I have only tried 3 brands but I'll tell what I liked and why... First I have one Wahmmies bamboo pad that I really don't like. It shifts contantly, to the point that it ends up completly upside down fairly often (I don't trust it at all for my period so use it at um, other times).
I have a bunch of Lunapads liners that I use as back-up to my Diva Cup and I really like them. Not super absorbent and not waterproof so they wouldn't be great to use alone but as back-up they're great. I have one regular pad that I've used a few times and I like it as well. It's a different system than most, with removable liners that are held in place by ric-rac. Some like this, others don't (I don't use regular pads very often but if I did I think I'd personally prefer just a one-piece system). The brand is widely available (lots of website and even lots of brick 'n mortar health food stores carry them) so that's convenient. Not cheap but mine have been in use for over 8 years and other than a few stains they practically look brand-new so they last forever (I will say that mine don't get soaked or washed in hot which may help with the longevity, since I'm only using them for back-up they're not soiled enough to really require that. So with heavier use and the subsequent soaks and hot washes, yours may wear a bit quicker).
The latest brand that I've used is Domino Pads. Love love love them!! I bought these for my daughter, who had spotting last year so I thought she'd be getting her period. She hasn't actually started yet so she hasn't had a chance to use them but since they were just sitting there I figured I'd give them a go, see for myself how well they worked (I'd read good reviews but I wanted better first hand experience so I could help my dd when the time came). Used them exclusively for two cycles and they were wonderful! Super comfy and not wet, icky feeling at all. Super absorbent too. Since I was testing them out I would check to see how well they were doing (this is easy because of the construction, the ends of the absorbant part of the pad isn't sewn to the fleece water-resistant fleece so you can check the underside easily). Only once or twice was there even a hint of color at the bottom of the absorbant part, I was very impressed. Washing was super easy, just used a wet bag to store them, soaked for an hour prior to a hot wash. And either the fabric (organic bamboo velor - very luxurious and comfy!) doesn't stain or the colors (wide variety of beautiful hand-dyed colors - I chose the darkest pink/purple they had) really hide them because in the two cycles I used them they didn't get a single stain!
The Domino aren't as widely available but if I had to buy a whole set for myself I'd go with them. They're more absorbent than the cotton of the Lunapads, although I can't say much for their longevity yet (only had them a few months and the company has only existed for 2-3 years) they seem very well constructed and the two washes/dryings didn't cause them to lose their shape or anything.
If you do decide to go with Domino Pads, I`d recomend `liking` them on Facebook or joining their monthly newsletter to get a discount code. Nice lady, got good and quick service.
I`d also recommend looking up any brand you`re considering on Diaper Pin (www.diaperpin.com). Tons of reviews there, you`ll be able to get a good idea of the quality and customer service.
HTH,
Karen. |
