Lunapads Blog

Name: Nancee
Home: Vancouver BC
Age: 20
Lifestyle: Full time university student, UBC housekeeper, Lunapads marketing intern.
Flow: 1-2 days heavy, 1 day average, 1 day light, 1 night heavy, 1 night light. My period usually lasts a total of 3 days.

What products are you using?
Usually pads, because using tampons still freak me out (what if I forget to take it out?) The materials that are used to make tampons also make me choose not to use them, unless I absolutely want to wear a tight pair of jeans, or go swimming.

I use a wide assortment of pads, from heavy to super light pantyliners. When I get my period, I normally use the large pads for the first day (even if the flow’s not too heavy, just to make sure I won’t have leaks during the day), medium pads for the second day, and light pantyliners for the last day. When its night time I don’t take chances; I always wear heavier pads no matter which day it is.

I don’t change my pads super frequently during the day (after day 1), but I guess that’s because my period isn’t that heavy after the first day. Still, that doesn’t really make me a fan of pads since they feel like oversized diapers to me.

Why do you want to switch?
To be honest I’m interested in switching because I am flat out curious to see what other options I have as a woman when dealing with my period. Working as an intern for this company puts me in an atmosphere where I’m watching women change their minds about what they can do about their period, and how they should feel towards their period and their bodies. It makes me excited about being a woman, having fun, and trying new things!

Our recommendations after the jump!

Lunapads Rx
Nancee doesn’t like tampons, but isn’t a fan of bulky pads either. She’s concerned about leaks, but isn’t willing to sacrifice style to feel secure. Well, if you’ve never used Lunapads, you may be surprised to learn that they are nowhere near as hefty as you might have assumed. While not quite as thin as some ultra-thin pantyliners (with disposables, it’s their super absorbency-enhancing polymers that allow them to be so barely-there), Lunapads are only about 2mm thick. Add a liner, and you’re still only looking at 4 to 5mm of soft cotton padding. That’s just half a centimeter, folks! While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend wearing a Heavy Pad and Tri-Fold Liner with your tightest, whitest pair of pants (much better for overnight, lounging around at home & postpartum use), most Lunapads will be virtually undetectable under clothing. The proof is in the picture below!

For Nancee, I’d recommend our Intro Kit, as it offers a sampling of some of our most popular products for very light to average flow. Perfect if you’re looking for a variety-pack, or are unsure about the style or length of pad or pantyliner you need.  It includes 1 Mini Pad & Liner for light days, 1 Maxi Pad & Liner for light-average days, 1 extra mini wing liner and 1 maxi wing liner, and 2 Pantyliners (1 Teeny, 1 Mini) for when your period is just tapering off. For slightly heavier days, just add a wing liner to your Maxi Pad. Easy! This Kit might not have enough products to get you through your entire period, but it’s definitely a solid place to start. You can always supplement later with the pad or pantyliner style that you’ll use most, or stock up on extra liners.

As for Nancee’s concerns about leaving a tampon in too long:  The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours (just draw a D on your hand so you don’t forget!), and an increased risk of TSS is not associated with its use. Some people assume that because they don’t like tampons, they won’t like menstrual cups either. But I would argue that there are probably just as many differences between the two products as there are similarities. Both products are worn internally, but menstrual cups collect rather than absorb, which means they won’t dry you out or feel scratchy & uncomfortable when being removed. This is not to say that menstrual cups are for everyone — you know yourself and your body best — but keep an open mind and you may be surprised.

Last but not least, if you toss & turn in your sleep, you’ve probably dealt with shifting pads and overnight leaks. Our Lunablankets make excellent sheet-savers, thanks to a layer of thin, breathable nylon lining between the layers of cotton fleece and flannel. Just put one between you and your sheets, and you’re golden. They’re cozy & charming too, and you can match them up with your favourite pad fabric.  Rest easy, Lunagals!

Are you ready for a Period Makeover? To apply, simply fill out an application, telling us about your monthly needs. Selected applicants will receive a Lunapads.com gift certificate!