One for the gals (

[w&k]

Over the years I have worked in water and been diving, I have spent many, many days stuck in my wetsuit until I could reach a shower to strip down and clean up.

The best tampon I ever found for serious water use was OB silk-glide, as the wrapping allowed for 'higher' installation, and it did not have as much tendency to 'wick' as others. However, I still had leaks, and had to stay in my wetsuit, just in case.

Then I found the DivaCup, and have never looked back. Home - DivaCup

I have had my DivaCup for a year now, and as far as I'm concerned, it's the greatest gadget on earth. NO cramps! NO leaks! NO stained bathing suit and messy wetsuit after diving!

I gave it a workout on a dive cruise last spring - A LONG day, two long dives (one deep), getting knocked around on a small boat, and cleaning up two sets of gear before I took off my wetsuit and checked. No problem, and it was the very worst day. It made all the following dives stress-free - and I was able to strip out of my wetsuit without fear.

That being said... the DivaCup does have a bit of a learning curve on the best installation technique for you, and can be a little icky until you get the hang of it.

I got a little week-early surprise last month while out of town for the day, and I didn't have my Diva with me. I had to bum a tampon from a co-worker, and I probably set a speed record getting home to get my Diva. About 5 minutes after the switch, the cramps that I had suffered with all day stopped. Completely.

Of course, your mileage may vary... but the DivaCup sure has made my life easier!

Wendy

 

[Calle Roo]

I have a quick recommendation for day boat trips...

I bought some of those lil doggy poop pick up bags and a dispenser you can get at Petsmart, and place my used sanitary items in it, tie the bag, and toss in the trash.

I even bought pink refills... No Trace Waste Bags by Pet Nation - Clean Up/Stain & Odor Control - Dog - PetSmart

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

The diva cup sounds really interesting. I use tampons and have no issues, but the environment would certainly love me more, and so would my pocketbook. I'm going to give them a try. Thanks ya'll.

 

[w&k]

Diva Cups are on special at Drugstore.com - $32.49, and a free Diva Wash with purchase if you click through to the main display (until December 23rd).

Buy The DivaCup Model 2 Online at drugstore.com

After the debacle last month - I wanted an extra to have in my office in case I get another surprise.

Happy Holidays and great diving to everyone!

Wendy

 

[Calle Roo]

On the DivaCup, do you only use these when diving, exercise, swimming etc, or do you use them on a daily basis? Just curious, what the above users do...

 

[miss_scuba]

Me too, but if there is no private toilet on the boat - replacement between dives gets kinda creative :blinking:

take a zip-loc bag with you and plenty tissues. it helps...

 

[alibi 2]

I've dove well over 100' with tampons...no problemo

 

[Karen Cleveland]

Another option is a product called Instead: http://http://www.softcup.com/

 

[Calle Roo]

Im not concerned about the depth, and pressure concerns. But heavy flow is my problem... And sometimes I have to change my fem product every 45 mins to an hour, because of accidents.

Im going to check out the Diva Cup on the weekends, till I get the hang of it. And I saw about measuring your flow, because you'll know how much, is helpful as well.

 

[w&k]

I use my Diva exclusively (except for the aforementioned surprise).

This month, I was on the road, and did not get a chance to empty my Diva on my bad day due to incredibly nasty restrooms everywhere we went.

I should have emptied it at least twice, so it was pretty much full by the time I got home. So, I stripped, emptied, and jumped straight into the shower as I made a fairly decent mess of myself.

I've always had a heavy flow on day 2, and I've found that 4x emptying keeps it below half full, which is the point where I find it gets a bit messy. (I have long fingernails, so I have to put a pretty good squeeze on the cup).

The Instead cup that Karen mentioned is a disposable unit. I did not try that one as I have an IUD as well, which is not recommended with that product.

There is also an Ultra absorbency of OB tampons, which might help. I have not seen it in the store for awhile, but I have seen it on drugstore.com.

I hope you find something that works well for you!

Wendy