Pena is a small business crafting reusable period products—pads (our specialty!) and bags—from natural fabrics and featuring exclusive, in-house designed prints. We are for people who believe period care should be both sustainable and beautiful.

Expect to see new and exciting print releases alongside our growing product line, which will include other comfort items like wheat bags, decorative pillows and more—all with the same focus on quality, sustainability and artistic design.

We're on a mission to create high-quality, reusable period products that are anything but boring. We believe that sustainable choices shouldn't mean sacrificing style or affordability. We want to inject a little bit of art into every period, making it a more comfortable and even enjoyable experience.

Our studio is in the idyllic region of Alentejo, in Portugal.

The quickest way to reach us is through our Contact page. Simply fill out the form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about new print releases, special deals and product launches. You can also follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and more.

Our pads feature natural, breathable fabrics. The layer against your skin is lyocell (made from sustainable wood fibres), the absorbent core is ZORB® (bamboo and cotton), and the outer layer is organic cotton printed with water-based inks. A leak-proof PUL layer (commonly used in hospital mattress covers and reusable nappies) provides extra protection. All fabrics that touch your skin are free from chemicals, artificial fragrances, adhesives and synthetic irritants.

Using cloth pads is easy. Simply place the pad in your underwear, just like you would a disposable. Our pads feature easy-to-use snaps (two on the wings for a snug and reliable fit) to keep them securely in place, and wearing close-fitting underwear also helps.

When it's time to change, fold the pad with the soiled side facing in and snap the wings closed. If you're out and about, a dry bag is handy for storing used pads. Rinsing the pad with cold water before folding helps prevent staining.

Many people find they need fewer cloth pads than disposable ones because they are more absorbent. It also depends on your flow, cycle length, and if you use other products. A starter kit of 4-6 small, 6-8 medium and 2-3 large pads is a good starting point. Consider your washing frequency (washing every other day reduces how many you need), typical pad size, and if you use tampons, a cup or a disc.

We offer three sizes:

• Small (18cm x 20cm), for light days, spotting, daily use, incontinence or backup with other products. One inner absorbent layer.
• Medium (23cm x 25cm), for regular flow days, used alone or as backup. Two inner absorbent layers.
• Large (25cm x 30cm), for heavy flow, nighttime or postpartum. Three inner absorbent layers and a rounded back.
   

Disposable pads often contain plastics, synthetic fibres, chemicals, adhesives and artificial fragrances—all of which can contribute to discomfort and irritation. Our cloth pads are made from natural, breathable fibres, free from synthetic chemicals and adhesives.

They're kinder to your skin, more comfortable and more absorbent. You'll also prevent hundreds of disposables from ending up in landfills and save money! Many believe cloth pads may lead to shorter periods.

Learn more about the benefits of cloth pads on our website, here.

Our pads are free from odour-masking chemicals and fragrances; any odour you do experience should be natural. We use lyocell and ZORB® Bamboo for their natural fibres, breathability and odour resistance. We recommend rinsing after use and drying in sunlight, and storing used pads in a breathable dry bag can also help prevent odours.

Our pads are designed for maximum absorbency and feature an edge-to-edge waterproof layer. This, combined with ultra-absorbent ZORB® inner layers, handles even heavy flows.

With proper care and rotation, they can last 5—10 years. We use durable, high-quality fabrics designed for frequent washing. Turned and topstitched edges add extra durability.

You're welcome to share your experience using our Contact page. Simply use the form and mention which product you're reviewing. Your feedback is valuable and might be featured on our website or social media (with your permission).

We ship within Europe, specifically to Portugal, Spain, and most other countries within the EU. For a complete list of the countries we ship to, check out our Shipping page. Don't see your country listed? Just contact us, and we'll explore shipping options together.

We offer free shipping on orders over €60 to mainland Portugal, €85 to mainland Spain and €120 to the rest of Europe. For orders below these amounts, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination.

Customers are responsible for any customs fees, tariffs or other duties imposed by their country. For UK customers, please note that due to Brexit, you will be required to pay UK customs tariffs upon delivery. Failure to pay these fees will result in your package being held.

Most orders ship within 24 hours of payment (excluding weekends and holidays). Made-to-order items may take up to 48 hours; we'll notify you of any delays. You'll receive a confirmation email after ordering and a tracking number once your order ships. Estimated delivery times vary by destination:

• Mainland Portugal: 24 hours
• Portugal Islands: Within 48 hours
• Mainland Spain: Within 48 hours
• Rest of Europe: 2—7 days (depending on destination)

Important: Please note these are estimates only and delays can happen due to the carrier. We are not responsible for carrier delays or damages during shipping.

If your tracking information shows your package hasn't been delivered within the estimated timeframe, please contact the carrier first to inquire about its status. If you're still unable to locate your package, please write to us, and we'll do our best to assist you.

For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on cloth pads once they have been shipped, and encourage you to make your selection carefully. If you have any questions before ordering, please don't hesitate to contact us – we're here to help.

However, if your dry bag isn't quite what you expected, you can request to exchange or return your unused and undamaged bag within 14 days of receiving it. Please contact us to understand the return process.

If you receive a defective item, please contact us immediately through our contact form or by emailing info@penapads.pt, describing the defect and including photos. We will assess the situation and work with you to find a fair solution.