mybest
Overnight PadsHelping You Find the Best
mybest
Overnight PadsHelping You Find the Best
10 Best Overnight Pads  [Tested and Reviewed]

10 Best Overnight Pads [Tested and Reviewed]

The best overnight pads will save your pajamas and sheets from unpleasant stains, allowing you to sleep comfortably and worry-free during your period. There are several types of nighttime pads available from major brands Always and Stayfree, as well as smaller labels like CORA and Rael that focus more on using organic cotton and other safe ingredients. 

So which overnight pads are the best? To find out, we tested 10 of the latest and best-selling nighttime pads and rated them based on five primary criteria, which we’ll explain in more detail below.


At mybest, we think the best overnight pads effectively absorb menstrual blood while you sleep, preventing the likelihood of leaks and skin irritation. We’ll also share our buying advice for finding the right overnight pads for your needs based on our research and testing so you’ll know just what to look for.

Last updated 03/11/2024
Cima Maliakal
Expert
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Cima Maliakal

Cima Maliakal is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist currently practicing in an academic institution in California. She practices as a full-scope OB/GYN and has various experiences within the private sector and with a low socioeconomic class population. After completing her medical training at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, Cima has previously worked in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Georgetown University in DC. During her career, she has published various articles and given presentations on pelvic floor medicine, prolapse, anal sphincter injuries, fibroids, and abnormal uterine bleeding. She has a passion for gynecologic surgery, particularly minimally invasive surgery. She is also pursuing a global health fellowship where she will provide care to the underserved in Uganda, Africa.

Cima Maliakal's Profile
…Continue reading
Ayuka Yokoyama
Guide
Head of Personal Care Products at mybest
Ayuka Yokoyama

As head of personal care products, Ayuka is responsible for a wide range of items, including massagers, oral care products, and more. Since joining the company, Ayuka has clarified that it is imperative that she "delivers trustworthy information about products that affect the body" and has since gone on to verify 200 products and counting.

Ayuka Yokoyama's Profile
…Continue reading

How We Tested the Products

We gathered the 10 bestselling Overnight Pads and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Absorbency

    1
    Absorbency

    Overnight pads with excellent absorbency are able to collect blood without overflow for up to 8 hours, which is the average amount of sleep adults require every night. 

  2. Amount of Backflow

    2
    Amount of Backflow

    Here, we’re looking for overnight pads that don’t resurface a lot of moisture under pressure, no matter how much fluid it’s absorbed.

  3. Resistance to Shifting

    3
    Resistance to Shifting

    Overnight pads should be able to firmly adhere to the underwear so it doesn’t shift, even if you move around a lot in bed.

  4. Overall Comfort

    4
    Overall Comfort

    Ideally, overnight pads should feel discreet. Even if you’re sitting on a chair or lying in bed, you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing anything other than your underwear.

  5. Softness on Skin

    5
    Softness on Skin

    Friction can make pads uncomfortable, so we looked for products that felt good against the skin.

All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest

Company Facility
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
We do not guarantee any of the results or features explained in our buying guide. Please reference each product's official description when making your purchase.

Table of Contents

Overnight Pads Should Be Leak-Proof So You Can Sleep Without Worries

Overnight Pads Should Be Leak-Proof So You Can Sleep Without Worries

At night, you should use an overnight pad that’s specially designed to absorb your menstrual blood while you sleep. Compared to daytime pads, overnight pads are longer (to also cover your backside) and can absorb a higher volume of liquid.


Since you won’t be changing your pad as often while you sleep, you’ll want something that won’t leak even after a full night’s rest. Below are a few key things to look for when buying overnight pads, based on our research and testing.

Cima Maliakal
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Cima Maliakal

We recommend adjusting the size as needed.


If you feel like your menstrual blood is about to overflow from your night-time pad when you wake up, it might be a good idea to try one size up.

How to Choose Overnight Pads

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Overnight Pads.

1

Choose An Overnight Pad With High Absorbency

Using a pad that can’t absorb a high volume of liquid will result in leakage, even if you wear it properly. Below, we will reveal the high-absorbency pads we discovered during our testing. Best of all, these overnight pads won’t leave you feeling sticky when you wake up in the morning.

Pads That Can Absorb At Least 20mL Are Less Likely To Leak

Pads That Can Absorb At Least 20mL Are Less Likely To Leak

Most adults need 8 hours of sleep on average. An overnight pad that can absorb more than 20mL (0.68 oz.) of liquid will be less likely to leak when you sleep.


We evaluated each pad’s absorbency power by placing a 77 lb. weight on top to simulate the pressure that’s applied when lying down. Our best overnight pads were able to absorb as much as 25mL (0.85 oz) of liquid, while our worst performers only absorbed 11.5mL (0.39 oz.).


To explain why this is important: a pad that can absorb more than 20mL of liquid is capable of collecting at least 8 hours' worth of menstrual blood, while a pad with a max capacity of 11.5mL will only last for about 4.5 hours before it starts to overflow.


The higher the absorption power, the better a pad is suited for overnight use. We note the capacity of each pad we tested below.

Ayuka Yokoyama
Head of Personal Care Products at mybest
Ayuka Yokoyama

Products with low water absorption capacity for night-time sanitary pads aren't completely useless.


For those who bleed too much during the day to be satisfied with day-use pads, utilizing night-use pads is one option. If used during the day, pads with a water absorption of around 11.5mL can still be used.

Less Backflow Means Fewer Uncomfortable Mornings

Less Backflow Means Fewer Uncomfortable Mornings

When there is a lot of backflow, your skin can become damp, itchy, and irritated. Choosing an overnight pad with minimal backflow of menstrual blood will save you from waking up with unpleasant stickiness.


During our tests, each pad absorbed 20 mL of water, which is the equivalent of an average menstrual flow over 8 hours. We then placed a piece of paper on top of the pad, followed by a weight. When we removed the weight, we observed how much moisture transferred to the paper from the pad.


We discovered that all overnight pads are prone to backflow. However, the level of backflow varies among products. Some pads had minimal backflow so they’re less prone to sticking to your backside come morning. Unfortunately, some pads overflowed when we placed the weight and paper on top, which doesn’t bode well for overall comfort.


As you’ll find out in more detail below, appearances alone won’t indicate whether or not an overnight pad will be low on backflow and high on absorbency.

Rael and Claene Organics: Excellent Absorbency With Minimal Backflow

Rael and Claene Organics: Excellent Absorbency With Minimal Backflow

The two products that meet the above criteria in our ranking are Rael's Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads and Claene Organics' Organic Cotton Overnight Pads. They’re able to collect a lot of liquid and don’t transfer a lot of that moisture back. This means that during your heaviest flows, you likely won’t have to deal with a lot of sticky discomfort.


However, neither of these overnight pads are slip-resistant, so we’d recommend wearing form-fitting underwear to keep them in place as best as possible.

2

Prevent Leaks With Wings And Wide Tape

If you’re a restless sleeper, you should look for an overnight pad that won’t shift when you move.


Among our test products, there wasn’t an overnight pad that scored exceptionally high in both slip-resistance and low backflow. Thus, when shopping for overnight pads, you’ll need to decide which feature is more important.

Winged Pads Won’t Slip Even When You Move

Winged Pads Won’t Slip Even When You Move

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a pad to slip out of place while you’re sleeping. Many women can relate to waking up with stained pajamas and bed sheets.


Wings allow you to firmly affix your pad to your underwear to reduce the risk of slippage, even if you toss and turn. It won’t feel like the pad is floating away from you. Pads without wings, on the other hand, may give you the impression that they’re not securely attached from the moment you put them on.


For peace of mind at night, choose an overnight pad with wings.

Wider Tape Adds A Sense Of Security

Wider Tape Adds A Sense Of Security

In addition to the wings, the width of the tape matters. The wider the tape is, the more surface the pad can attach to. This also makes it harder to peel off.


When we evaluated the tape of each pad, we noticed a big difference in comfort and security. Overnight pads with wider tape stay in place well, so there’s less concern about them suddenly peeling away.


Pads with narrow tape were prone to having the edges lift, resulting in shifting. This makes such pads more likely to leak. When possible, choose an overnight pad with wide tape.

Seventh Generation Pads Absorb A Lot And Stay in Place

Seventh Generation Pads Absorb A Lot And Stay in Place

Only Seventh Generation's Overnight Absorbency Maxi Pads managed to score high for absorbency and slip resistance.


Although it scored lower for backflow versus the Rael and Claene Organics pads above, the wings and wide tape of the Seventh Generation pads make them ideal for sleepers who toss and turn a lot at night.


If you want to avoid waking up with a wrinkled or misplaced pad, this is the product we recommend most.

3

Thin, Soft Pads Won’t Disrupt Sleep

Thin, Soft Pads Won’t Disrupt Sleep

Overnight pads tend to be bulky because they’re made to absorb more menstrual blood than standard daytime pads. However, you’ll have trouble falling asleep because you can’t help but feel them.


Thin pads with a softer touch are more discreet. Comments from our testers about these types of overnight pads include, "I didn't feel like I was wearing it because it was thin, so I could wear it as usual," and "It felt good against my skin and fit well".


On the flip side, thicker pads can feel abrasive against your backside. Regarding bulky overnight pads, our testers say, "I was aware of the pad every time I moved," and "I felt friction because the pad was so rough."


When possible, go for a thin, soft pad that’ll make you forget that you’re wearing it by the time you fall asleep at night.

Ayuka Yokoyama
Head of Personal Care Products at mybest
Ayuka Yokoyama

Indeed, if you feel like you're wearing a pad, it can make you conscious of an uncomfortable feeling in your buttocks and make it difficult to sleep.


The top three products in our ranking are thinner and have a softer touch on the skin. If you're unsure about which one to buy, it's a good idea to choose from those three picks.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?
We do not guarantee any of the results or features explained in our buying guide. Please reference each product's official description when making your purchase.

10 Best Overnight Pads Ranking

Here are the best Overnight Pads we found after testing them. We ranked them after weighting each of our testing specs.
Recommended
Price Performance
Sort
Filter
Backflow Protection
For Restless Sleepers
OCS Certified
For Comfort
Products
Image
mybest Score
Click to purchase
Key features
Main Score
Details
Absorbency (overnight)
Amount of backflow (overnight)
Resistance to shifting
Softness on the skin
Overall comfort
Absorbency
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness
Skin Contact
Unscented
Length
Width
Quantity
OCS certification
Type used in testing
1

Rael

Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

Rael Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 1
4.38

mybest's Top Choice: Comfortable And Unlikely To Leak, Even With A Heavy Flow

5.00
4.25
3.75
4.40
4.47

25mL

0.1 in.

Soft

12.5 in.

3 in.

20 pads

Overnight

2

Seventh Generation

Maxi Pads - Overnight Absorbency

Seventh Generation Maxi Pads - Overnight Absorbency 1
4.33

Wide Tape And Wings Make This The Restless Sleeper’s Choice

4.55
3.50
4.88
4.40
4.60

20.5 mL

0.08 in.

Soft

11.8 in.

6.3 in.

28 pads

Overnight

3

Claene Organics

Organic Cotton Pads - Overnight

Claene Organics Organic Cotton Pads - Overnight  1
4.31

Thin, Soft, And Not Sticky

5.00
4.00
3.75
4.34
4.34

25 mL

0.15 in.

Soft

12.5 in.

5.9 in.

8 pads

Overnight

4

The Procter & Gamble

Always Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads

The Procter & Gamble Always Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads 1
4.29

Contours Your Backside Well But It Can Get Sticky

5.00
3.75
4.00
4.14
4.00

25mL

0.3 in.

Soft

11.0 in.

3.4 in.

28 pads

Overnight

5

The Honey Pot

Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

The Honey Pot Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 1
4.25
Currently unavailable

Comfortable Fit But Not For Sensitive Skin

5.00
3.63
3.88
4.34
4.34

25 mL

0.1 in.

Soft

13 in.

6.3 in.

12 pads

Overnight

6

Amazon Basics

Thick Maxi Pads with Flexi

Amazon Basics Thick Maxi Pads with Flexi 1
4.20

Good Absorption But Bulky

5.00
3.63
4.00
3.74
3.86

25mL

0.3 in.

Hard

11.4 in.

6.3 in.

28 pads

Overnight maxi pads

7

Lyv Life

CoraThe Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad

Lyv Life The Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad 1
4.15

A Soft Touch Disrupted By Too Much Backflow

5.00
3.25
3.88
4.60
4.47

25 mL

0.2 in.

Soft

11.8 in.

6.3 in.

20 pads

Maxi overnight pad

8

Stayfree

Maxi Overnight Pads

Stayfree Maxi Overnight Pads 1
4.06

Thin And Soft But There’s Significant Backflow

5.00
3.00
4.00
4.67
4.67

25mL

0.2 in.

Soft

12.0 in.

3.0 in.

28 pads

overnight with wings

9

Kimberly-Clark

Clean & Secure Overnight Maxi Pads

Kimberly-Clark Clean & Secure Overnight Maxi Pads 1
3.89

A Heavy, Uncomfortable Pad (When You’re Awake)

4.15
3.25
4.00
4.40
4.07

16.5 mL

0.2 in.

Soft

11.8 in.

5.9 in.

28 pads

overnight maxi pads with wings

10

Bodywise

natracareNight Time Natural Maxi Pads

Bodywise Night Time Natural Maxi Pads 1
3.63

Only Good For Up To 4 Hours Of Wear

3.65
3.13
3.75
4.60
4.20

11.5mL

0.3 in.

Soft

12.2 in.

3.9 in.

10 pads

Maxi

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice Overnight Pads
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)
No.1 in Amount of backflow (overnight)

Rael
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

mybest Score
4.38
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
4.25
Resistance to shifting
3.75
Softness on the skin
4.40
Overall comfort
4.47
View on Amazon
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 1
Lowest price
$13.99
High Mid
Lowest price
$13.99
High Mid
Absorbency25mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.1 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
12.5 in.
Width
3 in.
Quantity
20 pads
OCS certification

mybest's Top Choice: Comfortable And Unlikely To Leak, Even With A Heavy Flow

What we loved

  • Thin and discreet with high absoprtion
  • Wider at the back to prevent overflow
  • Wings help it stay in place

What we didn't love

  • Tape is thin (except along the back)

Our pick for the best overnight pads is the Rael's Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads. They use organic cotton and feature a broader back to prevent overflow.


In our absorption tests, this pad sopped up 25mL of water without leaking, the highest amount among all products we evaluated. Assuming that it absorbs 2.5mL of liquid per hour, that’s good for roughly 10 hours of wear. When we simulated the effects of pressure on the pad, there was little backflow, so it’s unlikely to feel sticky in the morning.


The main tape is narrow, but since there are wings and the tape is wider along the back, you probably won’t have to worry much about it shifting. That said, we still recommend wearing this pad with form-fitting underwear if you move a lot at night.


Our testers found this Rael overnight pad comfortable. One tester said, "No matter how much I moved, I hardly felt any friction!" We also like that the pad has a wider back, as it gives us an extra sense of security.


High absorbency and low backflow make it a great pick if you want to avoid discomfort in the AM, especially if you sleep longer than average.

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Resistance to shifting

Seventh Generation
Maxi Pads - Overnight Absorbency

mybest Score
4.33
Absorbency (overnight)
4.55
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.50
Resistance to shifting
4.88
Softness on the skin
4.40
Overall comfort
4.60
Lowest price
$44.99
High
Absorbency20.5 mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.08 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
11.8 in.
Width
6.3 in.
Quantity
28 pads
OCS certification

Wide Tape And Wings Make This The Restless Sleeper’s Choice

What we loved

  • Wide tape and large wings keep it in place
  • Good to wear for up to 8 hours
  • So thin you probably won’t notice it

What we didn't love

  • More backflow than we’d like
  • Slightly less absorbent than others

Seventh Generation is a brand that cares a lot about the environment. The Seventh Generation Overnight Absorbency Maxi Pads come in recyclable packaging and are free of chlorine bleach, fragrances, dyes, deodorants, and rayon.


During our absorbency tests, this pad absorbed up to 20.5mL of liquid, which should help it last about 8 hours (assuming a flow of 2.5mL per hour). That’s good for an average night of sleep.


A wider tape and broader wings keep this overnight pad firmly in place, even if you move around a lot at night. Better yet, it’s thin and soft, which our testers approved. Comments from them include, "I forgot that I was wearing a pad," and "It was comfortable while I was wearing it."


The downside is high backflow. In our tests, we observed a significant amount of moisture when we applied pressure. If you can’t deal with that sticky feeling in the morning, this isn’t the pad for you.


Still, if you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, the Seventh Generation overnight pad is a great choice that’ll stay in place thanks to its larger wings and wide tape.

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight
No.3
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)

Claene Organics
Organic Cotton Pads - Overnight

mybest Score
4.31
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
4.00
Resistance to shifting
3.75
Softness on the skin
4.34
Overall comfort
4.34
Lowest price
$7.99
Low Mid
Absorbency25 mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.15 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
12.5 in.
Width
5.9 in.
Quantity
8 pads
OCS certification

Thin, Soft, And Not Sticky

What we loved

  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Can comfortably wear for up to 10 hours
  • Wings help keep the pad in place

What we didn't love

  • May lift at the edges due to narrow tape
  • Not for restless sleepers

The Claene Organics Overnight Organic Cotton Pads use 100% organic cotton. It doesn’t contain fragrances, artificial dyes, deodorants, rayon, polyester, phthalates, or harmful adhesive acetones. This is all very good if you have sensitive skin.


During our absorbency tests, this pad absorbed up to 25mL of liquid, which is equal to up to 10 hours of wear (assuming a flow rate of 2.5mL per hour). It’s also thin, soft, and doesn’t have much backflow. You’ll feel just as comfortable when you wake up in the morning as you did before you went to sleep when wearing this overnight pad.


There are wings to help it stay attached to your underwear, but the tape is on the narrow side. This increases the risk of the pad lifting at the edges. To avoid that, we recommend wearing form-fitting underwear.


If you want to feel like you’re not wearing an overnight pad at all, we highly recommend Claene Organics – as long as you don’t move too much in your sleep.

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight
No.4
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)

The Procter & Gamble
Always Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads

mybest Score
4.29
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.75
Resistance to shifting
4.00
Softness on the skin
4.14
Overall comfort
4.00
Lowest price
$12.73
Low Mid
Absorbency25mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.3 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
11.0 in.
Width
3.4 in.
Quantity
28 pads
OCS certification

Contours Your Backside Well But It Can Get Sticky

What we loved

  • Good for up to 10 hours of wear
  • Contours the curves of your body well
  • Difficult to peel off, despite narrow adhesive

What we didn't love

  • Lacks wings
  • More backflow than we’d like

The Always Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads claim to offer “100% leakage-free comfort.” The packaging prominently features the eye-catching polka-dot wrapping.


During our absorption tests, it absorbed up to 25mL of fluid without any leakage. Assuming a heavy-flow day (2.5mL every hour), this is approximately 10 hours' worth of absorption.


However, moisture can seep back out from the pad when subjected to your weight, leading to possible stickiness the next morning. It’s also thick, which may bother wearers who want something more discreet – but it's also soft and nicely adapts to the contours of your body.


Other negative points include a lack of wings and a narrow adhesive strip. If you toss around a lot in your sleep, this Always pad might loosen from your underwear. However, since the tape is horizontal, it’s difficult to peel off, even along the edges.


Among wingless pads, this offers the highest absorption. If you don’t want an overnight pad with wings, consider this one from Always.

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight
No.5
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)

The Honey Pot
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

mybest Score
4.25
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.63
Resistance to shifting
3.88
Softness on the skin
4.34
Overall comfort
4.34
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 1
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 2
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 3
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 4
Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads 5
Reference price
$8.38
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.38
Low Mid
Absorbency25 mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.1 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
13 in.
Width
6.3 in.
Quantity
12 pads
OCS certification

Comfortable Fit But Not For Sensitive Skin

What we loved

  • Holds up to 10 hours’ worth of fluid
  • Thin and contouring
  • Soft feel

What we didn't love

  • The infused herbs may irritate skin
  • Adhesive doesn’t hold well

The Honey Pot Company’s Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads are infused with herbs such as mint, lavender, and aloe. This is meant to give them a “refreshing, cooling sensation.”


During our absorbency tests, it could hold 25mL of liquid. This makes it good for up to 10 hours of wear overnight.


However, it had a lot of backflow when we applied pressure, so it’ll probably feel sticky over time.

There are wings, but the main adhesive is narrow, and the ends tend to lift easily. We recommend wearing snug panties to prevent shifting.


On the plus side, the Honey Pot overnight pads are thin and contour the curves of your body well, so if you sit or roll over, it won’t feel like the pad is bunching up. Our testers also approved of their softness.


That said, our testers had mixed opinions about the herb infusion. One of them said, "My crotch felt cold and I wanted to take the pad off right away." We don’t recommend these overnight pads if you have sensitive skin.

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight
No.6
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)

Amazon Basics
Thick Maxi Pads with Flexi

mybest Score
4.20
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.63
Resistance to shifting
4.00
Softness on the skin
3.74
Overall comfort
3.86
Lowest price
$5.63
Low
Absorbency25mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.3 in.
Skin ContactHard
Length
11.4 in.
Width
6.3 in.
Quantity
28 pads
OCS certification

Good Absorption But Bulky

What we loved

  • Costs less than 20 cents per pad
  • Has a maximum wear time of 10 hours
  • Large wings help it stay on

What we didn't love

  • Bulky with a lot of backflow
  • Thin main adhesive strip

The Amazon Basics Thick Maxi Pads with Flexi costs around $5 for a pack of 28. At roughly 18 cents per pad, it’s the cost-effective choice.


In our absorbency tests, it was able to collect 25mL of fluid before starting to leak. That’s good for up to 10 hours of wear based on a 2.5mL flow per hour.


However, it doesn’t handle pressure well as moisture immediately transfers back, which could lead to an uncomfortable sticky feeling. The pad does have large wings, so you can firmly attach it to your underwear – but a narrow strip of adhesive causes the edges of the pad to lift.


It also doesn’t feel good against the skin. The Amazon Basics overnight pad is thick and has a rough surface. According to one tester, “It feels noticeable that you’re wearing a pad.”

Unscented
Type used in testingOvernight maxi pads
No.7
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)

Lyv Life
CoraThe Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad

mybest Score
4.15
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.25
Resistance to shifting
3.88
Softness on the skin
4.60
Overall comfort
4.47
Lowest price
$12.00
Mid
Absorbency25 mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.2 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
11.8 in.
Width
6.3 in.
Quantity
20 pads
OCS certification

A Soft Touch Disrupted By Too Much Backflow

What we loved

  • Organic cotton that’s free of irritants
  • Able to wear for up to 10 hours without leaking
  • Has wings to keep it firmly in place

What we didn't love

  • Would be better as a daytime pad
  • Edges lift due to thin adhesive

The Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad by Cora is made of 100% cotton and contains no fragrances, chlorine, or dyes.


It absorbed 25mL of liquid in our tests, which is good for about 10 hours of wear. Unfortunately, we observed a lot of flow back when pressure is applied so you may not always feel so clean when wearing this overnight pad.


The surface tends to get clumpy when it absorbs a lot of blood, which could make for an uncomfortably stuffy feeling. We think it works better as a daytime pad for heavy flow days since you’d be able to change it more often.


While it does have wings, the main adhesive is narrow compared to the large absorbing surface. Even if you firmly attach this Cora pad to your underwear, the edges are likely to lift easily.


The organic cotton feels good against the skin, and there’s very little friction when sitting or lying down. And because it’s so thin, you’ll almost think you’re not wearing an overnight pad at all.

Unscented
Type used in testingMaxi overnight pad
No.8
No.1 in Absorbency (overnight)
No.1 in Softness on the skin
No.1 in Overall comfort

Stayfree
Maxi Overnight Pads

mybest Score
4.06
Absorbency (overnight)
5.00
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.00
Resistance to shifting
4.00
Softness on the skin
4.67
Overall comfort
4.67
Lowest price
$9.99
Mid
Absorbency25mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.2 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
12.0 in.
Width
3.0 in.
Quantity
28 pads
OCS certification

Thin And Soft But There’s Significant Backflow

What we loved

  • Thin and soft for a discreet feel
  • Holds up to 10 hours’ worth of fluid
  • Stays in place, even if you move a lot

What we didn't love

  • Too much stickiness from backflow
  • Possible fragrance so avoid if you’re sensitive

Stayfree Maxi Overnight Pads with Wings feature 30% more absorbency compared to Stayfree Ultra Thin Pads, according to the brand. Although there’s no mention of fragrance on the packaging, we noticed a sweet aroma when we opened the pads.


It absorbed 25mL of liquid in our tests, but our tests also show that this pad is prone to leakage and stickiness when you sit or lie down. Fortunately, it’s thin and soft, so you’re less likely to feel any friction between the pad and your rear.


The main adhesive is somewhat narrow, but there are wings, as well as tape on the back side to help keep the pad in place. We received positive feedback from testers who claim that the pad even stayed in place when they turned over in their sleep.

Unscented
Type used in testingovernight with wings
No.9

Kimberly-Clark
Clean & Secure Overnight Maxi Pads

mybest Score
3.89
Absorbency (overnight)
4.15
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.25
Resistance to shifting
4.00
Softness on the skin
4.40
Overall comfort
4.07
Lowest price
$14.92
High Mid
Absorbency16.5 mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.2 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
11.8 in.
Width
5.9 in.
Quantity
28 pads
OCS certification

A Heavy, Uncomfortable Pad (When You’re Awake)

What we loved

  • Has a nice, soft surface
  • Wings and wide back help keep it in place

What we didn't love

  • Much lower absorption than advertised
  • Thick and prone to a lot of backflow

The U by Kotex Clean & Secure Overnight Maxi Pads have uniquely shaped wings that the brand claims will sufficiently cover your backside to prevent overflow.


In our absorption tests, it only managed about 16.5mL of liquid before it began to leak. That’s equivalent to about 6 hours of menstrual flow; interestingly, the brand claims to provide up to 12 hours of protection. Among the products we tested, this is one of the few overnight pads that failed to exceed 20mL of absorption.


Worse, when we applied weight to the pad, we saw a lot of moisture return to the surface. If you’re especially bothered by dampness or stickiness, the U by Kotex overnight pad won’t be the right fit for you.


Per one of our testers who tried this pad, “It's so thick that when I stood up, it felt uncomfortable and heavy.'' Thus, it’s probably best to put it on right before going to bed, as you’re less likely to notice it while you’re sleeping.


Despite that, it otherwise feels soft to the touch, so there’s not too much friction. The main adhesive strip is narrow, but the wings help the pad adhere to underwear well. Combined with the wider back, this will help the pad remain in place even when rolling over in bed.

Unscented
Type used in testingovernight maxi pads with wings
No.10

Bodywise
natracareNight Time Natural Maxi Pads

mybest Score
3.63
Absorbency (overnight)
3.65
Amount of backflow (overnight)
3.13
Resistance to shifting
3.75
Softness on the skin
4.60
Overall comfort
4.20
Lowest price
$9.15
Mid
Absorbency11.5mL
With wings
Wider Main Tape
Thin Sheet
Thickness0.3 in.
Skin ContactSoft
Length
12.2 in.
Width
3.9 in.
Quantity
10 pads
OCS certification

Only Good For Up To 4 Hours Of Wear

What we loved

  • Feels soft against the skin
  • Made without common irritants

What we didn't love

  • Poor absorption
  • Doesn’t stay in place well
  • Too much backflow

The Bodywise Natracare Night Time Natural Maxi Pads are made of organic cotton and free from plastic, fragrance, and chlorine.


With a total absorption of 11.5mL in our tests, this only amounts to about 4.5 hours of wear before leaking. That’s the lowest absorption rate out of all of the overnight pads we tried – and quite frankly, it’s better for daytime use.


What’s more, applying pressure results in a lot of moisture resurfacing for that sticky, unclean feeling. Despite being a wider pad, it doesn’t have wings, so it’s prone to shifting. The narrow adhesive doesn’t do a great job of keeping the pad in place, either.


As for its high points, our testers liked its soft feel. Feedback from users included comments such as, "It felt fluffy like a pillow," and "It was soft and comfortable against the skin."

Unscented
Type used in testingMaxi

How We Tested the Overnight Pads

Overnight Pads Evaluation

At mybest, we think the best overnight pads effectively absorb menstrual blood while you sleep, preventing the likelihood of leaks and skin irritation.


In order to find the best overnight pads, we gathered 10 of the latest and best-selling products from a variety of brands sold at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. From there, we evaluated them based on the following five points:

  • Absorbency
  • Amount of Backflow
  • Resistance to Shifting
  • Overall Comfort
  • Softness on Skin

Products we tested

  1. Amazon BasicsThick Maxi Pads with Flexi
  2. BodywisenatracareNight Time Natural Maxi Pads
  3. Claene OrganicsOrganic Cotton Pads - Overnight
  4. Kimberly-ClarkClean & Secure Overnight Maxi Pads
  5. Lyv LifeCoraThe Peace-of-Mind Maxi Overnight Pad
  6. RaelOrganic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads
  7. Seventh GenerationMaxi Pads - Overnight Absorbency
  8. StayfreeMaxi Overnight Pads
  9. The Honey PotOrganic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads
  10. The Procter & GambleAlways Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads
1

Absorbency

Absorbency

Overnight pads with excellent absorbency are able to collect blood without overflow for up to 8 hours, which is the average amount of sleep adults require every night. 

Scoring Method

We repeatedly dropped 0.5mL of water into the center of a pad and placed a 77 lb. weight on it, up until the point where the water leaked from the pad. We scored the absorbency of each item, giving higher scores to pads that could absorb more (up to 25mL).

Test Conditions

  • The pad was laid flat

  • We repeatedly dropped 0.5mL of liquid into the center

  • We placed a 77 lb. weight on top

2

Amount of Backflow

Amount of Backflow

Here, we’re looking for overnight pads that don’t resurface a lot of moisture under pressure, no matter how much fluid it’s absorbed.

Scoring Method

For over 8 hours, we spilled 20mL of liquid into the center of the pad and then placed a piece of paper on top, followed by a 77 lb. weight. We then checked the amount of moisture that returned to the paper. The pads with less moisture on the paper scored higher.

Test Conditions

  • Equipment Used: Paper towel, scale, weight
3

Resistance to Shifting

Resistance to Shifting

Overnight pads should be able to firmly adhere to the underwear so it doesn’t shift, even if you move around a lot in bed.

Scoring Method

Our testers evaluated and scored each product based on the following questions.

What We Checked

  • Does it have wings?

  • How wide is the adhesive?

  • How is the adhesive oriented?

  • What is the width between the tapes?

  • Is there tape on the backside?

4

Overall Comfort

Overall Comfort

Ideally, overnight pads should feel discreet. Even if you’re sitting on a chair or lying in bed, you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing anything other than your underwear.

Scoring Method

Our testers attached each pad to their underwear to evaluate the level of comfort.

Test Conditions

  • Testers: Women

  • Actions Performed: Sitting, lying down, and turning over

5

Softness on Skin

Softness on Skin

Friction can make pads uncomfortable, so we looked for products that felt good against the skin.

Scoring Method

Testers wore each pad and evaluated their level of comfort against the skin.

Test Conditions

  • Testers: Women

  • Actions Performed: Sitting, lying down, and turning over

What We Checked

  • Is there any discomfort?

Top 5 Overnight Pads

No. 1: RaelOrganic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

No. 2: Seventh GenerationMaxi Pads - Overnight Absorbency

No. 3: Claene OrganicsOrganic Cotton Pads - Overnight

No. 4: The Procter & GambleAlways Maxi Size 4 Overnight Pads

No. 5: The Honey PotOrganic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

Most Viewed
Featured Rankings Similar to Overnight Pads

Incontinence Underwear for Women

10 Best

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.