Photograph of a woman's legs in pyjamas, sleeping on white sheets with a period blood stain on the sheets
Periods and IRoutines

Ditch Your Overnight Period Hacks For These Game-Changing Night Pads

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Let’s face it: managing periods during the day is one thing. But at night? *Shudder*. The tossing, the turning, the paranoia over waking up to a crimson crime scene because you leaked out of your night pad—it’s a struggle every menstruator knows all too well. For so many women, heavy flow nights turn into a battle to stay comfortable, dry, and stain-free. 

While the internet is full of advice on how to handle nighttime leaks, some of the “solutions” out there range from mildly inconvenient to downright outrageous. From sleeping on towels to wearing adult diapers, the lengths women go for a stain-free night are both shocking and frustrating.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the wild hacks women have resorted to, and why they’re no match for a well-designed product – like Nua Ultra-Safe Night Pads – with real overnight protection in mind.

The Hacks That’ll Make You Say, “Why!?”

  1. Sleeping on Towels

It seems harmless, right? Grab an old bath towel, lay it on your bed, and hope for the best. Some women even swear by black or red towels to “hide the stains.” But here’s the problem: towels aren’t leak-proof. They shift, they bunch, and they’re a constant reminder of the mess you’re trying to avoid.

A screenshot from Reddit where user Capable_Okra says, "Back when I had my period, l used to sleep on top of a black towel."

A screenshot from Reddit where a user says, "Toh I have a red covered towel that I put down under me along with a jumbo pad"

A screenshot from Reddit where user ambergreene says, "I like using black sheets when it's that time."

Instead of relying on a towel, imagine a pad with an enhanced leak-proof design that has wider coverage at the back with hydrophobic leak guards along the sides, specifically for overnight needs. That’s where Nua comes in—keeping your bed safe, and keeping your sleep steady. 

  1. Adult Diapers

Yes, diapers. Plenty of women have turned to adult incontinence wear for heavy-flow nights, often doubling up with a pad inside for extra security. While it may prevent leaks, the bulkiness and discomfort are impossible to ignore. Who wants to feel like they’re wearing a pillow to bed?

A screenshot from Reddit where user Voiceisaweapon says, "when i had my period i would depends (adult diapers) to bed, sometimes with an extra thick pad in them so there was no risk of leaks. they're pretty comfy and worth the money to not stress about leaks or stains."

A screenshot from Reddit where user wutchoogot says, "l used to wear my kids diapers as pads at night. Then I just started buying adult diapers. I wear them on day two and three. No leaks!."

That’s why comfort is key. Nua night pads not only have a 50-60% wider back and edge-to-edge leak protection but are also super soft and have an elevated core that makes them ultra absorbent, so you get the absorption you need without the diaper-level drama.

  1. The Trash Bag Hack

Some Redditors have confessed to layering towels over trash bags or plastic sheets to protect their mattresses. Sure, it’s effective in theory, but sleeping on a crinkly plastic surface is far from restful. Not to mention, it’s not exactly a confidence booster.

A screenshot from Reddit where user booberries_ says, "Plastic bed protector. you can find that at Walmart. It helps so much especially with accidents you don't have to worry about staining your bed . Getting some red sheets. So if you do bleed on that you won't see it !"

A screenshot from Reddit where user IntergalacticBanshee says, "Beach or bath towel you don't care about and a large folded trash bag in between it and overnight pads even if you wear a tampon regularly."

Why go through all that trouble when you can trust a product designed to handle heavy flows without turning your bed into a camping ground? Nua’s secure fit super-soft top sheet is crafted from skin-safe materials that are toxin-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free, keeping you free from rashes and irritation. That means no more waking up in a sweat—or to a crime scene.

  1. Puppy Pads and Pee Pads

Yes, people use puppy training pads to catch leaks. And while it may protect your sheets, sleeping on something meant for housebreaking a dog is far from ideal.

A screenshot from Reddit where user rengsn says, "I sleep on an incontinence bed pad. So even if it were to leak through my undies and shorts, it won't get on my bedsheets."
A screenshot from Reddit where user S1LveR_Dr3aM says, "You can always get some large "pee pads" that you can lay over your bed to prevent it from leaking through! I had to use them after I had my baby. (On top of the disposable period/pad underwear!)"
A screenshot from Reddit where user says, "Buy the puppy training or the potty training pads to protect your linens and mattress. Sometimes the puppy pads are cheaper than the potty training pads."

Nua’s night pads eliminate the need for backup layers. With their high-absorbency core, you can rest easy knowing that your flow is handled, no matter how heavy the night gets.

  1. The Double and Triple Layer Method

From stacking pads in a T-shape to wearing multiple pairs of underwear, women have devised all sorts of methods to keep things “in place.” While creative, these hacks often lead to discomfort, awkward bulges, and a whole lot of hassle.

A screenshot from Reddit where user rulenumber303 says, "Either a folded up half bath towel down a pair of granny panties, or a couple of maternity pads overlapped."
A screenshot from Reddit where user rosiethearrowmaker says, "this might sound really weird but.. I will kind of shove the pad into my crack (like folded hotdog style) so it'll absorb any drops that might try and escape."
A screenshot from Reddit where user says, "Use two pads in a T shape. Like one how you use normally and the one perpendicular to it at your butt area. Works for me."
A screenshot from Reddit where user shi95 says, "tOne large pad, with one panty liner in the front and in the back. I just have discovered depends underwear for women too. Work like a charm haha."

A single, well-designed pad should do the job. Nua pads combine a secure adhesive with an ergonomic design that moves with you, no matter how much tossing and turning happens.

The Real Problem: These Hacks Highlight a Bigger Issue with Night Pads

The lengths women go to just to manage nighttime periods aren’t just bizarre, they’re a sign of how poorly traditional period products have served us. From leaks to discomfort, it’s clear that many of the options available today don’t cater to the realities of heavy flow nights.

This is why finding a product like Nua Ultra-Safe Night Pads is such a game-changer. By focusing on what women actually need – coverage, comfort, and reliable absorption – it transforms the experience entirely.

What a Good Night Looks Like

Picture this: no towels, no diapers, no makeshift solutions. Just you, your bed, and a pad you can actually trust. That’s what Nua delivers. With its wide-back design and advanced absorbency, you don’t have to fear leaks. The pad stays comfortably in place, even if you sleep on your back, belly, or side. And thanks to its soft, breathable materials, you won’t wake up feeling sticky or uncomfortable. It’s more than just a pad—it’s peace of mind. The kind that lets you drift off without worrying about your flow or your sheets.

So, Let’s Stop Normalizing the Struggle!

When you look at these hacks—pee pads, trash bags, diapers—it’s hard not to feel frustrated. Women have been forced to compromise comfort and dignity for too long. But it doesn’t have to be this way. No more makeshift solutions, no more restless sleep—just a practical, effective answer to a problem we’ve all faced.

So, next time you’re scrolling through the internet and stumble upon another wild hack, remember: there’s a better way. Toss the towel, skip the layers, and say goodbye to diaper duty. With Nua, no more tossing and turning. Sleep is finally back on the agenda.

Discover your overnight solution here.

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