The Keeper - A Three Month Review
Yes, it is a post about that female subject. Guys, go get a cup of coffee from the Saeco and find something else to do.
A few months ago I posted that I was considering trying reusable feminine products, specifically the Keeper. I was so glad that I did because the feedback that you gave me was invaluable. Especially the feed back about it taking a bit to get the hang of. Now that I've used it for three cycles, I thought I'd give you a review.
I had high expectations for this product; partially for the frugal aspect, and partially for the performance. Information I was reading said that the Keeper did not leak. I do not get that kind of performance from tampons, so I had high hopes.
The first month was horrible, and honestly if you hadn't told me that it takes a bit of getting used to, I would have sent the thing back. (It comes with a three month money back return policy.) I'm pretty hard headed so, I decided to try it again the next month. It was better, and I decided I would stick with it. The third month I finally felt like I had the hang of it, though for me, it still was not leak free on my heavy days. I am disappointed about that, but really it is about the same as tampons were. Here are some other pluses and minuses.
The Pluses
Cost - $37 for up to ten years of use.
Convenience - On light days it can be left in place all day. It can be worn overnight.
The Minuses
Eww factor - There is no getting around it, it is messier than tampons. If you are easily grossed out this is probably not a good option for you. I really didn't find the extra mess to be a problem, but I could see how it may be inconvenient if you work, especially if you don't have access to a private bathroom.
Overall I am satisfied with the product. I am not as thrilled as I hoped to be, but I am happy that I purchased it. Next, cloth pads. I have an idea to make my own using some material I already have. Not sure when I will get to trying it, but I know it will be after the holidays sometime. I will let you know when I do and how they turn out.
If you decide to try the Keeper, I sure would appreciate it if you would use my customer referral id code. The code is for S. Appleton id # C5149H.
10 comments:
I've used the keeper for almost 6 years now. The way to deal with heavy flow days is empty the damned thing often, sometimes very often, at least every time you go pee. After a few months you'll know when you have to take care of yourself.
Hi- there are these little sea pearl sponges you can use that are affordable/frugal that may be a better option....I have not tried them yet but am considering...they are at www.jadeandpearl.com only $9.95 for a 2 pack!!
The only reason I've had any leaks with my cup is because it hasn't 'popped' open and made a complete seal. Once the cup is in, I turn it at the base of the cup (right above the stem) and if it turns freely, it has 'popped', I also give it a tiny tug (don't pull too hard... tiny tug) to make sure that it's sealed nice and tight. If the seal isn't tight (it doesn't turn freely or slips when tugged), I'll walk around a bit, do some kegels or squats, that usually makes it pop open.
Also, the fuller the cup the more mess it will make. Follow queen mum's advice above and empty more often. Soon, you will start to notice a pattern in your flow and know when the cup is getting full and how often you need to empty it on certain days (I get crampy when mine is full, but it may be different for others).
I also tryed the sea pearls, very comfortable but on an average day you have to wash them out every couple of hours. Plus, you actually have to wash them out, so it can be a little weird in a public bathroom. If you try them, don't sneeze when they're full!
Thanks for the advice ladies. I do empty it pretty often on my heavy days. Maybe I still don't have the positioning quite right. I'll keep working on that. Either way I'm sticking with the cup.
what about the toxic shock factor with leaving the cap in overnight?
Anonymous,
It has not been associated with TSS. Some different places I've read have attributed this to the fact that it made of synthetic materials and that it does not absorb the blood just holds it until you empty it.
According to their website FAQ,
Has Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) been an issue with this product?
No. THE KEEPER has not been linked to TSS. It has been laboratory tested, and results have indicated that it is very unlikely to amplify the bacteria responsible for TSS.
so glad thos edays are over for me.
The Keeper rarely leaks for me. I wonder if maybe you somehow aren't creating a seal. I do what "little red" says and give it a little tug to make sure.
I don't empty mine very often -- once when I get up in the morning and once when I go to bed at night.
I have had mine for about 4 years and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I think about all the waste I am not putting out there using disposable tampons, it greatly outweighs the "ick" factor! I agree with the other posters that you just have to get used to when you need to empty it. I usually wear a panty liner the first day for small leaks. They usually are due to the seal not getting tight or not emptying enough (if I'm out and real busy).
I've been using a keeper on and off for about 7 years. At work, I would have to go out and clean it out in a public sink, not my idea of how to make friends. Anyway, I use it when I'm at home or have a light flow day...I've saved a LOT of money by not using tampons as much. Also, it's extremely comfortable....
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