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.