What you should know about washable women's hygiene products
There are a whole range of reasons to switch to period underwear. Women can start a healthier and less environmentally damaging lifestyle, for example, with washable hygiene products. However, some women have concerns about their use. What should be considered with washable menstrual products and how effective are they? Are they better than other feminine hygiene products?
What do washable women's hygiene products look like and how do they work?
There are two types of washable hygiene products that can be used during menstruation: the pad and the period panty. For newcomers to washable menstrual protection, we recommend the period panty.
Washable women's pads and period panties consist of at least three layers of fabric: a lining made of soft cotton that comes into contact with the skin and quickly directs moisture inward to avoid any feeling of dampness, the inner layer, which is often made of special ultra-absorbent and antibacterial cotton that retains moisture inside and prevents unpleasant odors, and finally the waterproof membrane that prevents leaks and thus stains on clothing.
The impermeable layer is usually made of polyurethane, a material that guarantees optimal waterproofing. It is a non-absorbent, yet waterproof and breathable fabric. Above this waterproof fabric layer and below the cotton layer that comes into contact with the skin, the ultra-absorbent cotton layer helps to prevent odors thanks to its antibacterial properties. It serves to keep the blood inside the slip to avoid a feeling of moisture in the intimate area.
Washable period panties and women's pads are available in various designs depending on absorbency and thus provide very flexible monthly protection.
Is the washable menstrual hygiene efficient?
This question arises when you want to use washable menstrual hygiene products for the first time. Is this combination of layered fabrics sufficient? Isn't it like using a tissue to catch menstrual blood? In fact, washable menstrual hygiene (panties and pads) is just as effective as any disposable product. Their effectiveness can last up to 12 hours without feeling damp. As mentioned, there are versions with high absorbency that are ideal for the first days when the period is often heavier. This type of feminine hygiene can also be worn at night without staining the sheets. For those who choose the period panties as washable protection, it should be noted that the panties are generally available in different sizes, just like the period panties from Sisters Republic. With the right panty in your size, you will feel completely comfortable.
How do you care for your washable menstrual protection?
Using washable menstrual protection also means doing laundry. But don't worry: it's not more work. Just rinse with plenty of cold water to remove the blood as soon as you've taken off your protection (panty or pad), wash at 30°C without bleach or fabric softener in the washing machine, and let it air dry, and that's it. You can wash the panties and pads together with your other clothes without worrying about damaging them, because you've already rinsed them beforehand. After that, you can transport any panty or pad in a small waterproof bag in case you need to change. Usually, three or four panties are enough for each menstrual cycle if you wash them consistently.
What are the benefits of wearing washable hygiene products?
If you are used to disposable hygiene products and decide to switch to a washable menstrual protection, you certainly won't regret it. It is both healthier and cheaper (yes, it really is), and the environment will thank you for it.
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Period panties for an easier everyday life
Women can choose between period panties and washable pads, but the panties are by far the most interesting because they are more practical. They have no wings for attachment and can be put on in no time like regular underwear, without any special handling. Additionally, you can move freely without the fear of the hygiene protection coming loose or shifting. The period panties are also more aesthetic, which is another good reason to choose them for beginners. They are light, thin, and sexy, and you can't see them under clothing like with a women's pad (they're always too thick, right?). Moreover, they are so user-friendly that you don't have to worry about how to wash the period panties.
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Suitable for every woman
"So, this is my age and this is my profile. What do I choose for my period? And in what size? How do I make the right choice?"
Unlike other hygiene products that are more or less tailored for specific women, a period panty is suitable for everyone. With these panties, teenage girls experience their first period calmly and securely. Moreover, its comfort and discreet appearance make the panty an ideal choice for the first washable menstrual protection. The insertion of a foreign object into the vagina, as is the case with a menstrual cup, is eliminated. Older women, on the other hand, are safely protected, even those whose menstruation resumes after childbirth (heavy bleeding that lasts longer than usual), or those who have a copper IUD. In many cases, this contraceptive method causes heavier menstrual bleeding, and if a period panty alone is not enough, it can be used in conjunction with other hygiene products to ensure one hundred percent leak protection.
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Good for the budget and good for the environment
Since it is a reusable menstrual protection product, it is also more cost-effective. The zero-waste period slip can be used for up to seven years without losing comfort and effectiveness. If you decide to start using washable menstrual protection this month, you will save money for years to come. Even if a slip costs between 30 and 40 euros each, it is worth the investment. Disposable pads are not only expensive in the long run but also very harmful to the environment. Just count how many pads you normally use each month for menstruation and then multiply that by 450 (the average number of menstrual cycles in a woman's life). You can easily imagine how much money adds up here. Period slips are therefore a much more environmentally friendly alternative.
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Period panties protect a woman's intimate area.
No insertion, no dry vagina, no skin irritations. Your skin will thank you. Introducing a washable menstrual protection means you can now experience your period more positively and with a fresher feeling. Even those who suffer from painful periods will feel better: After all, they enjoy optimal comfort and are not at risk of experiencing toxic shock, allowing them to focus entirely on pain relief.
