Exceeded Expectations - comfortable, discreet, read and follow care instructions
thinkECO pads are my first experience with cloth, reusable menstrual pads. I am impressed with the product and grateful that I made this investment. The bottom line of this review: these pads are comfortable, absorbent, and discreet. Caring for them does take additional effort, but is worth it to preserve the quality of the pads. (I'll detail my care steps below.)<br /><br />Prior to using thinkECO, I almost exclusively used Always brand ultra thin or infinity pads. I first purchased the thinkECO day pad three-pack to "test them out." After using them (in conjunction with my remaining disposable pads) for two cycles, I decided to invest in a "set." I was impressed with their performance and the fact that I did not notice I was wearing the pads. They are very absorbent, yet thin enough that they do not bunch-up. I purchased a set of 5 liners, 3 day pads, 5 day pad plus, 3 night pads, and 3 night pad plus. My periods are typically 5-7 days, with 2-3 days of heavy bleeding. So far this has been the right amount of pads for my need. If you use Always ultra thin pads, I would compare the the thinkECO to these sizes: Pink (slender) and Yellow (1) - day pad, Green (2) and Blue (3) - day pad plus, Orange (4) - night pad, and Purple (5) - night pad plus.<br /><br />READ THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS. I read some reviews prior to purchasing that individuals were upset because the pads shrank in the dryer. The instructions plainly state this may happen. Make sure you let them AIR DRY, every time. I washed all of my pads in cold water with a fragrance-free detergent on the delicate cycle and let them air dry prior to wearing. When actually using the pads, I rinse them in cold water after wearing, then put them in a glass soaking pail with cold water and Borax. This water does get a bit stinky, so I change it out at least every-other day. When my period is done, I dump all of the pads and the dirty water in the washing machine and run a cold, delicate cycle with Borax and detergent. After washing, I stretch them (they don't need much, but pull length- and width-wise) and put them on a drying rack.
Rating: 5 stars