Ultimate Guide to Choosing Sanitary Pads

Tall, short, voluptuous, or thin, it’s no secret that women come in many shapes and sizes – each with her own inherent beauty, then why settle for ‘one size fits all’ when choosing feminine hygiene products?

Commonly pads are a standard go-to when it comes to dealing with your period, if you’re aware of your cycle and preference then you can find a good fit for you.  A sanitary pad is worn between the vulva and the underwear. In most cases, pads have adhesives that stick to the panties, while others have wings that wrap under the panties to keep the pad in place. 

What You Need to Know about Sanitary Pads

When buying sanitary pads, you’ll quickly realize how much there is on offer. Pads come in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, types, and materials, and navigating through the different products and brands can be confusing. Below are the three main types of pads you’ll find based on menstrual flow and absorbency:

1. Normal or Regular Pads

This is the most common type of pad. For most brands, the “regular” pad is usually the same length as a long panty liner, but it will be much thicker because it is intended to absorb more blood. Regular pads will have a thin layer of adhesive across the bottom to help keep the pad in place. Some companies do offer scented regular pads. A regular pad is best for days when you have light or moderate flow.

2. Thin Pads

Thin pads can be found in two types; thin and ultra-thin. These pads are slim yet absorbent and are most suitable for ladies with a light menstrual flow throughout their flow and for the lighter days for those with moderate and heavy flows. Like regular pads, their bottoms have sticky adhesives and may come in scented or unscented forms, with wings or without and in different lengths to suit different preferences.

3. Thick Pads

Some brands make thick pads a bit longer than regular ones, and in general, they are always thicker than a regular pad. They are most suitable for women and girls with moderate and heavy flows. These can feel a bit bulky, so it is best to wear them with loose-fitting clothing when possible. Many brands of heavy flow pads have adhesive “wings” in addition to the adhesive on the bottom of the liner. These wings are just sticky flaps that secure around the sides and outside of your panties for extra security. Some brands even make the wings somewhat absorbent for added protection against leaks. If you have a light flow these pads are thick enough to offer stain protection during the night.

Additionally, we have overnight pads and pantyliners that compliment the above products.

1. Overnight Pads

Overnight pads tend to be the thickest and offer the most coverage of any type. This is because manufacturers understand that you are not going to be getting up frequently to change your pad during the night, so you will need extra protection to help you sleep soundly. This type of pad is generally very long and wide to cover as much of the inside of your panties as possible. Most overnight pads are very thick and will also have adhesive wings like thick pads.

     2. Pantyliners

Pantyliners are the thinner and narrower equivalent of sanitary pads. They come in different shapes and sizes for individual preferences. They can be short and slim to fit into petite underwear or thongs, or they can be long and wide enough to cover the entire crotch area of a regular pair of bikini or brief-style panties. Pantyliners are best for spotting, heavy vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow, and extra protection when wearing a tampon or menstrual cup. They are great for girls experiencing discharge and are about to have their menarche. Pantyliners have no wings but will typically have a thin layer of adhesive on the underside to ensure they stay where you put them. Did you know that pantyliners are great for women in menopause with heavy vaginal discharge or those who have urinary incontinence? Now you do.

Benefits of using Sanitary pads

Apart from variety to pick from, an advantage of pads is that they cover so much of the underwear they’re stuck on, you’re certain to avoid staining. Women find that pads are excellent for people who just don’t want to bother with painful insertion, potentially difficult removal, or other physical problems of tampon use. You will be able to tell that the pad is soaked and indicate when to change. Additionally, pads can safely be used for longer which means they’re the best choice for sleeping. 

How to Wear a Sanitary pad

Disposable Sanitary pads, unlike many of their counterpart feminine hygiene products, are very simple to use – peel back the adhesive paper which will reveal the sticky part to be placed on your panties, wrap the wings around the underside of your panties, and you are ready to go. As for the reusable cloth pads, most will come with wings that have press buttons to secure the pad. Sanitary pads are generally changed after every 4 to 8 hours to avoid getting overly soaked.