WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE?

Top Layer: Organic Cotton Jersey They are free from harsh chemicals, printed fabrics are fair trade and they are all super soft! Absorbent layers: Organic Cotton Zorb and Organic Cotton and Bamboo fleece Zorb is made from organic cotton and can absorb 10 times its weight in under 2 seconds. The equivalent of 6 layers of terry towel!! This fabric is hypo-allergenic and breathable - so is perfect for our pads! Just make sure not to use fabric softener when washing as this can reduce absorbency by softening absorbent fibres. We use 2 layers and an extra peice in the centre for heavy flo pads - the equivalent of 12-18 layers of towel….wowzer. Don’t worry though….this fabric is only a few mm thick. Sweet!
The fleece we use described below, also used for the backing. Back: Organic Cotton and Bamboo absorbent fleece. A natural quality fleece made with 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. Bamboo fleece has antibacterial properties, is breathable, soft and also super absorbent. We also use: Organic cotton thread Metal rust proof, nickel free popper No brand labels - we feel this is a waste of energy and materials manufacturing something that is essentially….useless. Less fuss = a happier mother Earth. After all, the pads aren’t about us, they’re about a healthier you and a healthier Earth!

HOW/WHY DO YOU CHOOSE THESE MATERIALS?

The whole purpose of cloth pads is to get away from plastic pollution, chemical and pesticide pollution, waste and products that are bad for our health. That is why we use carefully considered fabrics to ensure the longevity of our pads. We want to make pads appealing to all women, and to do that we believe that using the right materials and ethics goes a long way. Our ethos with sourcing fabrics is that their production must be ethical and have a low environmental impact. We don't have hundreds of patterns and styles, but that is because our fabrics are chosen with more in mind then just aesthetics. Supporting organic and sustainable farming means that farmers and people in the fabric industry aren't exposed to dangerous chemicals that have been proven to cause serious health problems. It enables farmers to grow their own food, resulting in reduced poverty. Organic farming promotes healthy soil and wildlife - while giving us a healthy to use end product. Win win! (oh.....did we mention how comfy the pads are too?!)

DO YOU USE PUL?

No! When we started out, it didn’t make sense to have a reusable ‘eco friendly’ product with a layer of plastic in. That’s why we made our own! Instead of having a layer of PUL in (these types of pads usually have 2 layers of towel with a PUL leakproof layer), we use organic cotton absorbent fabric which is made especially for cloth nappies/period pads. Using the super absorbent fabric we do means no nasty plastic layers, AND a more breathable pad which is biodegradable in years to come.
It will take an adjustment using any different period product. You will need to get to know and learn how to manage your period all over again….once you do - we guarantee you will feel empowered and amazing!!

HOW DO I WEAR THEM?

It is best to wear underwear that is a bit snug to help the pad stay in place. Simply fold the wings round your underwear and fasten with the popper. They are made to wear coloured side next to your skin. However, the pads can be worn both ways, so if you prefer the feel of the bamboo and organic cotton fleece on the back - go for it! This side will be great for anyone with super sensitive skin. One wing is bigger than the other to minimise bulk when wearing.

HOW CAN I TELL WHICH PADS ARE WHICH ABSORBENCY?

We add lines of stitching on the back of the wings so you can tell them apart: 7” liners: Everyday liner = no line. Regular Liner = 1 line
9” pads: Light = no line, Moderate = 1 line, Heavy = 2 lines
12” pads - Moderate = 1 line, Heavy = 2 lines

WHICH PADS ARE BEST FOR ME?

Well ladies….it’s time to start your period all over again! With changing to any reusable period product, it is 100% going to be different to disposables. There will be an adjustment time with getting to know your flow again. Each product will have a description for the level of absorption to choose from. We would recommend trying one or two to start with and see how you get on. Liners are a great option for everyday use, spotting and alongside a cup. Our Flo Pads are for period flow days and similar to a usual Light, Regular and Heavy flow disposable pad. Large Flo pads are suitable as a standard larger size, and night time. Use code NEWFLO10 for 10% off our test set of 1 liner and 1 Flo pad to see how our pads work for you. Remember, if buying more than this, we can’t accept refunds on used or washed pads, for obvious reasons!

WHICH PADS ARE BEST TO USE WITH A MENSTRUAL CUP?

We love the 7" liners for this! They are great for that extra protection on heavy days in case of leaks. They are also work well for the beginning and end of your period when you don't necessarily need to use a cup. Some of our customers choose a few 7" and a few light 9" (for night time) pads for this kind of use. Liners are also great for everyday use.

WHAT ABOUT WHEN I’M OUT AND ABOUT?

Great question! It is a big change using reusables…we recommend getting a small wash bag that you can pop any used pads in until you get home. If possible, give your pad a rinse straight away to reduce staining. We are working on making some eco friendly, plastic free wash bags - watch this space!

WHAT ABOUT WHEN I WEAR LEGGINGS? HOW THICK ARE THE PADS?

Yep…we’ve had this question a few times so we thought it is worth mentioning - pads can’t be seen through leggings! We recommend wearing the pads with a good fitting pair of pants to ensure the pads stay in place and feel comfy. Because the pads aren't made of super thin layers of plastic, they are naturally thicker than a disposable pad. That said, they are still pretty thin, and about 4mm thick.

HOW LONG WILL THE PADS LAST FOR?

Just like clothes…the better cared for the longer they will last. We've been using our pads for around 4 years and they show no signs of nearing their end of life! We'd expect them to last at least another 4, if not more. Keep good care of them and they could last even longer! When it is time to part with them, the pads are biodegradable once the popper is removed.

HOW DO I WASH MY PADS?

It is important to take good care of your pads. The more care taken, the even longer they'll last!

• Rinse/soak your pads with cold water (to prevent staining) as soon as you can after use.
• Either wash in a normal machine cycle or hand wash. If machine washing, this can be done max 40 degrees with no fabric conditioner. This can effect the absorbency of the pads.
• If hand washing, we recommend using a natural, non conditioning soap. Do not wring the pads out, instead you can fold and squeeze any excess water out once washed. The natural stainremover bar is great for handwashing pads and great for facial rounds.
• Once washed, you can very gently pull the pads back into shape for drying.
• Air dry, do not dry directly on a radiator as this can stiffen the fabric. If this happens, simply hand wash and re dry.
• Ensure pads are totally dry before storing for next use.

BUT…ARE REUSABLE PADS HYGIENIC?

We've been asked this question a lot - especially when doing market stalls and meeting people who wouldn't have otherwise bought themselves to our website by choice! It is a fair question if reusable menstrual products are completely new to you. The answer in short - YES! Remember, your period is an AMAZING natural bodily function. For decades, large corporations selling disposable products have marketed them as ‘sanitary’ products. Sanitary?! This word means to clean something that is dirty. Periods aren't dirty and unfortunately the billions spent on marketing over the years have ingrained this thought into both men and women’s minds. Hey….at the end of the day, it’s just a bit of blood….our periods weren’t made to be managed with toxic filled products that stick around on our Earth for hundreds of years. The materials we use are hypo allergenic, fast drying and breathable with NO toxins or chemicals. We personally don’t think using a bleached, chemical filled disposable product is hygienic or healthy. Please see our ‘Why Reuse?’ page for more info on why we feel the importance of using any type of reusable period product.

IS IT OK TO PUT PERIOD PADS IN THE WASHING MACHINE WITH OTHER ITEMS/CLOTHES?

Certainly is! You can use a delicate bag to group them together. Pads can go in the wash with everything else. We do recommend rinsing/soaking first to get the majority of blood out.
Ladies….remember those days where your period starts and your not prepared?! You bleed in your knickers and chuck them in the wash….so whats the difference?
Guys….if your reading, if you fell over, cut your knee and bled in your jeans, would you throw them away? Nope…. like we said, your period really is just a bit of blood from a natural bodily function. Nothing dirty to see here!

WASHING/CARE TOP TIPS:

• Rinse soak ASAP. Then hand or machine wash. NO fabric conditioner!
• Wash on 30 or 40 degree heat max.
• After washing, very gently pull pads back into shape while damp.
• DO NOT wring the pads at any point of washing!
• Pads can be popped together in a row for hanging to dry. Don't dry on a radiator!
• Please allow the pads to FULLY dry before storing.

WHO MAKES THEM?

Liners, pads and face rounds are all made mainly by Zohreh in Bristol, who started oFlo after not being able to find any truly plastic free menstrual pads on the market. The design is unique in that the pads feature one longer wing - this came through trial and error and wanting to minimise bulk when wearing. Zohreh has help from her sister who helps cut the fabric ready for sewing. Solar and renewable energy is used and save all offcuts to be used. Either for our reusable face rounds, or smaller peices are donated to be used for craft projects such as pillow stuffing.