FAQ Pads
Why to use reusable pads instead of sanitary pads?
If you are reading this, it means that you want to change something. We hope that this will convince you to make the right decision:
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You’ll prevent thousands of pads from ending up in landfills, creating less waste.
You save money by not having to buy pads every month.
You are less exposed to unhealthy chemicals, treated cotton, bleach, etc. that are commonly used in sanitary products manufacturing.
No chemicals enter your body through sweat, and some women have found that they have less cramping after they stop using pads.
Cloth pads are more comfortable and gentle on the skin because they do not contain chemicals.
No more annoying glue on your panties.
Long term investment as you can use the reusable pads between 2 and 5 years.
Are reusable pads safe?
Reusable sanitary pads are usually more breathable and expose your intimate area to less harsh and harmful chemicals than regular protection products, which are usually made of chemical compositions and treated cotton. Of course, it’s important to change pads regularly and keep your intimate area clean after each use. Like any other menstrual product, they can irritate your skin if they get soaked and wet and are worn longer than necessary.
How do I find the right pad for my needs? What size are Femi.Eko®’s pads?
We offer a range of 3 products, one for daily use, one for high flow nightly use and one intermediate. We recommend you use all the products and even more to fully cover your days during your period. They are very light, soft and between 2 mm and 4 mm thick.
Will reusable pads leak?
Cloth pads are very absorbent, holding the equivalent of minimum 2 regular pads worth. They have wings that snap around the underwear to keep the sides of the underwear secure and dry. Our pads have a waterproof bottom to avoid leaks. Of course, just like disposable pads, you will need to replace them before they are completely soaked. After wearing the reusable pads for only a short time, you will know when it is time to change them.Â
Tips! When you go to the bathroom, you can soak up the blood contents with a piece of toilet paper and have peace of mind that the pads will not get too soaked.
Are Femi.Eko® pads comfortable?
Not only are they comfortable, but their breathability makes you feel dry and ventilated. Reusable pads are very soft due to the bamboo fabric and most importantly feel like they will never get wet, which is a big difference from disposable pads. The breathability of the fabric protects against the development of bacteria, so you can notice less odor and irritation. Some users say that because they are breathable, they are much cooler to wear than disposable pads, which are made of plastic and trap heat.
Do pads shorten your period?
Although we have not found a study on this idea, many doctors and women believe that using pads can shorten your period. Unlike tampons, which soak up menstrual blood and cause a kind of backup in your vagina, pads allow blood to drain naturally and at its normal rate. In theory, this could result in a shorter period.
Are reusable pads suitable for heavy period flow?
Yes, reusable pads can be extremely absorbent. We recommend that you opt for the M size so that you can feel protected and secure during the day or night. Also, reusable pads feel less wet than regular pads, so you will feel comfortable even if you are bleeding heavily.
Is it better to use organic cotton sanitary pads?
It is better for health to buy organic products, but the problem of waste generated by disposable sanitary pads is a fact that we must take into account when thinking about the environment and the future of our planet. Organic pads are made from cotton grown without pesticides or herbicides, which means that less of these chemicals end up in your body. It also means less pollution of the earth and less damage to the environment, but it also means that the people who work on the farms where the cotton is grown are exposed to fewer toxins. If not only health is important to you, but also sustainability, then you should definitely choose reusable cloth pads like those from Femi.Eko®.
How sustainable is that Femi.Eko®’s reusable pads made of bamboo fabric?
Many people think of wood when they think of bamboo, and it is true that through technology, this wood can transform into a very soft, silky and safe fabric. The great thing about bamboo is that it grows very quickly, making it highly renewable. Therefore, using such a material is more sustainable than cotton fabrics, which in many cases need to be treated with chemicals. Bamboo does not need pesticides to grow. Bamboo is less chemically treated during production and is therefore safe for your genitals.
Do reusable pads smell?
The good news is that Femi.Eko® pads stay fresh longer than disposable pads. This is due to the breathability of the bamboo fabric, which allows moisture to evaporate. Less moisture means less bacteria creating unpleasant odors. If you notice strange odors, it’s not because of the pad and we recommend you consult your doctor. To protect against odors, you can soak your pads in vinegar or baking soda to eliminate pad odors.We recommend that you sanitize your pads every few months by washing them at 60 degrees to prevent the growth of bacteria.
How much money can I expect to save by switching to reusable pads?
Women bleed about 35 years of their lifetime. Yes, that’s a lot!Â
Switching to period underwear and sustainable intimate products, such as cloth pads or period panties, will help you save up to 5.000 euro and more (depending where you live and how much you pay for menstrual products).
Don’t believe it? Let’s do the maths:Â
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DISPOSABLE PADS over a lifetime:
35 years x 12 periods yearly x 5 days average = 2100 days of period= 5 years and 8 months of continuous period days – Crazy right?Â
5 disposable pads/ day x 2100 days= 10500 disposable pads
0.6 EUR/ pad x 10500 disposable pads = 6300 EUR / IN A LIFETIME spent on disposable pads
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FEMI.EKO® ’S REUSABLE PADS
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Let’s say you buy 7 reusable pads each 5 years. In 35 YEARS you should change the reusable pads for about 7 times.
7 x 7 =Â 48 reusable pads in a lifetime
10 EUR x 48 period underwear = 480Â EUR/ IN A LIFETIME spent on reusable pads.
How many reusable pads will I need?
It depends on how heavy your period is or if you use a menstrual cup, disc or alternate menstrual panties. Typically, women have between 5 and 15 pads. Calculate how many disposable pads you used on your period days and divide that by 3. You may need to wash them in the meantime, but that’s okay, it’s sustainable 😊
Can I wear a reusable pad with thong underwear, as a daily pad?
Just think how much money you will save each month and how grateful the planet will be that you are ridding it of so much waste. Just like disposable thongs, our size S is designed to be worn on light days or as a replacement for a menstrual cup or tampon. Just make sure you have more and change them every 8 to 10 hours.
Can teenagers use cloth pads?
They certainly can. Sustainable education should start early, and we are helping teens go green by choosing products that change the way we consume. By starting early with reusable pads, you can help young girls and teens stay in control of their cycle without spending a fortune and being less stressed about reliable protection.
Can I use reusable pads for incontinence or postpartum?
Reusable pads are a perfect product for mild incontinence. People who suffer from this problem need to wear protection on a daily basis. While disposable pads can increase the risk of yeast and bacterial infections or cause irritation and chafing, Femi.Eko® pads are a true blessing for people who need to wear a pad every day because of their comfort and breathability.
For the postpartum period, many women choose Femi.Eko® because they are a natural choice that promotes comfort and healing after childbirth, as they are breathable and skin-friendly for the intimate area.
How often should I change my cloth pad?
You should change the insert depending on your flow. The more you use it, the better you will know when saturation is at its highest. We only recommend not to keep a reusable pad longer than 8-10 hours (be aware that disposable pads should not be used more than 4-6 hours).
How do I deal with pad changes when I’m away from home?
Thanks to the wings with snaps, our pads fold perfectly into small squares that you can store in your purse and take with you. When you have your period, you should have two extra pads and a small plastic bag to store the used pad. For a more environmentally friendly solution, you can choose our wet bag solution for pads instead of a plastic bag. This can be used to store the pads in your bag and is the perfect companion when your period comes as a surprise.
Can I wear reusable pads when swimming?
Unfortunately, no. Just like sanitary pads, reusable pads will absorb the water, making them ineffective for period protection. However, we recommend trying out Femi.eko’s menstrual cup or menstrual disc which always offers full protection and a stress-free period, while you enjoy a day at the sauna, beach, or spa, it provides up to 12 hours protection.
How do I wash reusable pads?
Blood is a strong dye, so always remember to use cold water first, whether you need to wash a pad, period underwear, or just a stain on the sheet. Soak the pads in cold water before washing, or let the cold water flow onto the blood stain while you rub it with your hands (especially if there is dried blood on the pad). Then wash them normally in the washing machine or by hand. Some people even boil their reusable pads.
If you choose to hand wash, you should soak the pads to make washing easier. Then rub them with warm water and underwear detergent or regular laundry detergent and rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear.
Wash your pads at 40 degrees and occasionally disinfect at 60 degrees to kill bacteria and prevent odors.Wash your pads at 40 degrees, and occasionally make a sanitisation at 60 degrees, in order to kill bacterias and avoid odors.Â
We recommend avoiding fabric softeners, as they can affect the absorbency of the fabrics. It is also not recommended to bleach pads, as this can degrade the material and affect the absorbency, but can also be transferred to your skin
You can air dry the pads in the machine, but do not use high heat or a full power dryer. As with any air-dried item, the pads may feel a little stiff at first.
Sunlight can kill remaining bacteria and fade stains. However, the sun can fade the colors of your pads or damage the waterproof backing materials if you expose them to the sun or high heat for extended periods of time.
Always stretch the pad after washing so that it retains its original shape.
Do not iron! Do not use perfume or chemicals!