What’s your favorite U by Kotex® product? Write a review>
Click on the cross to close the popups
Question:

Can I wear tampon all night long?

Learn why it's not recommended to wear a tampon all night.

U by Kotex expert Dr. Molly O'Shea
EXPERT ANSWER
Molly O’Shea
You can, but you probably shouldn't. You can, but you probably shouldn't. Keeping a tampon in for more than 4-8 hours or so increases the chance that you could get a serious, but very rare, infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) that can land you in the hospital. I would try an overnight pad that is designed not to leak. And you shouldn't use a tampon if you're sleeping for more than 8 hours.
U by Kotex mom Gretchen Van Monette
MOM ANSWER
Gretchen Van Monette
Plenty of girls do. Plenty of girls do. The recommended length of time to leave a tampon in is 4-8 hours, though, so if you sleep longer than 8 hours you should use a pad. Personally, I prefer to use a pad and, on some nights, I can even get away with just using a panty liner.
U by Kotex peer Laura Martin
PEER ANSWER
Laura Martin

I would have converted back to using pads if I had to wake up at least once in the middle of the night to change my tampon. I love my sleep; it pains me to even get up in the middle of the night to pee. If you’re having a heavier flow, you should probably use a super tampon through the night just to make sure you don’t stain the underwear you’re wearing or worse, your sheets. Just make sure that if you sleep for longer than 8 hours, you set your alarm so you can change your tampon.

Related Articles

Default Image
Default Image
Default Image

This is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.

Which Product is Right for Me?

No matter what time of the month it is, U by Kotex® has something that's right for you.

Allnighter® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Extra Heavy Overnight

U by Kotex® Allnighter® Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight Pads with Wings provide up to 100% leak free protection and have an 80% larger back* for all night protection in any sleep position.

Learn More

Security® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight

For all night protection in any sleep position, try U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with a 60% larger back*.

Learn More

Teen® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight Protection

Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Teen Overnight Pads with Wings.

Learn More
U by Kotex® teen® pads, extra absorbency

Teen® Pads - Extra Absorbency

Check out these smaller-sized pad with heavy-flow absorbency. U by Kotex Teen® Pads are totally perfect for your younger girls learning the ropes and have vibrant colors with cool patterns.

Learn More
U by Kotex® CleanWear® Ultra Thin pads with wings, heavy flow

Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads - Heavy Flow With Wings

Say hello to your new favorite pad for heavy flow days. U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Pads feature Xpress DRI® Core for crazy, fast absorption to help stop leaks.

Learn More
U by Kotex® Click® Compact tampons, super

Click® Tampons Super - Compact Applicator

Go from compact to full-sized protection in one quick move with U by Kotex® Click® Tampons. Perfect for travel and pocket-sized, to go where U go!

Learn More
U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin pads with wings, heavy flow

Security® Ultra Thin Pads - Long with Wings

This super-thin pad has some crazy fast absorption that you can trust. And with its added length and uniquely shaped wings. It'll keep you comfortable while helping stop leaks dead their in tracks.

Learn More