Sponge tampons are a type of reusable menstrual hygiene product. They are inserted into the vaginal canal, like a cotton tampon, where they absorb the menstrual flow. When the sponge buffer is saturated, it is rinsed well with water before reuse. After the duration of the menstrual cycle, the sponge is disinfected with a mixture of vinegar and water or by boiling.
Before use, sponge tampons are rinsed and wrung out of excess water and inserted into the vagina. Sponge tampons do not have an applicator, so this must be done manually. Depending on the heaviness of the menstrual flow, the extraction time is between two and four hours.
Sponges typically last up to six cycles. They can last more or less time depending on the type of sponge and use. Although they are reusable, they are not as durable as other menstrual products like molded cups or cloth pads, which typically last for many years.
Sponge tampons are usually harvested from the ocean and trimmed to a small size conducive to use in the vaginal canal. They must be thoroughly disinfected as sponges often contain bacteria and sand. A sponge can usually be thoroughly cleaned by boiling it in water for a short period of time.
There is no specific species of sponge used for sponge tampons. In fact, any type of sea sponge could be trimmed down to a suitable size and used for this purpose. Companies that specialize in sponges for menstrual use generally try to find sponges that are soft and smooth, as they are meant to have prolonged contact with a sensitive area of the body.
Not all government agencies consider sea sponges to be a safe type of feminine hygiene product. The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) issued an enforcement order in 1981 that all companies producing sea sponges for menstrual use must submit the product for prior approval before sale. This was in response to a study conducted by the University of Iowa that found bacteria, grit, and sand, as well as a few other materials, in 12 menstrual sponges.
Still, many people use sponges on a regular basis and find them to be a comfortable and satisfying alternative to traditional types of menstrual hygiene products. Of course, as with tampons, there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) if tampons are left in too long. Generally, four to eight hours is the maximum recommended time to use a sponge before removing it, rinsing it, and reinserting it.