Riley Product Instructions

Heads-up, super important information below

Toxic-Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but very serious (possibly fatal) illness that can occur on men, women, non-binary and children. It's caused by a toxin (a kind of biological poison) that's produced by a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that's frequently present in humans like you and me. 

The reported risk is unfortunately higher in people with periods under 30 years old as well as teenagers who have gotten their period. The indicate of TSS is estimated to be between 1 and 17 cases of TSS per 100,000 menstruators per year. TSS can occur without tampons but has been connected with the use of tampons. TSS can be fatal and must therefore be recognised and treated early. The symptoms of TSS can appear suddenly during or just after menstruation and they closely resemble the flu.

The symptom below will not all necessarily occur at the same time:
Sudden high fever (usually 39 °C or more) and vomiting, diarrhoea, fainting, or near fainting when standing up, dizziness, rash that looks like sunburn, other signs includeaching of muscles and joints, redness of the eyes, sore throat, weakness.

If the above symptoms appear, you must:
1. Remove your tampon immediately and discontinue use.
2. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. Tell your doctor that you're menstruating and that you have been informed about TSS.

TSS can recur both with and without the use of tampons. If you've suffered from TSS, or are concerned about TSS, please consult your doctor before resuming tampon use. The risk of getting TSS can be reduced by alternating tampon use with sanitary pad use during your period.

Avoid using tampons if:
  • You're not menstruating
  • You have an irregular menstrual cycle
  • You're bleeding very weakly
  • You've damaged mucous membranes
  • You recently gave birth
  • You recently had an abortion
  • You've had gynaecological treatment recently
  • You've had any vaginal inflammation
  • You're hypersensitive to any component of a tampon
  • You use vaginal tablets and / or vaginal medicines
  • You've noticed any flaws on the product or the tampon or the tampon packaging is damaged

Consult your medical doctor before beginning to use tampons again if TSS warning signs have occurred in the past, or if you have any questions about TSS or tampon use.

 

Which tampon absorbency should I use? 

Some periods are heavy and other light, young girls differ from women after childbirth, and a woman’s choice of contraception can affect menstruation. This is why tampons were designed in a range of absorbencies:

Regular absorbency, between 6 and 9 grams, is suitable for light to medium flow.
Super absorbency, between 9 and 12 grams, is suitable for medium to heavy flow.
Super+ absorbency, between 12 and 15 grams, is suitable for heavy flow to extra heavy flow.

See our full range of tampon absorbencies here.

 

Inserting a tampon

How to insert an Applicator Tampon

Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting a tampon.

1. After you've removed the tampon from the wrapper, gently tug the tampon string once to ensure that it's securely attached and not damaged.

Inserting an Applicator Tampon instructions 1

2. Place the tip of the applicator into your vaginal opening and gently push the applicator into the vagina.

Inserting an Applicator Tampon instructions 2

3. Keep hold of the applicator using your thumb and middle finger and with your index finger gently push the smaller tube all the way into the bigger tube.

Inserting an Applicator Tampon instructions 3

4. Once the rings or both tubes come close to one another, the tampon has been inserted.

Inserting an Applicator Tampon instructions 4

5. Gently remove the applicator. If you have followed these instructions correctly one tube should now be inside the other. Once the tampon has been inserted, the removal string should be protruding from the vaginal opening. When you're finished, wash your hands.

Inserting an Applicator Tampon instructions 5

 

How to insert a Naked Tampon

Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting a tampon.

1. Unroll the wrapper from the middle strip. Then, pull off the lower section of the wrapper.

Inserting an Naked Tampon instructions 1

2. Unroll the string of the tampon fully from where it is coiled and ensure the ends of the strings are connected or tied. Push the index finger into the recess at the end of the tampon as you will be holding it when inserting.

Inserting an Naked Tampon instructions 2

3. Using other hand, remove the remaining upper section of wrapper from the tampon.

Inserting an Naked Tampon instructions 3

4. Insert the tampon into the vagina. The easiest way to do that is when your body posture is relaxed. Push the tampon into the vagina with the upper rounded top, at an angle pointing towards your tailbone. It is correctly inserted when you cannot feel it anymore. If the tampon does not fill well, pull it out and insert a new one according to the instructions above.

 Inserting an Naked Tampon instructions 4

 

When should I change my tampon?

By lightly tugging on the removal string you will be able to tell if it's time to change your tampon. If it doesn't move, it's not saturated and there's no need to change. Though your needs will depend on your individual flow, you should change your tampon 3-6 times a day.

You should never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours (but we recommend changing your tampon every 4 hours). We recommend that on each day of your period you use the lowest absorbency tampon needed to suit that day’s flow.

 

Removing my tampon

1. Relax and gently pull the removal string so that the tampon slides out. It's easiest to remove a tampon when it's fully saturated. If you've problems removing the tampon, it could be because the tampon isn't fully saturated yet.

2. If for some reason you cannot find the removal cord, it can usually be reached from a squatting position using your fingers. Remember to remove the current tampon before inserting another and always remember to remove the last tampon at the end of your period.

 

Disposing of my tampon

Wrap up the used tampon securely and dispose of it in a trash bin. We recommend you use an alternative means of disposal other than the sewage system.

A tampon should be changed every 4 - 8 hours. If you need to change it more often than that, try a tampon with a higher absorbency rating. If changing your tampon is uncomfortable and the tampon still shows white after the recommended time, try a tampon with a lower absorbency rating.

Select the absorbency rating that suits your menstrual flow and always choose the smallest size to lower your risk of developing TSS. Never use bigger tampons to extend the time a single tampon may be used.

Never exceed 8 hours of use with a single tampon and do not use overnight.