Menstrual pads with wings are a common choice for managing flow, offering increased stability and enhanced protection against side leakage compared to wingless designs. These pads feature flexible side flaps that wrap around the underwear, forming an extra barrier that helps keep the absorbent material centered against the body. This allows the wearer to move with greater confidence.
Unwrapping and Preparing the Pad
Start by removing the pad from its individual outer wrapper, setting it aside for later disposal. Next, peel off the long protective paper strip covering the main adhesive backing on the underside of the pad. This adhesive secures the central body of the pad to the underwear fabric. Handle the pad only by its edges during preparation to maintain the hygiene of the absorbent surface.
Positioning the Pad Body
With the primary adhesive exposed, place the pad sticky-side down onto the crotch panel of the underwear, known as the gusset. Center the pad precisely along the midline of the fabric, ensuring it lies flat without bunching or twisting. Position the pad so the most absorbent section sits directly beneath the body’s flow area.
The orientation may require slight adjustment based on the pad’s design or the individual’s needs, such as positioning a longer end toward the back for overnight use or heavier flow. Applying firm, even pressure to the pad’s body once it is placed helps the adhesive bond securely to the underwear fabric. This initial adherence prevents the pad from sliding forward or backward during movement.
Securing the Wings for Leak Protection
Securing the wings maximizes the pad’s protective function against lateral flow. Each wing has a separate protective paper strip that must be peeled off to expose its adhesive surface. Fold the exposed, sticky wing underneath the central crotch panel of the underwear, wrapping around the side edge of the fabric.
The wing’s adhesive must be pressed firmly against the exterior fabric of the gusset to establish a secure attachment. By wrapping around the sides, the wings pull the pad’s edges taut against the underwear, which in turn holds the absorbent core closer to the body. This technique mechanically locks the pad into place, significantly reducing the potential for shifting and creating a physical barrier to stop menstrual fluid from escaping over the side.
Safe Removal and Disposal
When it is time to change the pad, the removal process should start by gently peeling the wings away from the underside of the underwear fabric. Following the release of the wings, the main pad body can be carefully lifted off the gusset, starting from one end to minimize any potential mess.
Once removed, the used pad should be rolled tightly, ensuring that the soiled absorbent surface is rolled inward toward the center, leaving the adhesive side facing out. The rolled pad must then be wrapped completely in a non-flushable material, such as the wrapper from the fresh pad or a piece of toilet paper, which can be secured by the exposed adhesive on the roll.
Proper disposal involves placing the wrapped pad into a trash receptacle or designated sanitary bin. It is important to avoid flushing the used pad or its wrapper down the toilet, as the materials are not designed to break down in water and can cause significant plumbing blockages.