This is a tampon
21.11.2018
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Pia Seidel
We all know it, a white cotton wool suppository with a blue string dangling from it. But there are also alternatives: soft tampons.
I also had to look twice. Because this pink thing has nothing in common with the usual tampon format. What you see here is a so-called soft tampon. It consists of a flexible sponge that is coated with a thin layer of lubricant, which is supposed to make it easier to insert. But why should a woman put a sponge down there at all?
According to the manufacturer Beppy, the Soft Comfort tampon enables activities such as swimming, going to the sauna, intimate intercourse, sport and going out without having to worry about a string becoming noticeable thanks to the lack of a return string. Invisible protection, so to speak, which is also supposed to last for eight hours. Personally, a string doesn't bother me when swimming or doing sport and I've never seen the inside of a sauna. But I can well imagine that the Soft Tampon could be used by couples as a comfortable and imperceptible solution for sexual intercourse during their period. But I'm not the right person to test it. I'm too afraid of never being able to get it out again. I feel the same way about the menstrual cup, another (environmentally friendly) alternative to conventional tampons, which I had planned to review. However, I've been putting this test off for months out of sheer fear. But back to the sponge of the hour.
Get over it
There are two soft tampon variants from Beppy: "Wet" and "Dry". The dry version is suitable for the first few days of your period, when the bleeding is heavy. Later, when it becomes a little weaker and the mucous membranes are rather dry, the wet version is recommended, which is slightly moisturised. You can feel this when you gently squeeze the sponge.
Each tampon is individually wrapped. To insert it, you have to squeeze it lengthways. Once it is in place, you should pay attention to whether it "slips down" after a certain period of wear or you notice that the absorbency decreases as blood gets into the pad. Then, or after eight hours at the latest, it's time to pull it out again by hooking your finger into the opening provided. After looking at several reviews, here's another important tip: if you can't get the tampon out straight after intercourse, don't panic. It's completely normal for it to slide up further during the act. You just have to be patient and wait for the tampon to soak up blood, making it heavier and forcing it to slide down again at some point.
One pack contains just eight tampons. That's not a lot when you look at the price. And if you add to this the limited absorbency according to the packaging, you quickly realise that these sponges are not for everyday use. This tampon should therefore be the exception rather than the rule.
Your opinion
Would you test the soft tampon?
- Yes, why not? I am open to everything.53%
- No, sponges are only for cleaning!47%
The competition has ended.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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