Quality Chicked: Tampons

In our new series, Quality Chick-ed, QuirkyChic is touching on a mildly embarrassing topics with regards to personal care every month. In November, well, let’s just say we are concerned with our time of the month…

Judging by the lack of tampon brands in the market, it is clear that Singaporean women have yet to embrace the use of the tampon. But after trying it out recently (you know it’s one of those unfortunate circumstances where your period arrives and you have no pads on you and have to borrow from someone? Well, that person gave me a tampon instead) I have to admit that I kind of like it!

First of all, it is much less messy than a pad because it begins absorption in your cervix instead of allowing it to drip unceremoniously everywhere on the pad. There are no more horrible run-ins with ‘nappy rash’ no thanks to the uncomfortable abrasion from pads and it is breathable and much more comfortable (instead of being hot and itchy) because the tampon acts as a stopper which means you can just don your undies. No panty liners required.

The only thing to take note of? You have to remember to change your tampon else it could lead to infections or something called Toxic Shock Syndrome. So tampons aren’t recommended for night use because you have to change them between 4-6 hours. But if you are careful, then tampons are safe to use.

Let’s move on to our reviews. First up, Tampax!

Tampax

Tampax Cardboard has an absorbent core designed to fit your unique shape, along with a LeakGuard® skirt to help stop leaks before they happen. Each tampon comes in a strong durable wrapper and has a biodegradable applicator with Anti-Slip Grip™.

Tampons cost alot more than pads in Watsons and Guardian primarily because they aren’t as popular (I think this box costs $17?) but for a box of 20 that promises up to 8 hours of no leakage absorption, it seems like a pretty good deal. On average, I use about 6-8 tampons on a heavy flow day of my menstrual cycle. Sadly, I think this spiked number is a result of me having to change the tampon once every 4 hours instead of their advertised 8 hour duration. It is virtually impossible in my experience to be able to withstand 8 hours without spotting or leaking. In terms of pad usage, I would say that it seems like a decreased amount but not significantly, perhaps only a pad or two more as compared to tampon usage.

But it isn’t all bad, my experience with tampax was pretty pleasant because of their cardboard tube applicator that allows you to insert the tampon more accurately with little fuss. Also, while the ends do start to fray, I didn’t experience back flow which is great for extended periods of time where you are working at your desk or taking a short nap and it does save you the hassle and discomfort (which is the main reason I run to the toilet to have my pad changed so often). My only gripe is that because it starts to fray, this might leave some residue on your panties so as an added precautionary measure, I applied a pantyliner as well which is some ways, kind of defeats the purpose of a tampon in the first place. As such, my rating for Tampax tampons are…

o.b

o.b.® tampon’s FLUID-LOCK® grooves pull fluid into the core for locked-in leak protection you can wear for up to 8 hours*. So you can keep your cool and get out there with confidence.

The main difference between o.b and Tampax is really the packaging. As you can see, because Tampax comes with an applicator, the packaging tends to be abit bulkier compared to o.b. that fits 32 tampons in a sleek compact little box. Also, o.b. doesn’t believe in an applicator. It markets itself as the ‘smarter tampon’ that creates a “protective pocket that surrounds your finger with soft fibers while you insert, to help you stay clean and protected”. As such, this minimises waste and is actually better for the environment (smart marketing angle imo).

But what I really liked about this tampon is the material which isn’t exactly cotton but made from polyester/polyethylene non-woven material which I feel has greater absorbency. I actually didn’t have to change my tampons as many times as I did compared to Tampax and I felt that thanks to the grooves, it actually provided much better protection. I didn’t experience spotting or leakage at all which is quite amazing. So there was no need for that extra precautionary panty liner barrier. I also felt that this was more comfortable in terms of fit so I think o.b has a good overall solution to my menstrual woes. I much prefer this brand to Tampax.

For more information on tampons and its use, o.b. has a very helpful FAQ page here but for more professional advice, do seek a doctor’s opinion especially if you are concerned about Toxic Shock Syndrome and whether or not tampons are really for you.

The opinions here are strictly my own. The content of this web site is provided for informational purposes. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. As previously mentioned, it is not advisable to wear a tampon over extended periods of time or to wear one in certain situations that may heighten your risk of infection so please use at your own discretion. Of course, consult your GP or health care provider immediately with any problem or health concern you may have.