvic pain, but these are a completely external but reusable option that is priced pretty competitively.They are slightly bulkier than disposable thin pads, but you honestly forget they're there after awhile. They're pretty soft, and they're quite cute. Whenever you use the restroom, just check that it's still in place where it needs to be. I think that if you want the additional security, you might consider investing in double-sided tape to make sure it sticks, but really, just wearing panties that aren't the granny panties that are too big for you should be enough protection.So glad to be ridding myself of those disposable pads!