Usage: I use these with disposable gloves. That way I get all of the benefits and none of the disadvantages of Instead. I don't use any other products anymore - these are it. About me: I have a longer period (about 6 days) and 3 of those days are heavy flow days. Instead protects me on all days of my period. On my heavy flow days I still only replace my instead every 12 hours and the way I accomplish this is simple. When I go to the bathroom during the day I bear down and force some of the blood buildup past the Instead into the toilet. That way I don't need to replace it as often and it continues to protect me all day long. When using instead I don't get any leakage unless I bear down pretty hard. I use them during sex without issue. Things that are great about Instead: No string No diaper like pad No smell Easy to insert (at least after the initial learning curve) No worries about overflow/leakage No worries about a tampon being too dry to take out on light flow days when you just can't wear a pad (like in a bikini) When inserted correctly I don't feel it (some have said they do feel it and I have to believe they are not inserting it correctly as I have never had this problem.) Things that aren't so great about Instead: It can be messy to remove but if you bear down first and push most of the blood into the toilet before you remove it, you can limit the mess. Because it doesn't have an applicator and you must use your finger to insert it, you have to wash your hands before you change it and you can mess up your manicure by getting blood between your nail and the acrylic nail if you are not careful. However, as I stated above you can use disposable gloves with it and viola no more worries! Try it. I am confident you won't go back to pads or tampons.

You can be intimate while using this product - it doesn't get in the way Great for women who lead active lives. I'll NEVER go back to tampons - EVER.

So much easier than tampons

I have been thrilled with this product. It has been very hard to find in the store because it is different. It is easy to use and lasts much longer than regular tampons. I have not experienced any cramping with these ( unlike tampons ) I would encourage women to try them and see the difference! Thanks for carrying this on your site!

This product is much better than tampons in my opinion. You only have to change it twice in 24 hours, morning and night, and it's so convenient because it doesn't get in the way of anything you want to do or wear. You can wear it swimming or even during intimate moments. Small leaks can happen from time to time, but it's not a big problem and it probably happens as frequently or less than it does with tampons. It may be challenging to insert and remove the first time you use it, but after you get used to it is very easy to use. It also may be a little messier to remove than tampons, but the benefits definitely outweigh that. I will never go back to tampons after using this product.

Any woman who is comfortable with her body can use Instead. It takes a little practice but it is so worth it. I will never go back to any other method.

They were very messy and leaked. They are not made for heavy days you will end up with a big mess all over yourself and the floor. They also made me become dry and irritated. Light days they were ok but still they made me dry and irritated, sex was impossible after that. The only thing I can say is they were comfortable, but so are tampons. I will stick with tampons. I just have to change more ofter and all I have to do is pull a string. Not get a mess all over everything. Nasty.

I do wear a pad on heavy days to protect from leaks, but this has been a huge improvement from wearing a pad that gets nasty and soggy after 2 hours. I can now keep dry for over 6 hours on very heavy days, maybe a bit of spotting when using the toilet or past 6 hours. During light days, I wear a pantyliner. I work long hours and I wish I have found these before. I'm planning on buying the silicone diva cup so I have something more reusable, but have not done so.

I was so bummed when drugstore.com stopped carrying this item. AND NOW I"M SO GLAD TO SEE IT BACK! I had such a hard time finding these in stores! I could never go back to using anything else. AND THEY CAN BE WORN DURING SEX! I was very skeptical but I couldn't feel it and niether could my boyfriend, and we were worried because of his size. Seriously, I've seen and read mixed reviews about the competition, the undisposable Diva Cup, and I understand about being "green" and all but I really like not having to fuss with any mess or worry about potable water. (and you can't wear the diva cup during sex. haha) long story short: i will use these as long as I can get them or until I stop having my period. NEVER AGAIN WITH PADS OR TAMPONS!

I love this product. I've used it for many years. And its all I use. On heavy days I recommend using a thin panty liner but generally its ok. I like that I don't fell like I'm wearing anything at all.