Flow Type Guide
Flow Type Guide
Find the Right Reusable Pad for Your Cycle
Flow Type Guide: Find the Right Reusable Pad for Your Cycle
Understanding your menstrual flow helps you choose the right reusable pads for comfort, protection, and confidence. Most cycles are not the same every day, which is why Cariona pads are designed to support light, medium, and heavy flow, sometimes all within the same cycle.
Use this guide to identify your flow type and find the pads that work best for you.
Quick Flow Checklist
- ✔ Light flow: Mostly spotting or very light bleeding with fewer pad changes.
- ✔ Medium flow: Flow changes throughout your cycle with moderate daily bleeding.
- ✔ Heavy flow: Heavy bleeding, clots, or frequent pad changes.
Flow type
Light Flow Cycle
A light flow cycle usually includes:
Spotting or minimal bleeding, lighter bleeding at the beginning or end of your cycle and fewer pad changes per day.
Light flow is common:
Before your period starts, at the end of your cycle, or for teens and first-time menstruators.
Best pads for light flow are pantyliners and regular pads for added coverage
We Suggest The:
Flow type
Medium Flow Cycle
A medium flow cycle usually includes:
Moderate bleeding that may increase for a few days mid-cycle, steady flow that requires regular pad changes, and bleeding that tapers off toward the end of your cycle.
Medium flow is common:
During the middle days of your period, For cycles that change from light to heavier flow, and for people who experience a mix of light and heavy days.
Best pads for medium flow are the regular pads and overnight pads for nighttime or heavier days.
We suggest the:
Flow Type
Heavy Flow Cycle
A heavy flow cycle usually includes:
Heavy bleeding that may start strong, frequent pad changes, and the presence of clots or gushes that require higher absorbency and longer coverage.
Heavy flow is common:
During the first few days of your cycle, for people who experience consistent heavy bleeding, and for taller or plus size users who prefer longer pad coverage.
Best pads for heavy flow are XL pads and Overnight pads
We suggest the:
Not Sure What To Get?
If you are new to reusable pads or unsure about your flow:
- Start with a Starter Pack to try different our most popular sizes.
You can always build your routine over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heavy flow often means changing pads very frequently, bleeding heavily for several days, or passing clots. If standard pads feel saturated quickly or you often worry about leaks, you may have a heavy flow.
Most people use 8 to 12 reusable pads per cycle, depending on flow, how often they change pads, and how frequently they want to wash.
Yes. Many cycles start lighter, become heavier for a few days, then taper off toward the end. It is normal to use different pad sizes throughout the same cycle.
Yes. When washed and cared for properly, reusable menstrual pads are safe and hygienic. Many people find them more comfortable and less irritating than disposable pads.
Overnight or XL reusable pads provide extra length and absorbency, making them a popular choice for sleeping and for heavier flow at night.
Testimonials
★★★★★I have a very unique cycle and had some specific questions I wanted answered. The customer service was one of the most wonderful I have ever experienced. They were so understanding and it felt like I was talking to a friend. I am 100% satisfied with my purchase and will be a lifelong customer!
Angie
★★★★★I bought these pads last month and LOVE THEM! I've always hated tampons so pads were my go-to. These reusable ones were so comfortable, you barely know you're even using it! I bought a 5 pack and they came with a carrying case where you can store used pads in until you get home. Highly recommend!
Klaudeen
★★★★★These are AMAZING! They’re so soft and I love that they’re reusable. I have heavy flow so I wear them as a safety measure along with my disc at night. The reusable pads are so comfortable, absorbent and gentle on the skin (something I cannot say about disposable pads). On most days I rarely feel I’m wearing a pad at all!
Tessa
