After reading up on cloth menstrual pads, I decided to purchase a pack of six heavy flow pads from Amazon.ca and, coincidentally, they came in the day after I started my period. I was super nervous about using them overnight because I tend to have a heavy flow on my second day. I also didn't know how much blood the pads would tolerate.
I wore five pads (and washed them when I needed to) basically my entire menstrual cycle, and I gave the sixth pad to a family member who was impressed by how much I raved about it. They were so soft and comfortable. The amount of blood does not show on the pad, unlike with disposable pads. You might see some dark stains but not nearly as much (or as obvious) as with disposable pads. There is no smell when you wear it. There is no adhesive rash or sticking of the pad to any part of your body.
On my heavy day, for precaution, I changed my pads three times. But one pad lasted overnight with no problems whatsoever (no bunching up or leaking at all).
So, I have basically switched to cloth pads permanently. I will only wear disposable pads whenever there is an emergency. I love cloth pads and I would recommend them to anyone who doesn't want the hassle of buying fragrance-filled, environmentally unfriendly and messy disposable pads or tampons. I have never used tampons or diva cups, but I think that cloth pads are the best option anyway. It felt like I wasn't even on my period, that's how good cloth pads are.
