Waterproof or not waterproof?

[ginny587]

Hi all

Comments

[sweetanniehi]

It depends on your needs. I have flooding so my period is not predictable throughout the day. I prefer the water resistant lining (PUL) for this reason. There are other people may not need it.

[bec_clothcycle]

Judging on what you have said about your flow, may be best to have hidden PUL lining or anti-pill polyester fleece backing.

When using a cup at work I use a non-waterproof pantyliner or pad - but I have a good idea of my flow and always am able to go for a bathroom break at least twice during a work day. I have not had any issues with cup leakage or bleeding out the back of a pad ... but I must admit that when I am on a heavy flow day I tend to grab a pantyliner or small pad that is wetproof for cup back up, just for that extra assurance (which I have not needed so far).

[dalyax]

I would personally go for the PUL! PUL is water-proof and machine washable/dryable. However, polyester fleece alone is water-resistant and so this requires changing often so the pad is not saturated and leaks. With polyester fleece, you have to sort of keep an eye out for over-saturation

[bloggingsara]

"However, polyester fleece alone is water-resistant and so this requires changing often so the pad is not saturated and leaks. With polyester fleece, you have to sort of keep an eye out for over-saturation."

YES. I've leaked through a mimi's dream ONCE because it was just polyester fleece in the backing. it was my fault though, for wearing it too long!

[dalyax]

I just feel strongly with PUL pads. I feel there is a lot of misinformation and hate towards them. They can be machine-washed and dried, lots of folks are paranoid about that. PUL, personally to me, doesn't hold in heat (that depends if the pad is minky or flannel, etc). Some women out there have incredibly heavy menstrual flows, and constantly keeping an eye on the polyester fleece (or worrying of leaks) just will not work for them.
:)

[pascallewest]

Hi there! My suggestion for you is to wear PUL pads on your heaviest days, and non-PUL the rest of the time. On my last cycle, on the first day, I wore an 8 inch iKarly pad (non-PUL) to work. I couldn't believe it... I leaked right through it in some areas, and off the back. My undies had splotches of blood all over them and I had it going down my leg! Thank goodness I was wearing black pants and had another pad to change into, but I had to suffer the rest of my shift feeling disgusting and paranoid. This is the first time something like this ever happened to me - it was a surprise super heavy flow I guess. I was not wearing a cup that time. I wised up real quick and vowed to wear 9 or 10 inch ones on my first two days, and decided to buy a few with PUL. I don't WANT to wear PUL, but it's better than having that nightmare happen again

[ginny587]

Thanks, everyone! This has all been helpful. I just couldn't figure out how I would manage to wear a non water-proof pad without leaking straight through, and from what everyone has said this is a likely possibility. I'm usually able to check on things every 3-4 hours at work, but with how heavy I tend to get this is more than enough time for me to completely saturate the disposable backups I used to use (all it takes is a misplaced cup and everything is on the pad). PUL it is!

[ao_tsuki17]

PUL is a good choice for heavy flow, but please, PLEASE make sure the pad has enough absorbancy! Some pad makers seem to think that because there is PUL they can skimp on absorbancy and the end result is major leaking because your flow will wick onto the wings and any clothing that happens to be nearby. In my experience bamboo fleece and hemp fleece hold more and will prove more reliable than flannel on heavier days. Good luck! :)

[dalyax]

I second this 100%! For light or regular flows, flannel should be fine, but for heavier flows more absorbent fabrics should be used :)