That-time-o-the-month skivvies

How to add absorbent material to your undies and never buy maxi pads again, or toss them in landfills for that matter. This took me all of about 5 minutes. I like these a bit better than cloth pads b/c they are thinner, don't shift around, and are more comfy to bike with. But others have posted neat patterns for cloth pads, so look them up too!

Step 1 Materials

I use packs of cheap undies and kitchen towels from Trader Joe's. The towels are made of the same material as camp towels, I think, so they are soft, washable, and absorbant. You can use terrycloth, flannel, old socks, whatever you want, but i happen to like this combo. I use single ply in combination with a Moon Cup, but ymmv, so double or triple up if that's your steez. Of course, toss the whole shebang in the wash before you start to get out any sizing and/or cooties.

Comments

[jesirose]

Good idea, however I have a few points: 1. Without a moisture blocking layer, you run the risk of leakage staining your outergarments. You can buy rubber sheeting at a fabric store to add to this setup. 2. Many people would need thick layers, and the thicker you make it the longer it will take to dry. Making an insert which can be removed, unrolled and washed and dried individually will speed up wash/dry time and be more clean.

[steph99]

Hey, good feedback! Thanks! 1. For heavy output, you're right, this wouldn't cut it. I personally would be more apt to go with more layers of fabric than a moisture blocking layer b/c a little leakage is less hassle to me than risking the dreaded yeasties. (btw, you probably already know this, but 2 home remedies are garlic or yogurt applied directly. Another way to skip a trip to the pharmacy and a $morethaniwanttopay expenditure.) This slapdash "design", such as it is, works for light days or as a backup to sea sponges or a Keeper/Cup. Though...Maybe a breathable technical fabric? Ha, Gortex undies is definitely more high tech than I am willing to go. :-) 2. Yeah, I have a cloth pad that comes with an extra layer that you can put inside. It's a good idea, but I find it thick and uncomfortable. However, with this design it would be super easy to just pop another layer in under that one that's sewn in. Could even stitch in a touch of velcro. The towels I use here are very, very quick drying. When used to sop up water, most of the water can be rung out, and it dries completely very fast. I still like your point about more complete cleaning, though.

[blodefood]

Try nylon shell in the next to outer layer.  It is breathable and it will help prevent leaking if it is not too heavy.

[Nynaeve]

I am in the habit of simply sewing my own cloth pads, but I like this idea as well. Must try, thanks for the ible. :)

[lyora]

haha. i like the way you worded that.

[bubblewrap74]

It could be worth making the absorbent part a dark colour like maybe... red?

[curious_george]

neat idea :)

[lil_timmy1990]

(removed by author or community request)

[adamsdead]

i nvr thought this would be here

[higgrobot]

With a few modifications the guys could wear them as a fart mufflers

[steph99]

With a few more mods and we could harvest methane. Get on it!

[!Andrew_Modder!]

Woot!!! your thinking great! :-P .. i mean, who doesnt want to harvest there farts, aha seriously, i mean you can like freaking put a bottle of fart juice in some1s face :-X! eww... definatly go for it :-D ...the only way, without goint 'inside' is to put a funnel-and- a bottle under water, and making the gas go into the bottle :-P thats nasty cool! hahah

[ryzellon]

There are several studies on how "bovine-released methane" is a major greenhouse gas, and more potent than CO2. I think they were claiming that cow farts are causing global warming.
I think that's another source of ... *ahem* gas, just waiting to be tapped.

[steph99]

Actually, has been tapped. Stoves that use biogas from manure are common in Asia, especially India. Here's an interesting article about a digester that makes biogas from food waste:

ARTI Biogas Plant: A compact digester for producing biogas from food waste

<3 appropriate technology<3

[ryzellon]

I had meant tapping the source: the cows themselves. As per the previous comments about using underwear to trap gas, I was suggesting bundling cattle up in gas-catching diapers. I'm fairly sure this technology isn't being developed, or at least no one in my grad. conservation program has heard of it. ... Though I doubt any of us are researching it in the first place.

[steph99]

Oh. Yeah. I don't think that would scale well. :-)

[ryzellon]

Sorry for the thread hijack, but the idea of cow-gas was far too amusing to my sleep deprived mind that I came up with a diagram. (Maybe it'll amuse someone, but if it's too obstructive, I'll delete this comment.) Enjoy.

[oinkoinkzoopals]

thats an auwesome picture

[oinkoinkzoopals]

after reading this chain i totally forgot this was about mestration

[carpespasm]

hilarious!

[T3h_Muffinator]

HAHAHAHa That's SO cute!

[a grain of alt.]

I can't believe I'm getting involved in this thread... but you totally just saw that on mythbusters C'mon, all instructablers watch mythbusters!

[!Andrew_Modder!]

yup! :-)

[jessyratfink]

Haha, well, at least the guys aren't screaming "EWWWW!" and running away. ;) This is a very good idea, though. I haven't seen anything like it before now. You'd think more women would have come up with this! Take that, surprise periods!

[mrmath]

See my first thought was that some women couldn't use these. Their, um, flow would be too heavy. My next thought was that they would eventually be stained beyond use.

[jessyratfink]

It's not like these would be the primary form of protection or anything. I just think they would be great to wear around the time you know your period will start. I've ruined so many pairs of panties due to day early periods. :P They'd also be good to wear during your period for surprise leakage. I'm really forgetful and sometimes I forget to carry back up pads and tampons, so having the extra absorbent layer would buy me some time! I'm just sick of ruining my good underwear.

[Weissensteinburg]

Actually...that was my first reaction for a comment.

[zachninme]

I think because we're either mature enough to not do that, or we don't get it :P