A maxi pad is an absorbent hygiene product worn externally, adhered to the inside of underwear, designed to manage menstrual flow. It is a common and effective method for containing fluid during the menstrual cycle, providing comfort and reliable protection. Understanding the proper usage ensures reliable performance and contributes positively to menstrual hygiene management. This guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions for selecting, placing, and managing these products.
Selecting the Right Pad
The first step involves matching the product to the intensity of the anticipated flow. Pads are categorized by absorbency (light, regular, or heavy/super), which indicates the volume of fluid they can contain before saturation. Selecting a product with appropriate absorbency prevents premature saturation and leakage, ensuring longer wear time.
Length is another variable, ranging from short daily liners to long overnight pads that offer extended coverage. A longer, more absorbent pad is recommended for heavier flow days or for use during sleep when changing is not possible. The extended surface area provides greater security against movement-induced leaks.
The presence of wings, which are side flaps that fold underneath the underwear gusset, must also be considered. Pads without wings are simpler to place but offer less side security against leaks caused by shifting. Wings provide an additional anchor, keeping the pad securely centered and offering extra protection along the fabric edges. The best choice balances comfort with the necessary fluid containment.
Step-by-Step Placement and Centering
Begin by removing the pad from its wrapper, saving the wrapper for later hygienic disposal of the used product. Most pads have a paper strip covering the main adhesive on the back, which must be peeled away to expose the sticky surface. This adhesive anchors the pad firmly to the underwear fabric and prevents slippage during activity.
Position the pad adhesive-side down within the gusset—the narrow, reinforced center section of the underwear. Align the pad so its absorbent center is directly underneath the vaginal opening, where the majority of the fluid will exit. Proper front-to-back positioning means the pad extends slightly higher in the back to accommodate the natural pooling of flow when sitting or lying down.
If the pad has wings, remove the smaller paper backing strips covering the wing adhesive. Fold these wings firmly over the edges of the underwear gusset and press them onto the underside of the fabric. Securing the wings creates a stable, cup-like shape, minimizing lateral shifting and providing a barrier against side leaks.
Changing and Hygienic Disposal
Maintaining hygiene requires changing the pad regularly, ideally every three to four hours, even if it is not completely saturated. Prolonged wear can lead to bacterial growth and the degradation of absorbed blood components, which may cause skin irritation, discomfort, or odor. To remove the pad, gently peel it away from the underwear fabric, starting from one end and moving toward the other.
Once removed, the used pad should be rolled tightly, securing the soiled side inward to contain the fluid and reduce odors. Package the rolled pad using the wrapper from the new pad or several layers of toilet paper wrapped securely around the cylinder. This encasement prevents direct contact with the waste material and keeps the disposal process clean.
The wrapped pad must then be placed immediately into a dedicated trash receptacle, such as a lined waste bin. Maxi pads, due to their absorbent materials and plastic components, should never be flushed down a toilet. Flushing these items can lead to severe plumbing blockages and costly environmental problems in wastewater systems.
Troubleshooting Leaks and Wing Management
A frequent cause of leaks is the movement of the pad, which can be mitigated by wearing snug-fitting underwear. Loose-fitting underwear allows the pad to shift or bunch, moving it out of the optimal flow collection area. Choosing underwear that holds the gusset close to the body is important for pad stability and consistent protection.
For heavy flow days, utilizing products labeled “overnight” or “super” provides greater absorption capacity and length, even during daytime use. If the wings tend to stick to the skin rather than the fabric, ensure they are pressed firmly onto the underside of the gusset. If bunching occurs, this indicates the pad is too long for the underwear style or the garment is too loose.