Using pads is all about choosing the right product and feeling comfortable.
Here are some key tips!
If you want to know how to use pads without them feeling uncomfortable or detaching from your underwear, you’re in the right place. It’s a simple 3-step process: unfold the pad, stick it to your underwear and change it every couple of hours. But even if you’ve already learnt these steps, there are still a few tips and tricks to make using pads an even better experience. Gone are the days of unexpected leaks and chafing!
When it comes to using pads, you’ll want to start by choosing the right thickness, shape and absorbency level for your needs. Perhaps you prefer a thick maxi pad with a soft cover. Or you might like the lighter feel of an ultra thin pad. We recommend trying different types of pads and period products to see what works for you. Once you’ve chosen the right pad, it should be easy to attach it to your underwear and comfortable to use for a few hours.
Step 1: Open the wrapper and unfold the pad
Step 2: Peel off the wrapper and backing paper to expose the sticky part of the pad
Step 3: Stick the pad to your underwear, remove the wing paper and fold the wings around the underwear
Step 4: When it's time you can either wrap the pad in the new pad's wrapper or grab some tissue and wrap it in that instead!
And remember to be a binner, not a flusher!
If you’re using pads for the first time, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. And as long as the pad is securely attached to your underwear, you will feel confident and protected throughout the day and night However, here are some extra tips for first-timers who still find pads a little uncomfy or tricky to use, especially if it’s your first period.
Whether you have a light or heavy flow, you can typically wear a pad for about 4-5 hours during the day and 8 hours or more at night. There are absorbent Lil-Lets Pads specially designed to absorb menstrual blood overnight. To prevent odours and protect against leakage, change your pad several times throughout the day. And when sleeping, you may want to use a nighttime pad. They are longer so even if you move around in your sleep, your pad won't!
You can dispose of period pads by wrapping them in tissue paper or the new pad’s wrapper and throwing them in the bin. Never flush a pad as it can have serious effects on the environment. First of all, you run the risk of clogging your toilet — yikes! Secondly, flushed pads often end up in our oceans if you don’t dispose of them correctly.
You can typically find the expiry date for pads on the product packaging. Although it’s rather rare, expired pads can lead to health consequences such as fungal infections, itching or increased vaginal discharge. So be sure to use pads that aren’t expired. Pads should be used within 3-4 years if they have been stored in a cool and dry area. This prevents the growth of mould or bacteria inside the product which could compromise one’s health.
Want to learn how to use tampons? Check out our in-depth article on this topic.
Pads are made from a soft layer of material that sits next to your skin and helps draw fluid away from the body and into an absorbent core. This absorbent core locks in any fluid so you can feel comfortable and protected. There will be an adhesive strip that should be placed on the inside of your underwear to help the pad stay in place and most pads come with a set of wings for extra security, these are wrapped around the side of your underwear.
People typically use 4-5 pads in a day. It depends on their flow and the absorbency level of the pads being used. Nevertheless, you might use more pads if you’re going to be doing heavy exercise and sweating more.
The number of hours that a pad can be worn depends on the flow of menstrual blood and the absorbency of the pad. Typically, a pad can be worn for 4-8 hours, but it may need to be changed more frequently if the flow is heavy. It’s important to change pads regularly.
Pads are generally very comfortable to wear, but if you have sensitive skin and notice a rash or chaffing, it may be the cover of your pad does not suit your skin and you may want to change to a pad with a soft cover. Remember too, that changing your pad every 4-5 hours will prevent odour and chaffing.
There are two different types of pads used by most women: Ultra thin pads and Maxi pads.
Ultra-thin pads like our Super Soft and Freshlock ranges are very slim in design and contain micro gel beads that can hold more than a hundred times their original weight. This makes them ideal for when you are out and about or wearing close-fitting clothing.
Maxi pads contain mostly cellulose pulp and very small amounts of micro gel beads, so they will feel thicker and softer in use and our Maternity Maxi pads are ideal for someone who has recently given birth and needs a little bit of comfort during this time.
