Here are the most common questions we get asked.

If you can’t find the answer you're looking for, go to our info and advice section for more help.

Knowing how to use tampons correctly is extremely important when it comes to your period. Tampons should be worn for between 4-8 hours each day, and if you need to change your tampon after less than 2 hours of use, consider switching up to a higher absorbency tampon for your heavier flow days.

Remember to change to a lesser absorbent tampon once your flow becomes lighter.

An absorbency table demonstrating what type of tampon one should use based on how heavy one's flow is

This actually varies throughout your cycle, with the heaviest blood flow usually occurring at the start of your period. We suggest you change your tampon absorbency to match the heaviness of your flow to ensure you’re well protected throughout.

Here’s an example of what your period flow may look like.

A period flow diagram demonstrating an example of a woman's flow during a period that occurs over 6 days

As you can see, your period flow can differ from day to day. If you use tampons, you may need to use different sizes for each stage of your period.

Some women may use up to three different tampon absorbencies during their period. However, this is not true for everyone and you'll have to work out your own period pattern.

Lil-Lets has the widest range of tampon absorbencies in the UK, so even if you have a very heavy period, you will find a product that is right for you.

Yes you can. In rare instances, you can still get pregnant. You should also bear in mind that you can still catch a sexually transmitted disease when on your period.

You might notice a slight odour when you're on your period. Tampons can help with this because they're worn inside your body. If you prefer to use pads, our Lil-Lets Super Soft Pads can help you feel fresh and clean for up to eight hours.

If you’re unsure on how to use a tampon, Lil-Lets is here to help. We’ve created the following guides for both applicator and non-applicator tampons. Watch the videos below or follow our step-by-step guide!

How to insert applicator tampons

  • Wash your hands
  • Make sure the cord is hanging outside the inner tube
  • Pull the inner tube out until it stops at the bottom of the outer tube
  • Hold the applicator with your thumb and middle finger just below the ridge
  • Place the tip of the applicator into the vaginal opening and gently push the applicator towards your lower back
  • Continue to ease in the applicator until you’ve inserted it as far as the rim of the outer tube
  • Then using the finger between your thumb and middle finger, push the inner tube inside the outer tube until both rings meet
  • Gently pull out the applicator, leaving the cord hanging down and you’re all done
  • Once it's in place you shouldn't be able to feel it inside you, that's how you'll know it's in the right place
  • Now wash your hands again

How to insert non-applicator tampons

  • Wash your hands
  • Unwrap the tampon and pull the cord away from the base of the tampon, giving it a gentle tug to ensure its secure
  • Use your fingertips to guide the tampon into place, aim up and backwards towards the small of your back
  • You’ll know the tampon is in place when you can no longer feel it. If you still feel it, you may need to push it further into place
  • Sometimes a little cough helps relax the vaginal muscles and ensures the tampon fits into place

This can vary from 2 to 5 days and could be up to 10.

Have a look at our monthly cycle video for more information.

Some brands of contraceptive pills can reduce your flow or shorten the length of your period. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you during your consultation.

You've got lots of options available. Lil-Lets Non-Applicator Ultra Tampons have the highest absorbency in the UK and are great for extremely heavy periods. If you prefer to use an applicator tampon, our super plus extra applicator tampons are a really good choice too.

Although you may not feel like doing it at the time, stretching or gentle exercise will ease this discomfort. Healthy eating is also known to help relieve any period pain. Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing bath or cuddle up on the sofa with a hot water bottle.

If none of these help, your local pharmacy can give you guidance on suitable pain relief.

Lil-Lets have been making tampons since 1954, using materials that have been extensively tested over time to ensure they are perfectly safe for use, so you can relax!

Lil-Lets non-applicator tampons are made from viscose (regenerated cellulose), with a thin cover made from polyethylene/polyester to enable easier insertion and removal. The cord is made from polyester cotton and the wrappers are made from cellophane. Exceptions to this are teens tampons and ultra absorbency tampons where the cord is 100% cotton and the wrappers are polypropylene. The cartons are recycled cardboard.

If you’d like to see exactly which materials are used in your product of choice, please refer to the tables below:


Lil-Lets non-applicator tampon materials summary

Lil-Lets non-applicator tampons in Lite, Regular, Super, Super Plus and Super Plus Extra absorbencies:

Component Materials Used
Core Fibres: (The main body of the tampon which absorbs and holds menstrual fluid) Viscose
Cover: (Covers the main body of the tampon and aids smooth insertion and removal) Non-woven containing Polyethylene and Polyester fibre
Cord: (Removal string) Polyester and cotton
Overwrap: (Individual tampon wrapper) Cellophane
Packaging: (Product packaging) Cardboard carton

Lil-Lets non-applicator tampons in ultra absorbency & Lil-Lets teens non-applicator tampons in Regular and Super absorbencies:

Component Materials Used
Core Fibres: (The main body of the tampon which absorbs and holds menstrual fluid) Viscose Rayon
Cover: (Covers the main body of the tampon and aids smooth insertion and removal) Polyethylene / Polyester bi-component fibre
Cord: (Removal string) 100% Cotton
Overwrap: (Individual tampon wrapper) Polypropylene
Packaging: (Product packaging) Cardboard carton

Lil-Lets produce both cardboard applicator tampons and compact applicator tampons. The materials used to make Lil-Lets applicator tampons have been rigorously tested to ensure they are completely safe for use.

Lil-Lets applicator tampons are made from viscose (regenerated cellulose), with a thin cover made from polyethylene/polyester to enable easier insertion. The cord is made from 100% cotton. The compact applicator tubes and their wrappers are polyethylene. The cardboard applicator tubes are cardboard and their wrappers are made of paper. The cartons are recycled cardboard.

If you’d like to see exactly which materials are used in your product of choice, please refer to the tables below:


Lil-Lets applicator tampon materials summary

Lil-Lets compact applicator tampons in Regular, Super, Super Plus and Super Plus Extra absorbencies:

Component Materials Used
Core Fibres: (The main body of the tampon which absorbs and holds menstrual fluid) Viscose
Cover: (Covers the main body of the tampon and aids smooth removal) Non-woven containing Polyethylene and Polyester fibre
Cord: (Removal string) 100% Cotton
Applicator tube: (Tube to aid smooth insertion) Polyethylene
Overwrap: (Individual tampon wrapper) Polyethylene
Packaging: (Product packaging) Cardboard carton


Lil-Lets cardboard applicator tampons in Regular and Super absorbencies:

Component Materials Used
Core Fibres: (The main body of the tampon which absorbs and holds menstrual fluid) Viscose
Non-Woven Cover: (Covers the main body of the tampon and aids smooth removal) Non-woven containing Polyethylene and Polyester fibre
Cord: (Removal string) 100% Polyester
Applicator tube: (Tube to aid smooth insertion) Cardboard with waxed paper surface
Overwrap: (Individual tampon wrapper) Paper
Packaging: (Product packaging) Cardboard carton
To find out more about Lil-Lets Organic non-applicator tampons and what they are made of, check out our Organic 101.

Here at Lil-Lets we’re passionate about providing women with the best sanitary protection products and we make it a priority to create the best products for you.

Lil-Lets pads and liners generally have a top cover made from polypropylene, polyethylene or a mixture of these. The central absorbent core is made from cellulose fibres and may also contain super absorbent polymer. The backing sheet provides a leak proof barrier and is made from a polyethylene. The glue is latex free. Wrappers and bags are made from polyethylene.

All our products are fragrance free.

Freshlock pads have an additional odour control ingredient.


If you’d like to see exactly which materials are used in your product of choice, please refer to the tables below:

Lil-Lets ultra pads materials summary

Component Materials Used
Cover: (The soft layer that touches your skin, and draws fluid away)

FRESHLOCK: Polypropylene non-woven

SOFT PADS: Polyethylene & polyester non-woven

DRYLOCK: Perforated polyethylene

TEENS: Polypropylene and polyethylene non-woven

Secondary / Acquisition layer: (The layer that transfers fluid from the cover to the core)

FRESHLOCK, SOFT PADS & DRYLOCK: Cellulose fibre

TEENS: Polyester non-woven

Absorbent core: (The layer that absorbs and locks-in fluid) Cellulose fibre with super absorbent polymer
Backing sheet: (The final layer that touches your underwear and prevents fluid escaping) Polyethylene
Adhesive: (Needed to ensure your pad sticks to your underwear and stays in place) Glue, latex free
Backing release paper: (Protects the adhesive before the pad has been used) Siliconised paper
Fragrance: None
Additives:

FRESHLOCK: Odour control deodoriser

ALL OTHERS: None

Wrapper: (Individual pad wrapper)

Polypropylene non-woven or polyethylene

Polypropylene re-seal tab with glue

Packaging:

Polyethylene

Note: Teens pads also have paper band and ribbons


Lil-Lets maxi pads materials summary

Component Materials Used
Cover: (The soft layer that touches your skin, and draws fluid away) Polypropylene/Polyethylene non-woven
Secondary / Acquisition layer: (The layer that transfers fluid from the cover to the core) Polypropylene/Polyethylene non-woven
Absorbent core: (The layer that absorbs and locks-in fluid) Cellulose fibre with super absorbent polymer
Backing sheet: (The final layer that touches your underwear and prevents fluid escaping) Polyethylene
Adhesive: (Needed to ensure your pad sticks to your underwear and stays in place) Glue, latex free
Backing release paper: (Protects the adhesive before the pad has been used) Siliconised paper
Fragrance: None
Additives: None
Wrapper: (Individual pad wrapper) Polypropylene non-woven
Packaging: (Product packaging) Polyethylene

Lil-Lets liners materials summary

Component Materials Used
Cover: (The soft layer that touches your skin, and draws fluid away)

TEENS: Polyethylene centre part with polypropylene/polyethylene non-woven sides

EVERYDAY: Polypropylene

Absorbent core: (The layer that absorbs and locks-in fluid) Cellulose fibre
Backing sheet: (The final layer that touches your underwear and prevents fluid escaping) Polyethylene
Adhesive: (Needed to ensure your liner sticks to your underwear and stays in place) Glue, latex free
Backing release paper: (Protects the adhesive before the liner has been used) Siliconised paper
Fragrance: None
Additives: None
Wrapper: (Individual pad wrapper)

TEENS: Polyethylene

EVERYDAY: No wrapper

Packaging: (Product packaging)

TEENS: Polyethylene pouch, Cardboard carton

EVERYDAY: Polyethylene bag

Lil-Lets Maxi Maternity pads have been designed, and made, with mums in mind. These extra-long, thick, contoured pads feature wings and a wider back for great security and protection, when you need it most. If you’d like to know what Lil-Lets Maxi Maternity pads are made from, please refer to the table below:

Component Materials Used
Cover Polyethylene & polyester non-woven
Wing cover: polypropylene
Secondary/Acquisition Distribution Layer Cellulose fibre
Absorbent core Cellulose fibre with superabsorbent polymer
Backing sheet Polyethylene
Adhesive Glue, latex free
Backing release paper Siliconised paper
Fragrance None
Additives (eg odour control) None
Wrapper Polyethylene
Polypropylene re-seal tab with glue

Chlorine bleach and fluorescent brightening agents are not used in the making of Lil-Lets SmartFit™ tampons, Lil-Lets Pads or Lil-Lets Liners. Production of the absorbent materials that go into tampons, pads and liners involves purification with either elemental chlorine free or totally chlorine free processes ensuring they are hygienic and free from impurities.

No, the absorbent materials in Lil-Lets SmartFit™ tampons have been made with a ‘totally chlorine-free’ bleaching process that does not cause dioxin production.