So let’s talk about our pads. Why are they a good solution?
How did we end up with this design?
Our goal was to create the best possible solution to those in the “in-need” circumstances. That being said, we aren’t trying to complete in the selling market- we want to make the best product to give people, but we aren’t trying to convince consumers that our product is the new “must have”. We aren’t pushing the product to be the most competitive, just the most competent for our needs. In the last post, we touched on some of the basic principles that led us to creating these pads: we wanted a product that was universal, user friendly, sustainable, and very functional.
That’s what led to us creating our own pads. Pads are not size dependent and are the most user friendly period management. Fabric pads are reusable and don’t generate extra waste. We didn’t want any materials that have highly specific care, since these pads are going to be used in disaster areas, refugee camps, and in communities in-need. Absorbency was a key focus because we want these pads to provide a level of relief to those who will receive them- the pads couldn’t easily leak or need to be changed very often.
We looked at reusable pads on the market, including some that had been distributed with Filters for Families before, and analyzed construction and performance. We realized we needed a waterproof layer to protect from leaks and improve absorbency, and that the best absorbency was going to come from speciality fabrics. Both may seem obvious once you say them (or read them) but until you’v compared you’re not sure how much it matters. After research and testing we narrowed down the fabrics we wanted to use.
*(If you guys are interested I can do another post that breaks down our research and results but that’s too much for this post)
Why our pads work
1. Absorbent enough. We use a quick capture and high hold speciality fabric to get the most absorbency we can per square inch
2. Quick drying. The absorbent fabric we use dries quickly. This is important for hygiene and for the ability to quickly reuse (if this is the sole available period management for a person, the turn around needs to be shorter.)
3. Leak resistant. Having a waterproof layer inside the pad helps improve absorbency and prevent leaks.
4. More coverage. We made our pads with more coverage than some reusable pads we’d examined. The coverage makes the pad more wearable, especially for longer periods of time and with higher levels of movement. We added some additional coverage in the back to help with overnight wear.
5. Our starter pack provides two pads and offers three levels of absorbency.Two pads means the wearer can alternate use. The two styles of pads (style 1 and 2) in the pack can provide light, regular and heavy absorbency so the pack supports different needs throughout a cycle.
6. Durable. We designed and make these pads to last. Given proper care our pads will last for years.
7. Comfortable. Having talked about everything else, I want to point out that comfort was a top priority. We didn’t want to make a pad that sucked to have to wear. The absorbent fabric wicks moisture away from the body to help with comfort. We aimed for comfortable fabrics across the board and for a comfortable shape. Our reviewers commented on how “surprisingly comfortable” the pads were. Which brings me to….
8. We tested our pads and had women review them for us. We gathered feedback, improved where needed and did another round of testing. I felt it was really important to actually know how users would feel about our pads. Feedback was something we didn’t have from earlier pad distribution and other groups we talked to didn’t either. We do plan on collecting feedback as we distribute pads since our testers were not in emergency situations or in-need communities. We look forward to receiving more feedback.
9. Made by us and our volunteers. Our pads are by hand (yes with a machine still counts as by hand) by people volunteering their time and effort to help bring relief to those who need it.
10. The pads are kinda cute. Honestly I think our pads are cute, They kind look like cartoon characters hugging themselves. Is this truly important…? Not really but, hey, I’m proud of our cute little period pads.
I hope this helped you understand why our pads are important:
Why we aren’t just buying a lot of disposables to take
Why we don’t just buy some other fabric pads.
Why we spent months researching, developing, and testing to come to this specific design.
We plan on spending a lot more time and effort to have these pads ready to help for the next disaster or whatever relief project comes up. Thank you so much for your interest, for reading this post, and for donating. Remember $6 covers one starter pack, $30 moves us 1% closer to our goal, and anything really does help.
Thank you for your interest in Beyond Filters: The Pad Project. Keep checking in on this blog to learn more about our work. Feel free to contact us and tell us anything you'd like to learn more about.
—Linda and Ivy
To donate, click here.
Beyond Filters is a division of Filters of Families