Lunapads FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Learn more about Lunapads by reading our FAQs. If there is something that you're curious about that you don't see here, please call us at 1-888-590-2299 or email your question to info@lunapads.com

Why Lunapads?

• Who uses Lunapads?
• What's so great about washing your own pads?
• What's it like to switch from disposable pads and tampons?

What about performance?

• Will Lunapads leak?
• I have really heavy flow. Can I use Lunapads?
• How long will Lunapads last?
• How much money can I save using Lunapads?
• Are Lunapads guaranteed?

How can I use and care for Lunapads?

• How do I wash Lunapads?
• Can I wear them while I sleep?
• Can I wear them with my regular underwear?
• Are Lunapads sanitary?
• What do I do about changing and storing pads when I'm away from home?

How do I choose?

• How are Lunapads different from other washable pads?
• What styles are Lunapads available in? How can I choose which will work best for me?
• What's the difference between pads and pantyliners?
• Can I use the same liners with Lunapads and Deluxe Lunapanties?
• Are organic cotton pads different?
• Can I use Lunapads for incontinence?
• Are Lunapads suitable for pregnancy and post partum use?
• Can Teens use Lunapads?

Other

• How are Lunapads made?
• What can I do with leftover disposable pads and tampons?
• Where is the best place to buy Lunapads?

Why Lunapads?

Who uses Lunapads?

Well, for starters, all of us gals here at Lunapads! The products that we make and sell are a reflection of our own needs and experiences as women. We are not some huge anonymous corporation here – just a group of women who, like you, need menstrual products and think that natural is the way to go. Visit our about us section and our blog to learn more about our company.

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What's so great about washing your own menstrual pads?

“As I rinse my Lunapads, I think, I am releasing all the old energy from the past month and making way for the new. I like being more aware and in touch with my cycle and with what is actually happening in my body.” Renee S.

You probably came to this site because you heard or read another woman extolling the improbable-sounding virtues of washable menstrual pads. They had better be good, you thought, considering that you've got to wash them and carry them around with you! Sure it's a bit of a change from just throwing away used disposable pads and tampons, but here's the good news: using Lunapads is a very enlightening, freeing experience that is actually about loving and understanding your body.

Menstruation is a literal symbol of our power as women to be able to create life, and as such should not be treated as garbage. By not throwing away all those pads and tampons, you are honoring this fact. Being more present with your menses by washing your pads can bring about a wonderful sense of self-acceptance that can extend to other aspects of your physicality. Using Lunapads enables you to be self-sufficient and to incorporate a ritual of self-care into your monthly cycle.

For those of us who have been washing our menstrual pads for years, there has been a profound shift in consciousness, and the idea of going back to disposables is unimaginable. What we once thought of as innocently “disposable” now seems like pollution and what we once accepted as “sanitary” has become to us unnatural and even toxic. As for the “convenience” of having to repeatedly buy pads and tampons every month – it now seems like a hassle, when we could be doing something fun or taking care of ourselves instead!

“Lunapads are so soft and comfortable, and I feel like I have a better body image now than what I did before since I have to care for them. I no longer see menstruation as a hassle!” Trina L.

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What's it like to switch from disposable pads and tampons?

“The most unexpected and enjoyable result of adopting natural menstrual products is the sense of freedom I attained. Being able to ignore the feminine hygiene aisle gave me back time and peace of mind I never realized I was missing.” Ann F.

“Amazing” and “surprising” are probably the two most common words we hear to describe making the switch. Given that it's different for everyone, what we can promise you is that Lunapads and Lunapanties are far more comfortable than any disposable pad or pantyliner you've ever used.

Aside from how soft the pads feel next to your skin, the next best benefit is a wonderful feeling of freedom and self-sufficiency, which is often a surprise because many women think that it will be the reverse. The perceived “hassle” of having to wash the pads is actually no big deal, and the feminine hygiene section of drugstores becomes a curious, foreign place that one is now free from having to visit!

It can take anywhere from one day to several months to incorporate your new washable pads into your monthly routine.  Many women start out by just using them at night, when they’re at home, or on lighter flow days.

“I have been using Lunapads for nearly two years now and I would never return to using disposables. My primary reason for abandoning disposable pads was concern for the environment, but I've found several other perks.” Lynnette J.

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What about performance?

Will Lunapads leak?

When it comes to leaks, as with any other menstrual products, you need to change your Lunapad or liner within a reasonable amount of time to prevent the pad or liner from soaking through. You also need to be practical about which pad style to use at which times (i.e. Lunapads pantyliners are not suitable for heavy flow!) Remember, all Lunapads pad styles feature a thin layer of breathable nylon to help prevent soaking through. With experience, you will learn which pad style and how many liners will take you through a day.

Generally speaking, you should start each day (or night) with a fresh Lunapad, then change liners as often as needed. On heavier days, you may want to change the entire pad at some point — on light ones probably not at all. Figuring out exactly when to change pads and liners is part experience, part common sense and part good old-fashioned women's intuition.

I have really heavy flow. Can I use Lunapads?

Definitely. Lunapads removable liner feature allows you to add extra liners and change them frequently. Lunapads also have a thin, breathable nylon lining built right into the base of the pad (you can't hear, see or feel it) that gives additional security when you need it. Unlike most washable pads, Lunapads are made with super-soft and absorbent 100% cotton fleece, not just multiple layers of flannel.

Click here to see our list of recommended products for heavy flow.

"I'm the proud owner of a big stack of Lunapads, because I'm lazy and don't do laundry as often as I should. My collection includes five maxi pads, one long pad, and three mini pads, as well as nine liners. My periods are pretty heavy, so I generally start out by adding two liners to a regular pad, and changing the liners a couple of times a day -- that way, the pad beneath stays pretty much clean and dry, and I only have to change my pad once a day. I use the long pad on the first night of my period, because my flow is extra-heavy, but the rest of the time I stick with my maxi pads right through the night. After the first couple of days, I can use a maxi pad with only one liner, or none at all. The mini pads come into play for the last couple of days of my period."- Lauren B.

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How long will Lunapads last?

“The best part about Lunapads, I tell my clients, is that you purchase what you need, and that's it for 3-5 years. I had one client the other day tell me she has had hers for more than 10 years now!” Julie B.

Lunapads can last for many years, depending on how they're washed and whether they're washed and worn multiple times during one cycle. A safe bet is at least three years, but many of us have been using the same Lunapads for far longer than that – 8 or 9 years! Please do not use chlorine bleach to clean your Lunapads however as it will decrease their life expectancy.

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How much money can I save by using Lunapads?

This depends on several factors, including how heavy your periods are and whether or not you use Lunapads for your whole cycle. A good way of figuring it out is to take a look at how many disposable pads or tampons you normally go through in a month. How much did they cost? Multiply that by 12 and you'll get an annual figure. Given that your Lunapads will last for at least 3 to 5 years, and probably longer, we figure that you could save anywhere between $200 to $1,000 by switching.

Another way to look at this issue is: how much is a cleaner planet worth to you? Lunapads are a way of taking responsibility for the damage we as human beings have done to the environment. In other words, "cost" becomes a relative concept when we enlarge it to encompass the true environmental costs of our "convenient" consumer choices.

Click here to see cost savings comparison charts with disposable pads and tampons, as well as other cloth pad brands.

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Are Lunapads guaranteed?

You bet. When you purchase Lunapads, please wash and use one pad to ensure that you are happy with them. Try as we might to make pads that will work for every woman – a tall order! - sometimes they're just not quite right. You have 90 days to decide, so take your time! If you’re not happy, please call us first for return and refund instructions. 

While we try to make each Lunapad perfect and check them before shipping, sometimes flaws are not apparent until after they have been washed and worn. If this happens, let us know and we will replace the defective pad immediately. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please contact us!

“I ordered a Starter Kit and absolutely love it! Unfortunately, one of the seams on my Mini Pad came apart. I emailed you gals and you sent me a replacement right away at no charge.” Michelle C.

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How can I use and care for Lunapads?

How do I wash Lunapads?

“I've been using Lunapads for nearly four years now, and have always been trying to find something to keep icky bacteria from growing in the water I soak them in before I wash them (I rinse them well in cold water first, but sometimes I just can't get around to changing the soaking water more than once or twice a day, and it gets smelly).... Tried vinegar, tea tree oil, soap, bleach (that batch is now tie-dye looking).... Finally stumbled upon something called 'savlon' here in the UK, which is 'antiseptic liquid' -- the kind of stuff I usually use to clean piercings. I put about 50ml in two litres of soaking water this time, and it worked beautifully!! No more smelliness!! It occurs to me that rubbing alcohol would probably do the same thing." Myshele.

Soak or rinse Lunapads in cold water prior to putting them in the washing machine with your regular detergent. Some women add a cleaning agent (such as tea tree oil, Dr. Bronner's soap, or just their regular laundry soap, to name a few) in the soaking process, but this is optional. You can wash them in warm water with your towels and sheets if you don't want to run a separate load – they may also be washed by hand and air-dried. They will shrink somewhat if you put them in the dryer, as they are made from cotton, but it makes them nice and soft! Tip: to get your Lunapads and Lunapanties “extra” clean, every few months throw them in with your regular load when you're not using them (i.e. mid-cycle).

Organic cotton Lunapads are far more prone to staining than darker-colored regular cotton Lunapads. Please remember that stains are simply that: stains – Lunapads are menstrual pads, after all – and are not harmful in any way. If you're very concerned about staining there are many effective non-chlorine based cleaning products available at your local natural foods store. We strongly discourage using chlorine bleach or fabric softeners as it will degrade the quality of the pads and harm the environment.

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Can I wear them while I sleep?

“I expected the pads to be an adjustment, but they're wonderful — I've found that I feel better all through my cycle, especially at night. They are so comfortable and reliable that I actually forgot that I was even having a period on my lighter days.” Jamie D.

Lunapads are great for wearing overnight. They are so comfortable you probably won't even notice that you have them on. For women whose flow is heavier during the night we recommend our Long Pads or Heavy Pads. They also come with liners so that you can increase their thickness as needed. For additional overnight protection you may also want to try a Lunablanket, a super-soft bed cover made from 1 layer of cotton fleece combined with 1 layer of flannel. Sweet dreams!

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Can I wear them with regular underwear?

Lunapads work with most traditional panty styles by wrapping around the gusset and fastening with small plastic snaps. While they are a little tricky with a thong, it's definitely possible. You may also want to try Lunapanties padded underwear, which have a padded lining sewn in permanently.

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Are Lunapads sanitary?

Absolutely. Like underwear, Lunapads and Lunapanties are made from cotton and worn outside of the body. Menstrual flow is a natural, harmless substance that is in no way unsanitary. As with preventing leaks, one needs to use common sense: Lunapads should be changed at least daily, and be washed and dried as directed.

“In supporting my patients towards optimal health I frequently recommend that they try unbleached, reusable menstrual products such as Lunapads and menstrual cups.” Dr. Dorle Kneifel, M.D.

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What do I do about changing and storing pads when I'm away from home?

Every Lunapads Kit purchase includes a free washable nylon carrying purse for storing fresh or used pads and liners in when you're out of the house. This nylon purse can also be purchased from us. Fresh Lunapads can also be folded into themselves and snapped shut for easy storage in your purse or pocket. For longer trips, a mesh laundry bag (also included with all Lunapads Kits!) is a handy solution.

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How do I choose?

How are Lunapads different from other washable pads?

• Lunapads unique design — placing the liner on top — allows you to easily freshen the pad without having to change all of it. Most washable pads have an “envelope” design where you put liners inside the main pad, making you have to change the entire pad when it feels uncomfortably wet. With Lunapads, the liners sit on top of the main pad, so all you have to do is swap out the liner, which can be easily be done as often as you desire throughout the day. This feature also allows you to purchase fewer pads in the first place, as well as not having to carry as many things around with you.
• Lunapads offer by far the greatest versatility and selection: with 4 sizes, and options including nylon lining, wings, thickness, as well as fabric choices from undyed organic cotton to gorgeous prints, Lunapads has it!
• We use 100% cotton fleece (like an inside-out sweatshirt) for Lunapads absorbent core and liners - softer and more absorbent than just flannel alone.
• All Lunapads Kits purchases include a free washable nylon pouch, giving you a built-in means of transporting your pads while outside the home without extra cost.

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What styles are Lunapads available in? How do I choose which will work best for me?

Click here to visit our “How to Choose” section, which includes specialized product recommendations for the following needs: everyday, light flow, average flow, heavy flow, pregnant, post-partum, incontinent, teens, just curious and tampon alternatives. You can also visit our testimonials section to see what works for other women.

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What's the difference between Lunapads pads and pantyliners?

Lunapads pantyliners are designed for ultra-light protection only. Unlike Lunapads pads, pantyliners do not have nylon lining and are not compatible with Luna liners.

Can I use the same liners with Lunapads and Deluxe Lunapanties?

Yes!  One of the best features of Lunapads is the versatility of Luna Liners. For example, you can use maxi liners with long pads, and mini liners with maxi pads. You can stack them to make the pads even thicker (great for heavy overnight or postpartum flow!), or choose wing liners to add lateral protection. All styles of liners are compatible with Deluxe Lunapanties, allowing you to choose whatever thickness or length is best for you. (Visit our Luna Liners How-to Guide for examples).

Are organic cotton pads different?

Conventionally grown cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. Organic farming is healing the planet and promoting sustainable agriculture and communities, now and for the future. Choosing organic cotton pads is basically upping the environmental benefits of an already responsible choice.

Because organic cotton is made without pesticides and chemicals, we recommend organic cotton pads and underwear for women with skin allergies and sensitivities.  While regular and organic cotton perform similarly in terms of absorbency, we feel that organic cotton is simply a lovelier fabric for you and the environment.

Organic cotton pads cost a bit more, and are available in just one beautiful color: cream (note: organic cotton Lunapanties are available in black as well as cream organic cotton). We have had the immense good fortune to meet our organic cotton suppliers personally, and are deeply impressed with their integrity.

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Can I use Lunapads for incontinence?

“This won't be a typical testimonial. As you can see by my name I'm a guy but I have good things to say about Lunapads and Lunapanties. I use them for protection against light urine loss and they are wonderful.” Robert L.

While Lunapads are not specifically designed for this purpose, many customers report that they work wonderfully for light incontinence. Lunapads have a thin breathable nylon lining built into them that helps, but is not to be relied on for longer periods of time or more chronic conditions. The major benefits of using Lunapads for light incontinence is that they are far less irritating, expensive and wasteful than disposable products. You may also want to consider Deluxe Lunapanties for incontinence, as they also have a nylon lining as well as being compatible with Luna Liners.

Click here to see our list of recommended products for incontinence.

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Are Lunapads suitable during pregnancy and for post partum use?

Definitely! Throughout pregnancy, women discharge an increasing amount of leukohria, making pantyliners and Lunapanties essential. Click here to see our list of recommended products for pregnancy.

Post partum, Lunapads, Lunapanties and Lunablankets are gentler and more comfortable ways to take special care of a tender perineum (compared to using sticky disposable pads that you get from the hospital or drug store.) Moms love them! Click here to see our list of recommended products for post-partum.

“I am so excited to put my Lunapads and Lunablanket to use after my baby's birth!” Carla P.

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Can Teens use Lunapads?

Absolutely. Lunapads are an excellent choice for teenage girls. Whether it is for a girl's first period, or for a teen wanting to try alternative menstrual products, we have a number of products that are particularly well suited for teens. We recommend starting with Lunapanties, Teeny Pantyliners or Mini Pads. Environmentally-aware teens love that there's no waste, and who needs to deal with drama at the drugstore? Starting early with Lunapads helps young women to feel proud of their cycles and get in touch with their bodies in a healthy, positive way. Women under age 21 are also at the highest risk for contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome due to their immune systems not being fully developed, so external products are a wise choice for health reasons as well.

Click here to see our list of recommended products for teens.

“When my daughter comes of age, this will be the first pad I give her.” Nicole S.

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Other

How are Lunapads made?

Lunapads are made right here in Vancouver, Canada at a small family-owned factory. Our relationship with the Lin family is of paramount importance to us and we are committed to ensuring that our production partners are happy and proud to be part of the Lunapads team.

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What can I do with leftover disposable pads and tampons?

“ Lunapads are so good. I only have one problem - what to do with the 2 packs of disposables I bought before my Lunapads arrived. I cannot even bear to think about using them now.” Jody W.

You've bought your beautiful new Lunapads and are stuck with some leftover disposables – what to do? Your local food bank, homeless or women's shelter would welcome them.

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Where is the best place to buy Lunapads?

Lunapads are not widely available in stores. Instead, we have chosen to focus primarily on doing business directly with women via the internet and other small businesses in order to keep prices reasonable and to be able to provide quality customer service.

Any Lunapads reseller may decide to have some sort of special offer or temporary discount - it's up to them. Being the manufacturer we can offer the greatest selection of products and fabrics, including our monthly specials and unique Kits. We are proud of our alliances with our resellers and want to support them by keeping a level playing field in terms of price. We are all working hard to make a living and build a sustainable future, so whether you purchase from us or another business that sells Lunapads, it's all helping!

International customers in some countries may want to purchase from a business closer to home. Click here to see our list of retailers who sell Lunapads outside of North America.

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