How can I prevent period leaks at night?

Bottom linePrevent overnight period leaks by using a longer overnight pad, a menstrual cup, or period underwear (and combining them on heavy nights), sleeping on your side, protecting your mattress, and changing right before bed; if you still leak through good protection or soak a pad every hour or two, see a clinician about heavy periods.

Overnight leaks happen because you stay in one position for hours and flow can pool. A few adjustments keep you protected while you sleep.

Pick the right protection

• Use a higher-absorbency or overnight pad, which is longer and wider at the back
• Try a menstrual cup, which can be worn up to about 12 hours
• Add period underwear as a backup layer for heavy nights
• Combine products on your heaviest nights - for example a tampon or cup plus period underwear

Position and setup

• Sleep on your side to reduce pooling and back leaks
• Place a towel or washable mattress protector down for peace of mind
• Change right before bed so you start the night fresh

Manage heavy flow

If you regularly leak through good overnight protection, soak a pad every hour or two, or wake to change, your periods may be heavy enough to need treatment - worth raising with a clinician.

Femora helps you track which nights are heaviest so you can plan stronger protection in advance.