If you are thinking about giving reusable pads a try, you may be wondering how they actually work. Obviously, without a sticky plastic strip, they aren't just going to adhere to undies like a disposable pad. In this post, we answer a few of the most common questions those new to reusable pads may be wondering.
How do reusable pads attach?
Very simply, our reusable pads have wings that wrap around the crotch of your undies and snap underneath. The pad itself provides padding so you will not feel the snap. Check out the handy video below!
But, how do reusable pads stay in place?
Before we go any further, we need to share our hands-down, number one secret to avoiding shifty pads...snug underwear. All the fantastic features on the planet will be for naught if you are wearing your saggy-baggy undies. So, if those are your jam, save them for your non-cycle days and stock up on a few new pairs of nice, snug-fitting skivvies to wear while you are using reusable pads. With snug undies, almost anything will stay in place well.
That being said...we've designed our pads to stay in place with several features:
Firstly, our pads are backed with soft shell fleece. This fabric is not only breathable and waterproof, but it has a slightly fuzzy back to grip undies and minimizing shifting.
Secondly, our snaps are high-quality polyresin KAM™ brand snaps. Why does this matter? Because they will stay fastened and that's it!
Thirdly, our wings have a longer area of coverage than tab-style wings. This means that they cover more of the edge of your undies and, therefore, have less opportunity to slip (and you are less likely to have a side-leak as a bonus!)
So, you bring the snug undies and we'll provide the non-shifty pads!
What makes reusable pads absorbent?
Under the fabric that touches your skin (the topper) is an absorbent core. This is a super-thirsty and very absorbent fabric called bamboo organic cotton fleece. Depending on the absorbency, there will be 1-3 layers of this fabric.
Are reusable pads waterproof?
Yes! The back layer is a terrific technical fabric called soft shell, which is a thin, three-layer fabric, one of which is waterproof. This layer’s job is to prevent the flow absorbed by the core from transferring onto clothing. The core needs to be adequate to absorb the level of flow at any given time, but the backer fabric is there as literal back-up!
Which side faces my body?
This is a very common question. The ‘pretty’ side (usually a pattern) faces up with the fuzzy, plain soft shell fleece facing down. The fuzziness of the soft shell helps to grip underwear and keep the pad from slipping.
What about washing? How do you wash reusable pads?
Easy peasy!!
(Firstly, we highly recommend you wash and dry all your new pads and liners before first use. Just let them tag along with your regular laundry.)
1. Store unrinsed pads in an open wetbag or pail until ready to wash.
2. When ready to wash, soak pads overnight in COLD water with a bit of dissolved OxiClean™ and detergent.
3. Rinse pads and treat any remaining stains. Repeat soak, if necessary.
4. Wash and dry pads with regular laundry, WITHOUT fabric softener.
It's that easy! And, if you choose Amie Active or are using our washable pads for incontinence, you can skip the soaking and just toss them in with your regular wash and dry.
You might also be interested in these blog posts:
Why Choose Reusable Pads?
How Many Reusable Pads Will I Need?
Have more questions? Please reach out anytime using the contact form on the bottom of any page. I (Christine, the owner!) am at the other end and am here to help.