Menstrual hygiene is crucial to the health of millions of people all over the world. As people become increasingly cognizant of what goes into the period products they use and their impact on the world, many are switching to cotton pads for period care. These pads – cotton pads that are made of organic cotton – have more benefits than standard period products. In the article, we will provide you with five key reasons cotton pads are better for your period while considering health, comfort, sustainability, and accessibility. We will factor in tradeoffs in choosing a variety of pads, including overnight pads, maxi thick pads, and ultra-thin pads.
1. Health and Safety
Standard menstrual pads are made from synthetic materials like rayon, plastics, and chemical additives. Some of these commonly include fragrances, dyes, and traces of dioxins that are a result of bleaching using chlorine. Dioxins are classified as persistent organic pollutants and are known to disrupt hormones, impact the immune system, and potentially lead to cancer.
Organic cotton pads are grown without synthetic pesticides and are generally bleached in a safer way, like using hydrogen peroxide. This provides less of a risk for chemical exposure in the highly absorbent vaginal and vulvar tissues. There is also less risk of irritation, rashes, or allergies if you have sensitive skin with cotton pads.
Tradeoff: Organic cotton pads will likely have a higher cost than standard options but there are more organically certified pads on the market becoming increasingly available and issue of cost is targeted to decrease over time.
2. Environmental Sustainability
Often, ordinary pads can take as long as 800 years to decompose, because of their plastic material and presence in landfills; this is a major contributor to landfills. That being said, cotton pads for periods, especially when organic, are biodegradable and will decompose in about two years.
Organic cotton farming uses no synthetic pesticides, which are lethal to pollinators and have the potential to breakdown into synthetic estrogen, which will disrupt ecosystems. Also, in general, the production of organic pads requires less water and energy than conventional pads.
Challenge: The environmental benefits of organic pads can be negated by the higher water and land requirements associated with organic cotton farming. Overall, plastic waste and biodegradability make them a more sustainable option.
3. Comfort and Breathability for All-Day Use
Cotton pads are comfortable. They’re made of natural, cotton-based materials which are naturally breathable. Standard pads are made of plastic-based materials, which doesn’t allow for air to pass through. When you have a cotton pad, you get airflow that helps to limit bacterial and/or fungal infections. Cotton pads can be used for all-day comfort and are especially good for overnight use.
Overnight pads, made of cotton, typically have extra length and absorbent capacity to help limit the chance of leaks during sleep. Maxi thick pads also provide superior protection from heavier flows. Ultra-thin pads made with cotton provide a little extra protection on lighter days.
Consideration: A few users have mentioned that cotton pads feel just a little bit wetter because there’s no perforations in organic materials. However, their absorbency easily makes up for the “dampness” when using a soft cotton pad.
4. Tailored Protection for Diverse Needs
Cotton pads come in various styles to address different flow levels and lifestyles:
- Overnight pads: Designed with extended length and width to prevent leaks during sleep.
- Maxi thick pads: Offer high absorbency for heavy flow days.
- Ultra thin pads: Provide discreet, comfortable protection for active individuals.
These alternatives ensure consumers find products that are tailored to their individual uses while still providing safety and comfort. For example, users with heavier flows may prefer cotton maxi pads for increased absorbency options, while someone who is very active may prefer ultra-thin cotton pads for their flexibility and breathability.
Challenge: Determining the right pad does require a user to have a thorough understanding of their flow and lifestyle, but with the variety of cotton pad options available, they can locate one that works for them.
5. Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Benefits
Although initially more expensive than regular pads, organic cotton pads are generally more affordable compared to conventional pads in the long run. This is partly because organic cotton pads are more absorbent, requiring users to change them less and therefore using fewer pads overall per cycle. The health benefits—such as reduced irritation and risk of infection—may also translate into reduced health costs over time.
There are even more economical choices for consumers with a budget: reusable cotton pads or period underwear. These options are more economical and environmentally-conscious since they are usually made with natural materials.
Tradeoff: reusable choices require an initial investment and ongoing maintenance—washing and drying the products—but have sustainability and durability to consider.
Conclusion
Cotton pads for period care offer a healthier, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pads. Cotton pads differ in many ways from other options available to consumers, like reducing a consumer’s exposure to harmful chemicals and accessing customized products for varying needs. Although there are tradeoffs regarding cost and availability, the long-term benefits to personal health and the health of the planet make this a worthy consideration. As consumers become more aware of their bodies and the environment, demand will increase for safer, greener products, such as cotton pads, that will create a better supply of choices for consumers in the menstrual care space.
