Regular Pad, Eco Rainbow
This pad is approximately 20cm long and is thick, so you feel reassured that it will hold heavy flow. It’s made with a layer of Zorb, a non-toxic fabric made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres designed to absorb moisture. The pad is backed with non-slip polar fleece and has kam snaps on the wings. This combination helps it stay securely in place. The pads are made in the UK by Becky, who runs the business, and a range of sizes is available, as well as a starter bundle of seven pads.
£5.50
www.ecorainbow.co.uk
Thong Pantyliner, AngelPadz
AngelPadz sells an excellent range of liners that I really like. They are thin and feel unobtrusive, but the cotton flannel soaker panels are reassuringly solid, so I feel confident they will catch any flow. This thong pantyliner is a useful part of the range. Custom made to order in the UK, it is designed with a taper and has two poppers to hold it in place.
£7.50 for two
www.angelpadz.co.uk
Organic Pad, Moon Times
This pad is different in that it comes with two 100% organic cotton inserts, with additional inserts available in cotton and other materials. This makes it highly versatile, as you can adapt it according to your flow. The top of the pad is natural organic cotton flannelette, the bottom is organic cotton in white or a variety of prints, and it is made in the UK. This pad feels soft and is not bulky, so it is comfortable to wear.
£8.50
www.moontimes.co.uk
Organic Cotton Velour Slim Pad – Mini, Honour Your Flow
This is a very light, soft pad, which I wore as my cycle was ending. It has a fleece underside and a new design with poppers underneath to prevent any sideways movement. It measures just under 20cm and has a thin gusset. Handmade in the UK.
Day Pad, Eco Femme
This is an excellent pad, thick and solid without feeling bulky, and it’s comfortable to wear. It’s handmade in India using Indian cotton flannel and I really like the muted colours of the patterned side. Eco Femme is a global women’s empowerment initiative “working to help women cultivate a healthy, dignified and eco-positive relationship with their natural menstrual cycle”. It feels good that in buying this ethically traded, beautiful pad I’m also helping women and girls in India. Approximately 21cm long after washing.
£5.95
www.earthwisegirls.co.uk
Heavy Overnight/Postpartum Pad, Pretty Eco Intimates
I like to wear long, flared pads at night and have found this pad excellent. It is approximately 32cm long and I feel reassured that the back shape will catch any flow. I did not find it uncomfortable, as it’s thin with a solid core. Made in Canada from cotton and organic bamboo/hemp fleece. A range of pretty designs is available.
Approx. £8 plus approx. £3.15 shipping to the UK (see website for up-to-date prices)
First published in Issue 39 (Spring 2015) of JUNO:
Menstrual Cups: Tamsin Hopkins explains what they are and how you use them