Choices of cloth pads are as many as other products. The followings are common variants that may help you choose your suitable pads.
Fabrics
Cloth pads usually are composed of a few layers: top layer(skin-contacting layer), absorbent layer, leak proof layer, and back layer(pants-contacting layer). Each brand may use different fabrics for each layer, so please check up the information before purchasing. To enhance absorbency and breathability, the absorbance layer and back layer are usually made with cotton, while the leak proof layer is made with PU coated fabrics. The top layer would usually be made with cotton or flannel to ensure comfortness. Certains brands use special fabrics like polyester, nylon or recycled polyester to provide special functions and comfortness. Products made with organic cottons are also available in the market to provide a more natural and environmentally friendly option.
Leak prevention
Modern people rely much on the leak-proof layer of menstrual pads since disposable pads are available. In fact, a leak-proof layer is not a standard configuration for cloth pads. As leak-proof layers usually contain laminated film, which is a combination of several types of plastics, manufacturers may not add this layer because of the brand’s plastic free vision or they simply believe it is not needed for the product, so customers are reminded to check carefully if the product contains a leak-proof layer. Cloth pads without leak-proof layers are usually made with cotton only, so it would be more breathable and comfy. They fit not only those who have a toxic-free or plastic-free lifestyle, but also those who would often suffer from vaginitis. Also, pantyliners without leak-proof layers can be a good complement to menstrual disc and menstrual cup users, providing extra protection from leakage and comfort. Actually, without the leak-proof protection, users will be more sensitive to the change of flow of their cycles, so this is not only a process of building new communication with your own body and understanding to your menses, but also a change in lifestyle.
Styles
Like disposable pads, cloth pads offers common styles like pantyliners, day pads, night pads and night pad plus in one-piece form. Some brands may also offer styles like mini liners to fit more needs. Each brand has its own sizing and styling, so check the size chart carefully before purchase. There are removable pads, instead of one-piece pads, available. They usually come with a body and one or more insert pads. Users may adjust the quantity of insert pads to the body according the their flow. Foldable pads are also common in the market. The design is simple: a pair of wings sewed on a piece of handkerchief like cloth. Just fold the side of the cloth to the center and now you have a rectangular absorbent pad! As it looks just like a handkerchief when the pad is unfolded, it is easy to dry compared to others. This makes it popular not only among those who travel a lot and those who find it hard to sundry their pads at home, but also those living in shared apartments and dormitories as it can reduce embarrassment when hanging up.
Setting
While disposable pads are set on the underwear with its adhesives, cloth pads are usually fastened around the underwear with poppers only. There are products using velcro or are even snap free, but, no matter which method it uses, they would be less secure than the adhesives on disposable pads in terms of holding positions. Users are recommended to wear well-fitted underwear to help hold the pad as it is common for cloth pads to slide and displace.
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