The Best Overnight Pads for Staying Dry All Night
There are few things in life more uncomfortable than getting your period unexpectedly. Who hasn't woken up to a full flow in the middle of the night and found a big bloodstain on their favorite sheets? It can be mortifying and stressful, but with a little preparation, it's easily avoidable. Whether you’re dealing with incontinence or are just experiencing heavier-than-normal periods at night, the right overnight pad will ensure your sleep isn’t disrupted.
Designed to be extra-absorbent, these pads can soak up all the fluid while preventing it from seeping through your sheets — perfect for menorrhagia, postpartum bleeding, and perimenopause. In this article, we’ll review the top overnight pads of 2024 so you can wake up feeling dry and refreshed each morning. Let’s check them out!
Buying Guide: Overnight Pads
No one likes it when their period sneaks up on them unprepared. From pain and bloating to leaky messes, Aunt Flow can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing guest. While overnight pads can provide ultimate protection against stains and leaks, not all are created equal. Some are thin and flimsy; others bunch up or shift around while you sleep. To help you, we’ve put together this handy guide discussing the ins and outs of overnight pads, so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
What to Look for When Buying Overnight Pads
Absorbency
Absorbency rate varies from brand to brand; some overnight pads can absorb at least 12 ounces of fluid, while others can hold up to 18 ounces. The more fluid an overnight pad can absorb, the longer it will last you before needing a change.
When shopping, look for thick pads that offer superior absorbency capabilities to handle larger amounts of fluid and keep you dry. This is especially important if you’re prone to heavy flow or have a large bladder capacity.
Comfort
Comfort is another key factor when it comes to selecting a quality overnight pad. Look for pads that are soft and gentle against your skin, and make sure they don’t bunch up or cause chafing in any way. Make sure the pad contours to your body shape comfortably and provide good support and cushioning; otherwise, it will rub against the skin, which can damage the outer layer of the skin and cause redness, rashes, and itching.
Breathability
Breathability is also important when it comes to selecting an overnight pad. Without adequate air circulation, the skin can become irritated, leading to discomfort and pain. This is especially crucial for people with sensitive skin or allergies — the last thing you want is for your pad to exacerbate an existing condition.
To prevent these issues, look for cotton or bamboo core pads. They allow air to circulate freely, reducing moisture buildup and keeping your body temperature regulated throughout the night.
Leakage protection
The main purpose of using a pad is to protect your clothes from being stained by blood during menstruation. If a pad does not offer enough protection against leakage, it is not worth buying at all! Ideally, it should have reliable leak guards to absorb large amounts of menstrual fluid without leaking through the sides or bottom edges.
Length and width
The length of an overnight pad is an important factor when it comes to providing coverage all night long without having it shift out of place during sleep. Choose a length that will provide adequate coverage for your body shape, ensuring it extends enough to cover from hip to hip without stretching too tightly or bunching up.
It should be wide enough to provide sufficient coverage from one side to the other with no gaps or holes in between. For maximum coverage, look for pads that have at least an 8-inch width so that you feel secure and protected all night long.
Adhesive strip
An adhesive strip or wings are an essential part of an overnight pad that keeps it in place. You should look for a night pad with a sticky strip at the bottom so that it stays put no matter what position you sleep in. It should be strong enough to hold up through active wear but not so strong that it’s uncomfortable to remove or reposition.
Comparing the Top Overnight Pads of 2024
LIVLIT Overnight Pads – Best Overall
The LIVLIT Super Long Overnight Pads are a great option for women looking for superior protection during the night. These sanitary pads come with an extra cushion absorbent layer that soaks up fluid before it starts flowing out of the pad and onto your nightgown. This helps to reduce leakage, allowing you to sleep soundly through the night.
Made with 100% organic cotton, these super-long overnight pads come with a soft and comfortable design that fits perfectly between your legs, allowing you to move around freely without feeling restricted or weighed down. What’s more, the back sheet contains 32% sugarcane-biomass film, which allows for maximum airflow, reducing the risk of allergic reactions like irritation and rashes.
They are further certified by the OCS and are non-toxic, chlorine-free, and fragrance-free. Plus, each pad has cotton side flaps that offer unmatched adhesion. Because of their high absorbency rate, superior leakage prevention, and breathable design, these overnight pads stand at the top of our list.
Pros
- Cotton core for reliable protection
- Soft and comfortable
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Come in a pack of 12 pads
Cons
- Too wide for some
Stayfree Overnight Pads – Best for Heavy Flow
The Stayfree Maxi Overnight Pads offer excellent protection for even the heaviest menstrual periods and discharge. These pads feature a night guard zone with 24 anti-leak channels that offer exceptional leakage protection, while their quilted cover delivers maximum comfort even during the most demanding of nights. Unlike other sanitary pads, these have multi-fluid absorption, which means that they can absorb both fluid and vaginal discharge at the same time.
Designed with triple-action odor control technology, these overnight pads also neutralize odors, so you don’t have to worry about any embarrassment or disruption in your daily routine. These pads have adhesive backing that helps to prevent them from shifting, which is especially important when playing sports or other physical activities that require movement. On top of that, they are available in a super long length to keep you covered during early heavy days and regular length for when you have a light flow.
Pros
- Features odor control
- Extra wide to prevent leakage
- Ultra-thin design
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Come with short wings
Amazon Basics Overnight Pads – Great Value
Amazon Basics Overnight Pads are an essential addition to any woman’s personal care routine. These sanitary pads feature an absorbent core that helps lock away excess fluid, while their Dri-Fit cotton-enhanced and breathable outer layers help wick away moisture to keep your skin dry and comfortable.
Coming to you in a pack of 20 pads, each pad features flexible wings that wrap around your underwear, ensuring a secure fit that stays in place even during the most active of days. The wings are also designed to be gentle on your skin, preventing any irritation or itching.
Did we mention that these overnight pads offer 10 hours of leakage protection? Now you don’t have to worry about changing your pad every few hours. Best of all, these pads are available in multiple absorbency levels, so you can easily choose one according to your needs.
Pros
- Super absorbent core
- Flexi wings for superior fit
- Leak-proof backing
- Available in a pack of 20 pads
Cons
- Difficult to remove
Always Overnight Pads – Most Budget-Friendly
With Always Maxi Overnight Pads, you get the protection you need for a great night’s sleep. Designed with RapidDry technology, these sanitary napkins are super absorbent and help lock away fluid to keep you feeling fresh. Their LeakGuard core helps keep leaks at bay, while the OdorLock technology helps neutralize odor. These overnight pads feature extra-wide Flexi-wings that help keep them in place, even when you toss and turn in your sleep.
These pads are also unscented, making them a great option for women with sensitive skin or allergies. Even better, they are free from harsh chemicals that can cause irritation, ensuring that you stay comfortable and protected. The packaging is also discreet and easy to store, too, making it easy to take your pads with you wherever you go. These overnight pads are eligible for coverage under FSA/HSA plans, so you don’t have to worry about high prices when purchasing them.
Pros
- Offers 10-hour leakage protection
- Soft grip side panels
- 45% large backing for optimal coverage
- Thin and discreet design
Cons
- Might feel a bit bulky
TENA Overnight Pads – Best for Incontinence
Whether you’re a new mom, an active senior, or someone who needs extra protection during their period, the TENA Overnight Pads have you covered. These overnight pads feature a super absorbent core that ensures protection for even the heaviest of bladder leakage. The Duolock core locks away fluid for up to 10 hours, so you wake up feeling refreshed. More importantly, though, these pads feature cushioned foam side barriers that provide extra protection against leaks and odor, even if you spend all night tossing and turning in your bed.
Additionally, these pads are dermatologically approved by the Skin Health Alliance, making them safe and secure to use on even the most delicate skin. And, unlike other pads, they feature a hypoallergenic and breathable top layer, so you don’t have to worry about rashes or irritations during use. The pads are individually wrapped as well, providing ultimate discretion and convenience.
Pros
- Breathable, moisture-wicking core
- Gynecologist-tested design
- Suitable for post-partum and bladder leaks
- Available in 28 and 45-count packs
Cons
- Doesn’t come with wings
People Also Asked
A: Yes, overnight pads are designed with a higher-density core that absorbs up to 10 times their weight, so you don’t have to worry about leakage or stains.
A: The number of pads in a package varies depending on the brand, but most packs contain between 12 and 24 pads.
A: These pads can typically last up to eight hours before needing to be changed, depending on the product and your body's natural flow rate.
A: The frequency of changing depends on your flow and the type of pad you're wearing. As a general guide, you should change your pad every three to four hours or at least once during the night if it becomes saturated. This will prevent bacterial growth and yeast infections.
A: Yes, many of these overnight pads are suitable for people with sensitive skin as they are often hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals.
A: Yes, it is recommended to use a panty liner with an overnight pad for extra protection. This can help absorb any excess moisture and keep you comfortable and dry. Additionally, it can help reduce the chance of staining your underwear. Remember, it is important to choose the size and style of panty liner that best fits your needs.
A: Overnight pads are a great choice for heavy flows, postpartum bleeding, and nighttime incontinence. As a general rule, if you find yourself changing your tampon or pad more than every two hours, then it’s probably time to try an overnight pad.
A: No, you should never wear an overnight pad for more than 12 hours. The longer you wear a pad, the more likely it will cause infection or irritation. Instead, change your pad at least once during the night and again in the morning for optimal menstrual hygiene and comfort.
