How can I avoid staining my bed during periods?
Two main things can disrupt your sleep during your period: period cramps and the fear of staining your bed. Period stains or leaks on clothes or beds can be concerning especially when you are not in the comfort of your home.
First, it is important to note that period stains or leaks are normal and common; and nothing to be ashamed of. Most of us have had moments when we experienced a leak during our period. The best thing is that period blood can be easily washed from fabrics if attended to soon.
Some reasons why leaks happen:
- You have worn your period product for longer that it can no longer hold more flow
- Your flow is heavy and the product you are using is not suitable to handle that much flow
- You don’t wear the period product well –it may have moved as well
- You move too much and the movement makes your period product move in position thus leading to a leak
- Sleeping position e.g. sleeping on your back which leads to letting blood flow through your butt crack to the sheets/mattress
How to avoid or reduce the stains or leak
Here are some things you can do to prevent or reduce leaks:
- Wear thicker sanitary pads with a wider surface area especially if you have a heavy flow
- Change pads, tampons, or menstrual products before bed
- Double your protection by using two products e.g. tampons and pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear
- Wear well-fitting underwear that holds your pad into position well while sleeping
- Change the period product at night if the period is heavier –you can set an alarm for this
- Put cotton wool, tissue paper, or a piece of cloth between your butt crack to absorb blood
- Wear period panties that are designed to prevent leaks –these can be a bit pricey but they are effective if affordable
Note: While changing a sleeping position during your period can help, you may not be able to control your sleep positions once you fall asleep, so you should not stress about sleeping positions.
What tricks do you use to prevent or reduce staining your clothes or bed during your period? Talk to us in the comments section.