Sea Sponges instead of Tampons
a sea sponge (dry)
Why Sea Sponges?
As some of you may have heard, there are dangers associated with using tampons. In addition to TSS (toxic shock syndrome), studies are now scrutinizing the cancer-causing bleaching agents used in mainstream tampons and sanitary pads. (Some more on that here.)
As a wonderful alternative, many people have switched to using natural sea sponges. (For more alternatives, see below.) This is a traditional method, and is once again gaining in popularity. Sponges are sold commercially for this use, but are rather expensive when purchased this way, so I recommend just buying large sea sponges, and dividing them yourself.
The best thing about using sea sponges, is they are soooooo
comfortable. When moistened with clean water, they are soft, supple and
absorptive. There's none of that horrible dryness that tampons cause (which
is not only uncomfortable, but is, I believe, what causes TSS). Also,
unlike tampons, they're safe & comfortable to use for light flow,
or no flow. For this reason, they are great for using at night, which
is not recommended with tampons.
How are they used?
- Divide large sponge into appropriately sized pieces (see below)
- Dampen & carefully inspect each piece for small sea shells or foreign objects by squeezing the sponge at various angles, and looking
- Sew some dental floss through them, if you like, so they'll be easy to take out
- Sanitize them (see below)
- Finger-insert them, just like OB tampons.
Store them dry, and dampen them with clean water before
use, squeezing out extra water. Generally, just be sanitary. I personally
will wash them out thoroughly with natural dish-soap, sanitize them (see
below), and then use them again. That feels sanitary to me, but go by
your own preference.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Sponges
I just discovered this website which sells sponges for menstrual use. There is great info here on how to use and care for sponges, and how to sanitize them. They do not recommend boiling them, which is what I have done in the past, because it shortens their life-span. (I can attest to that.) Check out their clever alternatives, which I plan on trying! So far I've tried the baking soda in water solution, and it has worked great, so I plan on sticking to that. (Soak sponges in a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda dissolved in 1 cup warm water, and rinse them.)
Will a sponge be enough protection?
I recommend using a panty liner in conjunction with the sponge. Because they are so flexible, you will get some spotting when you contract the muscles around them. Just to warn you--this will happen when you sneeze, if the sponge is full. I have light flow, and find a thin cotton panty-liner to be more than sufficient for catching such sudden spotting. For people with very heavy flow, it may be more practical to think of the sponges as a way of reducing the flow to your pad, to keep you dryer and more comfortable longer, while viewing the pad as your primary protection.
As far as the sponge itself goes, I buy large sea sponges and cut them into strawberry-sized small ones. A large strawberry size will be comfortable and efficient. They compress quite a bit, so even though this might sound big, I promise you won't even feel it once it's in. If you have really heavy flow, you can even double up on the sponges. (They are so comfy, you won't even notice, really!)
A great combination in general, is to use the sponges in conjunction with a washable cotton panty-liner/pad like Glad Rags. These cotton pads are comfortable, dioxin-free, earth-friendly, and also adjustable in thickness to accommodate different flow. They also have a very clever design which will keep your underwear clean, and you will never again have to deal with that horrible adhesive stuff sticking itself to your thigh! I've used Glad Rags on their own, but, like most pads, I find the moisture level irritating. Using a sea sponge to reduce flow to the pad, however, is a perfect solution. They complement each other completely. I have found this combination far more comfortable than any mainstream sanitary products out there.
Other Alternatives
If sea sponges don't appeal to you, try unbleached (dioxin-free) tampons and pads like Natracare, which can now be purchased at any well-stocked health-food store. Or, try using washable cotton pads like Glad Rags on their own. Experiment. If you want to take things slowly, try using the sponges as overnight protection. Maybe you will be comfortable using them for that, but prefer another method in the day. Do what feels right for you!