Table of Contents
Introduction
For many years, women from all walks of life have been using disposable sanitary pads as the traditional menstrual product. Times are changing; so are the products females use in handling their periods. Welcome to cloth menstrual pads that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and healthier alternatives to disposable pads. If you happen to be in Nairobi or anywhere else in Kenya, embracing washable and reusable pads for your period may be one of those best decisions for your body, wallet, and environment.
This article looked into why reusable menstrual pads are a game-changer, especially for those women who experience heavy flow in Kenya. We’ll provide an elaborative guide as to where one can find them—the best reusable pads for menstruation around Nairobi—and talk about various other benefits of switching over from disposable ones. Here’s why cloth menstrual pads are fast becoming the choice for women around the world:
What is a cloth menstrual pad?
They are reusable, washable pads made of absorbent fabric material such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp. They work like disposable pads but are a plus as they are washable and reusable for years. They usually have the wings with snap buttons or Velcro and secure the pad around the underwear.
The rise of period washable and reusable pads in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya could probably be contributed by increased awareness of the environment, added to an increased cost in continually purchasing disposable products. For such cases, they are very suitable for women with heavy flow, since these products offer protection and absorbency higher than that of most disposable pads.
Why cloth menstrual pads are a better alternative over disposable pads
More women in Kenya are ditching disposable pads for cloth menstrual pads, and there is a reason for this. Reusable sanitary pads are a game-changer in the following ways:
Cost-Effective
While the initial cost of purchasing cloth menstrual pads is high compared to buying them in a pack of disposable pads, the savings are enormous over a long period of use. A set of good quality reusable pads can last for as many as 3 to 5 years with proper care, meaning one doesn’t have to make monthly purchases anymore for disposable sanitary pads.
Ending up in Kenya, for example, where sanitary pads can add up in costs, most especially for ladies with a heavy flow, then this is surely the cheaper option over a long period of time.
Eco-friendly
Various main benefits of reusable menstrual pads are related to their environmentally friendly effect. The disposable ones contribute to major waste problems while taking hundreds of years to actually decompose. Thus, the adoption of washable and reusable pads for the periods reduces the menstrual contribution to waste considerably. This is particularly important in cities like Nairobi, where the management of waste is increasingly emerging as a concern.
Healthier for Your Body
Most disposable pads are made from synthetic materials, harsh chemicals, and fragrances that can irritate your skin and make you prone to rashes or allergic reactions. On the other hand, cloth menstrual pads are made with organic cotton and other natural fabrics that are breathable and soft on the skin. This makes them ideal for women who have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions with disposable sanitary pads.
Increased Comfort
Unlike disposable pads, which can sometimes feel bulky or uncomfortable, cloth menstrual pads are soft, breathable, and comfortable. A bit of fabric allows the passing of air and significantly reduces the risk of moisture buildup and those unpleasant odors accompanying the use of disposable pads. Many women describe them as softer, less irritating, and quite comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Super Absorbent for Heavy Flow
For whoever has heavy menstrual flow, reusable cloth pads are way far more absorbable than most disposables. Work for a number of layers of absorbent fabric together make cloth menstrual pads work, even on heavy days, providing greater protection and a reduced risk of leaks. Special reusable heavy flow menstrual pads in Kenya are designed with extra layers or waterproof backing for added security.
Heavy Flow Reusable Pads in Kenya: What to Watch Out For
In case you have a heavy flow, the right kind of reusable menstrual pads will go a long way in ensuring maximum comfort and protection. Here’s what to look for:
Materials
The pads must be made from high-absorbency materials such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp. These materials will not only be friendly to the environment, but they also are very effective in moisture absorbency.
Layers
The more layers a pad has, the more absorbable it will be. Look for reusable menstrual pads with a high number of layers or those that have been specifically marketed as heavy flow.
Water-Resistant Backing
Many reusable menstrual pads are provided with a waterproof layer to prevent leakage. This is helpful during heavier flow days or on occasions when you’ll need protection through the night.
Size
Larger and longer pads are recommended for nighttime use or for heavy flow days, promising better cover and protection.
How to Care for Reusable and Washable Pads
Reusable menstrual pads require good care and maintenance if one is to have maximum benefits from them. Continue reading to know the listing of how to keep these sanitary pads clean, as well as functional, for years to come:
- Rinse Thoroughly Immediately After Use
Immediately after use of the cloth menstrual pad, you must ensure that you rinse them in cold water to remove the excess blood. This prevents setting-in of stains and makes the later washing easier. - Machine wash/ Hand wash
The period pads can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. In hand washing, cold water and mild detergent can be used. In machine laundering, one can simply put the pads into a mesh laundry bag and wash with their other clothes using cold or warm water. Bleach can be avoided, as it has been known to damage fabric and decrease absorbency. Fabric softeners may also affect absorbency negatively. - Air Dry
Once washed, to dry your reusable pads, you need to hang them out. It is rather best to avoid tumble drying, as with time it may burn the fabrics. Sun drying is really ideal, as sunsets in and acts as a natural disinfectant.
Where to Find Reusable Sanitary Pads in Kenya?
If you are ready for the switch and looking to know where to buy period pads in Kenya, here is a list of:
- Local Supermarkets: Major supermarkets both in Nairobi and other cities have started gradually stocking cloth menstrual pads and reusable pads for women.
- Online Shops: E-commerce sites like Jumia and Kilimall often have a selection of washable sanitary pads for sale, as well as other local online Kenyan retailers. This is usually the best way to do a comparison between brands and prices and sizes.
- Pharmacies and Health Stores: Most of the pharmacies and health stores stock both the washable ones and those that are reusable within Nairobi.
- Specialty Stores: Some stores and online platforms are solely meant for eco-friendly products that will provide a variety in cloth menstrual pads, catering to different needs—from reusable menstrual pads for heavy flow.
Best Reusable Pads for Menstruation in Nairobi
This, in itself, is a very important point. When buying the best reusable pads for menstruation in Nairobi, consider the following:
- Brand Reputation: Find a reputable brand that one must have read good reviews about. Some well-known brands include AfriPads, Eco Femme, and GladRags that offer washable and reusable pads made specifically for the African climate.
- Comfort and Absorbency: While choosing pads that reduce skin irritation, comfort, softness, and breathability in fabrics are a must. Multi-layer protection becomes more than important for those days when the flow is heavy.
- Size Variety: The good reusable menstrual pads are available in a variety of sizes for different flow levels. It’s well worth investing in a combination of small, medium, and large for light, medium, and heavy flows, respectively.
Cloth Menstrual Pads vs Disposable Pads: Which Is Better?
Let’s compare cloth menstrual pads to disposable pads across various factors:
| Feature | Cloth Menstrual Pads | Disposable Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | One-time purchase, reusable for years | Recurring monthly cost |
| Environmental Impact | Zero waste, eco-friendly | High waste production, not biodegradable |
| Comfort | Soft, breathable, reduces rashes | May cause irritation due to chemicals |
| Absorbency | Highly absorbent, especially for heavy flow | Limited absorbency, may need frequent changes |
| Health | Made from natural, chemical-free materials | Contains synthetic materials and chemicals |
| Availability | Available online and in select stores in Kenya | Widely available in all stores |
Video Tutorial: How Cloth menstrual pads Work
For a more visual guide, here’s a video tutorial that will walk you through on how to. Watching the process can make it easier to understand and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a reusable menstrual pad last?
Moreover, by following proper care, they can be used up to 3-5 years; thus, investment in reusable menstrual pads shows long-term results.
Is it possible for me to use cloth pads if I have a lot of flow?
Most of the cloth menstrual pads are designed for heavy flow women. These generally contain more layers of absorbent fabric with waterproof backing.
Where specifically in Nairobi can I find reusable pads?
You can also get purchase reusable menstrual pads at major supermarkets, pharmacies, and online platforms such as Jumia and Kilimall. Specialty eco-friendly stores in Nairobi also have quite a number of them.
How often should a reusable pad be changed?
The frequency depends on your flow. On light days, you can wear the same pad for about 6 hours; in days of heavy flow, changing may be necessary every 2 to 4 hours.
Conclusion
This will be an advantage not only to you but also to the environment. Since there is an increase in reusable menstrual pad options in Kenya, especially for a woman with heavy flow, it’s now easier more than ever to find the perfect pad for your needs. Whether comfort, cost-saving, or eco-friendliness is what you are looking for, washable and reusable pads for your period are the way forward in Nairobi. To engae with us
