DAME (a zero waste feminine care brand)
DAME. Period Cup is made from medical grade materials, designed to replace disposable tampons, and one purchase should last you years. Easy to use and clean. Just rinse and re-use due to sanitising coating. Sold in 2 sizes (depending on age and childbirth history).
This menstrual cup stays put due to a vacuum seal. Then after removal, just rinse with cool water until clean, using gentle soap if needed. The dry and keep it in the optional storage bag. Unlike some brands, you don’t need to boil this period cup between uses.
Avoid tampons (or menstrual cups) for at least 8 weeks after childbirth. Always bin used feminine care and wrappers (even if compostable, as they could clog pipes).
Although it’s not a medical device, DAME Period Cup is made from medical-grade materials and certified to normal safety standards for personal care products.
- Bin all disposables (never flush). Avoid menstrual cups (and tampons) for at least 6 weeks after pregnancy (or if at risk of toxic shock syndrome). Some people can’t use them, so check with company or GP (say if you have an IUD device).
- A hot water bottle on a clothed tummy for 30 minutes usually calms menstrual cramps.
- Wash reusables with a microfiber filter (avoid fabric conditioner, bleach and tumble dryers).
- To remove stains, rinse with cold (never hot) water, rub in a small amount of gentle soap, rinse again, then wash as normal, using oxygen bleach if needed.
How to use DAME period cup
Period cups work a little different from tampons, in that they collect (rather than absorb) menstrual fluid. This actually makes them safer to use to help prevent toxic shock syndrome (though you should still empty them a few times a day, and follow the instructions given).
They take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, they are very comfortable and easy to use and remove. If you are using it properly, it should not leak unless you have medically heavy flow.
How does this period cup clean itself?
The DAMA Period Cup contains biocide-free Saniconcentrates™, so after rinsing, it’s resistant to nearly all bacteria and viruses, so there is no need for sterilising and boiling. These will also not rub or degrade.
Most menstrual cups are boiled for 5 to 10 minutes to clean, but with this one, you just rinse under clean water and dry, then store in the cotton bag. If you have no access to water, just wipe clean with a tissue before reuse.
If using in public bathrooms, ideally rinse before emptying. If you are uncomfortable about doing this, again pat with some bathroom tissue before reuse, and then rinse when you get home.
DAME organic cotton tampons and pads are the ideal alternative to plastic disposable feminine care, for those who don’t wish to use reusable menstrual cups. They give the convenience of one-time-use products, but without the chemicals, chlorine and plastic.
Made with certified organic cotton, these are far better than conventional feminine care brands, for several reasons:
- Plastic-free (more comfortable in warm weather)
- Plastic-free packaging
- No chlorine bleach
- No animal testing
The range includes;
- A value pack of organic tampons (if you subscribe online, you get big savings and can have boxes delivered in letterbox-friendly postal packs).
- Organic cotton pads (these have ‘wings’ for comfort, just like conventional brands).
- If you use non-applicator tampons (which work out cheaper), you can also purchase DAME’s unique reusable applicator, made from medical-grade materials for safety and ease of use.
DAME Period Pants (alternatives to disposable pads)
Period pants have synthetic fibres, for the waterproof backing.
Invest in a microfiber filter (which you can to launder all synthetics, then you catch the microplastics to be sent off for recycling, and get empty cartridges in return).
They kind of work like cloth nappies (!). They are made from cotton but have a waterproof pad sewn in (again, use a microfiber filter to launder as this is still synthetic fabric). You change them every few hours, then just rinse with cold water first, then throw them in with your wash.
You can remove stains with oxygen bleach (this does not harm to the planet – just activate with warm water, soak and use within 40 minutes, then pour the rest of the water down the sink or drain to clean them).
Don’t use fabric conditioners on period pants, as this will reduce absorbency (also avoid tumble driers – it’s best to avoid fabric conditioners anyway, as they can increase flammability of fabrics, especially when used with heat).
Reusable tampon applicator
Ideal if you use more affordable tampons without applicators, the starter kit includes organic cotton tampons and a storage tin, along with a cotton zip pouch for travel.
Organic cotton pads
The day pack contains 120 organic cotton pads with wings, sold in zero waste packaging. And again sold in a compostable wrapper (don’t flush, just bin to naturally break down).
DAME. Zero Waste Tampon and Pad Dispenser
DAME. Public Tampon Dispenser is quick to install and refill, ideal for public washrooms in pubs, schools, restaurants, hotels and offices. Each dispenser fits 70 organic cotton tampons and 60 organic cotton pads, with screw-free easy installation. It’s also made from post-consumer waste plastic, and is robust, dent-proof and scratch resistant.
The manually operated dispenser is available within 3 days, to switch your managed washrooms over to zero-waste alternatives. Designed to last 10 years, there are also big discounts on bulk orders. Ideal for big offices or public buildings. Custom branding is also available.
