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Lunapads FAQ'S
What's so great about washing your own pads?
"As I rinse my Lunapads, I think, I am releasing all the old energy from the past month and making way for the new. I like being more aware and in touch with my cycle and with what is actually happening in my body." Renee S.
You probably came to this site because you heard or read another woman extolling the improbable-sounding virtues of washable menstrual pads. They had better be good, you thought, considering that you've got to wash them and carry them around with you! Sure it's a change, but here's the good news: using Lunapads is a very enlightening, freeing experience that is actually about loving and understanding your body.
Menstruation is a literal symbol of our power as women to be able to create life, and as such should not be treated as garbage. By not throwing away all those pads and tampons, you are honoring this fact. Being more present with your menses by washing your pads can bring about a wonderful sense of self-acceptance that can extend to other aspects of your physicality. Using Lunapads enables you to be self-sufficient and to incorporate a ritual of self-care into your monthly cycle.
For those of us who have been washing our pads for years, there has been a profound shift in consciousness, and the idea of going back to disposables is unimaginable. What we once thought of as innocently “disposable” now seems like pollution and what we once accepted as “sanitary” has become to us unnatural and even toxic. As for the “convenience” of having to repeatedly buy pads and tampons every month – it now seems like a hassle, when we could be doing something fun or taking care of ourselves instead! “Lunapads are so soft and comfortable, and I feel like I have a better body image now than what I did before since I have to care for them. I no longer see menstruation as a hassle! Trina L.
I think, I am releasing all the old energy from the past month and making way for the new. I like being more aware and in touch with my cycle and with what is actually happening in my body. Renee S.
You probably came to this site because you heard or read another woman extolling the improbable-sounding virtues of washable menstrual pads. They had better be good, you thought, considering that you've got to wash them and carry them around with you! Sure it's a change, but here's the good news: using Lunapads is a very enlightening, freeing experience that is actually about loving and understanding your body.
Menstruation is a literal symbol of our power as women to be able to create life, and as such should not be treated as garbage. By not throwing away all those pads and tampons, you are honoring this fact. Being more present with your menses by washing your pads can bring about a wonderful sense of self-acceptance that can extend to other aspects of your physicality. Using Lunapads enables you to be self-sufficient and to incorporate a ritual of self-care into your monthly cycle. For those of us who have been washing our pads for years, there has been a profound shift in consciousness, and the idea of going back to disposables is unimaginable. What we once thought of as innocently “disposable” now seems like pollution and what we once accepted as “sanitary” has become to us unnatural and even toxic. As for the “convenience” of having to repeatedly buy pads and tampons every month – it now seems like a hassle, when we could be doing something fun or taking care of ourselves instead! “Lunapads are so soft and comfortable, and I feel like I have a better body image now than what I did before since I have to care for them. I no longer see menstruation as a hassle!” Trina L.
What's it like to switch from disposable pads and tampons?
“The most unexpected and enjoyable result of adopting natural menstrual products is the sense of freedom I attained. Being able to ignore the feminine hygiene aisle gave me back time and peace of mind I never realized I was missing.” Ann F. “Amazing” and “surprising” are probably the two most common words we hear to describe making the switch. Given that it's different for everyone, what we can promise you is that Lunapads and Lunapanties are far more comfortable than any disposable pad or pantyliner you've ever used.
Aside from how soft the pads feel next to your skin, the next best benefit is a wonderful feeling of freedom and self-sufficiency, which is often a surprise because many women think that it will be the reverse. The perceived “hassle” of having to wash the pads is actually no big deal, and the feminine hygiene section of drugstores becomes a curious, foreign place that one is now free from having to visit!
“I have been using Lunapads for nearly two years now and I would never return to using disposables. My primary reason for abandoning disposable pads was concern for the environment, but I've found several other perks.” Lynnette J. How are Lunapads different from other washable pads?
Lunapads unique design — placing the liner on top — allows you to easily freshen the pad without having to change all of it. Most washable pads have an “envelope” design where you put liners inside the main pad, making you have to change the entire pad when it feels uncomfortably wet. With Lunapads, the liners sit on top of the main pad, so all you have to do is swap out the liner, which can be easily be do ne as often as you desire throughout the day. This feature also allows you to purchase fewer pads in the first place, as well as not having to carry as many things around with you. Lunapads offer by far the greatest versatility and selection: with 3 sizes, and options including nylon lining, wings, thickness, as well as fabric choices including organic cotton, hemp/cotton, or gorgeous prints, Lunapads has it! We use 100% cotton fleece (like an inside-out sweatshirt) for Lunapads absorbent core and liners - softer and more absorbent than j ust flannel alone. All Lunapads purchases include a free washable nylon pouch, giving you a built-in means of transporting your pads while outside the home without extra cost.
What's the difference between Original and Slender Lunapads?
Slender Lunapads are designed for ultra-light protection only. Unlike original Lunapads, Slender Lunapads do not have wings, nylon lining or bias finish on the outer seam. They also close with a single plastic snap, instead of the 3 snaps that we use for original Lunapads. Both types of pads are available in regular or organic cotton.
Can I use the same Lunapads liners with Original and Slender Lunapads? What about with Deluxe Lunapanties?
One of the best features of Lunapads is the versatility of Lunapads liners. Our liners are equally compatible with all Lunapads styles — you can even mix them up for customized protection. For example, you can use maxi liners with long pads, and mini liners with maxi pads. You can stack them to make the pads even thicker (great for heavy overnight or postpartum flow!) You can also use wing liners with either maxi or long Lunapads styles. All styles of liners are compatible with Deluxe Lunapanties, allowing you to choose whatever thickness or length is best for you. (Visit our Luna Liners How-to Guide for examples).
Will Lunapads leak?
When it comes to leaks, as with any other menstrual products, you need to change Lunapads within a reasonable amount of time to prevent accidents from happening. You also need to be realistic about which pad style to use at which times (i.e. Slender Lunapads are not suitable for heavy flow!) With experience, you will learn which pad style and how many liners will take you through a day. Generally speaking, you should start each day (or night) with a fresh Lunapad, then change liners as often as needed. On heavier days, you may want to change the entire pad at some point — on light ones probably not at all. Figuring out exactly when to change pads and liners is part experience, part common sense and part good old-fashioned women's intuition.
I have really heavy flow. Can I use Lunapads?
"I'm the proud owner of a big stack of Lunapads, because I'm lazy and don't do laundry as often as I should. My collection includes five regular pads, one night pad, and three mini-pads, as well as nine liners. My periods are pretty heavy, so I generally start out by adding two liners to a regular pad, and changing the liners a couple of times a day -- that way, the pad beneath stays pretty much clean and dry, and I only have to change my pad once a day. I use the night pad on the first night of my period, because my flow is extra-heavy that night, but the rest of the time I stick with my regular pads right through the night. After the first couple of days, I can use a regular pad with only one liner, or none at all. The mini-pads come into play for the last couple of days of my period." - Lauren B
Our nylon carrying purses to transport your Lunapads away from home. Definitely. Lunapads removable liner feature allows you to add extra liners and change them frequently. Lunapads also have a thin, breathable nylon lining built right into the base of the pad (you can't hear, see or feel it) that gives additional security when you need it. Unlike most washable pads, Lunapads are made with super-soft and absorbent 100% cotton fleece, not just multiple layers of flannel. See below for advice on how to feel confident while using Lunapads for heavy flow.
Are Lunapads sanitary?
“In supporting my patients towards optimal health I frequently recommend that they try unbleached, reusable menstrual products such as Luna pads ....” Dr. Dorle Kneifel, M.D.
Absolutely. Like underwear, Lunapads and Lunapanties are made from cotton and worn outside of the body. Menstrual flow is a natural, harmless substance that is in no way unsanitary. As with preventing leaks, one needs to use common sense: Lunapads should be changed at least daily, and be washed and dried as directed.
Fold fresh Lunapads up and snap shut for carrying in your bag or pocket.
What do I do about changing and storing pads when I'm away from home?
Every Lunapads purchase includes a free washable nylon carry purse for storing fresh or used pads and liners in when you're out of the house. Fresh Lunapads can also be folded into themselves and snapped shut for easy storage in your purse or pocket. For longer trips, a mesh laundry bag (included with Lunapads Deluxe kits!) is a handy solution.
How do I wash Lunapads?
“I feel like I'm doing the landfills a favor when I toss my Lunapads in with my laundry every month.” Laura S. Soak or rinse Lunapads in cold water prior to putting them in the washing machine with your regular detergent. Some women add a cleaning agent (such as tea tree oil, Dr. Bronner's soap, or just their regular laundry soap, to name a few) in the soaking process, but this is optional. You can wash them in warm water with your towels and sheets if you do n't want to run a separate load – they may also be washed by hand and air-dried. They will shrink somewhat if you put them in the dryer, as they are made from cotton, but it makes them nice and soft! Tip: to get your Lunapads and Lunapanties “extra” clean, every few months throw them in with your regular load when you're not using them (i.e. mid-cycle).
Organic cotton Lunapads are far more prone to staining than darker-colored regular cotton Lunapads. Please remember that stains are simply that: stains – Lunapads are menstrual pads, after all – and are not harmful in any way. If you're very concerned about staining there are many effective non-chlorine based cleaning products available at your local natural foods store. We strongly discourage using chlorine bleach as it will degrade the quality of the pads and harm the environment.
Can I wear them while I sleep?
“I expected the pads to be an adjustment, but they're wonderful — I've found that I feel better all through my cycle, especially at night. They are so comfortable and reliable that I actually forgot that I was even having a period on my lighter days.” Jamie D. Lunapads are great for wearing overnight. They are so comfortable you probably won't even notice that you have them on. For women whose flow is heavier during the night we recommend long pads, which are 12”/30cm long. They also come with liners so that you can increase their thickness as needed. For additional overnight protection you may also want to try a Lunablanket, a super-soft bed cover made from 1 layer of cotton fleece combined with 1 layer of flannel. Sweet dreams!
Can I wear them with regular underwear?
Lunapads work with most traditional panty styles by wrapping around the gusset and fastening with small plastic lingerie snaps. While they are a little tricky with a thong, it's definitely possible. You may also want to try Lunapanties padded panties, which have padded lining sewn in permanently.
What styles are Luna pads available in? How do I choose which will work best for me?
Start with a basic assessment of your average period: is it light, average, heavy at times? Do you wear a pad every day, or j ust at night? Original Lunapads come in 3 basic styles: Mini Pads (8”/20cm long), Maxi Pads (10”/25cm long) and Long Pads (12”/30cm long), all of which are approximately ¼” thick, have a thin built-in nylon lining and are suitable for average to heavy flow. Original maxi and long styles also feature cotton fleece wings that offer additional protection.
Slender Lunapads are an ultra-thin, pantyliner style of Lunapads that do not have nylon lining or wings. Slender Lunapads also have a smaller, single snap closure, and are finished with silky thread instead of bias binding, making them less than 1/8” thick. All Lunapads styles except Mini Pads feature removable liners that can be easily changed throughout the day, allowing you to freshen as needed without having to change the whole pad as well as to adjust the thickness of the pads.
How are Lunapads made?
Lunapads are made in Vancouver, Canada at a small family-owned factory half a block away from the Lunapads office. Our relationship with the Lin family is of paramount importance to us and we are committed to ensuring that our production partners are happy and proud to be part of the Lunapads team.
What's the difference with organic cotton pads?
Conventionally grown cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. Organic farming is healing the planet and promoting sustainable agriculture and communities, now and for the future. Choosing organic cotton pads is basically upping the environmental benefits of an already responsible choice.
What's the difference for you? Organic cotton pads cost a bit more, and are available in just one beautiful color (Lunapanties are available in black as well as cream organic cotton). Other than that, they are made and work exactly the same as regular cotton Lunapads. We have had the immense good fortune to meet our organic cotton suppliers personally, and are deeply impressed with their integrity.
How long will Lunapads last?
“The best part about Lunapads, I tell my clients, is that you purchase what you need, and that's it for 3-5 years. I had one client the other day tell me she has had hers for more than 10 years now!” Julie B.
Lunapads can last for many years, depending on how they're washed and whether they're washed and worn multiple times during one cycle. A safe bet is at least three years, but many of us have been using the same Lunapads for far longer than that – 8 or 9 years! Please do not use chlorine bleach to clean your Lunapads as it will decrease their life expectancy.
How much money can I save by using Lunapads?
This depends on several factors, including how heavy your periods are and whether or not you use Lunapads for your whole cycle. A good way of figuring it out is to take a look at how many disposable pads or tampons you normally go through in a month. How much did they cost? Multiply that by 12 and you'll get an annual figure. Given that your Lunapads will last for at least 3 to 5 years, and probably longer, we figure that you could save anywhere between $200 to $1,000 by switching.
Another way to look at this issue is: how much is a cleaner planet worth to you? Lunapads are a way of taking responsibility for the damage we as human beings have done to the environment. In other words, "cost" becomes a relative concept when we enlarge it to encompass the true environmental costs of our "convenient" consumer choices.
Where is the best place to buy Lunapads?
Lunapads are not widely available in stores. Instead, we have chosen to focus primarily on doing business directly with women and via the internet to be able to provide quality customer service.
Can I use Lunapads for incontinence?
This won't be a typical testimonial. As you can see by my name I'm a guy but I have good things to say about Lunapads and Lunapanties. I use them for protection against light urine loss and they are wonderful. Robert L.
While Lunapads are not specifically designed for this purpose, many customers report that they work wonderfully for light incontinence. Luna pads have a thin breathable nylon lining built into them that helps, but is not to be relied on for longer periods of time or more chronic conditions. The major benefits of using Lunapads for light incontinence is that they are far less irritating, expensive and wasteful than disposable products. You may also want to consider Deluxe Lunapanties for incontinence, as they also have a nylon lining as well as being compatible with Luna Liners.
Are Lunapads suitable during pregnancy and for post partum use?
I am so excited to put my Lunapads and Lunablanket to use after my baby's birth! Carla P.
Definitely! Throughout pregnancy, women discharge an increasing amount of leukohria, making mini pads and Lunapanties essential. Immediately after childbirth, long pads are ideal for post partum bleeding, especially since it's so easy to add extra layers of liners. Lunapads, Lunapanties and Lunablankets are gentler and more comfortable ways to take special care of a tender perineum than using sticky disposable pads that you get from the hospital or drug store. Moms love them!
Can Teens use Lunapads?
When my daughter comes of age, this will be the first pad I give her. Nicole S.
Absolutely. We recommend starting with Lunapanties, slender Lunapads or Deluxe Mini Pads for young women. Lunapads even come with a cool carry purse to stash pads and liners in while at school. Environmentally-aware teens love that there's no waste, and who needs the drugstore drama? Starting early with Lunapads helps young women to feel proud of their cycles and get in touch with their bodies in a healthy, positive way. Women under age 21 are also at the highest risk for contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome due to their immune systems not being fully developed, so external products are a wise choice for health reasons as well.
What can I do with leftover disposable pads and tampons?
“ Lunapads are so good. I only have one problem - what to do with the 2 packs of disposables I bought before my Lunapads arrived. I cannot even bear to think about using them now. Jody W.
Are Lunapads guaranteed?
I ordered a Starter Kit and absolutely love it! Unfortunately, one of the seams on my Mini Pad came apart. I emailed you gals and you sent me a replacement right away at no charge. Michelle C.
You bet. When you purchase Lunapads, please wash and use one pad to ensure that you are happy with them. Try as we might to make pads that will work for every woman – a tall order! - sometimes they're just not quite right. You have 6 months to decide, so take your time! If not, please return any unused pads to us for a full refund (including the pad you used, but excluding shipping) or exchange. For all that we try to make each Lunapad perfectly, sometimes flaws are not apparent until after they have been washed and worn. If this happens, Lunapdas.com know and they will replace the defective pad immediately. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please contact us!
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