A sanitary pad is one of the most popular choices of menstrual hygiene products. Almost every woman has used it and teenagers who may have just started their periods choose them for their ease of use and effectiveness. From overnight pads to antibacterial sanitary napkins, there is something for every woman and her every need.
What is a Sanitary Napkin
It is a simple pad of soft and spongy fabric pieces that are layered together to form a core that is extremely absorbent. Modern-day sanitary napkins are highly efficient. They have become much less bulky, quite thinner, and yet their absorbing capacities have multiplied. The top layer of the pads is breathable and soft which prevents rashes due to wetness. Their core also comes with the capacity to lock in foul odour, hence keeping you fresh all day.
Types of Sanitary Pads
You can find many different types of sanitary napkins online and in stores. You can pick any of them to suit your needs.
Cloth Pads
These pads are made using soft fabric which you can wash and reuse again and again. This makes for a good eco-friendly option. However, hygiene is certainly questionable.
Organic Pads
As the name suggests, these pads are made with organic cotton. They are free of any chemicals, dyes, or bleach which makes them completely natural and perfect for individuals who may have a latex allergy.
Reusable Pads
Also known as washable pads or reusable sanitary towels, these are another eco-friendly option for you. They are made with a special absorbent fabric called Zorb that's fabricated out of bamboo, cotton, and polyester.
Disposable Pads
Disposable sanitary pads are the most used pads. They are highly capable of wicking away moisture and odour to keep you fresh. They come in different absorbing capacities and need to be changed every few hours.
What to Look for When Buying Pads
Brand - Only buy pads from well-known sanitary napkin brands to ensure you get good quality. Owing to their wide means, such brands have researched well to bring you refined technology and thus are able to offer better protection and comfort.
Material - Look for pads with breathable material that's also soft on the skin. It should quickly absorb the period blood, prevent staining and keep you dry for a long. Also, if you are allergic to latex or have extra sensitive skin, look for pads that are composed of organic cotton or similar natural material.
Anti-bacterial- While we look for everything from size to its capacity and more, we somehow forget about a pad’s defensive power against infection. Getting antibacterial sanitary napkins will ensure optimum hygiene and mitigate foul smell too along with protection.
Thickness - Usually a thicker pad tends to have a higher capacity to absorb menstrual blood. But there are many pads today which come with gel technology that can turn liquid into gel thus preventing spilling. Such pads are much lighter and thinner and therefore discreet too.
Sizes of Pads
Regular - These are fabricated to absorb normal flow and so have a lighter built.
Heavy-flow- These pads can absorb large quantities of fluid and so tend to be bulkier.
Overnight - These are also heavy flow pads but with a much higher absorption capacity to last overnight. Also, they have a distinct shape to better suit a lying position.
Why Use a Sanitary Napkin
Here's why sanitary pads make a great choice of menstrual hygiene products.
Easy to Use - Unlike tampons or cups, they don’t need to be inserted and can simply be stuck on your underwear for use.
No Risk - Periods products like tampons or menstrual cups can pose a serious threat of Toxic Shock Syndrome if they are left inside for too long. There is no such risk with using pads.
Good Night's Sleep - Overnight pads which are specifically designed for nighttime use, absorb heavy flow and allow you to have a peaceful sleep.
No Skin Reaction- Even if you have overly sensitive skin, you need not worry about allergic reactions, provided that you regularly change your pads.
No Leakage - Since it has a large surface area and wings to keep it secure in position, pads do not cause any leakages.
Conclusion
You can find so many period products including tampons, menstrual cups, and sanitary pads online, but it is always the latter mostly for us. When compared to the other two, it feels just so safe and simple, doesn't it? So, if the thought of inserting something up your vagina freaks you out too, let's join our hands with the evergreen pads.