FAQ Menstrual panties
How much liquid can Femi.Eko® period panties hold?
The range of Femi.Eko® menstrual panties is wide and is intended for different absorption needs. Some of our collections can hold the equivalent of 5 regular tampons (45ml), but the Luna and AllBody collections can hold up to the equivalent of 10 regular tampons (100ml). The majority of our period panties have moderate to high absorbency, which is ideal for up to 10 hours of protection, although depending on flow, you can wear the panties for up to 12 hours (doctors don't recommend that long as it's best to maintain safe hygiene). The difference in the level of protection is due to the absorption layers, which can be thicker in several layers, or have fewer layers (like our Light Absorbing), but also because of the absorption area, which can be half or all the way to the back of the briefs.
You can see our chart of absorbency levels, which gives you a good overview of how much our period panties can absorb compared to other menstrual products.
How are period panties made?
Femi.Eko® period panties look and feel like regular panties but feature four specialized layers in the absorbent area. The top layer, which comes into contact with your skin, is made from organic cotton and hemp, free from PFAs and pesticides, ensuring it’s safe for your reproductive health while offering antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties.
The middle layers are designed for maximum absorption, crafted from a blend of cotton, hemp, bamboo, or other eco-friendly materials—depending on the model—without the use of microfiber. The final layer is a waterproof PUL or TPU barrier that prevents any liquid from seeping through.
The main fabric of the panties varies by style, but it is always carefully selected to be soft, breathable, and comfortable. All our fabrics are OEKO-Tex certified, and we never use biocides or nanosilver/SilverClear mixtures, which can disrupt hormones.
Despite the multiple layers, Femi.Eko® menstrual panties feel just like regular underwear, allowing you to go about your day without discomfort or restriction. You'll forget you're even on your period, enjoying the same freedom and comfort you would with ordinary panties.
Will period panties stay tight?
Femi.Eko® period panties are made to be highly absorbent thanks to the innovative fabric layers. Our period panties have a waterproof backing for extra protection (PUL). Just like disposable pads, you must of course change the menstrual panties before they are completely saturated with liquid. When you've been wearing period panties for just a little while, you know when it's time to change them.
Although period panties are not made to leak, you may experience over-saturation of a small area (over a short period of time) or leakage around the side seams. Try to avoid tight jeans or sitting in the same position for several hours on heavy menstrual days. If you experience leaks, please contact us and explain the problem and we will advise you further. If there is a manufacturing defect, we are happy to exchange your product within 90 days from the time of purchase.
How do I wash menstrual panties?
It is easy to wash Femi.Eko® menstrual panties ! After using them, first rinse the panties in cold water to remove excess blood. Then you wash them in the machine together with similar colors and at a temperature of 40 degrees. When your period is over, you must disinfect the menstrual panties by washing them at 60 degrees. Do not use fabric softener or disinfectants, as this can affect the absorbency of the menstrual panties and be harmful to the pH value of your genitals. After washing, you can hang them to dry or you can tumble dry them at a low temperature. Avoid high heat as this can damage the materials over time. Use a laundry bag to protect the fabric during frequent washing.
It is not recommended to use bleach or to iron the menstrual panties.
Are menstrual panties safe to use?
Femi.Eko® reusable menstrual panties tend to be more breathable and are less likely to expose your intimate area to harsh and harmful chemicals than sanitary napkins, which are mostly made from materials with chemical compounds and treated cotton. It is of course important to make sure to change menstrual panties regularly and keep the intimate area clean after each use. They can irritate your skin, just like any other menstrual product, if they get too saturated and wet. Our menstrual panties are made from Oeko-Tex fabrics, with a blend of hypoallergenic organic cotton and antibacterial hemp, without polyester or microfiber, which is a more sustainable choice for both your body and the planet.
What makes Femi.Eko® period panties stand out from the rest?
Well, simple:
- High Absorption Capacity: Femi.Eko® offers a diverse collection of menstrual panties tailored to different absorbency needs. Some styles can hold up to 100ml of liquid—the equivalent of 10 regular tampons—providing up to 12 hours of reliable protection.
- Safe and Sustainable Materials: Our commitment to safety and sustainability is evident in every product. The top layer, which comes in contact with the skin, is made from organic cotton and hemp, free from PFAs and pesticides. This promotes better reproductive health and comfort.
- Easy Maintenance: Femi.Eko® menstrual panties are designed for convenience. Simply rinse them in cold water to remove excess blood before machine washing at 40°C. For extra hygiene, wash at 60°C after your cycle to disinfect them thoroughly.
- Hemp Absorption Layer: A standout feature of Femi.Eko® is the use of hemp in the absorbent layers. Hemp provides durability, breathability, natural antibacterial properties, and is eco-friendly in its production process.
- Innovative Technology: Femi.Eko® has developed a patent-pending technology for the absorbent layer that delivers natural antibacterial benefits, ensuring both comfort and hygiene.
In summary, Femi.Eko® period panties combine superior absorbency, sustainable materials, easy care, and cutting-edge technology with hemp to offer a comfortable, reliable, and eco-conscious menstrual solution. These unique features make Femi.Eko® the top choice for those seeking high-performance, environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene products.
Why do we use hemp fabric for our absorbent layer?
- Sustainability: Hemp is a fast-growing, renewable resource that requires minimal water and no pesticides, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable textiles.
- Durability: Hemp fibers are incredibly strong and long-lasting. They create fabrics that maintain their elasticity and become more absorbent with each wash, ensuring extended product life.
- Breathability: Hemp is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, providing comfort in all weather conditions while keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
- Antibacterial Properties: Hemp has natural antibacterial qualities that help reduce odors and promote hygiene. It can also be washed at 60°C without shrinking, maintaining its performance and cleanliness.
- Eco-Friendly Processing: The production of hemp fabric typically involves fewer chemicals and toxins compared to other textiles, reducing its environmental impact even further.
- Biodegradability: Hemp textiles are fully biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally over time, contributing to waste reduction and a healthier planet.
By choosing hemp, we ensure our products are not only high-performing but also kind to the environment.
Will period panties leak?
Femi.Eko® period panties are designed for maximum absorbency, thanks to innovative multi-layered fabrics. Each pair features a waterproof backing for extra protection, ensuring you feel secure throughout the day. Like disposable pads, it's important to change them before they reach full capacity. However, after wearing them a few times, you'll easily recognize when it's time to switch pairs.
By selecting the right absorbency level for your flow, you can enjoy worry-free protection for up to 12 hours.
Pro tip! If you're on the go and unable to change right away, you can temporarily absorb any excess liquid with a piece of toilet paper, ensuring your menstrual panties don’t become overly saturated.
With Femi.Eko® period panties, comfort and confidence go hand in hand, no matter where the day takes you!
How do I find the right size for me?
It might be a good idea to check our size chart. Our measurements are adapted to be comfortable to wear, so choose the right measurements for you. Otherwise, you can take advantage of our SATISFACTION GUARANTEE program.
Can I just use period panties without extra protection?
It's all about your menstrual flow and knowing what absorption level works best for you and when. Femi.Eko® period panties can be a total replacement for disposable menstrual products (pads or tampons), but can also work together with these. Even better for you and the planet is that you can use menstrual panties together with a Femi.Eko® menstrual cup , menstrual disc or a reusable pad .
Are period panties comfortable?
Not only are the panties comfortable, but having a highly breathable fabric in contact with your most intimate parts will also prevent itchiness or dryness. The panties stay dry for hours while absorbing blood super fast.
The breathability of the hemp fabric protects against bacteria formation and therefore you can experience less odor and irritations. Some users say that the breathability prevents the feeling of getting insecure and wearing a big panty that they usually get when using classic pads.
In addition, it helps to keep the body temperature down, as you get rid of the plastic that is usually in sanitary napkins, which provides more comfort and a much greater certainty that no bad smell will ruin your day.
Are Femi.Eko® period panties suitable for heavy periods?
Yes, in fact, our period panties can be extremely absorbent and hold fluid equivalent to up to 12 tampons, i.e. 100 ml of blood. Femi.Eko® menstrual panties are the perfect solution, designed with a full absorption layer at the front and extended at the back, providing extra security during heavy menstruation or night wear, so you can feel safe during the day and when you sleep.
Will period panties smell?
No, Femi.Eko® period panties tend to stay fresher than other intimate products. This is because the fabric is breathable, while keeping most of the liquid in the inner layers. It helps stop the growth of bacteria that normally cause unpleasant odors.
Femi.Eko®'s patent-pending absorption technology contains hemp fabric/fibres, which are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
To protect against odours, you can soak your period panties in vinegar or baking soda to remove possible bad odours, and they can be washed at 60 degrees.
If you notice strange odors, it may be necessary to check the problem with your doctor and remove any undetected infections.
Do not add fabric softener or perfume when washing your period panties, as this can destroy the protective layers and create an imbalance in your flora.
How much money can you expect to save by switching to period panties?
Women bleed for approximately 10 years of their lives. Yes, that's a lot! By switching to menstrual panties and sustainable intimate products such as menstrual cups, menstrual discs, or reusable pads from Femi.Eko®, you can save up to €4,000 or more (depending on where you live and how much you pay for menstrual products). Don't believe it? Just do the math:
35 years x 12 periods x 5 days on average = 2,100 menstrual days / 5 years and 8 months of uninterrupted menstrual days – crazy, right?
4 menstrual pads/day x 2,100 days = 8,400 menstrual pads
€0.60 per pad x 8,400 pads = €5,040 over your lifetime.
FEMI.EKO®'S MENSTRUAL PANTIES
In 35 years, you would need to replace your menstrual panties about 7 times. Let's say you buy 6 pairs of panties each time:
7 x 6 = 42 pairs of menstrual panties over a lifetime.
€25.00 x 42 pairs = €1,050 over your lifetime.
The savings are substantial, both for your wallet and the planet!
How many pairs of period panties should I use?
It depends on how much you bleed and whether you also use e.g. a menstrual cup , or whether you switch between using another type of Femi.Eko® menstrual panty. Normally, women have between 5 and 10 pairs of period panties. A simple way to answer is to calculate how many disposable pads you normally use on your period days and divide it by 3. It may be necessary to wash the period panties and get them ready for use right away. That's ok, because you know best yourself which detergents you have used and that there is nothing that can harm you in the fabric that your private parts come into contact with. If you can wait to wash the menstrual panties until approx. every other day, you can cut down on the number of pairs you need.
How long can I use the same menstrual panty?
During a normal period, it may be necessary to change the menstrual panties approx. 2 times daily. However, if you have heavy periods, you can either choose to change 3 times a day or choose Mega and Super Heavy absorption. Normally, you should not keep the panties on for more than 12 hours, as this is not hygienically sound.
Can teenagers use Femi.Eko® period panties?
They certainly can. Sustainable education should start early and we support teenagers to be environmentally friendly, by choosing products that will change their lives for the better, while protecting the planet. Starting early with period panties can help young girls and teens feel in control of their cycle, while not having to spend a fortune on products that end up in landfill. In addition, they will feel more secure, feel less discomfort about changing diapers or being judged in different situations in their lives, and they can avoid the prejudiced opinion of having to be ashamed of having periods.
Can I use period panties for incontinence or after giving birth?
Femi.Eko® menstrual panties are a perfect product to use even with light incontinence. People with this problem need daily protection. While disposable pads can increase the risk of getting fungal and bacterial infections or can cause irritation and chafing, Femi.Eko® menstrual panties can be a godsend to use, for those of you who need protection every day. This is due to the comfort and breathability of the briefs, but also because the hemp blend absorbent layer provides natural and antibacterial protection.
After childbirth, many women choose the period panties as a natural choice that is both comfortable and promotes healing after childbirth, as it is more skin-friendly for the intimate area. Plus the extra protection on the back of the panty gives extra security and confidence to enjoy the best moments of their life, without the struggle of having periods again.
Periods will change forever. We promise you that!
How do I handle changing menstrual panties when I'm away from home?
When you have your period, it can be a good idea to have extra menstrual panties with you and a small plastic bag to store the used panties in. If you want a more environmentally friendly solution, instead of a plastic bag, you can choose our wet-bag - solution manufactured for the purpose. The wet-bag solution can be used as storage for the menstrual panties and is the perfect companion when Aunt Flo shows up. If you do not have the opportunity to change panties in a public toilet, we recommend that you have a reusable pad from Femi.Eko® with you as extra protection.
How long can period panties last?
The lifetime of Femi.Eko® period panties can vary greatly, depending on how they are cared for and how often they are used, or whether they are used together with other products or not. In general, our menstrual panties last 2 to 5 years, but we recommend replacing them after 2 years, as the protective layer can wear out with use and washing.
How do I wash Femi.Eko® period panties?
Blood is a tough stain, so always start by using cold water, whether you're washing a sanitary napkin, period panties, or removing stains from sheets. Soak your period panties in cold water before washing, or rinse the stain under cold water while gently rubbing it with your hands (especially if the blood has clotted in the absorbent area).
Afterwards, simply wash the period panties as usual at 40°C, either in the washing machine or by hand. At the end of your menstrual cycle, disinfect the panties by washing them at 60°C. If hand washing, it’s helpful to soak the panties to make cleaning easier. Gently rub them with warm water and hypoallergenic detergent, then rinse thoroughly in cold water until it runs clear.
We recommend avoiding fabric softeners, as they reduce absorbency. Bleaching the panties is also not advised as it can degrade the material and affect absorption, plus it may transfer chemicals to your skin. You can air-dry the panties by hanging them up or use a dryer, but avoid high heat or full-power tumble drying. Air drying might leave the fabric a little stiff at first.
Sunlight can help remove stains and kill bacteria, but prolonged exposure can fade colors and damage the waterproof layers. Always stretch the panties after washing to restore their shape. Never iron period panties! Avoid using perfume or harsh chemicals, as they can disrupt hormones and affect vaginal pH. For long-term care, you can wash period panties in a wash bag to protect them.
I spend a lot of time sitting on my chair in the classroom and in the office, is there a risk of leakage?
Although Femi.Eko® period panties are of good quality and have full protection, we cannot offer a guarantee against leakage.
It all depends on how strong your period is, or whether you tend to bleed profusely, which can mostly be the ones that create risks. If you have days with heavy bleeding, we recommend that you use an extra menstrual cup or a menstrual disc , from Femi.Eko®, which will certainly give you the security you need. The best way to test the absorbency is to use the panties for the first time while you are at hom
Can I wear my period panties while exercising?
Yes, it is a great way to enjoy sports and all other activities you normally have. But before using Femi.Eko® menstrual panties during your exercises, it is better to familiarize yourself with the absorbency, and the best way to test the panties is to wear them for the first time at home. For extra safety, try our menstrual cup or our best-selling menstrual disc . This combination works wonders for very active women, no matter how much they bleed.
Can I use my period panties while I sleep a whole night?
Yes, you can, and you’ll find that it can be much more comfortable and secure. It's also a healthier option since women are often advised not to use tampons overnight, allowing their menstrual flow to occur naturally. Once you discover the full potential of Femi.Eko® Extra Heavy menstrual panties, it will transform your period experience forever. For nighttime use, we recommend panties with full-back absorption to ensure complete coverage, protecting your sheets from leaks, even when sleeping in challenging positions. Try it for yourself!