If you’re making the switch from disposable menstrual pads to cloth pads, you may find yourself wondering, “how many cloth pads do I need?”
The answer varies for each person and depends on a few different factors, such as:
- How heavy your flow is
- How long your period typically lasts
- Whether you will be using cloth pads by themselves, or along with another period product, such as a menstrual cup
Our Pixie Pads come in three sizes (panty liners, daytime pads, and overnight pads) so you can be covered, no matter how you plan on using your pads! To give you an idea of how many cloth pads you may want to buy, we asked the team here at Pixie Cup how they use their pads and how many they have in their collection.
Karen: My periods are pretty light. I just started using a disc, and I find that I have less leaking with the disc than I did with a cup. I’ll use the disc for 2-3 days and then my flow is light enough to switch to cloth panty liners. Sometimes if I don’t feel like inserting my disc before bed, I can get by with just a panty liner at night as well. I also sometimes have some spotting 3 or 4 days before my period starts, and the cloth pads are great for that. So a small disc and two sets of cloth panty liners is perfect for me!
Natalie: I use cloth pads with my disc as I’m still learning how to use it. I also sometimes just use pads by themselves because I’ve always preferred them. I use an overnight pad at night because I’m still inexperienced with a disc/cup and don’t feel like thinking about it when I go to bed. I also use the panty liners at the end of my period when my flow is so light I don’t need a disc or cup!
If I’m not using a disc, one pack of each size is perfect as I feel like I have some heavy days. When I use my disc I would use one set of liners and one set of overnights.
Amber: I have a heavier flow so when using pads only, I use the medium pads for the day, and switch to overnight pads before bed. I have 3 sets of medium pads (I go through about 6-7 per day) and 1 set of overnight pads.
Hannah C: I have finally figured out my cup size so my cup doesn’t leak much at all. I just use one panty liner a day as a backup. I also use an overnight pad with my cup at bedtime because my period is often too heavy and my cup will overflow. One set of panty liners and one set of overnight pads is perfect for me.
Do cloth pads work?
Cloth pads definitely work! Our Pixie Pads are made with 7 layers of moisture-wicking material to help minimize unpleasant odors and irritation. Not only do they safely and securely absorb fluid, they are super soft, far more comfortable than irritating disposable pads, and made with no toxins, chlorine, pesticides, or fragrances — so your sensitive skin is not exposed to any harmful chemicals.
How often should cloth pads be changed?
Depending on your flow, you may need to change your pad every 4-5 hours. If you’re using a cloth pad as a backup for a menstrual cup, you can likely use the same pad all day. After a few cycles, you’ll have a good idea of how to make cloth pads work for you!
Have more questions about cloth pads? Leave us a comment?
