The best sanitary towels in the UK 2023

According to statistics from Group'Hygiène revealed in 2005, a French woman uses approximately 290 menstrual protections/year, including sanitary napkins. The latter, whether washable or disposable, is especially prized for its ultra-absorbent quality and comfortable fit. If you are having trouble finding the best model, feel free to browse this guide in its entirety.

Rovtop 7 pcs
9/10

Editor's Choice

Rovtop 7 pcs

The best sanitary napkin in 2021

Presented in a pack of 7 pieces, each measuring 25.4 cm, this model from Rovtop is essentially made of natural materials such as bamboo charcoal.

15,19 £ on Amazon

The Rovtop 7 pcs is designed primarily for women with a constant menstrual flow. Each piece is both washable and reusable and is 25.4 cm long. It has 4 distinct layers of material. The medium microfiber layer ensures optimal absorption. Thanks to it, the intimate part remains dry. The bamboo fiber is anti-bacterial. More breathable, soft, refreshing and bringing you a maximum of comfort, it allows to protect your skin in any circumstance.

The Rovtop 7 pcs sanitary napkin also includes PUL layers. Their best asset is their anti-leak capacity and their complete impermeability. To attach the sanitary protection device to the female underwear, you have 2 wings and snaps. It is possible to machine wash your sanitary napkins and wash them in cold water.

Abena Premium Maternité Pads
8/10

Best cheapest

Abena Premium Maternity Pads

The best entry-level sanitary napkin

You have just given birth? To reduce your expenses, we recommend this sanitary napkin in a set of 14 pieces, very absorbent and minimizing the risk of skin irritation.

11,12 £ on Amazon

As the name suggests, the Abena Premium Maternity Pads are designed for new mothers. It is characterized by its anatomically shaped pads that are perfectly suited to the needs of all women who have just given birth to their child. Postnatal incontinence and leakage will be a thing of the past. This model guarantees excellent protection and gives you the opportunity to better focus on your little one.

When using the Abena Premium Maternity Pads, you will feel dry at all times thanks to the Dry System technology. The feeling of comfort is not left out. In addition to the innovative odor protection system, the sanitary pad will also let you benefit from the Air Plus technology, letting your skin breathe easily. A self-adhesive strip on the back of each sanitary napkin keeps it in place.

Always Ultra Secure Night
9/10

Best high end

Always Ultra Secure Night

The best premium sanitary napkin

Now you don't have to deal with leaks at night. The Always Ultra Secure Night features a larger back panel, a 60% increase over the normal size.

33,44 £ on Amazon

Finally! You'll be able to sleep soundly without worrying about leaks thanks to the Always Ultra Secure Night, which is 60% longer at the back than conventional models. It effectively absorbs all the liquid in just a few seconds via its InstantAbsorb system. Your skin stays dry and you won't have any more stained sheets during your period because of its leakage protection. Best of all, it limits odors with its OdourBlock technology, so you'll have a peaceful night.

Each piece in the Always Ultra Secure Night pack gives you up to 10 hours of protection. It was tested by dermatologists from the Skin Health Alliance before it was put on the market. With the Flex&Fit system, the pad will stay in place without restricting your movement. And if you want to increase the level of security even further, it has SecureGuard contours that also have an absorbent core.

Rael en coton bio
8/10

Excellent choice

Rael in organic cotton

The quality of natural materials

It is light, airy, comfortable and easy to use. This exceptional sanitary napkin includes an absorbent core and side edges that reduce the risk of leakage.

14,04 £ on Amazon

1 pack is good, 2 packs is better! For a little less than 20 €, you can afford this 2-pack of very high quality sanitary napkins with a total of 56 pieces. The absorbent diapers are made of 100% organic cotton certified without GMO. They help keep your intimate area cool while preventing leaks. Unpleasant odors are eliminated and if you have sensitive skin, you can be sure you'll never be irritated in that area of your body. In short, you will have peace of mind despite the abundance of your menstrual flow.

Adhesive wings complete the package for maximum wearing comfort and safety. The non-toxic glue, from a renowned German company, will not come in direct contact with your skin, but allows you to hold the pad on your underwear. Please note that each sanitary napkin is offered in an individual packaging. Of a very weak thickness, it will be able to make itself of most discrete.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best sanitary napkin

Any specific needs?

The best sanitary napkin in 2021

The best entry-level sanitary napkin

The best premium sanitary napkin

The quality of natural materials

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best sanitary towels

THE BEST CHEAPEST TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Rovtop 7 pcs
9/10
Abena Premium Maternité Pads
8/10
Always Ultra Secure Night
9/10
Rael en coton bio
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Rovtop 7 pcs
Abena Premium Maternity Pads
Always Ultra Secure Night
Rael in organic cotton
Presented in a pack of 7 pieces, each measuring 25.4 cm, this model from Rovtop is essentially made of natural materials such as bamboo charcoal.
You have just given birth? To reduce your expenses, we recommend this sanitary napkin in a set of 14 pieces, very absorbent and minimizing the risk of skin irritation.
Now you don't have to deal with leaks at night. The Always Ultra Secure Night features a larger back panel, a 60% increase over the normal size.
It is light, airy, comfortable and easy to use. This exceptional sanitary napkin includes an absorbent core and side edges that reduce the risk of leakage.
Material
Bamboo fiber, PUL layers, 100% waterproof laminate fabric
Cellulose fluff, polypropylene, elastane
Synthetic fiber, cellulose, absorbent gel beads
100% organic cotton
Number of pads
7 pieces
14 pieces
20 x 9 pieces
2 x 28 pieces
Dimensions
25.4 x 19 cm
35 x 15 cm
-
25 cm long
Size
Average
Long
Size 4
Regular
Weight
220 g
35 g
0.77 kg
226.8 g

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Buying guide - sanitary napkin

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How to choose your sanitary napkin

#1 - Absorption capacity

This is the first thing to consider to avoid accidental leakage. There are several types of sanitary pads on the market, such as daytime, nighttime and end-of-period pads. For example, thin pads can only absorb light flows. Note that flows are not the same at the beginning, middle, and end of the period, and they differ from woman to woman.

#2 - The flows

As mentioned above, flows are not always the same for each woman, and periods are not always of the same intensity. They are often light at the beginning and end, and very heavy in the middle. It is therefore recommended to buy thin and thick models, or simply models adapted to the different flows.

The number of drops (the pictograms in the shape of drops) is a factor, as this is the basis for determining the absorption capacity of a pad. A light flow pad usually has two drops, while a heavy flow pad has three to five drops. Special nighttime pads are designed to last for 8 hours and with an enlarged area at the back.

#3 - The material

It is especially for washable models that the material is paramount. Indeed, for this type of sanitary napkin, it is important to ensure that the material is skin-friendly and environmentally friendly. Cotton is soft, comfortable and environmentally friendly. Other materials used by manufacturers include hemp, polyester, fleece and jersey.

#4 - The shape

The choice is yours when it comes to shape: thick or thin, with or without wings. Thick, maxi or classic towels provide more comfort and protection. Thin, ultra or extra thin pads are more discreet, but not suitable for heavy flows. In any case, whether you choose a thick or thin model, it will always be effective if you choose according to your flow and your needs. Not all models are equipped with wings, also known as side guards or flaps.

With a sticky strip, they offer more protection on the sides and provide a better hold. For washable pads, make sure they are thick enough, have a Velcro or snap closure to keep them in place, and have a leakage barrier to protect underwear.

How to use a sanitary napkin?


Easy to use, the sanitary napkin provides a feeling of well-being and comfort during menstruation. Whether you use a washable or disposable pad, it's important to know how to use it properly so it sticks to your panties. You can also check the instructions to be sure.

If you use a washable pad, note that the soft side sticks to the skin. The other side, which is waterproof, gives you protection by preventing the flow from seeping in. Next, attach the snaps on both wings so that your pad is properly positioned.

If you're using a disposable pad, make sure your hands are clean before you use it. Next, take your pad and peel off the sticky strip on the back of the sanitary napkin. Also remove the two strips on the back of the flaps if your pad has wings on the sides.

Next, stick the pad to your panties and make sure that it is placed in the right direction. Once done, place it on the middle part of your panties, then fold the wings over the edges, gluing them under the garment. Now all you have to do is put your panties on. When you are done, it is strongly recommended to wash your hands again.

In order to avoid the development of microbes, but also bad smells, you should not wait until the sanitary napkin is saturated to change it. It is strongly advised to put a new pad at least every 4 hours. Also, be careful not to throw your sanitary napkin in the nature or in the toilet. Please put it in the trash in a plastic bag or in its packaging.

Sanitary pads or tampons?

Sanitary napkins

Small, rectangle-shaped absorbent devices, sanitary pads are the easiest way to control monthly bleeding or periods. They are available as washable or disposable sanitary pads, both of which offer optimal protection against bleeding. They are attached to the panties with adhesive bandages or snap fasteners.

However, sanitary towels do not only have advantages. They can become awkward and also slip off when you move a little harder. On the other hand, you can't use them if you are used to wearing thongs, because of their not very discreet sizes.

Tampons

The most reassuring and discreet menstrual protection remains tampons. They are made of compressed paper materials that easily absorb blood from the vagina. They are very easy to use, just insert them correctly and they will stick firmly in place. The main advantage of tampons is that they give you more freedom during your period, especially if you are involved in activities such as dancing or swimming.

Plus, if you wear them, you don't have to worry about their visibility, unlike sanitary napkins. On the other hand, tampons can increase the risk of bacterial growth in the vagina. These bacteria can cause fevers, vomiting or diarrhea, etc. In addition, some women are frightened by the idea that tampons have to be inserted into the vagina.

Verdict

The choice between these two menstrual protections is up to each woman's preference and what her body can tolerate. Choose tampons for their practical and discreet size. However, opt for sanitary pads for complete and long-lasting protection, especially at night.

Why buy a sanitary napkin?

To avoid staining clothes

The main purpose of a sanitary napkin is obviously to absorb blood flow so that it does not stain underwear and possibly clothing. It absorbs and contains the bleeding so that there is no leakage, an excellent alternative to the tampon. Unlike the latter, which must be inserted inside the vagina, it serves as external protection.

Models with side protectors are recommended so that the slip does not get stained on the sides. It is also advisable to change the pad every 3 hours to avoid irritating the vulva.

It is easier to use than a tampon

It is clear that the sanitary napkin is easier to use than a tampon. It is enough to fix it on the crotch of the slip, it is provided with a self-adhesive band. For those who are afraid of inserting and removing a tampon, this is the best alternative. The same applies to those who suffer from endometriosis, for example, or those who do not like the sensation of blood flowing.

It is easy to carry

Since you have to change the pad every 3 hours or so, you should always carry some with you. Like tampons, sanitary napkins can easily fit in a purse or pocket. Daytime pads are smaller than nighttime pads. This makes them easy to carry, especially since most brands currently offer sanitary pads in individual bags.

The best brands of sanitary towels

In our opinion, the best brands of sanitary towels in 2022 are :

Ruby
Natissy
Jobebe
Vania
Always

Founded by Crystal Etienne in 2015, this company has developed smart, intuitive, patent-pending technology that offers maximum absorbency, leakage and stain protection, peace of mind and total discretion, so period days can feel like every other day. This brand is very effective and does not cause any discomfort, its Ruby maternity range says a lot about the quality of the product.

Natissy is a high quality sanitary napkin brand as it offers products made from 100% cotton fabric. The motto of the brand is to facilitate the daily life of women with products that are easy to clean and that preserve health.

Jobebe is a brand of online shop that markets washable sanitary napkins made of 100% cotton fabric. The brand is not yet known to everyone but is starting to leave its mark little by little.

Founded in 1967, VANIA is a French brand with more than 1,346 sister brands and over 2,583 competing brands. VANIA is owned by Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, which is listed on the Paris stock exchange. This determines its reputation and the quality of the product it offers.

This brand is world famous. It is specialized in sanitary napkins and tampons. But recently, its new product range is the very famous anti-leakage briefs. The brand was founded in 1983. It produces articles that are appreciated worldwide.

What is the price for a sanitary napkin

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 15 £
High-end
more than 15 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Clean your washable sanitary napkin properly

After removing your used towel, place it in a basin of cold water and let it soak until the day of the machine wash. You can add a dash of lemon juice or a few drops of essential oils to the water to get rid of bad odors and bacteria. On laundry day, rinse and wring out your towels well before putting them in the machine.

Never use the dryer

It is strictly forbidden to put your washable sanitary towels in the dryer. The high heat could damage the absorbent fabric. Instead, opt for air drying, ideally under the sun. The sun's rays will help disinfect it and the clean air molecules will help remove dust.

Opt for dark colours

Washable sanitary napkin manufacturers compete creatively with trendy colors and flirty patterns of all kinds. So there are sanitary napkins for every taste and need. However, we strongly advise against choosing light shades, as stains will be very visible. Instead, choose dark colors such as black or navy blue.

Think about special panties for menstruation

Actually, there are specialized panties for the menstrual period. These are all-in-one panties with a barely visible built-in absorbent pad. This is a welcome solution for those who have heavy periods at night or for those who are simply looking for optimal comfort.

Keep one or two sanitary napkins in your bag at all times

It is important to always have a few sanitary napkins on hand, whether they are washable or disposable. Since your pad needs to be changed every 4 hours, it will save you from spending money to buy some when you go out. It's also a great way to avoid getting caught by an impromptu period.

FAQ

What makes sanitary napkins so absorbent?

Initially, sanitary pads were made from a cotton-based absorbent and a waterproof liner. These have evolved into ultra-fine synthetic sanitary pads that use a super absorbent polymer (SAP) with a polyethylene backing.

Are biodegradable plant-based sanitary pads better than synthetic ones?

Yes, in several ways. First, plant-based sanitary pads are better for women's health as well as the environment. With the use of processed natural fibers such as banana, organic cotton, bamboo and jute, biodegradable sanitary pads are totally eco-friendly. SAP is replaced by a cellulose-based hydrogel. These sanitary napkins are gentle on the skin, comfortable and have a low carbon footprint.

How often should I change my sanitary napkin?

There is no standard answer for how often you should change your pads during your period. It will depend on the flow of your period. Changing pads regularly is extremely important to ensure good hygiene and to avoid vaginal odour which can be uncomfortable.

How do you determine the comfort level of a brand of sanitary napkin?

Sanitary napkins are made of cotton or plastic mesh. Everyone's skin is different, so comfort levels with certain materials also differ. Some girls prefer a soft feel while others may prefer a mesh top layer. The type of material also affects its breathability.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , 60millions-mag.com
  3. , thehealthsite.com
  4. , dansmaculotte.com
  5. , lamaisondubambou.com
  6. , servietteshygieniqueslavables.com
  7. , selectos.eu
  8. , dansmaculotte.com
  9. , consommonssainement.com
  10. , mondialtissus.fr
  11. , carrefour.fr
  12. , always.fr
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , plim.fr
  16. , dansmaculotte.com
  17. , lamaisondubambou.com
  18. , pharma-gdd.com
  19. , etsy.com
  20. , marcia-creations.fr
  21. , auchan.fr
  22. , rustica.fr
  23. , greenweez.com
  24. , monbusinesslongrich.com
  25. , lilinappy.fr
  26. , vania.com
  27. , cocooncenter.com
  28. , chouettekit.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Rovtop 7 pcs
Rovtop 7 pcs
Abena Premium Maternité Pads
Abena Premium Maternity Pads
Always Ultra Secure Night
Always Ultra Secure Night
Rael en coton bio
Rael in organic cotton

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