Pads should realistically be changed as often as you would a disposable. But with the added advantage that you won’t need so many of them because they wash easily and dry within hours indoors or outdoors.

The length and absorbency also varies, similarly to the way a disposable day or night pad does, so you can predict how many you need.

Being made from super soft fabric, they are superior to a disposable pad when it comes to comfort.

If you find the typical grey topped ones too thick, I would recommend giving the Little Fern Paua Pads a try. They are topped with a super soft bamboo velour and are incredibly thin; without compromising on absorbency.

Similarly if you find pads move about, I recommend the Wear ‘em out range. The placement of the double snaps means nothing will make these babies budge whether you’re into jogging or gymnastics.

This depends how frequently you wash them and how long or heavy your period is.

As a basis you could plan on 3 per day (2 for the day and one for night) and have a couple of extras so you have some available whilst the rest are washing/drying plus one in your handbag.

As an example, if you usually have a 7 day period and aimed to do a wash on the evening of day 3, you might get away with just 12 pads.

Read my blog to find out a little more on how a routine might work for you.

Not in my experience. Disposables are way worse because they are filled with all sorts of unnecessary chemicals and perfumes.

And single use plastic pads are so uncomfortable. As well being terrible for our planet. Which is why I am so passionate about supporting women to discover the comfort of reusables!

Absoutely! reusable pads are the perfect back up or extra protection from leaks and spurts.

Take a look in my online shop for Hippynut and Little Fern pads which have been designed by cup wearers themselves, and are both super absorbent and slim.

They can go in with any 40 degree wash load. Some brands can be washed at hotter temperatures, but always without conditioner which can prevent absorption. Or you can wash them by hand if you prefer.

Pads usually dry within a few hours on an airer. They probably don’t need to go through the dryer but quality brands should be able to withstand the occasional tumble. Just don’t dry them on a direct heat source such as a radiator.

Have a read of my blog pages for further help on the practical basics.

You can store them unwashed for a few days so they are fine for a few nights away. A small PUL wet bag is perfect for storage either at home or in your handbag. They can be folded up into inconspicuous envelopes and secured by the poppers, just make sure you remember to un-popper them before adding to your laundry.

Have a read of my blog pages for further help on the practical basics.

Yes, you can use them for incontinence and bladder weakness. With the price of a pad being costing less than a pack of super expensive single use Tena pants, it makes total sense to give them a try!

Pads do stay in place if you wear the right cut of underwear.

Each pad design I have in my stock is different, and having tested them with lots of types of knickers I’ve gotten a good feel for what styles work with each design best.

Those with bigger wings (Baba & Boo, Hippynut, Little Fern) are best worn with big girl knickers like a bikini, midi or maxi brief to keep them in place with a bit of tension.

The smaller wings on Honour Your Flow and Elskbar mean they can work with the above, but also a high-leg.

If you’re into cheekier cut shorties or brazilians, then I’d go for the Wear ‘em Out and their genius double snaps.

I don’t stock any really suitable for thongs yet because that’s not really my thing, but there are pads out there made for this cut so there really is something for everybody.

Have a peruse of my recommendations page or sign up to my subscription box to try all the varied styles. All my subscribers rave about their pads and you really do get to try one or more of everything…so you can always pick an outfit depending on how you feel that day!

(The styles I quote are based on how M&S classify their knickers, so the Brits will understand!)

Take your spare pad with you in a small PUL “wet bag”, inside your handbag. Then all you have to do is change your pad, and store the used pad safely in the wet bag until you get home.

These special storage bags are breathable but will contain the moisture from a damp pad all zipped up and secure; preventing any leaks and allowing you to find the used pad easily without having to root around.

Wet bags come in pretty prints as well as being useful for storing all sorts of other essentials, make up, gym kit, etc. so they really are multi purpose.

They easily go in the wash and can even coordinate with your pads stash - matchy matchy!