If you have a look at the back of the packs they give a "Rating" as to the flow they are good for... the Kotex ones (on the back) say "heavy" "Maternity" or something like that. If it helps, all the Kotex Mat ones I've seen recently have a Pumpkin Patch Comp logo on one corner. They are a rather thick pad but you will feel "secure" with them - trust me!

In regards to having someone else wash your bloody knickers... someone in my BB group (The Lovely Lil!) suggested taking some Sard Wondersoap with you so you can give them a quick scrub in the shower. This not only "protects" your undies if you do want to reuse them but also limits the embarrassment of someone else seeing them. I found it in a stick in the laundry aisle - kind of like a deodorant stick really! Less messy than the traditional soap bar and not as chunky as the spray bottle!

HTH

MG