Period Mats 101: Why the UK Is Finally Catching On to a Life-Changing Tool

For years, many women in the UK have relied on a familiar night-time setup during their periods: pads, tampons, period pants… and a towel thrown over the sheets “just in case.” It worked well enough, until heavy flow, restless nights, or one unexpected leak proved otherwise.

Now, something new (and wonderfully simple) is starting to gain attention: the period mat. And it’s changing night-time care in a big way.

So… what exactly is a period mat?

A period mat is a soft, absorbent, reusable waterproof layer designed to protect your bedding during your cycle.  Think of it as a gentle, reliable buffer between you and your sheets:

• No plastic feel

• No rustling noise

• No sliding around

• No early-morning laundry panic

It sits on top of your bedsheet, stays in place, catches leaks and gives you peace of mind — whether you use pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear.

It’s simple. It’s quiet. It’s stigma-free. And it’s made for people who bleed: teens, adults, postpartum mums, perimenopausal women, heavy bleeders… everyone.

Why has the UK been slow to adopt it?

A few reasons:

1. Period taboos run deep

For a long time, period care in the UK focused only on pads and tampons. Anything related to night-time support wasn’t discussed openly or at all.

2. “DIY” solutions became normal

Many of us grew up layering towels or doubling up protection. So the idea of a product specifically designed for night-time leaks is surprisingly new.

3. Disposable culture

The UK market has been dominated by single-use options. Reusable protection is only recently becoming more accessible and socially accepted.

4. People simply didn’t know these existed

Most women say the same thing when they first see a period mat:  “I wish I had this years ago.”

Why period mats are finally taking off

Women today want period care that’s:

• comfortable

• sustainable

• budget-friendly

• safe for heavy flow

• and actually helpful at night

A period mat fits perfectly into modern night-time routines:

• Pair it with your favourite period underwear

• Add a hot water bottle

• Curl up knowing your sheets are protected

• Sleep without leak anxiety

• And wash, reuse, repeat

It’s the kind of upgrade you don’t realise you needed — until the first night you wake up feeling calm and dry.

A softer approach to sleep protection

At La Suzy, we created our reusable period mat because we were tired of women feeling anxious, embarrassed or unprepared during the heaviest nights.

You deserve softness. You deserve protection. You deserve sleep that doesn’t depend on your flow.

A period mat won’t solve every period problem — but it will transform your nights.

Sleep easy. Bleed freely. That’s the La Suzy way.