The full comparison
| Disposable Pads | Wonder Pads (Cloth) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, synthetic fibres, fragrances, gels | Cotton, bamboo, fleece — soft, breathable, natural fabrics |
| Comfort | Can cause irritation, rashes, or discomfort — especially with sensitive skin | Gentle on skin, breathable, irritation-free for most people |
| Chemicals | Often contain dyes, bleaches, fragrances, and synthetic additives | Free from harsh chemicals and toxins |
| Waste | Single use — 1 pad takes up to 500 years to break down in landfill | Reusable for 3–5 years with proper care — significantly reduces waste |
| Cost | Repeated monthly purchase that never ends | One-time investment — saves money over time |
| Environmental impact | High carbon footprint, heavy landfill burden, plastic packaging | Eco-friendly, sustainable, zero plastic waste |
| Customisation | One-size-fits-all, limited options | Custom sizes, absorbencies, lengths, and fabric prints |
| Odour control | Plastic backing traps moisture and heat, can increase odour | Breathable fabric reduces odour naturally |
| Health impact | Linked to skin irritation and hormonal disruptors in some studies | Skin-safe and toxin-free — better for long-term health |
Does cloth actually save money?
Yes — but the maths only works when you look at it over time. A starter cloth pad stash of 10–12 pads from Wonder Pads is an upfront investment. But those pads, cared for properly, last three to five years. Disposables are a purchase that never stops.
Work out what you spend on disposables in a year and multiply it by five. Then compare that to the cost of a cloth stash that covers the same period. The numbers usually make the decision pretty clear.
What you're putting against your skin every month
Disposable pads sit against some of the most sensitive skin on your body, for several days every month, for decades. Most people never question what they're made of because nobody ever brings it up.
Chemicals used in bleaching. Synthetic fragrances added to mask odour. Plastic backing that traps heat and moisture. None of that is visible on the packaging — and none of it is declared in the way that, say, food ingredients are.
Cloth pads don't solve everything, and I won't pretend they do. But natural fibres against sensitive skin, month after month, year after year, is a meaningful difference. Most people who switch notice it almost immediately.
This isn't about pressure. If you've made it this far and you're curious, the next step is easy — try one pad for one cycle and see how your body responds. That's all it takes to know whether this is for you.