<P> There are many styles of cloth menstrual pads available today, ranging from pantyliners to overnight pads . Popular styles of cloth menstrual pads include all - in - one, or AIO pads, in which the absorbent layer is sewn inside the pad,' inserts on top' style pads, which have absorbent layers that can be secured on top of the pad as needed, envelope or pocket style pads, which have absorbent layers that can be inserted inside the pad as needed, and a foldable style, in which the pad folds around the absorbent layers . Cloth menstrual pads can have waterproof lining, which provides more leak protection but may also be less breathable . </P> <P> In underdeveloped countries, reusable or makeshift pads are still used to collect menstrual blood . Rags, soil, and mud are also reportedly used for collecting menstrual flow . </P> <P> In order to meet the need for achieving an inexpensive solution to tackle unsanitary and unhygienic practices in countries like India, Arunachalam Muruganantham from rural Coimbatore in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India developed and patented a machine which could manufacture low - cost sanitary pads for less than a third of the cost . </P> <P> A menstrual pad is worn as an aid during a woman's period to absorb her menstrual flow . It is worn externally, between the vulva and a woman's undergarment, unlike tampons and menstrual cups which are worn inside the vagina . If a woman does not have sanitary napkins on hand, she might use toilet paper as a temporary substitution . </P>

What did they do before tampons and pads