Do Cloth Pads Work for a Heavy Flow?

For anyone dealing with menorrhagia, or significantly heavy menstrual flow, the search for an effective and comfortable period product can feel never-ending.

Here at Cheeky, we've been all about 'Simple Reusables' since 2008 and our reusable period products have been bestsellers for years. A comment we often see on our social media when we talk about our period pants and pads is 'Ha, that will never cope with my flow.'

Cloth pads work REALLY well for a heavy flow, it's just a matter of finding the right pad for your needs.

In this post, we'll cover how cloth pads work for a heavy flow:

• What is a heavy flow?
• How do cloth pads work for a heavy flow
• Tips for wearing cloth pads during a heavy flow
• Choose the right absorbency level
• Choose the right shape and size
• Change regularly
• Use a backup method

What is a Heavy Flow?

A heavy menstrual flow, also known as menorrhagia, involves more than just the usual inconvenience of a period.

According to NHS England, heavy flow is defined as:

• the need to change a pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours
• needing to double up on menstrual protection
• blood clots larger than a 10p
• soaking through clothes or onto bedding
• periods lasting more than 7 days
• feeling tired or short of breath
• periods which impact your daily life, in that you can't go to school, work or other activities

It's SUPER important to note that if you've got these symptoms, it's worth getting checked out by your GP, especially if it's impacting your daily life.

Heavy periods can be normal for some people, but they can also be symptoms of conditions such as bleeding disorders, polycystic ovary syndrom (PCOS), fibroids, endometriosis, aedomyosis and pelvic imflammatory disease. Some birth control pills can also make your periods heavier.

Get it checked out and don't be fobbed off, there are treatments which can sometimes help heavy menstrual bleeding, don't just put up with it!

How Do Cloth Pads Work for a Heavy Period?

Cloth pads work really well for a heavy flow because they're made from several layers of absorbent material, plus a waterproof rear layer to stop leaks.

That means they can handle more volume than disposable pads and be more comfortable too.

Of course they're also an eco friendly alternative and they don't contain harmful chemicals which can cause irritation for many people.

'Game changer. I love these new pads, they hold so much! I am very heavy and would flood constantly the first two days of my period. Not now! I rinse them straight away in cold water and then soak them in a container until ready to wash. They come out lovely and clean no stains. So very pleased. Wish I started using them sooner.' Hayley via Trustpilot

Tips for Wearing Cloth Pads During a Heavy Flow

Switching to cloth pads for heavy flows might seem like a leap of faith, but trust us, stick with it and you'll find your periods so much more comfortable and bearable! Here's our top tips for wearing cloth pads during a heavy flow:

Choose the Right Absorbency Level

Look for cloth pads specifically designed for heavy flow or overnight use. These pads are typically thicker and have more coverage, ensuring better absorbency.

At Cheeky, our bamboo pads are our most absorbent. They're thicker than our cotton pads and come with a bamboo charcoal or bamboo top, so you can choose which you prefer best.

Choose the Right Shape and Size

You know your menstrual cycle better than anyone. Cloth sanitary pads come in a range of sizes and you'll probably find that some are better than others, depending on which day of your flow you're on.

For example, I can use day pads on day 1, and 4 of my period, but need a night pad on day 2 and 3 and will need the XL night pads for overnight on these days which are much longer and wider.

All Cheeky pads have got wings that snap under your knickers to hold them in place. When used, these poppers can also be used to popper the folded pad closed for discreet carrying.

Change Regularly

Just like with disposable products, change your cloth menstrual pad every few hours, depending on your flow, to prevent leaks and maintain hygiene.

Use a Backup Method

On your heaviest days, using a backup method such as a menstrual cup or period pants can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

This is something that we really recommend at Cheeky if you're using period pants.

NOT because period pants aren't absorbent enough to be worn on their own, but because if you're at work or school, it's much easier to remove a pad at lunchtime and just wear the pants for the rest of the day, than to change period pants in a toilet cubicle!

Plus we've had some amazing feedback from our customers who suffer with endometriosis, clots and flooding that doubling up on reusable period protection is the best way for them to manage their super heavy flow.

Follow Washing and Care Instructions

It's super easy to look after reusable period pads and it's important to keep them as absorbent as possible. Immediately after use, rinse or soak your cloth pads in cold water overnight to prevent stains.

Pop in the washing machine and wash on a cool wash cycle (max 30c) as water over 40c will 'set' any bloodstains. One benefit of cloth pads over period pants is that they can be dried in no time by comparison.

Best Types of Cloth Pads for Heavy Periods

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads - Day Period Pads Bamboo Charcoal £5.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Maternity Pads for Heavy Flow - Bamboo Charcoal £6.49 View Product Trustpilot

NEW Extra Long Reusable Sanitary Pads - Super Heavy Flow £8.49 View Product Trustpilot

Conclusion

Cloth pads can be an absolutely brilliant solution for managing heavy menstrual flows, performing MUCH better than their plastic single use counterparts.

If you have heavy periods, we hope this blog post encourages you to make the switch to reusables. But as always, if you have any questions, please do drop us an email, we LOVE to help and nothing is TMI. The team all use the products themselves so are well placed to give advice.

If you'd like some further reading, we can recommend:

• Two Period Pads at Once: What You Need to Know
• Reusable Pads vs. Period Pants
• How Long Do Reusable Cloth Pads Last?
• Panty Liners vs. Sanitary Pads: What’s the Difference?
• The Best Pads for Heavy Periods
• Are Reusable Pads Safe?
• When Your Reusable Pad Is No Longer Usable
• Managing a Heavy Period on a Flight

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants and reusable incontinence pads.

The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.