1. Causes of period leaks during sleep
Period leaks during sleep are a nightmare for women, especially during winter when sleeping on a mattress. If you're experiencing this issue, it might be due to one of the following reasons:
Using an unsuitable sanitary pad
There are many types of sanitary pads available for women during their periods, including those with wings, without wings, for day, for night, and with different thicknesses and lengths indicated on the packaging. You need to understand your flow to choose the right type. If you have a heavy flow, opt for a highly absorbent, thick, and large pad. For heavy night flow, choose a night pad that is 35cm - 40cm long.
Not changing sanitary pads
Not changing your sanitary pad on time will cause it to "overload"
According to obstetrician-gynecologist recommendations, women should generally change their pads at least every 4-8 hours. Individuals with special conditions, excessively heavy periods, or gynecological diseases will have different changing schedules as advised by their doctors. When the pad is about 40-60% saturated (or after 4 hours of use), it should be changed. Leaving it on for too long is one of the causes of period leaks.
Wearing ill-fitting underwear
Sanitary pads are attached to underwear. If your underwear is too tight or too loose, it can cause the pad to shift when you stand up, sit down, or toss and turn during sleep. This can lead to period leaks.
Sanitary pad quality
Sanitary pads that are not absorbent or have poor absorbency can cause period leaks earlier than expected, especially for those with a heavy flow.
Additionally, poor-quality sanitary pads can negatively affect health and potentially cause gynecological diseases.
2. How to prevent period leaks during sleep?
The fear of "leaks" causes restless sleep, and the sticky feeling also makes women uncomfortable. There are many ways to prevent leaks and stay dry while sleeping.
Choose sanitary pads with appropriate length and thickness
When buying sanitary pads, consider criteria such as thickness, length, with or without wings, and absorbency.
For those with a heavy flow during sleep, choose night sanitary pads with maximum length and good absorbency. Currently, many sanitary pads are up to 40cm long. Pads with wings will adhere better and won't shift when you toss and turn. Additionally, change your pad right before bed to avoid waking up to change it.
After choosing a thick, long sanitary pad, position it correctly. The pad should be placed directly beneath the vagina, not too far forward or backward. Put on your underwear and check if the pad is properly aligned with your vagina. If it feels misaligned, remove it and reattach it for a comfortable fit, also ensuring that menstrual blood won't leak out.
Use period underwear
Period underwear is a special type of underwear designed with 4-layer absorption technology from France, providing excellent protection for "her" and preventing leaks.
- The first layer helps absorb moisture, creating breathability.
- The second layer provides high absorbency, equivalent to 3-5 regular sanitary pads.
- The third layer offers excellent drip and leak protection.
- The fourth layer secures the inner layers, providing durability and high comfort.
The absorbent pad of period underwear can be 35 - 45cm long. The thin and light underwear provides comfort for a full night's sleep. Notably, the underwear can also be reused for 3-5 years, so you don't have to worry about disposing of it immediately after use. Cleaning period underwear is similar to washing regular clothes.
Use a menstrual cup
A menstrual cup is small but mighty, allowing you to stay active with peace of mind.
Menstrual cups are made of silicone and are safe for women. In recent years, menstrual cups have become increasingly popular during periods. The cup's shape is designed to fit the body's structure, hugging the vaginal wall to prevent menstrual blood from leaking. It can stay inside the body for 6-12 hours.
Use a Tampon
A tampon is also a type of sanitary product, designed in a cylindrical shape with an appropriate size to be safely inserted into the vagina and fit snugly, providing absolute protection against menstrual leaks.
3. Sleeping positions to help prevent period leaks
Your sleeping position can also help limit menstrual blood from leaking onto your underwear. Sleeping soundly with less tossing and turning will help prevent the pad from shifting from its original position. Instead of sleeping on your back, which can cause back heat during sleep and the fear of menstrual blood flowing backward, you can sleep on your side, slightly curled up. This position also reduces abdominal pain during your period.
Sleeping on your side is both easy and helps reduce abdominal pain.
Choose a comfortable sleeping position, and you can place a pillow under your knees for a better night's sleep.
Above, Ru9 has shared some ways to prevent period leaks during sleep. During their periods, women often find it hard to sleep well. To improve your sleep, choose quality bedding to ensure you stay energized even on these uncomfortable days. Ru9 mattresses, made from safe, soft foam with millions of air bubbles yet very durable thanks to their multi-layered structure, will always keep your body stable, preventing back sagging that causes aches and pains.
Related articles:
- Does sleeping late affect a woman's period?
- Should you use a menstrual cup when sleeping?
- What to do for insomnia during menstruation?
