Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Rose Morah
No one likes traveling during their periods, especially if you experience extremely heavy periods.
Personally, I have had my fair share of embarrassing moments when traveling during my periods.
We recently carried out an online survey on 600 women to know their experiences when traveling on period and how they handle those experiences.
Below were the findings:
Summary: Out of the total participants:
- 55% experienced normal period- 330
- 30% experienced heavy flows- 180
- 15% experienced light flows- 90
- Total = 600
Related: How to deal with heavy periods when traveling
Out of the 180 women who experienced heavy periods, 5% (9) said they experience a smooth time when traveling on heavy periods, while the remaining 25% (45) said that they experience a difficult time.
Those who experience a smooth time during their heavy periods stated that:
- They don’t experience leakage.
- They don’t mind making frequent visits to the washroom to change or check if the pad is in the right place.
- They are comfortable wearing any type of clothes during their periods.
Those who experience a difficult time during their heavy periods stated that:
- They do experience leaks, especially on heavy days.
- They prefer staying at home during these times to avoid the stress and worry of traveling while on periods.
- They normally have to make frequent visits to the bathroom to change in order to prevent leakage.
- They can’t wear certain clothes, especially bright colors, during these times.
If you fall under this group, this article will help you deal with periods and possibly learn a few hacks that you can use on your next trip.
Based on the information provided by women who experience a smooth time during their period, the pie chart below shows what they use to help them have an easy time.
- 25% found their ideal sanitary pads.
- 60% use other alternatives.
- 15% wear period panties.
And when it came to the choice of sanitary pads, these were the must-have features of their preferred pads:
- The sanitary pad should have a high absorbency.
- It should be the right size, and able to stay in place when you’re moving around.
- It should have a material that absorbs immediately, hence leaving you feeling dry.
- It should be leakproof.
- It should be able to neutralize odor.
Unfortunately, many sanitary brands claim to have these features, which leaves most consumers confused. So, they end up trying each sanitary pad out there, searching for “the best”.
Based on research and the feedback we received from the participants, we managed to come up with a list of the best and most preferred sanitary pads.
Best sanitary pads when traveling on heavy period
- Always Maxi Feminine Pads
$38.95
Always Maxi Feminine Pads are still one of my favorites and are great during heavy periods. Additionally, a majority of women in the survey said that they preferred these pads because:
- They stay in place.
- They rarely leak.
- They are very comfortable.
Always Maxi Feminine Pads are best for sleeping while traveling because they provided a 2X larger back which helps prevent leakage while sleeping.
Their ability to lock in leaks and neutralize odor for longer hours while sleeping makes them the ideal sanitary pads to wear when sleeping in a hotel or as a guest at a friend’s/relative’s house.
But, on the downside, a few people said that they felt like they were wearing a diaper when wearing these pads. Other than that, the pads are great and last overnight with no leakage.
- Always Radiant Feminine Pads
$38.90
Always Radiant Feminine pads are yet another great set of sanitary pads for use when traveling. Their soft and flexible nature makes them suitable for ladies traveling for long hours.
I have not used these pads, but over 30% of the women who responded said they were using the Always Radiant Feminine Pads.
Most of them were happy with these pads because:
- They did not experience wetness discomfort.
- The pads neutralize any bad odor.
- They don’t leak.
- They give them confidence while in public, traveling, or at work.
- They are not bulky.
- They are breathable.
Additionally, they are good for traveling due to their neat disposal packaging. However, their scent can be strong, especially if you’re someone who hates strong scents.
3. Rael 100% organic cotton menstrual pads
$21.99
Rael 100% organic cotton menstrual pads provide you extra comfort when traveling due to their soft and breathable sheets.
They also help alleviate any unpleasant irritations and odors.
They have also been well designed to prevent leakage through their ‘leaker lockage technology’.
Best Sanitary Pads Alternatives
In the survey, we were also able to identify great sanitary pad alternatives, and surprisingly 80% of the women who took part in the survey also mentioned them.
So, what else can you use besides pads?
- Tampons.
- Period Panties.
- Menstrual cup.
- Reusable/washable cloth pads.
PERIOD PANTIES
No doubt period panties are a lifesaver when it comes to preventing period leakage.
Here are some of the best period panties.
- 3 Pack Bamboo Skin-Friendly Absorbent Menstrual Period Panty
$33.99
- These panties are breathable.
- They are great for sensitive skin.
- They are comfortable and invisible.
- They help prevent leakage.
- Habibee Women’s High Waisted Underwear.
$18.68
- These pants are super comfortable.
- They are also soft and great for sensitive skin.
MENSTRUAL CUPS
We noted that a significant number of women who mostly experience heavy periods had switched to menstrual cups from sanitary pads.
According to them, this was a great alternative especially when traveling.
Personally, I use menstrual cups mainly because of comfort and I don’t have to always worry about leakage since I also happen to travel a lot. Additionally, I don’t have to keep changing pads or worry about any odor.
Women who recommended menstrual cups stated that they give them confidence because they have no leakages. Additionally, they felt as if there was no difference between the normal days and their period days because everything went on smoothly and worry-free.
However, before you buy one, I’d recommend you know your cervix size for a better experience.
(If not sure, you can contact the seller on their social media pages to help you before buying the menstrual cups. Most of them respond faster, especially those that I have listed below).
And additionally, after buying a menstrual cup, watch video tutorials to help you figure out the best way to insert it. But the good thing about these cups is:
- Most of them fit easily.
- They can stay up to 12 hours.
- They are reusable.
- Saves you money.
$39.95
$19.99
$39.95
Must-have essentials when purchasing a menstrual cup.
- Menstrual Cup Case Holder
$12.95
The menstrual cup case holder:
- Is very convenient.
- Prevents menstrual cup contamination.
- It is affordable.
- Great when traveling.
The downside of using a menstrual cup is having to clean it and ensure that it is 100% clean before inserting it. But this menstrual cup steam sterilizer cleaner has made things much easier.
- With this cleaner, there is no need to handwash your cup. It washes your cup and kills up to 99.9% of germs in just 3 minutes.
- It comes with no chemicals.
- It is easy to use.
- It is automatic.
- It is portable due to its lightweight.
How to prevent leakage during your period
- Wear the right underwear for the type of sanitary pad.
- Have the right pad size.
- Put the sanitary pad in the proper position.
- Buy the correct level of absorbance sanitary pad for your type of period.
- Sleep in the right position.
- Don’t stay with a full sanitary pad.
- Always check to ensure that you’ve set it in the right position, especially if you are doing a lot of activities.
- Wear period underwear. They provide extra leakage protection.
- Track your periods.
- Try using a different period product.
How to protect sheets from period leakages
Use leak-proof bed protectors to help protect sheets from periods.
