Pandora Pads
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Sea Pearls Silk Sponge
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Question:  I like a little something extra, how do I use Pandora Pads petite pads as panty liners or mini-pads?

Answer:  To use Pandora Pads petite pads as panty liner, simply remove the insert.  To use Pandora Pads petite pads as a mini-pad, use the pad with the insert.  Pandora Pads petite pads go well with a tampon or sponge.


Question:  How long can you leave the sponge in at a time? Are they similar to tampons?

Answer:   Use the sponge as you would a tampon.


Question:  I have been using my sponge for about 3 days, and am noticing that it is slightly  discolored. Is this normal?

Answer:   Sea Pearls are naturally bleached with hydrogen peroxide during the cleaning process. They may revert to their original, darker color after several uses. This is normal, but if it bothers you, they may be re-bleached in a solution of 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 water. This will also discourage any bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.


Question:  How do I remove the sponge?   It sounds like a great idea, but I want to make sure it goes in and out easily.  Have there been any issues with this in the past?

Answer:  Sponges are very easy to remove.  Simply feel for the perimeter of the sponge, grasp it and pull gently.  You may  sew a piece of cotton string or dental floss to the sponge if you wish, but it is not necessary.  Your sponge will  not get lost!  Some women have reported that removing the sponge is easiest when sitting on the toilet, because you are very relaxed.  However, nobody has ever reported any problems with this, and these sponges have been around since 1974.

Question: If I cannot fit the sponge in comfortably, can I trim the it to a smaller size?

Answer:  You may certainly trim your sponge to a smaller size.  However, do not cut the sponge in half, as Sea Pearls are  in a specific shape.  Rather, hold the sponge, and trim around the perimeter until you reach the desired size.  You should not feel any pressure if your  sponge is the proper fit.

Question:   Should I sterilize my sponge after my flow has stopped and I am putting it away until next month?  I'm aware that boiling is one method.  What about taking the freshly washed sponge and microwaving it for 60 seconds?

Answer:  You may boil your sponge for 2 minutes if you wish, however, we do not recommend  doing so because it shrinks and toughens your sponge and shortens its useful lifetime.  There is no scientific evidence, but microwaving the sponge changes the molecular  structure of matter and it is not recommend.  There are several ways to disinfect Sea Pearls.  You may soak them in any of these mixtures:

1.  A solution of 1 tbsp. baking soda in 1 cup of warm water.

2.  A solution of 1tbsp cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water.

3.  A solution of 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 water.

4.  A solution of 1 tsp. tea tree oil and 1 cup warm water.
     (Tea Tree oil has been shown to inhibit 60 strains of bacteria,
      including staphlococcus aureus)

Question:  I was wondering if I can go swimming while using Sea Pearls tampons? what about menstrual blood in the lake?

Answer:  You may definitely use your sponge while swimming. The sponge will prevent any bacteria in the water from entering your vagina.  We don't see any problem with your menstrual blood in the lake when you consider the millions of other organisms already in there. However, we would suggest that you use one of our disinfecting methods for your sponge after swimming in a lake or river.  Have fun!

Question:  I would like to know if your sponge supply is differentiated by source waters, since the Mediterranean waters are supposed to be more polluted than the Caribbean Sea?

Answer:  These sponges are Not harvested from the polluted Mediterranean.  Sea Pearls sponges are gathered from the clear waters off the coast of Florida and the Bahamas.  Furthermore, Sea Pearls natural sponge tampons  are a totally sustainable, renewable resource.

Question:  How often do you need to replace Sea Pearls  sponge tampons?

Answer:   Every woman is unique, emotionally and physically, so sponges will deteriorate at  different rates.  Although they can last much longer, you should replace sponges every 3 to 4 months.  Many women like to replace them monthly, putting the used ones into their compost heaps or otherwise returning them to the earth.  However, you can also boil your old sponges and use them for cosmetic or artistic purposes.

Question:  Is it o.k. to use 2 Sea Pearls tampons at once for heavy menses?

Answer:  Yes, you can use 2 Sea Pearls at once as long as you are comfortable.

Question:  Can it really be true that North American women throw away over 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons every year?

Answer:  Sad to say these staggering figures are conservative, based on a woman using 5-6 tampons a day for 5 days a month and for 38 menstruating years.  The numbers really add up!

Question:  What causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?  What is its relationship to tampon usage?

Answer:  The direct cause of T.S.S is the presence of the bacterium s. aureus in the bloodstream.  Research has concluded that s. aureus enters the blood through wounds in the vagina known as cervical erosion.  Research done on ordinary tampon usage reveals that tampons dry out the vaginal mucosa, especially toward the end of your period, creating tiny invisible wounds that may lead to vaginal and cervical ulcers. This may explain the close connection between T.S.S and tampons. Sea Pearls sponge tampons do not have the same drying effects as ordinary tampons.

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