My First Sustainable Swap: Reusable Pads

When I first started exploring sustainable swaps, I’ll be honest—I was nervous. Period products were one area I never thought I’d be able to change, especially because I have PCOS and extremely heavy periods. For years, I relied on disposable pads, going through 10–15 a day, constantly worrying about leaks, and often avoiding leaving the house out of fear.

So when I heard about reusable pads, my initial reaction was: There’s no way these will work for me.

The First Try: Cotton Pads

I started out with reusable cotton pads and even made my own at one point, the first I had a small leak within about 30 minutes after this I quickly realized I didn't trust the level of protection they gave me and I felt anxious about leaks. I needed. They were soft and eco-friendly, but for someone with heavy flow, they weren’t reliable. That almost made me give up on the idea entirely.

Enter Regn: A Game Changer

Then I discovered Regn pads. They’re made from bamboo, which makes them super soft, naturally antibacterial, and incredibly absorbent. The difference was unbelievable. Instead of needing 10–15 pads a day, I only needed 2-3 - Changing every 4-6 hours. That alone was life-changing.

I invested in 2 packs of 5 - Choosing the heavy flow pads, which came with a waterproof storage bag for when I’m out and about, plus a laundry bag to make cleaning easier. That thoughtful little detail made the transition feel more manageable and less intimidating.

I've been comfortable wearing these to work. They are bulkier than disposable pads so I bought larger pants to conceal these and allows me to wear my leggings still without feeling like they are visible through. 

Cleaning Routine

After using them, I give the pads a quick rinse in cold water to help prevent stains, then pop them in the laundry bag. From there, they go straight into the washing machine with my usual laundry (no fabric softener, as it reduces absorbency). I let them air dry, and they’re good to go again.

The Benefits I’ve Noticed

• Comfort: Bamboo is so soft against the skin, no irritation like I sometimes had with disposables.
• Confidence: I finally feel protected enough to leave the house without worrying constantly about leaks.
• Cost Savings: No more buying endless boxes of pads every month.
• Eco-Friendly: I’ve cut out hundreds of disposable pads going to landfill.

Final Thoughts

Switching to reusable pads felt like a huge leap at first—especially with my heavy flow—but finding the right product made all the difference. For me, Re:gn pads were the swap that worked, turning what used to be an exhausting and wasteful part of my life into something more sustainable, comfortable, and manageable.

If you’ve been curious about reusable pads but hesitant (especially if you struggle with heavy periods), I can honestly say this has been one of the most empowering changes I’ve made on my sustainability journey.