Comfort, Absorbency, Reliability
Are ETHIXX pads comfortable?
The pads are MUCH more comfortable than disposables. They are made from luxuriously soft organic cotton with very soft edges too.. Our customers tell us that our pads are so comfortable that they forget they are wearing them. Plus there’s no plastic outer layers to get sweaty or latex glue to stick to your hairs. Bonus!
Can these pads really work as well as my disposable pads?
Short answer? Yes absolutely! You will probably be surprised just how well our pads work. It takes just a few pence to manufacture a disposable pad, which means there is a limit to the materials they can use and the quality they can achieve. Imagine comparing the effectiveness and quality of a china cup with a paper one; the former works much better of course!
What our testers tell us:
Plastic pads quickly get uncomfortable for me, but I can wear the fabric ones for longer periods without any discomfort.
Becky W – Brighton
Will blood ever soak through to my underwear?
The construction of the pad includes a waterproof layer which prevents any fluid from leaking through the pad. The design of the pad includes soft edges which fit snugly into your groin, which will also prevent blood seeping onto edges of the knickers. Our testers tell us that wearing a well fitting pair of knickers, especially at night, is also very helpful.
Will the pads leak at night?
No. Our customers have told us that providing they wear well fitting knickers there is no problem with leakage.
What our testers tell us:
I was amazed that the night pads work really well, with no side leaking.
Karen C – Frome
See the Night pads here….
Do you make pads to fit bigger bodies?
Currently we have one range of pads in three different sizes but yes, we are in the process of building our range of pads in different lengths and widths. It’s just a matter of anatomy. We are all different shapes and sizes and we trust you will find the pads that fit you.
Will you make period pads for teenagers?
Yes they are already at the development stage.
How often should I change the pads?
Our testers say that it is just the same as disposables, about every four hours or when they go to the toilet, and depending on your flow that day. This is such a personal experience that only you will know.
What our testers tell us:
For the first 3 days I change my ETHIXX pad every 3 hours, and probably every 4/5 hours for the last two days as my flow gets lighter.
Holly S – Brighton
Will the pads move when I go running or walking?
The shape of the pad and the double snaps will reduce movement almost completely, but a tight fitting piece of underwear will definitely help.
What our testers tell us:
I go running regularly and these new pads stay in place, but it does help if I wear tight underwear too.
Chlöe S – Brighton
Will the pads work for me?
Our first range has been developed to be used for light flow days, heavy flow days and long periods of rest or sleep. Of course we are all different so one persons heavy flow might be another’s light, so we offer a box of pads with one of each size, so that you can try them and decide for yourself.
What should I carry my pads in when I am out and about?
We have designed a Pad Pouch especially for this purpose. It has two compartments; one for fresh pads and one waterproof compartment for pads that are ready for washing. These will be available very soon. You can find them here
What our testers tell us:
When I go to the toilet I take my Pad Pouch with me and I don’t care if people see it, because they don’t know whats in it – I wouldn’t care if they knew I was on my period anyway.
Holly S – Brighton
Washing, Storage & Pad Care
How do I wash the pads?
Rinse the pads in COLD water so as not to congeal the blood. Put the pads in a mesh bag or just include them in with your underwear and wash at 40 degrees. Don’t use fabric softener as this reduces the absorbency of the fabrics (same advice for towels too). Re-shape your pads while damp and hang to dry in direct sunlight if possible.
What our testers tell us:
I usually rinse my pads by hand with cold water and then I put them in the net wash bag and pop them in the washing machine.
Tanya W – London
Do the pads shrink when washed?
Yes a little. The pads are made from the most natural fabrics so they are likely to shrink at the first wash and also at different amounts depending on the batch of fabric we use. After the first wash they should not shrink further and they will soften over time. Re-shaping and storing flat is important to keep them efficient.
Can you put them in a tumble dryer?
We don’t recommend tumble drying, but we understand that if you don’t have access to a drying line then a tumble dryer might be the most efficient way to dry the pads. If thats the case then a short burst on a low heat setting is recommended, and then re-shape them while they are still little damp and hang them to finish drying.
How do they keep their shape after being washed?
We recommend that you re-shape the pads after washing and store them flat for your next period.
What our testers tell us:
I do dry mine in a tumble dryer and reshape and stretch them when they are dry. I pile them together and flatten them between some heavy books for a few hours. Then I lie them flat in a storage bag until the following month.
Holly S – Brighton
Personal Confidence
How do I store the used pads while I am out or at work?
We sell a Pad Pouch which contains separate compartments for storing your fresh and used pads while you are out and about or at work. The pouch will fit neatly into your bag.
What our testers tell us:
The wings allow you to wrap the pads tightly. Then pop it in the Pad Pouch and you’re good to go!
Becky W – Brighton
Will the pads smell if I don’t rinse then straight away?
No, you can fold them up, place them inside the Pad Pouch and rinse them when you get home.
What our testers tell us:
When changing pads, I fold the used one and put in my Pad Pouch. If I am out for the whole day then I might have several used pads in my bag for many hours but I have never experienced them smelling
Jenny B – Bristol
About Saving Money
Will I save money by using cloth pads instead of disposable ones?
Yes most likely, but it is hard to put a figure on this as it depends what products you are currently using. Buying cloth pads is about investing in your health and the environment, which could also save you money in the long term.
About Eco Integrity
The pads are organic, what does this mean?
Organic cotton does not have any toxic residues left from the pesticides and insecticides used in conventional cotton cultivation. It also uses 91% less water and 72% less energy to produce. The purchase of certified organic cotton supports women in developing countries and also means that farmers can safely grow food crops between plants without exposing their families to poisonous chemicals.
How long will the pads last?
In individual tests, each of the fabrics used to make this pad will wash up to 300 times. However, as a product we have estimated that it should last around 3 years, if cared for properly. This is how we calculated that one cloth pad replaces 78 disposables – each pad used twice in a cycle, thirteen periods a year over three years.
How biodegradable are they?
Each pad is made up of layers of different fabrics to create a pad that works. At the end of its useful life, all but the waterproof layer and the snaps (which you can remove) will naturally biodegrade and can be put on a compost heap. We hope one day to find bio plastic to replace the non biodegradable components.
How are they ethically made?
Currently the pads are being made in the UK by machinists who earn above the living wage. We are currently talking to manufacturers in some other countries too, but ethical practice is at the heart of what we do so there will be no sweatshop or child labour involved in anything we produce.
What impact am I having on the planet by avoiding disposable period products?
Disposable pads are comprised of large quantities of plastic (enough in one pack to make four carriers bags) and millions of the products get flushed down the toilet and end up in the rivers and oceans causing untold damage to the environment. Period products are the fifth most common item to be washed up on Europe’s beaches, and those that circumnavigate the land masses break down into tiny particles which are ingested by fish, sea mammals and birds – eventually causing death by malnutrition. Using washable menstrual pads means that you directly reduce this life-threatening impact.
Is the packaging recyclable?
Yes. Even the labels we use are paper based.
Other Products Coming
Do you have any other types of pads in development, such as daily liners ?
Yes we are developing more sizes of pad and also ones for daily use. Watch this space!
