Guide to Choosing Pads for Every Day of Your Period

Flow varies from day to day during a period, so no single pad suits every day. A suitable choice means greater comfort, less leakage and less skin irritation.

Four Questions Before Choosing a Pad

  • Absorbency: packs commonly use terms such as Normal for light to moderate flow, Super or Maxi for heavy flow, and Night for long sleeping hours.
  • Length and Wings: longer pads protect against rear leakage when sitting or sleeping; wings secure the pad to underwear and reduce movement.
  • Thickness: thick Maxi pads suit those preferring a cushioned feel, while ultra-thin pads use compressed absorbent materials and suit those wanting a discreet pad under clothing.
  • Top Layer and Fragrance: a soft cotton surface often suits sensitive skin. Scented pads may irritate some women, so British health guidance recommends unscented products when sensitivity is present.

Normal Pads for Light and Moderate Days

At the beginning and end of a period, normal absorbency with wings is often enough.

Super and Maxi Pads for Heavy Days

Many women need higher absorbency and greater length on the second and third days.

Night Pads

Night pads are longer and wider at the rear for sleeping hours when you cannot change them. Choose a longer size if you move a lot during sleep or have heavy flow.

Ultra-Thin Pads

Thinness does not necessarily mean lower absorbency; modern thin pads use compressed absorbent materials. Read the absorbency rating rather than relying on thickness alone.

After Childbirth: What Do You Need?

After childbirth, bleeding called lochia usually lasts two to six weeks, heavy at first and then gradually lighter. Medical guidance recommends external pads only and avoiding tampons and menstrual cups until the postnatal check, to reduce infection risk. Long, thick night pads or disposable underwear suit this stage; change regularly and wash hands before and after changing.

Seek medical attention immediately if a pad fills in an hour or less, or if there are large clots, an unpleasant smell, fever or increasing abdominal pain.

Daily Pantyliners

Pantyliners are thin and intended for normal discharge or the last period days, rather than days of flow. Change several times daily and avoid continual use without need, as trapped moisture may irritate skin.

How Often Should You Change a Pad? Common Mistakes

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends changing a pad at least every 4 to 8 hours, or sooner if it feels wet or full.
  • Common mistakes include wearing a night pad all day instead of changing it, or choosing a small size on heavy days.
  • Do not flush pads; wrap them in their wrapper and put them in the rubbish bin.
  • If a particular type causes redness or itching, try an unscented or cotton-surface type.

When Should You Consult a Doctor? Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you need to change a pad every one or two hours for several consecutive hours, your period lasts more than seven days, or bleeding occurs between periods.

Find more products in the Feminine Care and Body Care sections.