You’re in a public restroom. You slip into a stall. The coast is clear. You reach into your bag and pull out the types of sanitary pads you’ve been using since you were 13. But then it happens.
CRRRRINKLE.
Louder than you expect. Even louder than the flush.
Suddenly, it feels like everyone in the bathroom knows you’re on your period. Even if they don’t care, even if they’re also on theirs, that noise makes you feel awkward. You wait for a hand dryer to go off or a toilet to flush again. Something…anything…to cover the sound.
But why do we do that? Why does changing a pad feel like a secret mission? Let’s talk about it.
Wait, Why is the Sound of Unwrapping a Pad So Awkward?
It’s actually not really about the pad. It’s about what it represents.
Because no matter how many times we say “periods are normal,” most of us have also spent years (sometimes decades) learning to treat them like a secret. Don’t stain. Don’t talk about it. Don’t carry a pad in the open. Don’t let anyone hear it.
So, maybe, just maybe, it’s the leftover shame we’ve been taught to carry. And maybe the pad crinkle reminds us of it.
There are entire threads on Reddit and Quora where women swap tips on how to open a pad silently. Seriously! People turn on all the taps, time it with a toilet flush, or even pre-unpack the pad into a soft cloth pouch before stepping out. Some even fake cough just to mask the sound of the pad while walking.
And, for some of us, the reason is a bit different. It’s simply about personal preference and privacy. Be it periods, poops or farts, you just want to deal with it quietly, without feeling like you’re being watched or listened to.
For a few others, it could also be the fear of being judged, even by strangers who are probably going through the exact same thing.
Whatever the reason, the moment that pad makes a sound, it feels like something private has become public. And for that one second, we all instinctively do the same thing: freeze, hush, hide.
Okay, But What Types of Sanitary Pads Make a Noise?
The pad sound isn’t random. It comes from specific types of sanitary pads, ones that have:
- Plastic backing: This layer is meant to stop leaks, but in many conventional pads, it’s thick, rigid plastic, which makes a sound when you move.
- Synthetic top layers: Some pads use synthetic top layers that claim to “lock in moisture.” But sometimes, they rub against your underwear or skin, causing friction and noise.
- Excess fluff and bulk: Pads with too many unnecessary layers don’t just feel heavy, they rustle and tug around your thighs, butt, and waistband, making a crinkle sound.
Then There’s the Wrapper of the Pad…
Trying to change your pad often sounds like you’re opening a jumbo pack of chips in a silent theatre. Some of us even do that weird thing where we try to open it v-e-r-y slowly so it doesn’t make as much noise. (Spoiler: it still makes noise.)
That noise? It usually comes from the thin plastic that most pads are wrapped in. These wrappers are supposed to keep each pad separate and can also be used to dispose of the pad.
But in reality? They tear easily while taking out the pad (yeah, more noise). Or they’re too flimsy to wrap anything back up securely. Plus, they’re not exactly pleasant to carry around either, because they start smelling like the synthetic fragrance or chemicals used in the pad itself.
That’s exactly why Nua’s Complete Comfort Pads come with their own soft, sealable disposal covers (which you can now even buy on their own here). No plastic, no noise, no stress. They’re discreet, odour-locking, and feel more like a little envelope than a pad wrapper. Just pop it in your bag, and you’re sorted for when you need to change.
Quiet, clean, and honestly? Kind of cute too.
That Noise Can Also Be a Red Flag for Your Health
A lot of women who talk about crinkly types of sanitary pads online also say something else: the loudest ones are usually the cheap, plasticky pads they picked up in a rush. These are often not breathable, synthetic and heavy on chemicals.
So, if your pad is making a lot of noise, it’s possible that it can lead to:
- Rashes or itching from a lack of breathability
- Skin irritation caused by rough or synthetic layers
- Infections due to poor absorption by low-quality materials
- Chafing and friction from bulky, poorly added fluff
No Doubt, We All Want a Pad That Doesn’t Talk Back
No matter what your reason is for not liking a crinkly pad, a silent pad might be exactly what you need. It gives you:
1. Privacy, not pressure
Whether you’re at work, school, or just outside, you should be able to change your pad without feeling like you’re on display. A silent pad respects that boundary.
2. No constant reminders
You’re already dealing with enough on your period. The last thing you want is your pad rustling every time you move. Silent pads like Nua’s are ultra-thin, soft, and flexible. They move with you without making a sound.
3. A healthier alternative
Crinkly pads don’t just lead to noise. They can also invite irritation. That’s why Nua is made naturally of the softest and most breathable material with a Zero Irritation promise.
4. No unwarranted anxiety
Periods already mess with our mood. There are hormones all over the place and emotional sensitivity. In fact, a study showed that over 44% of girls report anxiety linked to menstruation. Sometimes, even something as small as the crinkly sound of a pad can be a trigger, making you feel more anxious. In such situations, a silent pad doesn’t just stay quiet. It helps you stay calm, too.
It’s Okay to Care About the Small Things!
We often push aside our own discomfort, telling ourselves it’s not a big deal. And the sound your pad makes might seem too trivial. But the truth is, it’s not silly. It’s not dramatic. You’re allowed to want a pad that doesn’t constantly crinkle.
In fact, we’d love to hear from you. Have you ever felt conscious about pad noise? Share your experience in the comments below. Your story might just help someone else feel seen, heard, and supported!
