Reusable sanitary pads are a cloth-based, washable alternative to single-use menstrual products, designed for long-term use across multiple menstrual cycles. They function similarly to traditional pads by absorbing menstrual flow, but they are made from durable, breathable fabrics. This provides a sustainable and comfortable option for managing menstruation that can be washed and reused for several years, minimizing the ongoing need to purchase and dispose of single-use items.
Composition and Design
Reusable pads are engineered with a multi-layer construction to ensure both comfort and leak protection. Most designs feature three distinct layers, each serving a specific function in managing fluid absorption and containment. The top sheet rests against the skin and is typically made from soft, quick-wicking fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo velour, or minky, which quickly draw moisture away.
The core, or absorbent layer, is positioned beneath the top sheet and holds the collected fluid. It is often constructed from highly absorbent materials such as cotton terry, bamboo fleece, or hemp fleece, which can manage varying flow levels. Hemp, for instance, is known for its superior absorption capacity, making it a common choice for pads designed for heavy flow days.
The bottom layer, which faces the underwear, acts as a moisture barrier to prevent leaks from passing through the pad. This waterproof backing is frequently made from polyurethane laminate (PUL), a thin, flexible, and breathable material that effectively contains liquid. The pad secures to the underwear not with adhesive, but with fabric wings that wrap around the gusset and fasten with small snap buttons, ensuring the pad remains securely in place during wear.
Usage and Maintenance
Using a reusable pad follows the same principle as a disposable one: it should be changed when it feels saturated or wet against the skin, typically every few hours depending on the flow volume. When a change is necessary, the user unsnaps the wings, folds the pad inward, and snaps the wings closed around the soiled side to create a small, sealed bundle. This bundle is then placed into a waterproof, breathable ‘wet bag’ for transport until it can be washed.
The maintenance process begins with pre-rinsing the used pads under cold running water immediately after use to prevent stains from setting. Hot water should be avoided, as it can cause blood proteins to coagulate and permanently bond with the fabric fibers. After rinsing until the water runs clear, the pads can be stored in a dry pail or a wet bag until the main wash day, ideally within two to three days to maintain hygiene.
For washing, the pads can be machine-washed using a regular cold-water cycle and a mild detergent. Fabric softeners should not be used because they leave a residue that coats the fibers, reducing the pad’s long-term absorbency. After washing, the pads should be air-dried; high heat from a machine dryer can degrade the waterproof PUL layer and reduce the pad’s lifespan, though hanging them in direct sunlight helps naturally bleach light stains.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The decision to switch to reusable pads is often motivated by both financial and ecological advantages over disposable options. While the initial purchase requires a larger upfront investment to acquire a full set of pads, the long-term cost savings are substantial. A reusable pad can last for five to ten years with proper care, offsetting the considerable amount a single person may spend on disposable products over their reproductive lifetime.
From an environmental standpoint, reusable pads dramatically reduce the volume of waste destined for landfills. Disposable pads often contain a significant amount of plastic, and a single menstruating person can use thousands of these products over their lifetime, with each item taking hundreds of years to decompose. By contrast, a set of reusable pads eliminates the monthly disposal of these non-biodegradable materials.
The long lifespan and repeated use of cloth pads mean fewer resources are consumed in manufacturing and transportation compared to the constant production cycle of single-use products. This reduction in the overall manufacturing footprint contributes to a more sustainable approach to menstrual hygiene management, resulting in less waste, lower plastic pollution, and a decreased burden on waste management systems.