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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsIs washable underwear now a "thing" that needs promoting?
I thought disposable underwear was for people with special needs and other health issues. The exception rather than the rule. Please clue me in...

Meadowoak
(6,541 posts)
CTyankee
(66,643 posts)CrispyQ
(40,029 posts)I said, they must have a ton of clothes or do the wash twice a week. I also suspect that someone else is doing their laundry & putting their clothes away, all neat & folded. My mom had me doing my own laundry by fifth or sixth grade. Clothes had to actually be dirty or worn a few times before I'd toss them in the wash. My sister, who is 9 years younger than me, didn't do her laundry. Mom did it for her. One day when I was out on my own & my sister was still in high school, Mom said, "I don't know why your sister has so much laundry. You never went through clothes like that," & I said, "That's cuz you do her laundry for her, Mom. You had me doing my own laundry before junior high."
I sort of hijacked your post but disposable everything seems to be the solution to a lot of things. IDK if you can find a washable dust mop anymore. I have three.
CTyankee
(66,643 posts)tulipsandroses
(7,768 posts)They have been around for several years. As someone who suffered from fibroids, heavy periods and hated tampons and sanitary napkins, I wish they had been around when I was younger. They would have saved me from so many embarrassing accidents and ruining countless pieces of clothing, mattresses and even car seats.
They look like regular undies - but can contain fluid while keeping you dry. Some are far better than others at doing it. They are also used for incontinence.
Period panties can be disposable or washable.
These are disposable
https://www.cvs.com/shop/always-zzz-overnight-disposable-period-underwear-for-women-7-ct-prodid-559999?skuId=670417&cgaa=QWxsb3dHb29nbGVUb0FjY2Vzc0NWU1BhZ2Vz&cid=ps_femcare_pla&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21108577572&gclid=Cj0KCQjws4fEBhD-ARIsACC3d280L8dux-481XKtpGM8CKOwsw7ub69lOhIvLpwsXRjDXcqyRulKaWsaAujcEALw_wcB
These are washable - You've probably seen Knix commercials on tv
They can't be placed in the dryer. That destroys the waterproof layer - which brings me to potential health problems with these undies. The materials being used. Some have been found to have PFAS.
Period underwear
Key facts about period underwear:
Period underwear provide all-in-one protection.
They are reusable, sustainable, and available in different styles and absorbency levels.
Period underwear can be used for sports, swimming, overnight protection, and replace internal and external products like pads or tampons.
Like pads, cups, discs and tampons, the goal of period underwear is to collect menstrual flow, keep wearers dry, and offer leak-proof protection. Period underwear offer a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional period products like pads and tampons.
SNIP----
Health risks of using period underwear
Studies found that some period underwear contains high levels of PFAS (per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances) on its outer and inner absorbent layers. PFAS (also known as "forever chemicals"

Long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS may cause health issues such as:
Increased risk for certain types of cancers
Pregnancy complications
Lower birth weight for babies
High cholesterol
Changes in your liver enzymes
Reduced vaccine response in children
Before you buy period underwear, check the product label to see if they mention "PFAS-free." Avoid brands that say "PFOA-free," as this means it's free of some PFAS chemicals, but not all.
https://www.nj.gov/health/womenshealth/reproductive-health/periods-menstruation/period-products/period-underwear.shtml
CTyankee
(66,643 posts)I hit menopause 30 years ago and haven't paid much attention to "period" products increasingly on the market and being improved. That's a good thing!