Friday, April 17, 2009

Lunapads Review and Giveaway

OK, I know that no one likes to talk about their period. Let's be honest, it is not a very fun topic for discussion. But its a part of life, right? All this week I have been talking about cloth diapers. What about cloth menstrual pads? Now now, don't write them off just yet! There was a time, less than a year back, that I thought the idea of them was gross. Then I'd say about 9 months or so ago, I decided it was time to give them a try. And you know what? I wish I had made the switch sooner.

Why should you give cloth pads a try? Consider this:

  • Over 14 billion disposable pads, tampons and applicators make their way into North American landfills every year.
  • Disposable pads and tampons contain a bunch of chemicals which are easily absorbed into your body and can cause discomfort and irritation. And tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome.
  • As opposed to plastic, cotton allows your skin to breathe and reduces the chance of skin irritation and infection.
  • While cloth will cost more up front, you will save money in the long run.
Now let me tell you about Lunapads. Lunapads International is based in Vancouver, Canada and was founded by Madeleine Shaw in 1994. Madeleine realized she needed something to solve her own health concerns about using disposable pads and tampons. The Lunapads mission is "to help women have healthier and more positive experiences of their menstrual cycles, and by extension, their bodies overall."

I was so excited when Lunapads sent me a free Pads & Pantyliners Intro Kit to test out. The cloth pads that I've used in the past are made like an envelope. You insert the liners inside the pad and then snap them around your panties. When it's time for a change, you have to change both the liners and the pad. This is where Lunapads stands out. Their liners sit on top of your pad, held on with 2 ric rac bands. So all you have to do is change the liner and not the whole pad. Here is a short video that shows you just how easy they are to use.



See how easy it is? I also love how comfortable these cloth pads are. It is so much better having cloth up against your skin than sticky plastic. Bleh! I tested these out during the day and they were awesome. I had no leaking issues and the ric rac bands held the liners in place with no issue. I didn't try them at night because I'm a little neurotic about nighttime leaking. So I stuck with my overnight cloth pad that I already have. But Lunapads does make a long pad that would be perfect for me when I'm sleeping, so I'll need to get some of those! I also love the fun and funky patterns they come in. Your period can be stylish now!

Are you wondering how to care and wash these? It's not as difficult as you may think. Here is how Lunapads suggests you wash your pads and liners:

Soak or rinse Lunapads in cold water prior to putting them in the washing machine with your regular detergent. Some women add a cleaning agent (such as tea tree oil, Dr. Bronner's soap, Oxo Bright, or just their regular laundry soap, to name a few) in the soaking process, but this is optional. You can wash them in warm water with your towels and sheets if you don't want to run a separate load – they may also be washed by hand and air-dried. They will shrink somewhat if you put them in the dryer, as they are made from cotton, but it makes them nice and soft!
This is actually almost exactly is how I wash my Lunapads and other cloth pads. In between washes, I will soak them in a container of water with some Oxi-Clean. Just be sure to change the water at least once a day. Otherwise bacteria can grow and it will get smelly. When I have enough laundry built up, I wash them with our towels in warm water. You can throw them in the dryer, but I prefer to line dry them.

So go ahead, take the plunge. Give cloth pads a try! I truly think you will find the cloth pads are far superior to disposables.


Shop
Spend $35 or more at Lunapads.com and receive $5 off your order. Use promo code greenmamaspad. This code is valid through December 31, 2009.

Win
Lunapads has generously offered to give one lucky reader a Sampler Pack. This is a great pack to get you started with cloth pads or to help build your supply.

**GIVEAWAY CLOSED**



This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ only and will end on Friday, May 1st at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random using Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise a new winner will be picked. You must leave your e-mail address in your comment(s) so I can contact you. I will not share your e-mail address with anyone, it will strictly be used to notify you if you win. Good luck!

This review is based on my opinions and my experiences only. Every woman's body and cycle is different and therefor your experiences may differ from mine.


146 comments:

  1. When I first heard of cloth pad I was quick to say "I am NOT that gren!" I finally tried them and I love them. I won't even use my leftover paper pads or tampons since I am so much happier with cloth. I even used them after my baby came and they were much more comfortable than the ones the hospital gave me! I have a bunch of articles about cloth pads on my site www.comfyclothpads.com.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have never used cloth pads but I know how irritated my skin down there can get from wearing a hot pad! So I bet these are better! I have heard my aunts tell about using rags for pads when they were growing up poor in the country during the 40's and 50's. They washed them out too so its been done before by women! Pads4girls is the program for girls!!!!

    frogz60@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I ALWAYS USE PADS...THIS SEEMS LIKE A GREAT IDEA!! WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT FOREVERMCANDBC@YAHOO.COM

    ReplyDelete
  4. I entered the putty giveaway at Matthew's puzzle. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. have your earthday button here:
    http://monkeytoesreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/

    #1

    ReplyDelete
  6. earthday button #2
    http://monkeytoesreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. tweet
    http://twitter.com/4boys4now/status/1543201710

    ReplyDelete
  8. submitted answer

    dangotmail AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have your earth day button #1

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have your earth day button #2

    ReplyDelete
  11. I submitted the answer for the first question!
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm a loyal follower!

    ReplyDelete
  13. You are in my blog roll! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/camelfam/status/1545067765

    ReplyDelete
  15. I submitted the answer to you!

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. just subscribed to your feed!

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. blog party button on my sidebar entry #1

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. blog party button entry #2

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pads4Girls mverno@roadrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I submitted the answer

    pinkveganmiso(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. answer submitted, great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Answer submitted

    luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  24. Blog follower

    luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Just entered the Dokedo Putty Giveaway

    luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  26. I submitted my answer!

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway; I've been wanting to make the switch for a while :-D

    greenyak [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  27. [debgiro at wildblue dot net] I submitted the answer to your quiz. I'd love to win.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I submitted the answer form!

    girottih@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am subscribed to your RSS feed via Bloglines.

    girottih@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm also subscribed via email.

    girottih@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I submitted my answer! I have been using cloth pads for four years now and I am so happy not to have to run to the store to get supplies or fill the trash with biohazardous waste. I could definitely use some new pads. Thanks for the chance! jb4mb @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I submitted the answer -- thanks for the contest!

    jeburr24[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Something that can help a great deal with bacteria and overall hygiene is the bathroom bidet spray from www.bathroomsprayers.com It is so refreshing and convenient for general use and can be installed without a plumber. Will pay for itself many times over is toilet paper savings = and great for the environment.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hey there I filled out the form. :) I am amazed by Pads4Girls! What an awesome charity. I never would have thought I would be into mama cloth pads but I am so psyched about it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. oopps I'm a dork - my email is upstatemomof3@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!! I filled out the form.

    Hfamily916@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. You are on my blog roll..

    http://littlemoments-noah.blogspot.com

    Hfamily916@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow

    http://littlemoments-noah.blogspot.com

    Hfamily916@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. blog party button #1

    http://littlemoments-noah.blogspot.com

    Hfamily916@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. blog party button #2

    http://littlemoments-noah.blogspot.com

    Hfamily916@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. What an awesome giveaway! I submitted my answer. tina.bonner(at)gmail(dot)com :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I have submitted my answer.
    farraha at ymail dot com.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I submitted my answer. My email is ktimmer_99@yahoo.com

    I am excited to learn more about this option, I switched to cloth diapers, but never thought of pads for myself!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I was just talking to my husband about trying this product. Thanks for this opportunity.

    Submitted quiz answer

    britches1009@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Submitted answer. I hope I win - I'd love to try them out!

    jessica.tupper (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I entered the weighted lap pad giveway at Matthew's puzzle.

    apeak AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Answer submitted. I'd love to win. A friend made me some a few years ago and they are needing replaced! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  48. I entered the Autism awareness girls hairbow giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I answered your question. I love cloth pads!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I just submitted the answer. I've been wanting to try out cloth pads.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I submitted the answer. Thanks for shining a light on this product.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I just submitted my answer. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Happy Earth Day!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I submitted the form! :)

    I just started using a Diva cup and now I"m ready to add cloth pads to my regimen! :)

    onlycancan ta hotmail tod com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I entered the Hugababy giveaway at Matthew's Puzzle!

    onlycancan ta hotmail tod com

    ReplyDelete
  55. i submitted an answer!
    mrsjd209@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I submitted my answer
    paulajkrueger@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I entered the hugbaby giveaway on Matthew's puzzle

    ReplyDelete
  58. I tweeted about this giveaway
    http://twitter.com/phunkyrockgal

    ReplyDelete
  59. Submitted the answer. Thanks for the information on this product. My daughters use cloth pads (I am past that need) and the briefs with the liner holders look really interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  60. i submitted my answer! i've been using cloth pads for over a year, and would never switch back to disposable!

    enchantedtree (at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. i added your Green Mama's Pad button.

    http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  62. i added the Earth Day Blog Party button.
    entry 1!

    http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. i added the Earth Day Blog Party button.
    entry 2!

    http://theenchantedtree.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. i entered the hugbaby giveaway on Matthew's puzzle. Thanks!

    enchantedtree (at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. i filled out the form : )

    elkesten at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Filled out form

    Jessica[dot]L[dot]Lott[at]gmail[dot]com

    Also twittered: http://twitter.com/rollergirljess

    ReplyDelete
  67. i entered the teachable moments felt board stories giveaway on matthew's puzzle.

    elkesten at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I submitted the answer. Would love to try these out...

    ReplyDelete
  69. Yay!

    http://twitter.com/piggie1230

    ReplyDelete
  70. I entered the giveaway and answered the question.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I submitted an answer in the form. :)

    I am really hoping to build up a stock of these to use postpartum. Thanks for the review! :)

    I follow your blog on Blogger, and love it!

    Blessings,
    Michele
    paisleysister@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Thanks so much for this fabulous giveaway- I have been wanting to make the change to cloth for a long time, but finances have stood in the way- this would be a great win for me!! :)

    I submitted the answer via the form.

    Thanks again!!
    Jenn Walden
    jlwalden1{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I submitted the answer

    Jules0910 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I have been waiting for something like this to come along but was always kind of leery of it working and being comfortable so I would love to try it first!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I submitted an answer! These would be interesting to try.

    johnthegirl at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I filled out the form with the answer!

    I have been meaning to switch over to cloth pads forever (ever since my son was born! He's 2) because we cloth diaper HIM, so why am I still using disposable pads?

    ReplyDelete
  77. I have submitted an answer. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I answered the question.

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I'm following

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I've submitted the answer!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Here's my tweet: http://twitter.com/prizealert/status/1579144737 (and I follow you)

    ReplyDelete
  82. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  83. I submitted my answer.

    whitneyellen77@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I have your earth day blog party button (entry #1)

    whitneyellen77@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I have your earth day blog party button (entry #2).

    whitneyellen77@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I remember when I thought cloth pads were a little "too green"! haha I love them now! I wish I had started earlier!
    (and I did submit my name and email address to win! What a GREAT contest!)

    ReplyDelete
  87. What a wonderful giveaway!! I just answered the Lunapads question above.

    julie3love@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I subscribed via e-mail and confirmed my e-mailed address!!:)

    ReplyDelete
  89. I added the Earth Day Blog Party button to my blog, so take a look:

    http://julieshealthyliving.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  90. I just added your e-mail address at gmail to my blog list as I have it set to private.

    http://julieshealthyliving.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  91. I added the button Green Mama's Pad to my blog=)

    http://julieshealthyliving.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  92. I submitted an answer! Thanks
    andreanathan AT aol.cim

    ReplyDelete
  93. I added you Earth Day Blog Party Button.

    ReplyDelete
  94. This is my second comment that I posted your Earth Day Blog Button you can see it here

    http://a-new-life-in-christ.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  95. I submitted the answer. I made the switch to cloth just recently and was quite happy. I still could use some to build my stash.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    ~Jenny~
    jenny AT petalzandfinz DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Filled out form. I just made my own cloth pads, but would love to try some of these too.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I submitted an answer :)

    danielleopp@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I also just subscribed to your rss feed!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I sent the answer to you
    rosans4@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love luna pads... filled out the question form.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Submitted my answer.
    I've always wondered why the liners were inside the pad in other products...
    akletter at yahoo dot com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  102. Just subscribed to your email.

    ReplyDelete
  103. I submitted my entry. I love cloth pads and I don't have enough right now to last a whole cycle. My e-mail is erikaahaj@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  104. Count me in :)

    ktgonyea at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I submitted the answer. Thanks!

    lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I'm a subscriber. Thanks!

    lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I submitted my answer! mannasweeps (At) gmail (dot) .com

    ReplyDelete
  108. i submitted my answer

    addeviant006 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. follower

    addeviant006 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I submitted an answer to you!
    Sarah Ann
    funkypurplebutterfly@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Thanks! I submitted my answer.

    annie_donohue@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I entered the Sterling Silver Puzzle Piece Necklace Giveaway at Matthew's Puzzle.

    ReplyDelete
  113. Pads4Girls sounds like such a good program. I'd happy to help with their mission.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I answered your question!
    renee
    yeloechikee at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I would love the chance to win, thanks.
    erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  116. Hello!
    I answered the question for entry into the give-away.
    BTW, Luv Ur Blog!

    jennyjenny48@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  117. I submitted an answer.

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  118. OOh I would love to try this! I submitted!

    kayceewilliams at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  119. I follow you!

    kayceewilliams at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  120. I subscribe via email

    kayceewilliams at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  121. I stumbled! (iloveyouhecried)

    ReplyDelete
  122. I entered the Dokedo putty giveaway at Matthew's Puzzle!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I sent in my entry. Thanks! I would love to try these.

    ReplyDelete

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