Cloth Menstrual Pads
Disposable menstrual pads, made of plastic and weird absorbent chemicals, are a relatively invention. A combination of heavy marketing and society's obsession with a "throw-away" lifestyle have caused us to nearly forget that women used to use (and reuse) cloth during their menstrual cycles.
Besides being better for the environment, many people feel that cloth pads are better for women - both physically and psychologically. Physically, it is not very healthy to wear a plastic pad that does not breathe. The lack of air flow in plastic pads is also to blame for most odours associated with menstruation. The polyacrylate superabsorbent gels and the chlorine bleached wood pulp pose a variety of health risks. Psychologically, it can be argued that throwing out the evidence of our womanhood contributes to the sense of shame or embarrassment that some women feel.
On the practical level, shelling out money for disposable pads every month does not make financial sense. Reusable pads are well worth the initial investment over time. Feel free to ease your way into it, buying only a few at a time, until you feel that you have a complete set and can give up the plastic ones for good.
The Green Sheep carries three styles and four sizes to suit your needs. We have an all-in-one wrap style (pads with wings), a two piece wrap system (wings with a removable absorbent pad), and a no-wrap style. It's up to you to decide which will best satisfy your budget and which will be the most convenient for you.
Besides being better for the environment, many people feel that cloth pads are better for women - both physically and psychologically. Physically, it is not very healthy to wear a plastic pad that does not breathe. The lack of air flow in plastic pads is also to blame for most odours associated with menstruation. The polyacrylate superabsorbent gels and the chlorine bleached wood pulp pose a variety of health risks. Psychologically, it can be argued that throwing out the evidence of our womanhood contributes to the sense of shame or embarrassment that some women feel.
On the practical level, shelling out money for disposable pads every month does not make financial sense. Reusable pads are well worth the initial investment over time. Feel free to ease your way into it, buying only a few at a time, until you feel that you have a complete set and can give up the plastic ones for good.
The Green Sheep carries three styles and four sizes to suit your needs. We have an all-in-one wrap style (pads with wings), a two piece wrap system (wings with a removable absorbent pad), and a no-wrap style. It's up to you to decide which will best satisfy your budget and which will be the most convenient for you.
All-in-one Wrap Style
These pads are designed just like disposable pads with wings - except, of course, they're made from cloth instead of plastic, and they fasten with snaps instead of tape. They come in four sizes with varying degrees of protection. All pads are made from absorbent bamboo fleece (Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified 70% viscose of bamboo & 30% organic cotton) sewn onto a wrap consisting of two layers of cotton flannel, with or without a moisture barrier fabric.
Postpartum / Overnight $21.00
These 12" long pads feature four layers of bamboo fleece for absorbency, and a layer of bamboo PUL (polyurethane laminate) hidden within the flannel wrap, which acts as a moisture barrier. Although PUL is not a natural fabric, it is considered a safe choice when we really want something waterproof - PUL fabric is commonly used for diaper covers. Designed for overnight use during heavy flow, or for postpartum use - but it may be used anytime by anyone who has a very heavy flow. Also appropriate for incontinence.
Maxi Pad $14.00
At 8" long, these pads are super-absorbent, yet discrete enough for regular daily use. The top layer contains four layers of bamboo fleece. The flannel wrap contains a layer of wool to provide some extra protection. Although wool is not completely waterproof, we like it because it is naturally moisture-resistant, and more breathable than PUL or other waterproof fabrics.
Pantyliner $9.50
Excellent for light flow, this pad is 8" long, with two layers of absorbent fleece. Slightly narrower than the maxi pad, it does not contain any barrier fabric (wool or PUL). Also good for backup when using a menstrual cup or tampon, and can even be used for light incontinence.
Mini Pad $6.50
At only 5" long, this tiny pad is great to use when you are waiting for your period to arrive. It is also ideal for backup when using a menstrual cup or tampon. It has two layers of absorbent bamboo fleece sewn to the flannel wrap, with no barrier fabric.
Postpartum / Overnight $21.00
These 12" long pads feature four layers of bamboo fleece for absorbency, and a layer of bamboo PUL (polyurethane laminate) hidden within the flannel wrap, which acts as a moisture barrier. Although PUL is not a natural fabric, it is considered a safe choice when we really want something waterproof - PUL fabric is commonly used for diaper covers. Designed for overnight use during heavy flow, or for postpartum use - but it may be used anytime by anyone who has a very heavy flow. Also appropriate for incontinence.
Maxi Pad $14.00
At 8" long, these pads are super-absorbent, yet discrete enough for regular daily use. The top layer contains four layers of bamboo fleece. The flannel wrap contains a layer of wool to provide some extra protection. Although wool is not completely waterproof, we like it because it is naturally moisture-resistant, and more breathable than PUL or other waterproof fabrics.
Pantyliner $9.50
Excellent for light flow, this pad is 8" long, with two layers of absorbent fleece. Slightly narrower than the maxi pad, it does not contain any barrier fabric (wool or PUL). Also good for backup when using a menstrual cup or tampon, and can even be used for light incontinence.
Mini Pad $6.50
At only 5" long, this tiny pad is great to use when you are waiting for your period to arrive. It is also ideal for backup when using a menstrual cup or tampon. It has two layers of absorbent bamboo fleece sewn to the flannel wrap, with no barrier fabric.
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Two-Piece Wrap Style
The two-piece system consists of a waterproof flannel wrap and a removable liner. The wrap contains a waterproof layer of bamboo PUL (polyurethane laminate), and fastens with snaps. The liners are made of four layers of absorbent bamboo fleece (Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified 70% viscose of bamboo & 30% organic cotton), and are meant to sit on top of the wrap. Nothing is required to attach the liners to the wrap - they will remain in place during use. Once a liner has been used, it can generally be replaced with a fresh one, without having to change the wrap.
Our two-piece starter kits include one wrap and two liners, in two sizes. Extra liners can be purchased separately (below).
Our two-piece starter kits include one wrap and two liners, in two sizes. Extra liners can be purchased separately (below).
8" Maxi Two-Piece Wrap Kit
$20.00 (Temporarily out of stock - please inquire) | 12" Postpartum/Overnight Two-Piece Wrap Kit
$28.00 |
Two-Piece Wrap Style - Liners
These liners are intended to be used with the two-piece wrap system, but can also be used on their own - just keep in mind that they do not contain a barrier fabric for moisture-resistance, so should be changed more frequently.
Made from four layers of bamboo fleece (Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified 70% viscose of bamboo & 30% organic cotton).
Made from four layers of bamboo fleece (Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified 70% viscose of bamboo & 30% organic cotton).
No-Wrap Style
For those who don't want a wrap, these simple liners sit directly on your underwear. They contain four layers of bamboo fleece (Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified 70% viscose of bamboo & 30% organic cotton) and your choice of barrier fabric: either naturally moisture-resistant wool, or waterproof bamboo PUL (viscose of bamboo fabric coated with a thin layer of polyurethane). A bottom layer of cotton flannel helps the pad stay put, and ensures that the barrier fabric is protected during washing.
Available in one size: 8" Maxi. Other sizes can be specially ordered if desired.
Available in one size: 8" Maxi. Other sizes can be specially ordered if desired.
Washing Instructions
All pads should be washed a few times before use. This will wash out the oils present in natural fibres, ensuring that they reach their maximum absorbency.
After use, pads can be soaked in cool water until you're ready to wash them. A tall metal canister, a pot with a lid, or even a cookie jar are all good soaking containers. Get creative and use whatever works best for you. Some people (especially those with curious children) choose to store them under the sink, so be sure it fits there if that's where you'll keep it.
When changing pads away from home, bring extras in a makeup bag, or even in your purse. Store used pads in a small plastic bag until you can soak them.
When you're ready to wash them, drain off the soaking water, and rinse a couple times if you like (not vital). Machine wash normally in cold water with towels, sheets, or even your clothing.
Never use bleach.
After use, pads can be soaked in cool water until you're ready to wash them. A tall metal canister, a pot with a lid, or even a cookie jar are all good soaking containers. Get creative and use whatever works best for you. Some people (especially those with curious children) choose to store them under the sink, so be sure it fits there if that's where you'll keep it.
When changing pads away from home, bring extras in a makeup bag, or even in your purse. Store used pads in a small plastic bag until you can soak them.
When you're ready to wash them, drain off the soaking water, and rinse a couple times if you like (not vital). Machine wash normally in cold water with towels, sheets, or even your clothing.
Never use bleach.
Fabric Selection
The flannel portion of these pads comes in a variety of prints, as seen in the photo at left. The prints you receive when you place an order will be a surprise! However, we do accept special orders if you have your heart set on a particular print.
The flannel used in these pads is not organic, but we've chosen to use it in order to keep the price down, and to offer funky prints. If you would prefer a 100% organic pad, we can do a special order for this too. Contact us for details and pricing.
Please allow 2-5 weeks for special orders.
The flannel used in these pads is not organic, but we've chosen to use it in order to keep the price down, and to offer funky prints. If you would prefer a 100% organic pad, we can do a special order for this too. Contact us for details and pricing.
Please allow 2-5 weeks for special orders.
Package Deals
February 2011: We currently have one multi-pack set, listed on our gift sets page. We hope to have more package deals in the future. Check back soon or email us if you are interested. If you have a suggestion for a set you'd like to see available, please let us know.
In the meantime: if you want to order several pads, we will adjust shipping costs manually to reflect the savings after you place your order - if you're initially overcharged by the automatic shipping calculator, we will refund the extra!
*Sorry, but we cannot accept returns on menstrual products. Don't worry, we know you'll like them!
Customer Feedback
Here is what one happy customer has to say about our cloth pads:
"I love them (I asked for more for my birthday, but no one would get them for me because they thought that was "too weird"). They are more comfortable, less odour, quieter, and more absorbent and have a quicker absorption time than store bought plastic ones. The only thing I have found different, is how to clean them before throwing them in the wash. I rinse thoroughly with cold water, and then salt them, fold them up into a container and then wash a few days later, the salt works amazing on stains. I definitely want more and hopefully will order more soon."
"I love them (I asked for more for my birthday, but no one would get them for me because they thought that was "too weird"). They are more comfortable, less odour, quieter, and more absorbent and have a quicker absorption time than store bought plastic ones. The only thing I have found different, is how to clean them before throwing them in the wash. I rinse thoroughly with cold water, and then salt them, fold them up into a container and then wash a few days later, the salt works amazing on stains. I definitely want more and hopefully will order more soon."
