Sea Sponge Tampons
A small sea sponge may be used as a tampon. Particular varieties of sponge are selected for their absorbency and their softness. It is moistened before insertion into the vagina, making it soft and pliable so that it conforms comfortably to the shape of the vagina. It is removed at suitable intervals, rinsed and reinserted or swapped with a fresh sponge while the other is kept to cleanse later. While a sea sponge is discarded and replaced far more frequently than a menstrual cup or cloth napkin, so is technically more 'disposable', sponges are rapidly biodegradeable when they reach the end of their useful life and can be composted.
Other types of reusable, washable tampon are available to buy or to make, including crochet, knit and rolled cloth versions.
There are also disposable, manufactured sponge tampons known as "soft tampons" or "stringless tampons". Information about these can be found on the Disposable Alternatives page.
Buy Sea Sponge Tampons
Please note that due to FDA regulations, sea sponges may not be packaged and sold as 'medical devices' in the United States of America.
Crafty 'n' Clothy - UK shop stocking the Mooncup menstrual cup, the Jam Sponge and a good range of cloth pads including Wee Notions' Fairy Hammocks, Happy Mama Originals, Minki Padz and Sckoon. Also accessories.
Earthwise Girls - UK site stocking sponges and menstrual cups, as well as several types of cloth pad.
Environmenstruals - NZ store offering a wide range of cloth pads and most brands of menstrual cup. Personal consultation available to help you choose the menstrual cup that suits you best. Also sea sponges, accessories and the option to donate towards cups/pads for a women's refuge. Contact for details of international availability/shipping.
GladRags - US store offering Sea Pearls sponges alongside their GladRags pads and an assortment of menstrual cups.
Green Family Living - In the Mooncare section of this store, you'll find a range of cloth pad brands, menstrual cups, sea sponges and accessories. US store, no international shipping.
Jade & Pearl - Sea Pearls - US makers of Sea Pearls sponge tampons. Brochure also available in Spanish.
Jam Sponge - UK site that sells their Jam Sponge, also giving a list of stockists. Loads of frank and cheerful information about care, safety and use.
Luxury Moon - Stocking the Jam Sponge, the Femmecup and Mooncup brands of menstrual cup, many brands of cloth pads and various accessories. Shipping only to the UK and Europe at present.
Moon Times - UK shop carrying the Mooncup and Diva Cup. Also Moon Sponge, Jam Sponge, "Basics" budget cloth pads, organic pocket pads, a choice of velcro or snap fastenings, Pink Pads for cancer charity, a hard to find belted menstrual pad system and a choice of accessories.
Pink Robin - UK store with a variety of reusable menstrual products, including the Sea Pearls range of sponges.
PlushPants - Natural Woman - Stocking nearly the full range of WeMoon all-in-one cloth pads, and they're working on getting the rest! Also offering Moon Times sponge tampons and the Mooncup menstrual cup. See also sister site Terry Nappies where you can find the pads and cup in the EcoMenstrual section. WeMoon accessories also available. International shipping.
Punkin-Butt - Fresh Moon - Stocking their own (?) Fresh Moon sponge and Sea Pearls, as well as cloth pads, menstrual cups and accessories. US bricks and mortar store.