Has anyone used reuseable pads/tampons?

Question

I was looking at a website that was selling 'Sea Pearls' - they are little sea sponges that are reusable tampons. Has anyone tried anything like that? Or the washable reuseable pads? Or the cup thingies? What are they like? Are they good? Bad?

lol strange question to ask, but anyhoo.

Answer 1

I haven't tried them sorry I haven't even heard of them before. They sound interesting though.  

Answer 2

Sponges are naturally absorbent, but I don't think you could really adequately clean them enough after use to make them really safe to use a second time.  One of the problems with sponges is that they stay somewhat damp, and they have lots of little crevices for bacteria and molds to thrive it. Plus, changing one in a public bathroom might be a bit of a trick.  Where would you wash it out at?  I don't think you'd want to use the sink, and I don't think anyone else would care to see you try either.  And dumping it into a zip lock baggie to take home?  URK.  I've never seen a washable pad- though of course they did in my grandmother's day- but then again, that's why they developed regular pads, too.  Both pads and tampons are designed to be discarded after use, but that doesn't make them a less "green" choice.  Both are made of biodegradable materials, and of readily renewable resources.  The menstrual cups currently on the market are made of silicone, and would probably be the most sensible choice if you didn't want to use the usual tampon or pad.  Those are much easier to wash, providing you don't mind doing it.  Silicone is also not bacteria friendly, and would be easy to sanitize when you were finished.  I honestly wouldn't recommend the sponges.  I won't argue they are natural, but I would not agree they were safe or desireable to use.  To many problems with cleaning and sterilizing after use would make them a big source of potential infections in a spot you don't want to get infected.

Answer 3

I have never used them, and I don't think I ever would.  I think they would be very unsanitary, and even if you wash them you would probably have a difficult time getting them clean.  There are some things that should just be thrown away.

Answer 4

No ive never used them before, but I just dont see the point in using them when its soooo much EASIER to use the disposable ones. you just dispose them when your done, and theres no need to wash and sterilse them (which is just such a hassle), and i also dont like the idea of re-using a re-usable pad, it just feels so unhygeinic if you know what i mean :)