Ann91,
- Comment
Kotex has been my go-to brand for years. I normally buy the Soft Touch w/wings in the white bag, but my store was out, so I tried these. Trusting Kotexs quality and reliability, I thought nothing of trying a new product from them. The previous "U" pads in the black box were less plush than the white bag, but still cotton and comfy. Since Ive been using these, I get UTI/yeast infection symptoms during my period now. I rarely get either, so I wondered what could be causing 2 incidents the 2nd month in a row, only during my period after I have switched pads. I burn,itch,sting,feel "pricked" by these,and now I am raw,red,and chapped looking. I applied monistat cream and it burned me like crazy,leading me to think I have micro cuts. Decided to switch back to my normal pads in the white bag. Instantly, no more prickling or burning unless I wipe now. I noticed these werent as comfortable as my normal pads immediately, but I didnt expect what Id find when I tore them apart. They feel like thin, lightweight cardboard to me, and the surface feels somewhat abrasive; its thin and stretchy plastic, but rubbing my finger(thicker skin than where they are intended for) against it feels semi abrasive. Im pretty sure thats what was causing the prickly sensation. Like a typical woman, I wear form fitting underwear and pants, so these do rub somewhat during the day. When I tore the top layer off to discover that its actually a thin plastic I was super disappointed. Doctors recommend women use cotton to avoid yeast and bacterial infections. Plastic causes more clammy environment which those things thrive in. These make me feel a million times less clammy than pads with an obvious plastic overlay, but they are still plastic and should be avoided. Kotex is my go-to brand because they were the only ones who didnt switch to plastic that I am aware of. Unfortunately, now I have to be careful when I buy Kotex products because whether or not something is plastic or cotton isnt listed clearly on the box for some reason. Many brands offer samples online, I wish I had checked that first before buying a 50 pack that I can now not use and dont feel right giving to anyone else after whats happened to me. But, I was in a rush and needed pads. Anyway, I lifted the top thin plastic layer off and see the extra protection "ring". A blue adhesive holds it in place, yet, the blue adhesive is also exposed in the middle of the ring. This adhesive is of course partially covered by the plastic overlay, but it will still come in contact with your skin. Idk how this was approved? Like, Im 100% sure there could be medically safe adhesives(some are used for surgery afterall), but some people could be allergic to whatever is on these, so why risk putting it on an exposed area on a pad? The holes make it so it does come into contact with the skin. And to boot, not mentioning that it includes this, and that these are plastic on the bag is really frustrating. Im not normally one to worry about "chemicals"(the amount is what counts) personally, but I have sensitive skin and am very careful about what comes in contact with my skin since it is such a sensitive place and susceptible to infections and PH imbalance. With that said, I do want to know what the adhesive is because I am concerned I may be allergic to it or it has thrown my PH off. Unfortunately, there are no product materials listed anywhere on or inside the package. I have materials listed on my clothing, Idk why they are not listed on pads? Women could be allergic to many different things. On top of all of this, the underlying cotton is hard and scratchy, the exposed adhesive is still sticky(I took a video so you can hear my finger sticking to it but I dont have a YT :/) , and the plastic of course contains micro holes and is textured to allow blood through. Unless you wear really loose underwear, these will rub against your V skin. Having texture like that rub against thin,sensitive skin all day is a major no-no. If you use these and havent gotten micro cuts or an infection, youre definitely lucky, but I wouldnt risk it. Im including pictures of a newly opened pad and another pad for texture comparisons: Kotex U Soft Touch. The Kotex Soft Touch are soft,cottony,and semi plush without adding bulk. Really unhappy with these and would definitely recommend to steer clear. There are plenty of comfortable, safer, like the Soft Touch. Additionally, I did sacrifice one of my Soft Touch pads and pulled them apart since I noticed underlying blue/purple dots in the same area where the adhesive is exposed in these. The entire pad is made of cottony fibers and not sticky at all. I have no clue what the purple dots are, but they are dry and even with liquid poured over the area it isnt tacky or sticky, so I think they are fine. I read other reviews complaining about the lack of stickiness in the bottom(where it sticks to your underwear) and can confirm, the wing part at least is lacking in stickiness. They dont really conform to your body shape either so they feel stiff and move around. The wrapper is annoying and will tear apart unevenly if you dont do it slowly, but I dont really care much personally. On the bright side, it probably wont open in your purse like some wrappers do. I always end up throwing my pads out when the wrappers open since idk what theyve come into contact with. But I think these have some other major issues. I have an annual in less than a week, but now I have to go to urgent care again to see if I am cut or have an infection or both. :( The fact that Ive now had the same problems 2 months in a row after using these and symptoms are alleviated when I use the Soft Touch tells me these are definitely the culprit, sadly. After this experience I will be sticking to the Soft Touch, which will hopefully be unchanged. I have really loved Kotex for years, I hope this isnt a sign of them converting to plastic like all the others. See more