Go With The Flow: 8 Types Of Sanitary Napkins That We All Should Know About

It remains common knowledge that you should consider comfort, preference, and all the activities you will be participating in before making the choice.

Flow: The very first thing to consider while choosing a sanitary pad is the intensity of the flow. This factor will ensure maximum comfort and leak-free periods.

Length: Choose longer pads at night and normal ones during the day. This factor also depends on the flow. 

Wings or Guards: Wings help keep your pad in place during long days, while guards help prevent leakage on heavy-flow days. You can consider the type you want according to ease of usage, comfort, and flow. 

Absorbency: Make sure that any pad you choose has a good absorbency level, as this will prevent any backflow and be a lot more comfortable during the day or night.

Material: Look out for breathable materials that prevent any rashes and have a gentle top layer.

1. Wash your hands before you unwrap your sanitary napkin.

2. Remove the seal, remove your sanitary napkin from the packet, and stick the long adhesive side to your underwear.

3. If you're using a pad with wings, fold them towards the outside of your underwear to ensure the pad doesn’t move.

4. Change your pad every four to five hours.

5. To dispose of, wrap it in newspaper and dump it in the dustbin. 

The most basic and popular type of menstrual pads are the regular ones, perfect for your moderate flow days. We recommend them on the third day onwards when the flow is not too heavy or too light. They are readily available in the market, with the option of wings and non-wings, and provide great comfort.

Maxi pads have large absorbency levels and are much thicker and bulkier than regular pads. They are perfect for the second day of your cycle and for those who experience heavier flow in general. The only drawback is that you may experience a certain level of visibility if you wear fitted clothing, but there is absolutely no issue with loose-fitting clothing like flowy dresses. One thing you don’t have to worry about is coverage! 

Panty liners are a great option for spotting and discharge at the beginning or end of your period when you don’t need a full-size pad but still need a little coverage to feel comfortable. They are specially designed for light flow and are narrower and less absorbent than other types.

Period panties are a fairly newer addition to the long chain of period supplies. They are quite efficient for nighttime, especially if you experience extremely heavy flow. They come in two variants: reusable and one-time use. What we love is that they are also budget-friendly and super convenient. 

Pads have always been put dead last for not being environment-friendly and leaving a lasting impact on the environment, but all of that changes with reusable pads. Reusable pads are great for light and heavy flows alike and are made out of materials like cotton and bamboo. Although they may take some getting used to and require more effort to clean, they are eco-friendly, making it worth the effort. If you wish to skip the cleaning, you can also opt for one-time use of biodegradable sanitary pads. However, we'd suggest going for a menstrual cup as that is cost-effective, easy to clean and doesn’t harm the environment. 

Pro-tip: Expert tips on buying the right menstrual cup for you.

Maternity pads are 'extra long, extra absorbent, and extra comfortable'. These pads are specially made for people dealing with post-partum as they provide greater comfort and high absorbency to ease the pain.