Has anyone tried those re-usable cotton sanitary towels?

Question

They're like fleecy cotton you can re-wash. I feel bad about all the stuff I'm throwing away-dont think i could handle the mooncup tho!

Answer 1

I'm a Mooncup user myself - much love for my cup! - but I was given free samples of Lunapads [site - http://www.lunapads.com ] – technically this was to aid in my menstrual activism work [educating women on greener, safer menstrual options] but I nabbed a couple for myself to try – they are super comfortable, for me a lot easier to just throw in the washing machine, and they aren't anywhere as bulky as I thought they might be.

It's not just a matter of waste, if you are using commercial pads like Kotex or Always there are also other problems such as the synthetics and chemicals that cause environmental and health problems – prevention aeration, skin irritation, increased risk of TSS, chemicals altering vaginal PH, chemicals entering into your body through the mucosa of your vulva.
Environmentally speaking you have the use of non-organic cotton, plastics that don't biodegrade, chemicals put into the environment, massive waste of trees, massive use of energy.
It's social too – I mean look at the reactions you have so far, a general reaction that they are somehow gross and unsanitary (compared to commercial pads?!!) or that your pads have to be brilliant white (the idea that keeps manufacturers of commercial tampons and pads using chemicals and bleach that risk health and lives).

I'd highly recommend Lunapads, but if you are in the UK then it does cost to get them shipped over – even if they are cheaper than commercial pads in the long-run, there are some UK based companies though [check out http://www.wen.org/sanpro for resources and links including what types you can get, making your own and UK stockists] or you could always try making your own pads then you can try cloth pads out before buying some yourself. If you don't go for cloth then organic pads like Natracare [site - http://www.natracare.com ] are an option for you too, granted just as much waste but no where near as many environmental and health problems as commercial pads.

Some sites you might find useful, or may inform some other commenters on here;

Eight myths about washable menstrual pads dispelled:
http://www.scarleteen.com/pink/washable.html
Cloth panty liners articles at menstruation:
http://www.menstruation.com.au/menu24.html
Cloth and cotton menstrual pad information, use and cleaning:
http://www.oxyboost.com/cleaning_pages/cloth_menstrual_pads.html
Cloth pads care and cleaning:
http://www.thekeepershop.com/article_clothpads.asp
Livejournal's cloth pads community:
http://community.livejournal.com/cloth_pads
Lunapds blog:
http://blog.lunapads.com

Answer 2

I have not tried to re-useable washable sanitary towels. Did order a mooncup and tried it out but had to send it back as it was too uncomfortable to wear.

Answer 3

What is mooncup - am I so old an decrepit people have started to speak another language. Usable towels, are you effing wise, they got rid of them years ago and rightly so. My mother was from a family of 11 girls, what if they all had to wash out these "rags" again - dark ages stuff that!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Yes I have they are very good. However the thick pads for heavy days are very thick and can bunch up in your knickers. The Mooncup is better. Its a bit weird at first but once you get the hang of it its very easy.

Answer 5

Mooncup Mooncup Mooncup... a student's friend. No cost, no pain, no blood till you go to the loo and empty it. Brilliant!!

Answer 6

sounds dodgy, I don't think I would like that. But I have thought about the mooncup...

Answer 7

Re-usable towels? Doesn't sound sanitary.

Answer 8

I have but i think i would be very embarrased hanging them on the washing line to dry.

Answer 9

Hurk! flashback to the 30's. That's why I didn't try them. Enough laundry to do already.

Answer 10

I have. They work fine, and they are more comfortable and better for the environment. Plus, they are cheaper over the long run...