Some women believe that tampons can’t handle a heavy flow, so they opt to wear pads instead. There’s technically nothing wrong with this, but if you feel the same way, there are options which can handle heavy periods.
But again, know that this all about personal preference and what is comfortable for you.
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The tampons that are used for heavier days are generally labeled as “super” (which can absorb around 9 to 12 grams of menstrual fluid), “super plus” (which can absorb around 12 to 15 grams) and “ultra” (which can absorb between 15 and 18 grams).
They can easily be found in both online and brick-and-mortar stores, so the only thing you would have to do is go through the process of trial and error and find the one you like and what works for you.
You can buy any of the heavier flow tampons from a brand you’ve trusted for years, but if you are having issues with leaking, it could benefit you to check out other brands as well because each brand appears to fit differently for different women.
Some women swear by one brand and others a different one, while some don’t like tampons at all, and that’s okay too.
There are also other options that you can choose from such as ones that are scented, ones with or without an applicator (o.b. is famous for their lack of them), also what kind of applicator either plastic or cardboard. Some prefer the unscented ones because the smell might actually be overpowering to them.
Tampons on the market are made of safe materials, as long as they are being used correctly. This means changing them on a regular basis, using the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow, and making sure your hands are clean when you are inserting them. Those are the most important factors.
Now if you have allergies or sensitivities that’s a different story.
They do offer tampons that are all natural and organic, but there isn’t any scientific evidence that proves they are better or safer than regular tampons.
They are more expensive, and they aren’t always available in your everyday stores so you may have to order them online, which could get pretty inconvenient if you run out.
As stated, experts generally say that “there’s no data to show that organic tampons are any safer or that there’s any advantage to any of the claims made by organic tampon companies.” [1] You are basically buying into their marketing tactics. With that being said, however, to each their own, and you should choose what works best for you and your personal preferences.
The Top 7 Best Tampons for Heavy Flow
Ready to go shopping? We’ve listed below some of the best tampons ideal for heavy periods. Give these products a try to see if they match your needs.
1. Tampax Pearl Compak Plastic, Super Absorbency
These tampons have a LeakGuard Skirt, which stops leaks before they happen and protects you up to 8 hours. They come with a rounded tip that makes insertion a breeze, along with an extendable applicator that can be easily pulled out.
As with others, there tend to be complaints which one of these is the durability of the wrapping, and the applicator itself, neither of which affect their absorbency levels.
Click here for more info and reviews
2. Playtex Gentle Glide 360 Unscented Tampon, Super Absorbency
These tampons come with a special cross-pad design, which allows them to expand in all directions and provide you with the perfect fit for optimum protection and comfort.
Their rounded-tip and comfort-shape plastic applicator helps you to insert the tampon with ease, and they can help keep odor away without using any unnecessary scents. They do also offer ones that are scented if you prefer to go that route.
Click here for more info and reviews
3. Tampax Radiant Plastic Unscented Tampons, Super Plus Absorbency
These tampons come with Tampax’s special LeakGuard Braid, which helps prevents leaks and provides you with excellent protection up to 8 hours (but if you have a really heavy flow you should be changing it sooner to prevent leaks).Their FormFit design allows them to gently expand while conforming to your body’s unique shape, which helps you feel more comfortable while giving you added protection.
They come with a quiet, crinkle-free wrapper, which won’t announce to the world (or at least to the women in other cubicles) that you have your period.
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4. o.b. Ultra Absorbency Tampons
These products are designed for extremely heavy flow days and can absorb up to 19 grams of menstrual fluid. But they’re far from bulky since their discreet size allows you to easily carry them around wherever you go.
They provide excellent leak protection with their FLUID-LOCK grooves that pull fluid into the tampon’s core and prevent leaks for up to 8 hours. O.b. is a popular option for those that don’t want applicators for whatever reason (compact size, environmental reasons), and if you are looking for something you can carry in your pocket that protects even on the heavy days, these could be perfect.
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5. Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons, Fresh Scent Super Plus Absorbency
These tampons have a double-layer design that allows them to adjust to your body’s unique shape and helps you stay comfortable for hours. They’re also biodegradable and can be flushed down the toilet, making disposal easy and convenient.
They do offer an unscented version as well, and like all others, different women will find them great for leak protection and comfort or they will hate them. It can be very polarizing.
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6. Natracare Tampons Super
If you’re looking for tampons made of natural materials, these are one of your best choices. They’re fully certified to be organic and free from rayon and chlorine, and they’re over 99 percent biodegradable and can be composted. They can deal with medium to heavy flow which can help to prevent leaks.
Click here for more info and reviews
7. Seventh Generation Applicator Tampon – Super
These are another excellent choice if you’re looking for organic tampons. They’re made of certified organic cotton and don’t contain chlorine, dyes, and fragrances, making them safe to use for those who have sensitive skin. These are again an organic option but unless you have an allergy to materials, you can opt for the regular options.
However, some users have problems with the tampons’ absorbency and complain that they have leaks after just a few hours. Others also have problems with using the cardboard applicator.
Click here for more info and reviews
Final Thoughts
Super, super plus, and ultra tampons are great options for when you are experiencing heavy flow.
However, even with those, depending on the brand you choose (meaning the ones that work for you), you might still have some breakthrough leakage and need a backup. A lot of women will wear a liner in addition to their tampons just to prevent them from ruining their favorite underwear.
Even though that shouldn’t be a necessity, some flows just can’t be handled completely (depending on how often the tampon is changed and each woman anatomy) and the backup is a welcome relief.
There are a lot of different brands on the market, so if you are experiencing leakage, try a different brand until you find one that works best for you and feels comfortable. Trial and error might be the best way to determine which ones work well for you. Plus, it never hurts to have a little backup as well.
This is not a good article. Super tampons do not hold much at all nor do Super plus which is barely mentioned here but hold MORE than Super. Ultra is the only way to go and still those can be saturated in a short period of time by some women.
Hi Kim, thank you for the feedback. We will be editing the article to make it better.
I agree with Kimberly. I have extremely heavy periods especially during the first few days of it. Tampax Ultra plus is what I use with a Always overnight pad under it for extra coverage.
Still agree with Kimberly. Mention to Sherriy, Tampax only makes super plus. O. B. Is the only one that makes the ultra absorbent. Only been able to find it at Walmart
I tried almost all of them, I still have leaks within 2 hours
True wastage of money