Anaé Menstruation Sea Sponges

These Mediterranean sea sponges are harvested with the utmost respect for nature and the environment, without damaging the roots of the sponges in the seabed. Sponges grow back when they are pruned, making them a “renewable product”.

Responsible pruning also extends the life of a natural sponge.

Unpruned sponges do not live longer than 10 years, but when trained divers prune the sponge expertly so that the roots remain undamaged, the sponge can renew itself and live longer!

Sea sponges are naturally highly absorbent and durable, non-toxic and 100% biodegradable.

Sponges become silky soft when wet, making them ideal for intimate or sensitive skin, and can be washed and reused many times.

Natural Super Absorption

Absorbent materials are often a paradise for bacteria, which thrive in wet, warm places. As is currently widely reported in the news, this means that tampons are not 100% safe for the female body. The synthetic material in tampons that is “super-absorbent” creates a viscous layer on the surface in which bacteria can reproduce rapidly. This is one of the reasons why the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is so high. Synthetic sponges typically used in the shower or for beauty purposes are also often full of bacteria. Manufacturers try to reduce this with chemicals, but these chemicals are actually bad for the human body because they affect hormonal processes.

Naturally occurring enzymes in sea sponges prevent bacteria from multiplying and stop fungal growth. This means that natural sponges are considered a toxin-free and hypoallergenic product. The thousands of pores ensure high absorbency but also allow liquids to flush through easily. This makes the natural sponge a clean and bacteria-free product, even for intimate use.

These menstrual sponges are a reusable alternative to tampons. Just like tampons, menstrual sponges allow you to continue doing whatever you want during your period.

The menstrual sponges are ergonomic and mould to your body, preventing leaks.

They are reusable. They are easy to rinse and can also be washed in the washing machine on the wool programme (use a laundry bag).

With three pieces in the pack, you can alternate between them.

Because there is no string attached, the sponge is completely invisible, even if you go swimming or to the sauna.

Insertion

Before insertion, wash your hands and rinse them thoroughly. Make sure there is no soap residue left behind. Remove the sponge from the packaging. If the sponge is dry, you can apply some water or neutral lubricant (water-based) to it. This makes the sponge easier to insert. Squeeze the sponge out, otherwise it will already be “full”.

Take the sponge between your thumb and forefinger and squeeze it together. If the sponge has a concave and a convex side, keep the concave side facing upwards. This side will rest against the cervix.

Use your free hand to hold your labia open and insert the sponge. Push the sponge with your index finger to the back of the vagina and make sure it fits snugly against the cervix.

Insertion is easiest when you stand up and place one leg higher, for example on a chair.

How often you need to replace the sponge depends on your menstrual cycle. Never leave a sponge in for longer than four hours (this can cause infections!) and preferably change it after every sexual encounter.

Removal

Wash your hands thoroughly again before removal. Adopt a relaxed position; squatting is often the easiest.

Use your thumb and index finger to grasp the sponge and pull it out of the vagina. If this does not work, you can gently squeeze to push the sponge out. If you are unable to remove the sponge, consult a doctor.

Always check that the previous (or last) sponge has been removed, even before you go to sleep. Do not throw a used sponge into the toilet, as this can cause blockages.

A sponge does not protect against pregnancy and STIs. It is therefore important to always use contraception with a sponge.

Cleaning intimate sponges

How you clean your sponge depends on how long and how often you use it. Choose the method that suits you best:

Clean for in between uses - Wash the sponge with warm water and a little intimate soap, then rinse thoroughly!

Even cleaner / Disinfecting - Mix some (apple) vinegar with water in a bowl or glass, in a ratio of 1:10. Soak the sponge for 10 minutes. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil disinfects even better. Rinse thoroughly!

Completely clean / Powerful disinfection - Soak the sponge for 10 minutes in a glass or bowl of water with 1 spoonful of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). This refreshes and restores the sponge. Rinse thoroughly.

We recommend that you clean the sea sponges thoroughly before using them for the first time!