The question of why pads are needed arises in every girl on the eve of the onset of menstruation. Such personal hygiene products are necessary for women during their menstrual periods to protect underwear and clothing from secretions. There are other types of hygiene products that can be used daily in different phases of the menstrual cycle. To ensure that these products do not cause any discomfort, you need to know the basic rules for their use.
How to wear pads
How to wear pads correctly? The process of changing them is not complicated, but it consists of several points, strict adherence to which will allow you to feel comfortable on critical days and not harm your health.
What to always have with you
When leaving home, a girl should definitely put an “ambulance” kit in her bag in case of an unexpected onset of her period. It includes wet sanitary napkins, 2 pads, a small piece of toilet paper or dry wipes, panties, and a plastic bag.
Panties should not be thongs, since this form of underwear will not provide reliable protection and discharge may leak.
Where is the best place to change the gasket?
This is done in a clean place where there is water. In a living room, a bathroom is suitable - you can have privacy there and there is water.
How to change the gasket correctly
The basic rule that must always be followed is that before changing the lining, you must wash your hands with detergent. If this happens in a public place, you need to use a damp cloth. The entire procedure can be performed in a sitting or standing position (whichever is more convenient).
- wash thoroughly;
- remove the gasket from the individual packaging;
- peel off the adhesive tape located at the bottom center;
- place the sanitary product with the sticky side to the inside of the panties;
- press gently along the entire length;
- peel off the adhesive tape from the outer surface of the wings;
- wrap under the narrow part of the panties and attach;
- pull up your panties and put them on comfortably.
It is best to wash yourself with boiled water, since tap water contains a certain amount of microorganisms that, when they get on the vaginal mucosa, can cause diseases. If this all happens not at home, it is better to use a napkin. It is necessary to wash before each change of lining.
Underwear should fit snugly to the body. If it is too loose, abrasions will occur.
After changing the lining, it must be rolled up with the contaminated surface inward, placed in individual packaging, and thrown into the trash. If this is not possible, wrap it with toilet paper or a dry napkin. People around should not contemplate the used hygiene product uncovered.
Reasons for replacing the valve cover gasket
The valve cover performs a fairly simple task - it closes the gas distribution mechanism and the neck for filling the engine oil. This element is attached to the valve head with several bolts or nuts. The valve cover gasket must be placed between these elements.
Why do you need a valve cover gasket?
The valve cover gasket is a detail that, at first glance, is insignificant and especially does not affect the power characteristics of the car or impair the normal functioning of its engine. Every responsible car enthusiast is obliged to monitor its condition, replacing it at the first signs of leakage.
The gasket is made of a special rubber composition that retains its properties even with sudden temperature changes, and also does not interact with engine oil.
But over time, the element still loses its properties and becomes hard, covered with microcracks through which oil leaks.
Even the most insignificant leak can lead to external contamination of the power unit, which is subsequently very difficult to clean.
And, naturally, such a phenomenon will not add stability to the operation of the internal combustion engine.
How and when should the gasket be changed?
If you actively use your car, you will not avoid frequent replacement of valve cover gaskets. This often happens in the following situations:
— when carrying out current or major repairs of a car;
— during a lubricant leak at the connecting point of the cover and head;
- when dismantling the gas distribution mechanism for the purpose of its repair or maintenance.
When should you change the gasket? Some very scrupulous motorists, who are quite responsible about the condition of their four-wheeled pets, replace the valve cover gasket along with the engine oil. There is a very sound calculation in such seemingly paranoid behavior. They completely protect the engine from leaking. Also, in the process of replacing the gasket, you can once again diagnose the components of the gas distribution mechanism for wear and damage.
How to change the valve cover gasket? Before replacing the part you are interested in, prepare a high-quality lid sealant that can withstand high temperatures, a new gasket and a degreasing compound. Replacing the gasket is an extremely simple process:
— remove the air purifier housing;
- Unscrew the bolts around the entire perimeter;
— remove attachments, if any;
— remove any remaining sealant and treat with a degreasing material;
— the new gasket should be lubricated with sealant on both sides and mounted in its appropriate place.
Features of replacing valve cover gaskets
As the previous section shows, replacing the valve cover gasket is not particularly difficult. But those who are going to perform this operation for the first time may encounter such an unpleasant phenomenon as an oil leak from under the new gasket, which has worsened even more. This situation often occurs when:
— the cover bolts were skewed due to uneven tightening of its fastenings;
— a low-quality sealing compound is used or it is applied unevenly to the joint line;
- a low-quality gasket is used.
These problems can be solved in a simple way. Simply purchase a quality replacement gasket and a good sealant, and use a torque wrench to properly distribute the torque when tightening the bolts, according to your vehicle's owner's manual. And then there will be no complications when replacing the gasket.
Subscribe to our feeds on social networks such as Facebook, Vkontakte, Instagram, Pinterest, Yandex Zen, Twitter and Telegram: all the most interesting automotive events collected in one place.
The valve cover gasket seems to be a completely insignificant element that cannot affect the performance of the engine or other technical parameters. However, if it leaks, then you should prepare for big troubles. A dry and clean engine is the main sign of caring for your four-wheeled assistant, and the condition of all kinds of gaskets, seals and seals plays a key role here.
High-quality valve cover gasket - clean and well-maintained engine
The valve cover is the first thing that catches your eye when you open the hood of your car. Many car enthusiasts paint this accessory, along with the air cleaner body, in bright, original colors. The purpose of the cover is very simple - it covers the gas distribution mechanism and has a neck for filling engine oil. The cover is attached to the head itself using several bolts (or nuts), and there must be a gasket between them.
The gasket is made from a special rubber-based composition, which is able to retain its properties when exposed to high and low temperatures, and also does not interact with engine oil.
Over time, the gasket loses its elasticity, becomes hard, and microcracks appear through which oil oozes out. Even a minor leak leads to the fact that the outside of the engine is very quickly covered with a layer of dirt, which is very difficult to wash off.
How often should the valve cover gasket be replaced?
Replacing the valve cover gasket should become a habitual procedure for the driver, especially if the car is used actively. It is recommended to replace it in the following cases:
- when traces of oil appear outside along the connection line between the cover and the block head;
- during current or major engine repairs;
- if the head cover is removed for maintenance or timing belt repair.
How often should gaskets be changed?
It is best to do this every 2 hours. During this time, microorganisms will not have time to actively multiply on the surface impregnated with secretions. Frequent changes do not depend on the amount of discharge. When there is not enough, you need to take a lining with fewer droplets, but change them no later than 2 hours.
This will help avoid such unpleasant diseases as chronic cystitis, bacterial inflammation of the female genital area.
How to choose the right gaskets
Hygiene products differ in shape, color, thickness, structure of the top layer, and the material from which it is made. They also differ in the composition of the moisture-absorbing material. This is loose cellulose or a synthetic product. In the first case, the gasket will be thicker.
Feminine hygiene products are selected to match the shape and color of the underwear that the lady likes to wear. In summer they use thinner and narrower products. They will not cause discomfort. During the winter months, you can buy a wider variety of them. In winter, you should wear underwear with wide edges, they will not be visible.
The woman chooses the option that suits her. This is done as follows:
- first buy several pieces of different types;
- do not buy too cheap options;
- purchase hygiene products in individual packages;
- do not use pads with different scents to avoid allergic reactions;
- It would be more correct to buy two types of products with different numbers of droplets.
It is better to use a product with one or two drops on the first and last day of bleeding, with a large amount - at the peak of discharge.
Having opened the package, you need to consider the shape of the cells (they should be like a funnel). The material of the top layer should be chosen as natural as possible.
WHAT TAMPONS CAN YOU USE
You can select and use tampons with the appropriate level of protection for each day of your period. If you plan to use such hygiene products for the first time, it is better to give preference to products with the lowest level of absorption (up to 6 g), for example ob® ProComfort® Mini. Slim, with a tapered tip and silky-smooth SilkTouch™ coating, they are especially easy to use. It will be easy for you to insert the tampon and remove it.
In the first days of menstruation, when the flow is quite intense, you can try using tampons with a regular absorbency level (6-9 g), for example ob® ProComfort® Normal. They are also suitable for teenagers. It is easy to determine the absorption of hygiene products by the drops shown on the packaging: the more drops, the greater the volume of secretions they can absorb and retain.
ob® ProComfort® Mini and Normal are suitable for use by virgins. If you insert a tampon correctly, it will not damage the hymen. The fact is that it is located in the lower part of the vagina and has a physiological opening for the outflow of menstrual flow, the size of which is 15-20 mm. In this case, the maximum thickness of the tampon is no more than 15 mm. In addition, due to hormonal changes before menstruation, the hymen becomes soft and elastic. All this suggests that if you use tampons correctly, you do not risk losing your virginity.
What is the product
Just 30 years ago, women did not know about the existence of pads and tampons. During menstruation, they used cotton wool wrapped in several layers of gauze. But even such a remedy could not protect against awkward situations. Therefore, on critical days it was impossible to engage in active sports and wear light clothes.
And when going outside, I had to put a large amount of gauze and cotton wool in my bag with me, and change them if necessary almost every time I went to the toilet. When sanitary pads and tampons appeared on the domestic market, it made women's lives much easier and helped them gain self-confidence during difficult times.
If we talk directly about gaskets, then there are the following types:
- on critical days;
- daily.
Products of the first category, in turn, are dense or ultra-thin, shorter or longer, with varying degrees of liquid absorption, with or without wings. Now almost everyone knows how to use pads with wings, since this option is more reliable in case of heavy discharge and does not allow it to get on underwear or clothes.
The daily option has a low degree of absorption, it absorbs unpleasant odors and small secretions. Such personal hygiene products can be worn every day if necessary.
Any gasket is a fabric product covered on both sides with a protective material. On top it is equipped with a special layer that allows liquid to pass in and prevents it from escaping, and at the bottom there is an adhesive composition for attaching to linen. If they are equipped with wings, then they also have glue on them. Inside there is a special absorbent composition that absorbs secretions.
Rules of application
Experienced women are familiar with these rules. But very young girls will be interested in knowing how to properly glue gaskets . The rules are very simple:
- wash your hands and take a comfortable body position. This is best done in a sitting position;
- remove the wrapper;
- If the product is equipped with wings, then they need to be unfolded. Then the long paper is removed in the center and parts in the area of the wings;
- Use the sticky part to stick the pad to the panties. The wings are wrapped around them for a tighter fit to the linen.
Everything is very simple. You also need to know the rules for disposing of used products. It is recommended to wrap the used item in a new wrapper; if there is none, then in toilet paper and throw it in the trash in this form. If the toilet is in a public place, then it should not attract attention.
It is strictly forbidden to throw products down the toilet, as this will clog the sewer system. This is also especially important if we are talking about a public place where the work of workers must be respected.
History of women's pads
The delicate problem of collecting menstrual fluid has always accompanied women, but was carefully hidden from the stronger sex. Any materials that could absorb moisture well were used - scraps of fabric, papyrus, moss, animal hair and even sea sponges.
However, while the woman was at home, she coped with the task without much difficulty, but with the advent of the turbulent 19th century, when the fair half of humanity began to gradually take more and more participation in public life, the question finally forced men to pay attention to this problem. The first attempts to somehow help women were made in the middle of the 19th century. By the end of it, the first pads, produced by Johnson & Johnson, called “Lester towels,” appeared on sale.
At first, the product was not in demand, but not because it was not needed. Under the prevailing Puritan morality at that time, it was extremely difficult to advertise a new product without using “indecent” words and at the same time explain what it was about. In addition, shame prevented women from buying the product: after all, it was considered shameful to even mention something related to menstruation, and even to ask a pharmacist (a man!) to sell it - bad manners that could ruin a lady’s reputation forever.
In the 20s of the twentieth century, when “Kotex” appeared in stores, and their manufacturers were faced with female modesty, which hindered the promotion of a new product, a way out of this situation was found: delicate products were laid out somewhere in a secluded place, and a box was installed nearby for money. This original step turned out to be successful, and sales volumes increased sharply.
Of course, in the first copies there was neither a protective layer that prevented leakage, nor a filling that turned the liquid into a gel; no sticky layer; no “wings” protecting the laundry. It took a lot of time for these clumsy products to turn into modern thin and comfortable pads, which today can be easily purchased at any pharmacy.
How to ensure your comfort
Critical days are often accompanied by discomfort. Sometimes it is caused by improper use of gaskets . How to use them to feel comfortable:
- if a particular pad causes irritation or itching, it is better to purchase another option; ideally, this should not happen;
- You should visit the toilet regularly and change pads every few hours. This can be done more often depending on the abundance of discharge and odor;
- Clothing should be as comfortable as possible at this time. In order to calmly do your business and not worry, it is better to choose looser skirts or trousers; it is also better to refrain from thong panties during this period;
- On critical days, you need to pay special attention to your hygiene. When changing pads, remember to wash your hands well before and after the procedure. If necessary, you should take a shower.
Girls sometimes have a very difficult time during their first period. They can't stick the pads evenly and can't figure out when to change them, so they run to the toilet very often. But these skills are acquired very quickly, and very soon they feel more confident during critical days than at first.
In addition, there is no need to be shy, the question of how to properly use hygiene products can be discussed with your mother, sister or older friends, there is nothing shameful in that. Menstruation is something that every woman experiences and there is no need to avoid talking about it.
Tips for quality work
Not in all cases, motorists are able to carry out the procedure without problems. Sometimes an oil leak forms almost immediately after several kilometers of driving. There may be several most popular reasons for this:
- use of low-quality gaskets;
- insufficient amount of sealant used, careless application of it to the surface;
- misalignment of the cover caused by improper tightening of the fasteners.
You need to know that for cars there are diagrams for tightening the bolts on the covers, which can be found in the car’s operating instructions.
The replacement must be carried out when the engine has cooled down so that thermal expansion does not negatively affect the performance result.
To work with fasteners, you usually need a 10mm wrench. After unscrewing all the bolts, you must thoroughly rinse the parts to remove any remaining grease or old sealant.
It is advisable to tighten the bolts using a torque wrench. If there is no scheme according to which the operation is carried out, then it can be found on the official website of the manufacturer. In any case, the fasteners are tightened from the middle to the edges.
Using panty liners
Pads intended for daily use also have their own characteristics. They differ depending on the brand in color and thickness, as well as in shape; in particular, there are special options for thong panties. There are models with a fragrant scent, which neutralizes the smell of discharge. When choosing this or that product for every day, you need to listen to useful advice from gynecologists:
- it is better to choose white products, they do not contain dyes and do not cause allergies, and you can also track the color of the discharge, which is very important for various diseases;
- if your skin is sensitive, you need to purchase odorless products that will not cause irritation and itching;
- The most convenient are embossed products; they wrinkle better and adapt to body movements;
- buy panty liners in packaging that contains them in individual sachets.
