RED Reusable Day or Night Pads

Liners and Pads fit inside your pants by means of a sticky strip, which keeps them in place. There are different types of pad and it is a matter of choice, which style you use. Panty liners are the least absorbent, so most people use those when their periods are at the lightest. It can be helpful to wear one if you think your period will be starting soon or as an extra layer of protection if you’re wearing a tampon or period cup. There are pads with and without wings. Some are for the earlier days of your period when the blood loss is heavier, and others for less heavy days towards the end of your period. Many companies make night or super pads which are often thicker and a bit longer. Most liners and pads come individually wrapped so remove them from their wrapper and place them sticky side down in your underwear. Advice is to change your pad every 3-5 hours to keep yourself feeling fresh and to avoid any leaks. When you’re ready to replace or remove your liner or pad, simply pull it from your underwear and wrap it in toilet paper (or the original wrapper) before disposing in the bin. Never flush period products down the toilet.

Always refer to (and keep) the product information leaflet that is provided with your tampons, follow that advice directly, paying close attention to the symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Some tampons you insert using only your index finger, and other tampons have an applicator to help you to insert it into the vagina. Tampons are also available in different sizes to suit the amount of blood lost during a period. Always start with the smallest size available to minimise risk of TSS. A tampon works by absorbing blood inside the vagina so that you always feel dry outside. You can tell if you’ve put a tampon in the right way as it will not feel uncomfortable, move, or fall out - in fact you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. Make sure your hands are clean and dry and remove the tampon from its wrapper. For applicator tampons, there are two tubes one inside the other. Extend the inner tube fully before you insert your tampon. Make sure the cord is hanging outside the inner tube. Hold the applicator with your thumb and middle finger just below the ridge, point the tip of the tampon towards the base of your back and gently push the applicator into the opening of the vagina. You know your tampon is in correctly when you can’t feel it at all. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable in any way and the string should always be visible outside of the vagina to easily remove it later. When it’s in as far as it will go, hold the outer tube and push the inner tube inside to release the tampon. Carefully pull out the applicator leaving the cord hanging down. Tampons should not be worn for more than 4-8 hours to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is very easy to remove a tampon - gently pull the little cord, drop the tampon onto some toilet paper and throw it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet! Toxic shock is rare but can be serious. Be sure to change your tampon regularly and look out for these symptoms: headaches, sore throat, dizziness, fever, vomiting, rashes, muscle ache or diarrhoea.

Some tampons you insert using only your index finger, and other tampons have an applicator to help you to insert it into the vagina. Tampons are also available in different sizes to suit the amount of blood lost during a period. Always start with the smallest size - mini. A tampon works by absorbing blood inside the vagina so that you always feel dry outside. You can tell if you’ve put a tampon in the right way as it will not feel uncomfortable, move, or fall out - in fact you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. Make sure your hands are clean and dry and remove the tampon from its wrapper. Uncoil the withdrawal cord so that it hangs down and check that the cord is knotted together and secure. Holding the tampon in one hand, position your index finger on the cord end of the tampon, point the tip of the tampon towards the small of your back. With the other hand, gently separate the folds of skin at the opening of the vagina Using your index finger, gently ease the tampon into the vagina. Push the tampon upwards and backwards as far as possible so that the tampon cannot be felt. You know your tampon is in correctly when you can’t feel it at all. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable in any way and the string should always be visible outside of the vagina to easily remove it later. Tampons should not be worn for more than 4-8 hours to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is very easy to remove a tampon - gently pull the little cord, drop the tampon onto some toilet paper and throw it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet! Toxic shock is rare but can be serious. Be sure to change your tampon regularly and look out for these symptoms: headaches, sore throat, dizziness, fever, vomiting, rashes, muscle ache or diarrhoea.

An expert review of independent research claims it is now safe to wear a tampon overnight (up to 8 hours). If you choose to do this, a tampon should be inserted before going to bed and changed immediately upon waking. Always remember to remove your tampon before inserting a new one.

Reusable Pads are just like disposable pads except you can wash them and reuse them. Use reusable pads exactly the same as you would disposable ones. Place them in your underwear and secure in place with poppers and wings. Be sure to wash your pads before use - some, especially those made of cotton or bamboo become more absorbent the more they are cleaned. Keep used pads in a bag or box if you can't rinse them straight away.

If your period cup or tampon feels stuck, try not to panic. We always advise you seek medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned. In the meantime, try to: Relax and take deep breathes, this will relax your muscles making it easier to remove the product. For period cups, make sure you have squeezed to release the vacuum seal before trying to remove. Gently pull the tampon cord or base of the period cup to see if you can feel it loosening – be slow and gentle and do not continue if you feel any pain. Ring your doctor or seek professional medical advice as soon as possible if the above does not work.

It’s important to use period products safely and follow guidance on how long to wear each product time. Changing regularly will keep you feeling fresh and prevent leaks too. Disposable pads and liners: 3-5 hours Tampons: 4-8 hours Period Cups: 10-12 hours Reusable Pads: 10-12 hours Period Pants: 10-12 hours This advice relates to Hey Girls products and considers advice received by our suppliers.

Never flush any period product down the toilet. This can cause water blockages and also adds to water pollution. When you’re ready to dispose of your used period products, wrap it in toilet paper or the original packaging before popping into a bin.