FAQ

PADS N' PANTIES

How do nookees work?

nookees are made out of two clicking awesome components: THE PAD and THE PANTY. You click the reusable PADS with the button system into the PANTIES and use them. When it’s time for a change, just remove them with the (un)click of a button, put everything into the laundry (up to 60°C) and use it again. No moving, no leaking, just comfortable safety during your period.

Are nookees hygienic?

The organic cotton we use for nookees PADS is naturally breathable, which means that there is no space for any bacterias, fungals or bad odor at all. Also the fact that you can wash them clicking hot (60°C), makes nookees PADS absolutely hygienic.

How much liquid do they hold?

We find it a bit weird to make promises like „can hold up to xy tampons
“. Because even with tampons usually you change once ONE is full, right? So what’s the point of leaving the liquid of xy of them inside your PAD? The absorbency level depends on the style of nookees PADS you choose and the style of period you bleed.

How many pairs do I need?

The KIT comes with one pair of nookees PANTIES and three PADS in different absorbency levels. Refill packages contain either one PANTY or three PADS of your choice. Usually you should be fine with one KIT and one PANTY/ PADS refill.

When do I have to change nookees?

Depending on your flow you should change your PADS whenever you feel that they already absorbed quite an amount of blood. For some that means sooner, for some later.

Where and how are nookees produced?

Holy guacamole, we’ve come a long way, but now we are proud to work with an amazing company in Portugal, who is an expert in ecological production and prioritizes ethical, sustainable product development. Our first nookees batch was produced in Indonesia (where our founder Janina used to live). Then we tried to set up productions in Lithuania, Brasil and Czech Republik - but it never felt 100% right. Portugal now does!

Do I sweat with nookees? Do they feel "wet" while I'm using them?

As we just use special woven organic cotton for the different layers of nookees PADS, you will not sweat at all. That’s the difference to most of the other period products on the market: with nookees your skin can breathe properly and they feel more comfortable, even if they are already full of blood. The „wet“ feeling of course depends on how often you change them. The PUL we use in our SPLASH version is highly breathable and washable hot. Means: no need for any chemicals at all.

Why the colour mustard and not black?

First because we really want you to get in contact with your blood. The colour can tell you so much about your body, so it shouldn't be hidden in black fabric.

Mustard you can wear under light and dark clothes; that's why we find it pretty convenient.

Last but not least: Due to the light colour you can really see if your pad got clean.

Can I use nookees also for bladder leaks?

nookees are designed as a period product, and that’s where they perform the best. But of course you can try and probably use them for light bladder leaks too.

What kind of materials are nookees made of?

For THE PANTY we use lyocell; a sustainable fiber that is made out of cellulose, a natural component of wood. It’s biodegradable and at the end of its life cycle, the fibers can re-enter the eco-system.

nookees THE PADS are made out of specially woven cotton to provide a maximum of suction power. They are organic, IVN Best (Liz.-Nr. 151701 | via Ecocert Greenlife) and Fair for Life certified; furthermore the cotton plants for the production grow in rainy areas like parts of Uganda and Kirgisistan.

The click buttons we use for nookees are nickel free and OEKO-Tex 100 certified; same as the waistband which is produced under STeP by OEKO-Tex standards.

Why are nookees clicking better than any other period product?

Thanks to our unique nookees click-in system THE PADS stays safe and can’t move at all, still you can change nookees with just three little clicks. Our fabrics are organic and highly certified and we use plastic just if you want so. Let your yoni breathe! That’s the basic formula. Our organic materials make you feel more comfortable but still safe.

Why do you use click buttons?

Because they hold nookees PADS right and tight on the spot where they belong. Believe us, we tried so many different versions on how to stick THE PADS into THE PANTY. And the click buttons we chose are definitely the safest ones to use.

Do nookees work like regular pads from the supermarket?

Not at all. The regular pads that you might know usually contain a lot of chemicals and toxins, that’s why they are able to soak up the blood in less than one heartbeat. The disposable plastic inside makes them pretty leak proof, but due to that not compostable for a long long time. nookees PADS are made out of special woven organic cotton, that is absolutely non toxic and plastic free (if you want). And it still absorbs


What size do I need?

Just choose the regular size of underwear you normally use. If you’re in doubt you can measure your hips and follow our measurements: XS (hip: 89-94cm), S (hip: 95-97 cm), M (hip: 98-104 cm), L (hip: 105-108 cm), XL (hip: 109-118 cm), XXL (hip: 119-124 cm).

What's the difference between the sizes of THE PADS?

Depending the layers inside of nookees PADS they come in three different absorbency levels: light, medium & heavy flow. 2023 we add a clicking new version to our collection: THE SPLASH! With one extra thin layer of PUL you’re even safe if you can’t change THE PAD at the right moment. As all our fabrics of THE PADS are organic, it’s still washable 60°C, and we don’t need to add any biozides, silver or anything similiar.

Where can I put my used PADS when I’m not at home but have to change them?

With every nookees THE KIT we provide two special pouches in different sizes that are designed to be used with your (used) PADS. The inside material is waterproof and you can click them to close. There is even one more clicking smart invention, a small hangar on them, so you can click your washed nookees PADS together (they look like a Christmas decoration) and hang them to dry.

How do you ship and how much is it?

We ship with DHL green/ climate neutral shipping and the costs depend on where you want to ship your nookees:

Shipping costs within EU: 5,90 €

Shipping costs worldwide (Australia, UK, Indonesia, Switzerland, USA): 12,90 €

How about the nookees packaging?

nookees packaging is clicking sustainable and clicking smart. By minimizing material but still creating an unique experience for you to last. We use:

  • FSC certified, acid-, lignin- and sulfur free papersoy based inkcompostable mailer and bags made up of plant materials as cassava, corn and wheat.

Instead of regular hangtags, that usually land in the trash within a couple of minutes, you get a nookees menstruation calendar that helps you to track your period for at least one year. Beside that you have everything you need to know about nookees summarized. Washing instruction and material information are printed directly into the products.

As proud part of the Eco Packaging Alliance, our supplier contributes to global reforestation. We order our packaging materials, they plant trees in areas of need. Well done!

Why are nookees sustainable?

We only use natural fabrics. Two of them. Cotton meets lyocel fiber and it just clicks. No need for bleacher. No need for chemicals. No need for irritants. No need for anything that can be bad for you or our environment. And of course, no need to throw them away. Just use them again. And again
 Zero waste here we come!

What is the nookees story?

„I was so tired of using tampons full of chemicals, pads full of plastic or anything weird to stick inside of me. So I wanted to create a product, that would make me and other women feel safe and comfortable during our period without damaging the environment every month.“ With this idea Janina started to talk to friends and family about her idea, and everybody was amazed by her concept. She started from scratch, not knowing anything about fabrics (Janina used to be a journalist before becoming a founder), inventing a product or building a company. For about two years she created and tried, succeeded and failed again and again. First success came through an amazing kickstarter campaign; with the vision to grow she built up a team and 2023 nookees is ready to be relaunched. Totally improved, better than ever, our clicking awesome period panties are finally ready for the world market.

How can I wash nookees?

As we are only using amazing robust and of course sustainable materials (most of them are even organic, IVN Best), there is no special (laundry) treatment needed. Wash THE PADS hot (60°C), THE PANTY 40°C, short, or long, by hand or machine. You can even put THE PADS into the dryer or under the iron. But if you ask us: better skip that last part to avoid inefficient use of electricity and the fabrics to be overused
 We personally prefer to rinse THE PADS in cold water after use (use it afterwards to water your plants, and they will jump for joy!). On laundry day nookees wander into the machine and get tumbled with the rest of any clothes. Hang them dry (with the hanger of the pouch) and use them again. And again. And again


DISC

What size menstrual disc should I get?

The size you choose depends on your flow:

  • Light to medium flow? The small size (S-M) is ideal and holds up to 4 tampons’ worth of flow.
  • Heavy flow in the first few days? The larger size (M-L) offers more capacity, holding up to 6 tampons’ worth.

If you’re unsure, try this: insert your index finger to see if you can easily reach your cervix. If it’s further back, the larger size will likely fit best. If your cervix is lower, we recommend the small size.

What is the disc made of?

Your nookees DISC is made out of 100% medical-grade silicone from Germany. No BPA, no plasticizers, no phthalates, no nonsense - just pure quality that’s gentle on your body and keeps your vaginal flora and pH in check.

Can I use the disc with an IUD?

Absolutely. The nookees DISC is suction-free, so it won’t interfere with your IUD.

What are the measurements of the two nookees Discs?

S-M: Holds up to 50ml (roughly 3-4 tampons), width 65, depth 33mm. For light to medium flow and low cervix.

M-L: Holds up to 60ml (around 5-6 tampons), width 70, depth 37mm. For light to heavy flow and high cervix.

The nookees DISC is small but mighty - perfect for heavy or light flows!

How long can I wear the disc?

Pop your nookees DISC in for up to 8-12 hours - yes, even overnight. Just remember to empty and rinse it at least every 8-12 hours. And while it lasts for years, replace it if you notice cracks or wear and tear.

How do I clean the nookees disc?

Keeping your nookees DISC fresh is easy:

  • Before your first use (and between cycles): Boil it for 4-5 minutes. Use tongs or a whisk to keep it off the pan’s bottom.
  • During your period: Rinse with cold water first (to prevent stains), then wash with hot water. That’s it!

How do I insert the disc?

We’re so excited you’re giving the nookees DISC a try! Inserting the DISC might feel a bit tricky at first, but with some patience and practice, you’ll find what works best for your body. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Relax your muscles. This is the key to a smooth insertion. If your pelvic muscles are tense, the process becomes much harder, so take a deep breath and try to stay as relaxed as possible.
  2. Prepare beforehand. It’s a good idea to fully empty your bladder and bowel before inserting or removing the disc. This minimizes discomfort and makes the process easier.
  3. Try different positions. You can sit on the toilet, squat, or even stand with one leg raised - experiment to find a position that feels comfortable for you.
  4. Use lubricant if needed. A little water-based lubricant or wet fingers can help reduce friction and make insertion smoother.
  5. Fold the disc. Pinch the rim together to form an oval shape. This makes it smaller and easier to insert.
  6. Insert at the right angle. Hold the DISC pinched and guide it into your vaginal canal at a slight horizontal angle, aiming toward your tailbone. This follows the natural shape of your vaginal canal.
  7. Tuck it behind the pubic bone. Once the DISC is fully inserted, use your finger to push the front rim upward until it sits securely behind your pubic bone. This helps the disc stay in place.
  8. Make small adjustments. If it doesn’t feel right, try gently repositioning the DISC. It’s normal for it to feel slightly crumpled, as it adjusts to your body’s natural shape.
  9. Check for security. Once inserted, try doing a couple of squats to help the DISC settle into place.

Remember, practice makes perfect. It might take a few cycles to get the hang of it - just like with everything else! Be patient with yourself as you master the technique.

How do I remove the disc?

Removing the DISC might feel intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s simple and straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Relax and take your time. Relaxation is essential. If you’ve just woken up or had sex, walk around for 20-30 minutes to let gravity help the disc move downward naturally.
  2. Empty your bowel first. If you feel constipated or need to use the bathroom, do so before attempting removal. It will make the process easier and more comfortable.
  3. Find the rim. Insert a clean finger into your vaginal canal and locate the front rim of the DISC. If it feels high up, don’t worry - this is common, especially if your cervix is higher.
  4. Bring it lower. If the DISC feels out of reach, try squatting or sitting on the toilet with your knees raised. Take deep belly breaths and gently bear down to move the disc closer to the vaginal opening.
  5. Pinch and remove. Once you can reach the rim, gently pinch it to break the seal and slowly slide the DISC out. Try to keep the DISC as horizontal as possible to avoid spilling the contents.
  6. What if you can’t find the rim? If you can’t locate the front rim right away, don’t panic. Use your finger to hook onto any part of the rim and carefully guide it down.

Remember, the DISC cannot get lost inside your body. Stay calm, and it will naturally move lower as it fills. With time and practice, removal will become second nature.

Can I wear the disc during sex?

Yes! The nookees DISC is here to make period sex less messy. Empty it before getting busy, and remember: it’s not a contraceptive. Be gentle as you learn how it fits your body.

How does self-emptying (auto-dumping) work?

Ever notice some blood releasing into the toilet when you pee? That’s your nookees DISC doing its thing. When you relax your pelvic muscles, the DISC shifts slightly, letting some contents out. This can even free up space without having to remove it. As long as this only happens on the toilet, you’re all good! If it leaks outside the bathroom, double-check the positioning or consider a different size.

How do I get the disc out after sex?

Just like always! The nookees DISC can’t get lost, so don’t stress. If it feels out of reach, give it some time to move down naturally. Squat, relax, and gently bear down in the shower or on the toilet until you can grab the front rim and slide it out.

What’s the best way to store my Nookees Disc?

Once it’s completely dry, store it in our amazing pouch (don't close it) or another breathable bag. Keep it in a cool, dark place, far from curious kids or pets.

What are the advantages of a menstrual disc over a cup?

Unlike a menstrual cup, the nookees DISC works without suction, making it comfier and easier to empty. It holds more - perfect for heavy flows - and can even be emptied without removing it. Bonus? You can wear it during penetrative sex.

Where is the nookees disc produced?

Finding the perfect production partner for the nookees DISC was a journey that took us such long time. We tested countless designs and materials across Europe and beyond, determined to create the thinnest, highest-quality DISC possible.

The result? Our DISC is made from 100% medical-grade silicone sourced from a trusted German supplier, combined with expert manufacturing by our partner in China. We package everything in Berlin to keep things as eco-conscious as possible.

While we’d love to produce the DISC entirely in Germany (or Portugal like our other nookees products), the current costs would make it unaffordable for many people. By working with our trusted partner in China, we’ve been able to offer you the best product at a fair price - without compromising on quality or safety.

Proud to say that our DISCS are FDA registered & cleared and manufactured in an ISO 13485 certified facility.

What is toxic shock syndrom (TSS)?

TSS is rare but serious. Symptoms feel flu-like - fever (39°C+), dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, or a sunburn-like rash. If you notice these, remove the disc immediately and see a doctor. Mention that you’re menstruating and using a menstrual disc. Quick action can make all the difference!

FOUNDATION

What about the "This is not a period pad" campaign?

While I was visiting our project in Bulungula/ South Africa, I figured out that the girls cut out pieces of their shirts to use them as a period pad. Obviously that doesn't work, the blood leaks through and the girls get bullied at school. They prefer to hide in the forest during school time, and loose a lot of educatiuon. And dignity.

"This is not a period pad" is a campaign to create awareness and to raise money, as 10% of each sale go directly into the nookees foundation.

Where do you print the merchandise articles?

We are proud to print each piece of our merchandise collection by hand in collaboration with Booh! outfit, a social project in a local prison in Berlin.

What does “PADS for you - PADS for her” mean?

From the first second nookees was founded, one thing was clear: we want to support all menstruationg people all around the world. In the past, whenever you bought nookees THE KIT, we donated PADS to people all over the world, that need our support. In the meantime we even go further: proud to say 2023 we started the nookees foundation and partnered up with theToni Garrn Foundation,Girls on a missionandViva con Aguato even make a bigger impact. They already built up an amazing health centre in Uganda and South Africa with a little tailoring. nookees provides the fabrics and pays the workers a loan to produce their version of nookees PADS and distribute them to everybody who needs support.

What is your goal with nookees and the foundation?

Doing a lot of research about menstruation and all the problems around it, we found out that there is so much more than creating a sustainable and reliable period product. For a lot of women being on their period can imply way bigger problems than not finding the right period product. Since we realized how many menstruating people are discriminated during their period, we see the big change we can do with nookees. Our goal is to make (not just) you click with yourself, your cycle and your period.