Pads vs Tampons vs Period Underwear: Which Is Right for You?

The question everyone asks when their period starts: "Should I use pads, tampons, or period underwear?"

Here's the honest truth: there's no single right answer. Your body is unique. Your flow is unique. Your comfort level is unique. What works perfectly for your best friend might not feel right for you — and that's completely normal.

The good news? You have options. And once you understand the pros and cons of each, choosing becomes a lot easier.

Jump to Pads Tampons Period underwear Best for teens Environmental impact How to decide

Quick comparison: at a glance

	Pads	Tampons	Period underwear
Ease of use	Very easy	Learning curve	Very easy
Comfort	Can feel bulky	Internal	Feels like regular underwear
Visibility	May show under tight clothes	Invisible	Invisible
Protection time	3–4 hours	4–8 hours	8–12 hours
Swimming	No	Yes	Not recommended
Overnight	Possible leaks	Not recommended	Designed for overnight
Environmental impact	High waste	High waste	Reusable, low waste
Cost over time	Ongoing expense	Ongoing expense	One-time investment

Understanding pads

Disposable absorbent pads that stick to the inside of your underwear to catch menstrual flow externally.

What works

+No learning curve — peel, stick, and go
+Great for first periods and beginners
+Available everywhere — any drugstore or grocery store
+No insertion required

Watch out for

−Can feel bulky with visible lines under tight clothes
−Shifts or bunches during movement and sports
−Fragrances and adhesives can irritate sensitive skin
−~11,000 products used per person in a lifetime
−Constant monthly expense

"I used pads for years but hated the bulky feeling and constant worry about leaks."

— Cheeki customer

Pads work best for: beginners who want something familiar, those with very light flow, or as backup with other methods.

Understanding tampons

Small, absorbent inserts placed internally to absorb flow before it leaves your body.

What works

+Completely discreet — no visible lines or bulk
+Great for swimming and high-intensity sports
+Multiple absorbency levels available
+Compact and easy to carry

Watch out for

−Insertion takes practice and can feel uncomfortable at first
−Must change every 4–8 hours (TSS risk if left longer)
−Not recommended for sleeping overnight
−Can cause dryness on lighter days
−Ongoing monthly expense

"Tampons are great for daytime, but I always worry about leaking overnight."

— Cheeki customer

Tampons work best for: athletes and swimmers, people comfortable with internal products, or those who need invisible protection during the day.

Understanding period underwear

Reusable underwear that looks and feels like regular underwear, with built-in absorbent layers to protect against leaks. Cheeki uses 4-layer comfort tech to keep you dry, comfortable, and leak-free — with nothing to insert or position.

What works

+Feels exactly like regular underwear — no bulk, no shifting
+Zero learning curve — just put them on
+8–12 hours of protection without changing
+Invisible under clothing — seamless designs
+Designed specifically for overnight — sleep through the night
+Reusable — one pair lasts 2+ years
+OEKO-TEX® certified — safe for sensitive skin

Watch out for

−Requires rinsing and washing after use
−Higher upfront cost (saves money over time)
−You'll want 3–5 pairs to rotate through your cycle
−Not suitable for swimming

"I was skeptical, but period underwear completely changed my relationship with my period. I actually sleep through the night now."

— Jessica R., Cheeki customer

How it works

Cheeki's 4-layer tech: moisture-wicking top layer → super-absorbent core → leak-proof barrier → breathable outer layer. Up to 12 hours of protection that genuinely feels like just wearing underwear.

Which option is best for teens?

For many teens, period underwear is the easiest place to start — and here's why:

Perfect for school days — no awkward bathroom trips to change pads, no worrying about disposal
Great for sports — moves with you unlike pads that shift and bunch during activity
Overnight confidence — heavy flow styles prevent leaks and stained sheets
Zero learning curve — no insertion, no positioning, no stress
Reduces period anxiety — leak-proof protection means you can focus on your day
Safe fabrics — OEKO-TEX® certified, no toxic chemicals or fragrances