I was given the chance to test out a cloth pad that is made of different materials then I myself use.  The top is quilter’s cotton (batik), the core is bamboo flannel and bamboo/hemp fleece, the back is WindPro fleece. At first glance it feels stiff, but that is the way its is made (not a bad thing). But the Liner I was given for review was still a thin cloth pad, it just felt a little stiffer then my cloth pads (SnappyPads). I gave this cloth pad a wash before using it, which you should do with all new cloth pads.  I was impressed by the stitching, it was pretty. The pad was very comfortable while I was wearing it, and it didn’t move on me while I moved. ( that is a big thing for me with short pads, the shifting) I wore this pad with my first day, waiting for my period to really start. And I hand washed it so I could wear it on another period day. I did not have any issues with leaking or bunching.

The pricing on the Yurtcraft cloth pads is very good.

Here is what I was given for the price chart:  I’ll give you the prices starting at the lowest absorbency, each step up in absorbency adds 25 cents to the price of the pad. The absorbency is liner/light, regular, heavy, and ultra.

These prices are supper, and reasonable so we can afford to build a full set. I plan on using this pad with my cup every time I can, I will be ordering some more as well to have a full set for liners.

I love my Diva cup!! It was suggested that I use the size 2 cup, since I had been pregnant and delivered a child (via C-Section). I have normally used the smaller sizes of the cups and found they worked good for me. I was using the size 2 Diva cup for about 3 months and kept having issues getting it to pop open for me the right way. So I had been in touch with my contact at the Diva cup company who was very helpful in giving me different suggestions on how to insert the cup differently.   I was given the chance to test out the smaller Diva cup as well. It was a world different to me, went it correctly the first time, and I have not needed to fight to get it in or out. I am recommending the Diva cup to all the women who will listen to me talk about it. I thought, since I haven’t seen any, you would enjoy some comparison pictures of the two cups. I think there is a size difference, as small as it measures out to be. It made a difference for me.

Here are the pictures I have taken ( both cups might look slightly discolored. mainly from the light and them being used) In the 3rd picture I wanted to show you how the small cup almost fits inside the large cup. I didn’t manipulate the cup at all, just set it inside the large cup.

For anymore information on the Diva cup please go to their website, http://www.divacup.com/

I was given the chance to take pictures of both sizes of the Moon Cup UK cups. I personally think that the Large cup is only a little wider and a little longer then the Small cup. Size A measures 46mm in diameter and 50mm in length. Size B measures 43 mm in diameter and 50mm in length. Both sizes have a pull stem 21mm long, which you can trim to the length that is right for you.   Please look at their website for their size chart (http://www.mooncup.co.uk/about-the-mooncup/which-size.html) I am lucky enough to be able to switch between cups most the time. So I wear the larger cup most the time, but on sensitive days I wear the smaller cup.

I Loved the chance to compare the two sizes, I hope you enjoy the pictures.  ( Please forgive the smaller cup has a little discoloration from being used)

The Softcup is like a menstrual cup, but at the end of the 12 hours of wearing it you would dispose of it like a tampon. I think this is a middle step between disposable products we are used to seeing and the menstrual cups that will last for years. This is a great product for those who are not ready to commit to a single product for years at a time. Or for someone who is super busy and likes the convenience of being able to start with a fresh product ever 12 hours. There also would be less cleaning and maintenance with a Softcup.

The Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around the cervix. Unlike a menstrual cup which sits low in the Vaginal canal. Both collect the blood instead of absorbing it like a tampon would. The Softcup is hypo-allergenic and latex-free, good news to those of us with sensitive skin.
There is also a reusable version of Softcup, which is reusable for one whole cycle at a time ( meaning you would be able to use it for one full period, and need to replace it when your period is over).
For some, an interesting fact about Softcup, is that you can be intimate while using it. (Some call it clean sex, having sex while on your period.)

The Softcups have been in the market and on store shelf’s for over 10 years. They were formally packaged and sold under the name Instead softcups. But have changed the package recently and now market with the name Softcup. It’s the same wonderful product with new packaging.

I used the Softcup for one of my cycles, and it was a little tricky to learn at first. I am an avid menstrual cup user, so this was a little different for me. But after a few  attempts I was able to get the Softcup inserted properly.  The trick to knowing the Softcup is inserted properly is that you shouldn’t feel it when you have it in. If you do, you are able to take it out and try again. They are single use, but there is forgiveness if you need to insert it again. There are some great video’s on the Softcup website if you need a little help with getting the Softcup inserted. I found them very helpful.

I think this would make a great product for a woman who is on the go a lot or doesn’t want to wash a menstrual cup out. Women who want to get away from tampons would like this product as well. There are no strings, fiber, or chemicals in the Softcup.  You can start fresh every 12 hours and not worry about it. The Softcup will not effect how you do sports or activities, it will not fall out of place.  I find this a great step toward reusable menstrual products, and it still has the convenience of being disposable.

http://www.softcup.com/

I was recently given the chance to test out and review a menstrual sea sponge. It was an idea I found very interesting after finding out that they are all natural. And that Cleopatra herself used these for her own periods.
Sea Pearls are completely natural reusable tampons. They don’t contain Dioxin or synthetic fibers like store shelf tampons. They are reusable for about 6 months, some women have been able to use them for longer. Like other products I have reviewed, the lifespan can be extended based on the level of care.
Sea Pearls are extremely comfortable and soft. They can be trimmed to fit each woman’s unique form. The need for trimming is based on how the Sea Pearl feels when you test it out the first time. It’s recommended that you trim just a little at a time around the outer edge. You shouldn’t feel the Sea Pearl while you have in inserted. A big plus about using the Sea Pearls is that it can be used during sex while your having your period. The website states that some women chose to use the Sea Pearls for contraception with a spermicide, I have not tested or seen tests on this though. I would recommend talking with your Doctor before using anything as contraception.

The Sea Pearls come in Three different sizes, Teeny, Regular, and Large.
When I received my Sea Pearls in the mail I was a little surprised at how big the Large was, I would say about the size of a small egg. But a little trim and it was a good fit.
I tested out all the sizes and loved them all. If you were to buy all three sizes I would recommend the small for when your waiting for your period to start, or it’s really light. I found that supper convenient, to have the comfort of not feeling like I was wearing anything. But having the confidence knowing that if my period did start I was covered.

The only down fall I would see to using a Sea Pearl, is that you have to get it wet to insert it. When it’s being stored it drys out and is hard to the touch. So if you were out in public and needed to go insert your Sea Pearl,  you would have to stand at the common area wash sink and get it wet before you went into a stall.

The Jade & Pearl Sea Sponge would be a great fit for a woman who wants something completely natural and doesn’t want to use a menstrual cup or cloth pads. I think this would have a higher learning curve then the Menstrual cups or cloth pads do. But well worth it in the end.
If your normally a tampon user this would be a good switch for you. I don’t agree with using “shelf Tampons” (store bought Tampons) based off of what they are made out of and how they effect women’s bodies. Sea Pearl’s are not going to harm your body, because there are no chemicals in them. They are not bleached to look clean, like tampons.
With the low cost of replacing the Sea Pearls, it’s not going to put a dent in your wallet at all. Figure in about $15 every 6 months, that is not bad when compared to $8 per box ( I haven’t checked prices on Tampons in over a year) per month. That is about $50 for 6 months of Tampons, or $15 for a 3 sized pack of Sea Pearls that will last you for 6 months.
I’m very grateful to have been able to test out this product. I loved them and would suggest them to any Tampon user.

http://www.jadeandpearl.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=18

First thing I need to say is that at this point in time JuJu cups are not being sold in the USA or Canada at this point in time.

The JuJu menstrual cups are made and sold in Australia. JuJu is manufactured by Freedom Products, an environmentally conscious, privately owned Australian company which was founded in 2009. JuJu was approved for sale by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) in February 2011.

I love that this company states their goals out in the open. And they are such great goals. Their core mission is to encourage  women to embrace their periods as a sign of health and fertility. And JuJu wants to provide women with a healthy, green, and most cost effective method to disposable pads or tampons. Doing this gives women personal freedom and helps greatly reduce waste in landfills. They do not test any products on animals ( and clearly state so on the packaging and their website).

“The word JuJu travels back to West African rituals which ascribe magical powers to a small object worn like a charm. In this tradition, good JuJu is believed to cure ailments of mind an body and can be the result of a good deed or selfless act.”

“We believe the name JuJu is appropriate for our menstrual cup because it is a small object worn by women. Without a doubt the single most notable ‘good deed’ that comes from using a JuJu, in place of traditional disposable sanitary products such as pads and tampons, is in the benefit to the environment. By eliminating the 10,000 disposable pads or tampons you would otherwise use in your lifetime – you can make a difference to the world our children will inherit.” -from JuJu website

They only come in the one color, which is clear, the cups are made out of medical grade silicone. I think that the cups are made clearer then most other cups I have seen. I love the cup design, its detailed and in such a way that it wont make it hard to clean when your done using it. Like most menstrual cups out there this cup has the name of the company branded on the rim of the cup. But it does not stand out so much that it would make it hard to clean the inside of the cup, it’s almost flush with the cup. There are also grip rings at the base of the cup, which many women find handy. The stem on the JuJu cups is very stretchy and flexible. I normally trim most of the stem off or completely off of the cups I use. This stem might not need to be removed or trimmed at all. I tested my JuJu cup without trimming at all. I did feel it for a split moment but after a few minutes the cup shifted into a position that I no longer felt the stem.

The JuJu cups are available in two sizes. A large and a small, that can be used by women of all ages. Size 1 is recommended for women who are under 30 years old and have NOT had children, size 2 is recommended for women who have had children ( C-section or natural) and women who are over 30 years old. I myself am 27 and had a C-section with our child, so I chose to test the size 2 JuJu. And I found it very comfortable, a touch bigger then the cup I normally use. But I liked the size and how comfortable it felt while I wore it. I almost forgot I was wearing it.
For measurements of the cups please look at their website, which is linked at the end of this review.

JuJu is made in the same country the company is originated, in Australia. Which I find great to hear that they don’t manufacture it in another country.

Like most other cups, JuJu can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, but at that time all you need to do is empty and wash it. Then you can continue using your JuJu.

Here is a Link to the JuJu website.

http://www.juju.com.au/

I was recently give an opportunity to do a personal review on the Diva cup. I’m excited to have been given this opportunity.

The Diva cup was designed in 2003, made of top quality silicone. With the goal to meet the needs of today’s women. I love that the Diva cup was created by a Mother and Daughter team.

The Diva cup is latex free and is made from top quality silicone. This is a material that has been used in the healcare industry for over 50 years. In case your wondering, its not the same silicone that is in breast implants, and there is no chlorine, dyes, colorings, or any additives of any kind.

Think of it this way, have you make the switch from plastic store bags to reusable bags? Switching from disposable pads and tampons to reusable pads or cups is about the same. Both are very significant in their own ways.

With switching to the Diva cup, my periods are better, almost happy. No chemicals is my main pride in making the switch. I think if more women knew how many chemicals are in the disposable pads and tampons, they too would switch to reusable. Studdies have shown that 60% of women
experience leakage every months with pads and  tampons.The Diva cup is reliable, most women feel confident with it and don’t need to worry about leaking.

Most women when approached with the idea of a menstrual cup are grossed out. There was a similar reaction when tampons were introduced as well. Once you take the time and learn about the Diva cup you will be pleasantly surprised how clean and not messy it really is.

I have tested the Large (size 2) Diva cup, it took me a few minutes to have it inserted properly. I think mainly that was becasue I don’t normally use the larger cups. But I will be now. I’m loving how the Diva cup feels. I almost forget that I’m wearing it, that’s how comfortable it is.

Just think of how cool it is to have no worries about leaking, no odor, conveniance, comfort, clean and helps save the planet. It might sound hard to belive that this could be reality, but try it. And you will see how wonderful and true it is.

The Diva cup is suitable for women of all ages. Please look at the Diva cup website (linked below) to see which size would work best for you. If you feel the cup, it has not been inserted properly and you should try to insert in again.

The Diva cup is made of soft silicone that actually softens with the body heat, so you shouldn’t feel the cup when it’s inserted properly. The Diva cup is great for women with all types of flows. The Diva cup will hold one full ounce and and the adverage woman’s flow is about 3 or 4 ounces in her entire cycle.
It is always recomended to empty your cup every 12 hours, which is twice a day, and rinse it/ wash it. If you have a heavier flow you will just need to empty it sooner. You will learn to feel when you need to empty the cup after a few cycles.

I myself tend to not wear a cup at night, but with this cup I had no issues with night wear.( remember to empty your bladder and cup before going to bed) If you need to empty your cup while your in public you can use a wet travel wipe, wet paper towel, or toilet paper. Some women even bring a bottle of water in the stall with them to rinse the cup out. I have tried most of these methods, I think that using a wet travel wipe has worked out best for me.

You might be thinking that if you find tampons uncomfortable to wear, that you wont be able to use a menstrual cup too. But that’s not correct. I myself can’t wear a tampon without lots of discomfort. But I have no issues with the menstrual cups. I find them so comfortable and easy to use. They have a little higher of a learning curve then tampons do, but they are still very easy to learn.The Diva cup, like some other cup brands, has
measuring lines inside the cup. Some women measure how much their flow is to tell their doctor, or for personal resons. I find it interesting to know how much flow I have every month. It also helps clear up the question of, is my period really considered heavy? I thought I had really heavy periods before I started using the cups, but now know that it just felt like more.

I have given the Diva cup a true test run, and found it supper comfortable. The soft silicone is a bennifit because it forms to the body for extra comfort. I love silicone because it is nonallergeinic, which means most women will not have any allergy to silicone. There are some women who are allergic to silicone and latex, ask your doctor if your conserned about any allergies. After giving the Diva cup a test run, I think this is a Fantastic cup. I love how comfortable this cup is. I don’t feel it while I am wearing it, and that is a huge point factor for me. The Diva cup is one of
my top favorate cups now. Fallow the link to Diva cup’s website and order a cup for yourself and give it a try, I bet you will fall in love with this cup too.

Link- www.divacup.com

I think the biggest difference with the MeLuna brand is that it’s made from TPE. TPE is a special mixture of plastics. So it’s not  made of silicone or latex. That’s great news to those who have sensitivities to silicone or latex. The MeLuna cups are free of PVC, Silicone, Latex, and Proteins. And that means these cups are anti allergen (or hypoallergenic as we call it here in the USA).
The MeLuna comes in four different sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large), so women of all ages and backgrounds can use this brand. The measurements are listed on the site. The medium cups is a little smaller then most other companies small cups. Which is a nice for us who think those small cups are a touch big. I myself use a Moon cup (the Keeper company Moon cup) , and found the medium MeLuna to be smaller and a comfortable fit. There is no strict guide line on what size cup women should use. But the MeLuna states that younger women or women who have not given birth (or had a C-section) have preferred the small or medium size. Women who have given natural childbirth have preferred medium or the large. I have measured the XL sized cup, and it’s only a little bigger and longer then a Lunette size 2.
As with most other brands, follow the instructions on cleaning the cup as each company recommends. I would say that using a mild soap and warm water would be best,that’s what I do with my cups.
MeLuna suggests emptying the cup 2-4 times a day. I think after using your cup for a bit, you will know when you need to empty your cup. Most cup instructions state to empty every 8-12 hours. (Remember to relax when inserting or removing your cup. All cups take a little getting used to) MeLuna has four different stem models and can come without a stem at all. I normally cut the stem off my cups, so having a cup made without a stem was wonderful.
Most times when you cut the stem off, the base is still a little stiff. But the stemless MeLuna still has a soft base.
The MeLuna will last 5-10 years, based on well you take care of your cup ( the same applies to all cups). It’s best to keep  menstrual cups out of direct sunlight. And to keep stored in a bag, out of direct sunlight.

Please note that the XL cup doesn’t show on the website. But they do make them. It just needs to be ordered personally.

I loved this cup and would recommend it to those who need smaller sizes. But mostly to women who have sensitivites to silicone or latex

link- www.meluna.eu

I was recently given the opportunity to do a review for GladRags. For those not familiar with the name, GladRags is a Portland based company that makes and sells cloth menstrual pads. GladRags started in 1992 as a home based business and quickly grew.

I was excited to review GladRags, I like to see pads different from what I make. GladRags are an envelope with insert style pad. Which a lot of women like. The primary pad acts as a “Shell” and is the main part of the pad ( the piece you snap into your panties). After that, there are inserts that you can place inside the shell. The benefit is that you can choose how many inserts you will need based on your flow (I.E. shell and one insert is equal to a panty liner).
I was interested to see what a night pad ( which can also be used as a postpartum pad) with the insert would be like. The SnappyPads are AIO pads (all in one, meaning basically no inserts or separate pieces to put together).

The GladRag pads are very soft and comfortable. These pads are sewn together with a serger machine ( which sews only around the edge), and are very durable.  The night pad I tested is made almost and AIO style. I say almost because the pad still comes with inserts to place under the pad. The night pad itself has a single layer of terry cloth inside, the extra inserts are very useful if it’s a heavy night. I was able to use the night pad without the inserts on a light/medium night, but would recommend using them for anything more.

The GladRags day pad is very similar without the terry cloth. This is and envelope style, with inserts. I like how you can choose how thick you need the pad to be. I think this pad would be best used as a liner and personally found it to bee too bulky with more then one inserts ( Obvious, opinions may vary, so check it out for yourself).

The GladRags are great pads, and last about 10 years. I think the patterns are very cute, and I would recommend this company to those who like the envelope style.

I want to say Thank You to Tracy at GladRags. Thank you for allowing me to do this review. It was fun to test out the GladRags.

For more information please go to www.gladrags.com