Periods are a pain for several reasons. They come with cramps, mood swings, and a dent in your wallet. Purchasing boxes of disposable pads gets costly. That’s why investing in reusable sanitary pads for your periods will save you money in the long run.
Are Reusable Period Pads Worth It?
On average, you’ll have about 13 periods per year, according to the National Library of Medicine. If you have a tried and true heavy absorbency sanitary pad that holds your flow, you’d go through about three pads a day. Considering a pack of maxi pads comes with 48 pads in a box for about $13. That’s about 15 pads per cycle for an average period, and 3.2 cycles per pack.
With a reusable sanitary pad, like the Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads, you’d pay $38 for three pads that can be washed up to 120 times each. If you were to wash and wear each one of these pads twice per cycle, you’d get just under six years of use from each of the three pads. For comparison, you’d spend about $312 on disposable maxi pads over six years. Reusable sanitary pads are an investment, but you don’t have to buy more pads for years after that.
- Best Absorbency: Knix Reusable Overnight Leakproof Pads
- Best Longevity: Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
- Best Value: Teamoy Reusable Washable Cloth Sanitary Pads
- Easiest to Close: The Period Company The Reusable Pad Bundle
- Easiest to Wash: Aisle Reusable Maxi Pad
Best Absorbency
Knix Reusable Overnight Leakproof Pads
Knix’s Reusable Overnight Leakproof Pads absorb up to eight super tampon’s worth of blood per pad. That’s the same as about 17 teaspoons. You get three per order.
This 13.7-inch long overnight-friendly design is slimmer in the front and wider in the back. The wings feature a single hook-and-eye closure, similar to how a bra closes. Each reusable sanitary pad has a four-layer design. The first layer is made of a moisture wicking fabric that blocks odor. The second layer is where the absorption starts. Then, the third layer features the brand’s leak-proof layer. The fourth layer is a waterproof membrane for comfort.
These pads are thinner than the standard non-reusable pad, so you comfortably can wear these during the day.
Best Longevity
Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Rael’s Organic Cotton Reusable Pads is a pack of three sanitary pads that each last for up to 120 washes. Along with its longevity, these leak-resistant pads are cotton-rich. The top, absorbent layers, and wings are made of 100 percent cotton. The back has one percent polyurethane. The snaps are nickel.
Shop these reusable pads in four sizes: petite, regular, large, and overnight.
Best Value
Teamoy Reusable Washable Cloth Sanitary Pads
Teamoy’s Reusable Washable Cloth Sanitary Pads is an 11 piece-set. You get 10 snap-to-close pads and a coordinating wet bag in this set.
Among the 10 reusable sanitary pads you’re getting multiple sizes: three small, four regular and three large. No matter the size, each pad features an absorbent charcoal bamboo layer. There’s a microfiber surface layer that keeps your skin feeling comfortable and dry throughout the day.
Easiest to Close
The Period Company The Reusable Pad Bundle
The Reusable Pad Bundle features elasticized binding that easily conforms to any panty you put it in. That makes it easier for the wings to come together so that they can securely snap shut. This heavy flow bundle includes five 10-inch long reusable sanitary pads that hold up to 10 regular tampons worth of blood.
Easiest to Wash
Aisle Reusable Maxi Pad
Most reusable pads can only be line dried. However, Aisle’s Reusable Maxi Pad goes in the washing machine and dryer. It’s made with a cotton-rich upper and bottom lining. A polyester nylon blend is what fills the pad and absorbs fluids. As a maxi pad, it absorbs up to eight regular tampons of blood. Each order is for one pad.
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