Cloth Pads vs. Conventional Disposable Pads
Cloth Pads vs. Conventional Disposable Pads
Since the truth behind the process of making conventional disposable sanitary pads has come to light, and their negative impact on the environment, more and more women are considering switching from their tried and true disposable sanitary napkins and pads to reusable, and washable cloth pads. But before you fork over a couple hundred dollars on a new set of environmentally-conscious cloth pads you should weigh the pros and cons of using each. Cloth pads may not fit into your lifestyle and you could regret spending a pretty penny on cloth pads that don't live up to the demands of your lifestyle.
Pros of Using Disposable Pads and Tampons:
- They're easy to dispose. Just wrap and throw away.
- Fairly easy to transport with little detection by others
- They come in many different absorbencies and thicknesses from light to super plus.
- You don't have to "get to know you body". There is relatively little mess and you don't have to have contact with your own blood or lady bits.
Pros of Using Reusable Cloth Pads:
- They're super soft.
- They come in many different designs, sizes and thicknesses.
- As long as you don't have any allergies to the fabrics used, cloth will not chafe or irritate your delicate skin.
- Cloth allows your skin to breathe so that you don't sweat as much.
- They don't smell like conventional disposable pads do. (That smell is a result of the plastic creating a moist environment because your skin is not allowed to breathe.)
- If you're resourceful, you can make them yourself.
and now on to the cons of each.
Cons of Using Disposable Conventional Sanitary Pads / Napkins and Tampons
- They contain dioxins (a known carcinogenic byproduct of the bleaching process to make sure the product looks pure white) and many other chemicals that have been linked to many other diseases including different types of cancer.
- They contain plastics, adhesives and other chemicals which don't disintegrate easily and fill up the world's landfills.
- They cause chafing, infections, allergic reactions and many other sources of discomfort for a multitude of women.
- They smell.
- Tampons carry the risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
- They're loud to unwrap.
- They're often times thicker than cloth pads.
- They bunch and make noise as you move.
- They make you sweat.
Cons of Using Reusable Cloth Pads
- It takes some trial and error to learn how to use them.
- Currently unregulated so it can be daunting to find the pads that work best for you. For instance, one retailer may be someone selling them off Etsy who's idea of a heavy flow may equate to a medium flow for you.
- You have to wash them with special soaps that don't affect the pH of your own natural flora.
- They can be cumbersome to unwrap and then later store them when you're done with them.
- It can be difficult and very time consuming to try to get the stains out of the fabric.
So those are the pros and cons of using conventional disposable pads and reusable cloth pads. No matter which type of pad you choose, either can be used with period panties to give you an extra layer of protection against leaks. Learn more about period panties by clicking here!
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