When it comes to periods, everyone’s experience is different. It follows that the period products you choose would be a matter of personal preference, dependent on your particular menstrual flow, menstrual cycle, comfort level, and lifestyle. You might even need a range of products to cover you on light versus medium versus heavy flow days. Panty liners could be the best bet for light flow days of your cycle; when you need a backup for unexpected periods or spotting; or paired with a tampon or diva cup for extra period protection. Whereas menstrual pads are likely the better choice if you need extra protection on heavy flow days; a comfortable but heavy-duty option for overnight wear; or really anytime during your cycle that you need a reliable tampon alternative with a high absorption capacity. Here’s everything to consider when you’re deciding whether panty liners or sanitary pads are right for you.
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What are panty liners?
Panty liners are ultra-thin menstrual products that are best suited for light flow days or spotting. They fit right in your underwear, held in place with an adhesive backing. LOLA’s panty liners are comfy and absorbent, made of organic cotton and free of synthetic fibers, chemical additives, fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleach, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
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Best uses for panty liners
The slim, ultra-thin design makes panty liners ideal for light flow days, whether that’s every day of your period or at the tail end, around day 4 or 5. You can also wear them as a back-up to another period product, like a tampon or diva cup, for extra leak protection. Not sure exactly when to expect Aunt Flo? Wear a panty liner as a just-in-case measure for peace of mind. If you’re active and want period protection that you’ll barely notice, panty liners are light and seamless. You can even wear them on non-period days, say, if you need a catch-all for post-period vaginal discharge, spotting between periods, or even spotting caused by hormonal fluctuations, such as after IUD insertion.
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What are pads?
Pads, also known as menstrual pads, sanitary pads, or period pads, are period products that provide a high absorption capacity. Thicker than panty liners, they’re available in different sizes that offer support from regular to heavy flow days. You wear them in your underwear, held in place with adhesive wings for extra security. They’re a great option when you need something sturdy and extra absorbent to wear overnight. Overall, pads are an easy-to-use, comfortable, and reliable choice for superior period protection.
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Best uses for pads
If you’re expecting anywhere from a regular to heavy flow during your menstrual cycle, you can count on sanitary pads for their high absorption capacity. You could wear pads on every day of your cycle, or just on the first couple days, when menstruation tends to be heaviest. Many choose period pads for overnight wear, because their thick, absorbent design will keep you dry and provide next-level leak protection. Plus, they’re comfortable: LOLA’s organic cotton pads are soft to the touch, and designed to fit securely in your underwear, leading to less chafing and bunching. They’re also ideal for sensitive skin, free of irritation-causing additives like fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleach, metals, or PFAs.
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Key differences between panty liners and pads
In a nutshell, panty liners are perfect for light flow days of your menstrual cycle, worn as backup in addition to a tampon or diva cup, or in case of an unexpected period. You can also wear them if you’re spotting or experiencing vaginal discharge between periods. Panty liners are ultra-thin and fit seamlessly in your underwear, making them super comfortable and low-maintenance (you might not even notice you’re wearing one). If you only need a thin layer of period protection, they’re your best bet.
On the other hand, menstrual pads are the reliable go-to when you need extra absorption capacity for regular-to-heavy flow days, including overnight wear. They’re thicker and certainly take up more space than panty liners, but they provide extra security and leak protection—and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ll get the job done on your heaviest flow days, without you having to worry.
Which product is right for you?
That all depends on your flow, lifestyle, and comfort preferences, and what day of your cycle you’re on. If you need something for a light flow, or even spotting or vaginal discharge between periods, panty liners should do the trick. If you’re usually set with a tampon or diva cup, but need one more layer in case of leaks, you can use panty liner for backup. As a bonus, if you’re active and want period protection that you’ll barely notice, panty liners are just the thing.
If you’re expecting a heavier flow throughout your period or on specific days of your cycle, and you need a reliable, highly absorbent product that won’t have you worrying about leak protection, sanitary pads literally have you covered. Many prefer sanitary pads for overnight wear because they’re comfortable, highly absorbent and fit securely in your underwear, helping curb leaks as you’re tossing and turning.
Whether you opt for panty liners or pads, you’re in good hands with LOLA. Our products are made with natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly ingredients that are safe for you, inside and out. Made with 100% organic cotton, our menstrual pads and panty liners offer period protection with soft, absorbent materials for sensitive skin. And our products are free of fragrance, synthetic fibers, chemical additives, dyes, chlorine bleach, metals, or PFAs, so you don’t have to worry about irritation, skin reactions, or other unwanted health effects.
Whichever you decide, be it panty liners for light flow days, spotting, or vaginal discharge, or sanitary pads for super absorbent, heavy flow protection including overnight wear, LOLA has safe and effective options for you to choose from. Explore our collection of period products to find which is the best fit for you, your flow, and your comfort.
Choose LOLA’s clean period products for organic, hypoallergenic protection that’s safe and effective. Shop Organic Period Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to wear a panty liner every day?
Yes, it's generally okay to wear a panty liner every day. Be mindful of your personal preference and needs as liner usage varies from person to person. We recommend changing your liner every 4 to 6 hours, though really you can change it as often as you need to depending on your body.
What are the disadvantages of panty liners?
Panty liners can cause irritation, infections, and other problems if used incorrectly or worn for long periods of time. We recommend changing your liner every 4 to 6 hours, though really you can change it as often as you need to depending on your body.
Our ultra thin liners contain three ingredients: 100% organic cotton (topsheet and core), plant-based bioplastic (backsheet), and non-toxic adhesives. LOLA liners are free of: synthetic fibers, super-absorbent polymers, fragrance, deodorant, dyes, and chlorine bleach. And like all LOLA period products, they’re gynecologist-approved, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin.
Disposable period care products contribute to waste. All LOLA wrappers, boxes, and bottles are recyclable. You can find the specific recycling information for each product on our Help Center.
Are LOLA Tampons recyclable?
Are LOLA products considered biodegradable?
Can I compost LOLA products?
What are the disadvantages of pads?
Pads can cause irritation, infections, and other problems if used incorrectly or worn for long periods of time. We recommend changing your pad every 4 to 6 hours, though really you can change it as often as you need to depending on your body.
Our pads are made with a GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton topsheet, polypropylene (helps distribute liquid and prevent leakage), polyethylene backsheet and wrapper, cellulose (natural fibers in the core), acrylic acid (super absorbent polymer in the core), and non-toxic hot melt adhesives. As always, LOLA pads are hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin, and free of fragrance, deodorant, and chlorine bleach. Pads are tested to ensure no detectable levels of PFAs or related chemicals.
Disposable period care products contribute to waste. All LOLA wrappers, boxes, and bottles are recyclable. You can find the specific recycling information for each product on our Help Center.
Are LOLA Tampons recyclable?
Are LOLA products considered biodegradable?
Can I compost LOLA products?
Choose LOLA’s clean period products for organic, hypoallergenic protection that’s safe and effective. Shop Organic Period Products