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Omaïki Lötus Cloth Pads Review

We just celebrated Earth Day, and with Earth Month coming to a close, it’s a good time to think about different ways we can reduce our impact on the planet. Most of us are pretty good at recycling, and many of you following this blog use cloth diapers, but you may not have thought about the amount of waste that disposable menstrual products create. All those tampons and pads, month after month, year after year, add up to create a lot of trash!

As a teenager and young adult, I used tampons and disposable pads. I didn’t know there were any other options, and to be honest, I don’t think I ever even thought about it. But then I became a mom and started cloth diapering. Like a lot of moms, once I started with cloth diapers, it was a natural progression to look for reusable alternatives elsewhere too. That’s when I discovered reusable menstrual cups and cloth pads. I love my cup for most of my cycle, but I wouldn’t want to go without my cloth liners and pads as backup and for everyday protection.

You may know Omaïki for their Canadian cloth diapers (we’ve previously reviewed their 3.Ö Hybrid and AIÖ diapers). Omaïki started out as a cloth diapering company, but over the last decade, owners Ariane and Anouk have worked continuously to improve and expand their line of reusable, eco-friendly products. Their latest addition is the Lötus line of reusable menstrual pads, and I recently had the opportunity to try some of their liners and mini-maxi pads.

All Omaïki’s Lötus products are made in Canada from Canadian fabrics. Their exclusive blend of bamboo and organic cotton make for silky soft and exceptionally comfortable pads.

Each panty liner is about 8.5″ long with wings that wrap around the gusset of your underwear and snap shut. When I compare them to other liners I’ve tried, they’re thinner and floppier. Because they’re so soft, they mold perfectly to the curves of my underwear and body. They’re ideal for everyday protection and as backup to my cup. Omaïki suggests these for pregnancy as well, and I can see how it would be nice to have that bit of protection from pregnancy discharge.

Mini-maxi pads are also 8.5″ long, ever so slightly thicker, and have a waterproof PUL backing. They’re still very soft and pliable and comfortable. I hate it when I can feel my pad bunching between my legs, but it isn’t an issue with these. Despite the waterproof lining, they’re still quite breathable and comfortable to wear. I do think they’re best used on plain cotton underwear though, as I find there is some sliding around with the PUL against “silky” undies.

Can we just stop for a minute and talk about Omaïki’s nature-inspired prints? They’re feminine and sophisticated, and I honestly don’t think I can pick a favourite. That Teal floral print is the newest print to the lineup. Isn’t it beautiful?

Each of those small wet bags is 6.5″ x 5.75″, and I received one in pastel for this review. Wet bags are a must have accessory to keep used pads in when you’re out and about. The main compartment zips closed for used pads, and it has a pocket on the side to keep clean ones in. I love having the two separate compartments, but I wish the side pocket had a zipper too so my clean pads don’t fall out into the depths of my messy purse. It looks like this has already been redesigned though, as I can see the new Teal wet bags have a snap (see above). Problem solved!

When it’s time to change your pad, here’s how to fold and snap them shut before putting them in the wet bag. This keeps all the mess inside until you get home.

How to fold your cloth pad

Washing Your Pads

So how do you wash these? You’ll be happy to know they don’t need any special care. Personally, I just put them in with my regular laundry. Some women soak their pads in cold water before laundry day, either with or without a little bit of detergent, but I don’t. If they’re particularly soiled, I rinse them out in cold water before putting them in the wash. I have some very minor staining on my pads, but honestly they’re menstrual pads. I don’t care if they’re stained, as long as they’re clean. I haven’t noticed any significant shrinkage either, even after going through the dryer.

Win a Starter Set of Lötus Pads

Omaïki is generously giving one of my readers a Starter Kit of Lötus pads with 2 panty liners, 2 mini-maxi pads, 2 maxi pads, and a small wet bag. Enter to win your choice of any in stock kit in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US, 18+. All the winner’s entries will be verified.

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Disclosure: I received sample items for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.

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