If you've ever thought about trying cloth pads

[Miranda]

Thanks for posting this! I think I'm gonna try it. And send the link to a couple gfs.

The thing I hate the most about pads that are disposable with the wings is the glue. It quickly becomes rather irritating when it sticks to things it's not suppose to (if ya know what I mean).

Also, that goes along with the sizing issues. If you can't get the flippin glue wings to fit your underware right then it's like a stiff couch cusion. Not a happy place.

I believe I read somewhere that average pads were made for ladies underware size 6. And if you were to look at different types and sizes of underware, the amount of fabric in the crotch does vary. I think that is what the makers of PIMP is getting at.

I saw that PIMP does off a "snap extenter" for more widely, or looser, securing your pad. Curious if that would make it more comfortable... and if you can easily feel the snap, or not?

Oh, smiliar subject being discussed here, though not PIMP, is the Diva Cup. I did try the OTC Instead cup from the drug store and it didn't work out sadly enough. I have had some surgies for pelvic prolapse, and still have some, and the gyno doc said something about the cervix, or uterus touching the cup in an odd way caused the cramping I had. It was awful. Which made me sad because I really wanted that thing to work out!

[VeganBikeChick]

I love my Diva Cup. Best thing I ever did. It was really hard for me to get past the "ick" factor at first, but once I did I was so glad. It does have a bit of a learning curve, but once you figure it out, it's wonderful. I did cut the stem off of mine because it tended to poke me, and it still works great.

The mooncup is supposed to be softer than the Diva cup, and for those who can't use/don't like the Diva, a lot like the mooncup.

[Tri Girl]

The mooncup is supposed to be softer than the Diva cup, and for those who can't use/don't like the Diva, a lot like the mooncup.

I might try the moon cup. I can feel the Diva inside me and it's very uncomfortable (it's not the stem, it's that it is just uncomfortable when inserted. Does that make sense? I've tried SO many different insertion folds and twists and turns and whatnot. Just not comfy. I may try the moon and see if it's any softer (and I will get the smaller one, even tho I got the bigger Diva because it told me that was the right size since I was over 35). I don't want to give up on it. I much prefer this method to traditional tampons any day. I only know one other friend who has tried this, and she was unsuccessful with it. I might have others, but it's not like my friends and I talk about periods. Sex, yes, but not periods (is that weird?).
I'm 39, so perimenopause surely has to be somewhere around the corner soon anyway, right??

Thanks for all the feedback, ladies. Good to know I'm not alone.

TsPoet- that is HILARIOUS about the b***pads for the dog. You should seriously tell PIMP about that. They might have found a new marketing angle.

[zoom-zoom]

I might try the moon cup. I can feel the Diva inside me and it's very uncomfortable (it's not the stem, it's that it is just uncomfortable when inserted. Does that make sense? I've tried SO many different insertion folds and twists and turns and whatnot. Just not comfy.

I tried the Diva Cup and also found it to be uncomfortable...it was too big. So then I tried the US Mooncup--it was comfy, but it leaked all around. After blowing $80 I gave up experimenting with the cups.

I do use the disposable Instead cups if it's TOM when I have a long ride or race (since I don't have issues with those, other than the trash factor), but stick with tampons or pantyliners, otherwise. The washable ones have been on my radar for a while. I should really give them a try. Pantyliners are really $$$ over time.

[deeaimond]

It took me 2 years to muster the courage to buy and try the mooncup and I never looked back. First few times were trial and error and there were a few bad accidents. about leaking all around, when I initially placed the cup, I didnt know the tip of my cervix was outside the rim, so it kept leaking around of course, so just make sure thats sorted. As for the stem, I cut it off entirely and its still easy to grip and pull out. I love the mooncup and I really dont miss pads at all.

[GLC1968]

Thanks so much for posting this! I don't know why I never looked into cloth pads before.

I've considered a cup on numerous occasions (even bought one), but my flow is virtually non-existent that it seemed overkill. On my heaviest day (which is just one day), I can get away with the smallest tampon OB makes and even then, I don't fill it. Some months, I just use panty liners the whole time and it's fine (but wasteful). This sounds like the perfect solution for me.

[MichelleOH]

I use Instead cups off and on. I realize I'm still throwing something away...and probably something that will NEVER leave the planet, but there are times when you just need a cup over a plug.

[Tri Girl]

got my PIMP liner today- that was some speedy shipping! It's SO cute!! I got the cotton, but I think if I order again I'll order the fannel. It wraps up so tiny and they wrapped a little mini organic dark chocolate piece inside- and a handwritten thank you. How cool! It's small companies that have such personal customer service that really make me want to do business with them (I feel the same about TE). I'll be ordering more from them for sure!!

[Melalvai]

Okay. So is cotton or flannel better?

I don't know. I have not observed that one is more or less absorbent than the other. I guess the flannel is softer. I have both.

[badger]

Diva cup all the way, and I doubt I'd ever use reusable pads since I never used the disposable kind.

Question I have for other Diva cup users (this will be TMI): mine gets stained quite a bit, even if I use soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. I know they say in time it will get stained, but is there a way to minimize this? not that I show it to anyone, but I would be mortified if anyone did.

[Norse]

Diva cup all the way, and I doubt I'd ever use reusable pads since I never used the disposable kind.

Question I have for other Diva cup users (this will be TMI): mine gets stained quite a bit, even if I use soap and a soft bristle toothbrush. I know they say in time it will get stained, but is there a way to minimize this? not that I show it to anyone, but I would be mortified if anyone did.

Same here. What I did was mixed a solution of about 1 part bleach to 10 parts hot water and soaked Diva in there (I think it was for about an hour or 2). Looks good as new! I occasionally put Diva in the top rack of the dishwasher too.

[shootingstar]

World of women has its own practices.

[badger]

Same here. What I did was mixed a solution of about 1 part bleach to 10 parts hot water and soaked Diva in there (I think it was for about an hour or 2). Looks good as new! I occasionally put Diva in the top rack of the dishwasher too.

wow, bleach? I would've thought that would affect the cup?? I used to occasionally spray it down with rubbing alcohol on the first cup I had, but I had read on their website not to use it so for my second one I haven't done anything other than soap/brush and boiling (for disinfecting, not getting rid of stain).

[Norse]

Yep, bleach diluted with water. It has not compromised Diva's integrity in the least (that I can tell).

[tinyhelmets]

I use cloth but there are some with snaps that are....er... irritating while biking. The cup might be my next attempt but I'm still nursing my wee one and haven't had to worry about it yet.