Levant Pur Natur 6 cm Menstrual Sponge

£4.50

Levant Pur Natur 6 cm Menstrual Sponge is a natural sea sponge that you can use instead of a tampon. You wear them by inserting them into the vagina where they absorb your menstrual flow. Levant sponges are very high quality sponges picked from sustainable and clean waters. This one has not been bleached and is therefore a natural brown colour. Instructions for use are listed below and can also be downloaded from  LEVANT SPONGE -English translation They are not sent with the sponge

LEVANT SPONGE – Instructions for use and cleaning

The sponge is a natural product and therefore may vary slightly in shape and size.

Unlike tampons, it does not dry out the vagina.  You no  longer have the difficulty of insertion or removal of a dry tampon when flow is light.

Before first use it is recommended to soak  the sponge in some vinegar (gentle like apple cider) in water to neutralize the pH or to soak in water with 2 drops of tea tree added..

To use,you first dampen the sponge with water (warm is best)  and then use two fingers to insert into the vagina. Pushing it with the middle finger up, like a tampon. It will mould  to the shape of the vagina. The sponge may seem big but it compresses down hugely when wet. You can trim it if you really want but it is best to really try it out first as most folk are surprised how much it reduces in size.  The sponge can not disappear as the only opening to the uterus is the cervix which is very small. A tip to remove it is to press the pelvic floor muscles such as if urinating , then slide the sponge a bit forward and you can remove it easily.  You may feel the sponge moving down as it fills up  -this is normal.

If the sponge is full, it is best to first wash under running cold water, then the blood does not clot. Then warm water can be used to wash away the more mucousy residues. How often the sponge must be washed, depends on how heavy your flow is. In the first 48 hours  of your period you usually lose ¾ of your whole menstrual flow. At this time it may therefore be necessary to wash out the sponge every 2-3 hours.At lighter times it may be worn for 4-6 hours before being washed out. Change times are similar to those of menstrual pads.

To clean the sponge you have a choice of methods:

Every now and then soak a few hours (eg. overnight) in vinegar water (1:2).
Or in a solution of 1/4 cup water and Hydrogen Peroxide. This will bleach the sponge again, if it has darkened after use.
Or a few drops of tea tree oil in a cup of water . Tea tree oil is very effective against up to 60 strains of bacteria. It will also eliminate any odour on your sponge.
After cleaning,leave the sponge to air dry. You can store it in a cotton bag (eg washing or other bag or sock).
Never boil a natural sponge, as it will become hard and soon unusable.

IMPORTANT: For vaginal infections, you should not use the sponge, or use a new sponge after treatment.

 

 

 

4 in stock

Description

How do you take care of a natural sponge?

After use you should rinse the sponge with clear, lukewarm water and hang it up to dry. A natural sponge must not come into contact with boiling water because it solely consists of natural fibres. If the sponge gets very dirty, it can be washed in a laundry bag in the wool programme.

How to clean the sponge

Please let the sponge soak in a 1:2 solution of vinegar and water for a few hours every now and then, e.g. over night. Alternatively, a solution of 1/4 cup of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and 1/4 cup of water can be used, which will also bleach the sponge, if it has been darkened by use. A few drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of water will also do the job. Tea tree oil is very effective against bacteria and inhibits growth of up to 60 bacteria strains . It will also kill all odours that the sponge may have adopted. After cleaning, the sponge should be left to air dry, so please do not leave it in a humid bathroom, where it may become infested with bacteria. The sponge is best kept in a cotton sac, like a washcloth, washing glove or a clean sock.

What is a natural sponge?

A natural sponge (Hippospongia equina) is a simple form of life that occurs in all oceans, from the Caribbean to the Polar Seas. In the ocean it has the function of a natural filter since it pumps water through its body to feed on plankton and other small food particles. There are over 7,500 species of natural sponges, occurring in sizes from a few millimetres to over three metres in height. Depending on water temperature, depth and current, natural sponges require six months to Five years to grow.

DISCLAIMER:

Because sea sponges grow naturally, they vary by shape, size, color, and texture. The sponges you receive may not look exactly as pictured on this page and may look slightly different from your previous orders.

Do give your sponge a good soak before use as we cannot guarantee it is completely free of traces of sand or seaweed.