How To Use Pads and Dispose of Them Afterwards

Getting your period for the first time may seem a little scary - we totally get it! But rest assured, having an idea of what to expect, and what period care product to use, can help you feel ready for its arrival. While there are many different products to choose from, for most first-timers, pads are generally the go-to option. Learning how to use pads is super easy; they’re simple, comfy and will keep you protected!

What are pads? 

Pads are a disposable period care product that are designed to stick securely to your undies. They’re made of absorbent materials that draw in menstrual blood, preventing leaks and helping you feel fresh throughout the day. To keep those fresh feels flowing, we suggest changing your pad about every 3-4 hours. 

Since we all have different body shapes and flows, our pads come in different sizes and levels of absorbency, so you can choose the pad that’s best for you! Our Libra Girl pads, for example, are great for smaller, growing bodies.

How do I use a pad? 

The first thing to know about pads is that they’re not as confusing as they seem! We’ve covered how to use pads in 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Pick your pad

Pick the pad to suit your body and flow. The main things to look out for are the absorbency level, function, and whether you want wings or no wings. Wings are visible from the outside of your undies as they wrap underneath to help hold the pad more securely in place. All Libra pads feature our unique BodyFit® shape to hug the contours of your body and fit snugly in your undies. 

Libra Pads come in three absorbencies:

1. Regular: For moderate flow days.
2. Super: For heavy flow days. Super means greater length and absorbency for extra protection. 
3. Goodnights: For nighttime or extra heavy flows. These are our longest and most absorbent pads, designed to keep you covered while you’re lying down.

Once you’ve decided on the absorbency, choose the type of pad you think you’ll feel most comfortable in. Our pads come in six different ranges:

1. Libra Girl: Designed specifically for smaller, growing bodies, our Libra Girl range is great for first-timers.
2. Ultra Thin: Our most popular pad. They’re thin and flexible, designed to move with you.
3. Invisible: Our thinnest and most undetectable pad.
4. Extra: Our thickest, most cushioned pad - perfect for feeling ‘extra’ protected.
5. Cotton: Designed with your body in mind. Made with a 100% Organic Cotton top sheet and a plant based FSC® certified core.
6. Maternity: Extra soft and absorbent with an Aloe Vera enriched top sheet for that soothing sensation.

Keep in mind that it’s totally normal to feel unsure about which pad is perfect for you from the get-go - it may be a case of trialling what feels best until you get to know your flow!

Step 2: Unwrap the pad

Before you get started, wash your hands. Once you’re ready, you can simply open and pull back the peel strip and wrapper in one action. If you’ve chosen a pad with wings, you’ll need to peel the strips off the wings too.

Step 3: Place the pad

After unwrapping your pad, stick the adhesive side to the crotch of your undies. Try to place it around the middle of your undies, to cover you from front to back. Our pads are embossed with a heart, to be positioned at the top. If there are wings, you can then wrap these underneath your underwear for extra security. 

Step 4: Check for comfort

Once you’ve got the pad stuck in place, stand up and move around a little to make sure it feels comfortable and secure. If it does feel out of place, simply re-adjust the pad by peeling it off and sticking it to a more comfy position. It can feel a little odd if it’s your first time wearing a pad, but it’s something you’ll quickly adjust to!

How to dispose a pad

Lastly, pads should be changed regularly throughout the day - around every 3 to 4 hours depending on your flow. When you’re ready to change your pad, wash your hands, gently peel the pad off your undies, and wrap it up in either the wrapper of the new pad or some toilet paper. Then, dispose of the pad in a sanitary bin - NEVER flush it down the toilet! No bin around, no problem! Libra pads are designed with easy Roll. Press. Go wrappers to lock in your used pad and trap any odour until you find somewhere to dispose of it. 

All that’s left is to place your new pad on, and voila! Wash your hands and you’re good to go. We hope this has helped you to understand how to use pads. If you’re looking for some tampon tips as well, we have a helpful guide here.  

Always remember, our flow is unique and it’s all about finding the product which works best for you. Pads, tampons, or period proof briefs, it’s totally your choice! We’ll have you covered so you can keep on doing you. 

Love, Libra x
 
Essity makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.