I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect period products. Let’s just say there’s been a lot of trial and error over the last year. This post is filled with TMI detail, so if candid menstruation talk bothers you, you may want to read one of our other posts. Check out our softdiscs review – a period product.
Softdiscs did not pay us for a review of their product, we purchased and reviewed on our own to ensure an honest review.
Since I went off the pill 18 months ago (for health reasons) my period has been a hot mess—or as my gynecologist says “normal”, but whatever. I get a week of spotting, then 3-5 days of medium to heavy-heavy flow.
Probably more than you wanted to know about my uterus but oh well too late.
Soft Discs were recommended to me by a friend who I’ll refer to as the vagina whisperer. To be fair, I spent 6 months ignoring her recommendation because I was a little nervous to go fishing to get that thing out. After my first use, I realized what an idiot I was, and wished I listened to my girl sooner.
Putting in the Softdisc
I found this much easier to use than my Diva Cup experience. Honestly, it’s goes in with ease, so much so I thought I put it in wrong (I didn’t). Putting in the Diva Cup was torture, so I was just a little in shock it the discs weren’t harder to use.
I watched this video before inserting and it was spot on. Check out Softdiscs- formerly Instead Soft Cup’s YouTube video
How long do you Keep it In?
The Softdiscs Website states you can keep it in up to 12 hours. Here is what worked for me. On my light-medium days, I kept it in 12 hours no problem. But on heavy heavy days, I took it out around the 7-hour mark.
Pro-tip for newbies—wear a panty liner (these are my favorite) when you are getting used to the Softdiscs to see how it works with your flow.
Overnight Use
The reason I went on this menses journey was to search for a non-pad overnight solution. I’m not comfortable wearing a tampon for more than 4 hours and unfortunately, I suffer from a skin condition (hidradenitis suppurativa) that is exacerbated by pads rubbing on my skin overnight.
Organic products are a blessing, but I don’t trust the fluid retention for in the organic products for overnight use. Surprisingly, Softdiscs are a great fit for overnight use. I woke up and changed it first thing in the morning and didn’t have a problem my entire cycle.
Removing the Softdisc
Removing is easy and less anticlimactic than I built up in my head. Nerves got the best of me, which is why I put off using this product. I thought I would panic and not be able to reach the discs.
I washed my hands used my pointer finger to hook the rim and pulled out excited that I got it. My mistake was not following the removal recommendations because I made a big mess. I’ll spare you the graphic details.
Related posts:
Learning a lesson, the next time I took the disc out in the shower, something I do with the Diva Cup as well. By the end of my first softdisc period, I figured out how to succeed. My novice mistake was pulling down on the disc like how I remove a tampon. What I should have done was follow the instructions, shocker. For success, bear down and slowly remove the Softdisc out level to the toilet so the contents don’t splatter out.
Softdisc Pros
- No risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome due to the medical grade materials
- Leave it in up to 12 hours and can use the bathroom as normal throughout the day
- FDA approved and BPA free
- You can have sex with one in but don’t use it as a contraceptive
Softdisc Cons
- Disposable, not reusable.
- No applicator
Overall Score: A
Right now, Softdisc are the product to beat for my period. I found the Diva Cup hard to get in and out. I find organic products wonderful but not very absorbent. Overall, I have love for this product and this will be my go-to. I can’t wait to try Honey Pot, but they are so popular these are sold out frequently, so I’ll follow up when I do.
Do you have a favorite period product? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Subscribe to get our new posts right to your inbox.
Thanks so much for your post!!! I feel so much better to try the disc!! I didn’t know they were that cool!!
It’s my new obsession!
That was an interesting read. I haven’t tried any of these newer period products – I appreciate your honest review!
Thanks so much for this review. I’ve used a diva cup before. I loved it at first, but then it started leaking. Gah! Now I’m on the hunt for something else. I will definitely look into these.
– Stephanie |
now post menopausal, I sure do not miss those days. That’s one of the advantage of getting older!