Levant sponge Silk L60

Levant natural sponges, the highest quality.

Size approx. 5-6cm. The sponge is a natural product and thus may vary slightly in form and size.

Content: 1 sponge

How to use and treat the menstrual sponge
The sponge is a natural product. In contrast to tampons, it will neither dry up the vagina nor injure the mucosa, when used. Maybe you know the feeling, when the application of the tampon becomes harder and more painful in the last days of menstruation, because the tampon absorbs all of the natural vaginal fluids. Prior first usage you can soak the sponge in vinegar and water, to neutralise the pH. Every following time the sponge is used, it just needs to be moistenised with water, drained and inserted in the vagina with two clean fingers. The sponge can be pushed upwards towards the cervix with the middle finger, just as a tampon would be inserted. The sponge's form will adapt to the vagina. If you feel the sponge is too big, you may cut it in shape as you please. But please do so only after you tried the sponge and realised how small it will become, when it is moist and squeezed. The sponge can easily be inserted and extracted using two clean fingers.
Tip: If you contract the pelvic floor musculature as if urinating, the sponge will be pressed outwards a bit and extraction will be easier. Please be assured that the sponge cannot just vanish. The only opening is the cervix, no wider than a few millimeters.
When the sponge is completely soaked, please rinse under cold running water, so the blood will not clot. Rests of mucus that keep sticking to the sponge will be removed more easily with warm water. The mucus is transparent and consists of the uterine mucosa that is shed during menstruation and will be renewed in the new starting cycle.

How often the sponge must be drained and washed depends on the intensity of the menstrual blood flow. ¾ of the whole menstrual blood will be lost in the first 48 h of menstruation. Therefore, during the first two days it may be necessary to wash the sponge after 2-3 hours already. When the blood flow subsides, the sponge may stay inside for 4-6 hours before washing. The changing rate is similar to a regular tampon. Before re-insertion the sponge can be soaked in warm water - some women prefer soaking in warm water before draining, because the sponge will be comfortably warm.

IMPORTANT:

If you suffer from vaginal infection, please refrain from using the sponge and use an all new sponge after successful treatment of the infection.

Sustainable product

This is the finest quality natural sponge from the Levantine coast - thus the name Levantine - harvested from sustainable and certified breeding areas ("picked"). The roots remain here so that the sponges can grow. So for an intact ecological balance of the marine fauna will be provided. Subsequently, the sponges are refined by gentle maceration and bleaching.

What is a natural sponge?

A natural sponge (Hippospongia equina) is a simple form of life that occurs in all oceans, from the Caribbean to the Polar Seas. In the ocean it has the function of a natural filter since it pumps water through its body to feed on plankton and other small food particles. There are over 7,500 species of natural sponges, occurring in sizes from a few millimetres to over three metres in height. Depending on water temperature, depth and current, natural sponges require six months to Five years to grow.

Why should you use a natural sponge to wash?

Natural sponges are wonderfully soft, absorb a lot of water and release it under slight pressure. A bath with a natural sponge is a sensorial and luxurious experience. The fibres of natural sponges are ver y similar to those of silk. Tradition has it that natural sponges were used for body care back in the ancient world.

In contrast to a synthetic sponge, which consists of closed air bubbles, a natural sponge is composed

of a system of channels. Every pore is connected to another pore. Thus, dir t is simply washed out of the sponge. As a consequence, use of a natural sponge is extremely hygienic and recommended both for those with allergies and those with sensitive skin.

How do you take care of a natural sponge?

After use you should rinse the sponge with clear, lukewarm water and hang it up on a cord to dry. A natural sponge must not come into contact with boiling water because it solely consists of natural fibres. If the sponge gets very dirty, it can be washed in a laundry bag in the wool programme.

How to clean the sponge

Please let the sponge soak in a 1:2 solution of vinegar and water for a few hours every now and then, e.g. over night. Alternatively, a solution of 1/4 cup of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and 1/4 cup of water can be used, which will also bleach the sponge, if it has been darkened by use. A few drops of tea tree oil in 1 cup of water will also do the job. Tea tree oil is very effective against bacteria and inhibits growth of up to 60 bacteria strains . It will also kill all odours that the sponge may have adopted. After cleaning, the sponge should be left to air dry, so please do not leave it in a humid bathroom, where it may become infested with bacteria. The sponge is best kept in a cotton sac, like a washcloth, washing glove or a clean sock.