I've used these for a number of years; I wear them at home in order to reduce my usage of disposables. The latest generation of the XXL is the best yet; I wear them with the snap extenders (to make it more like a XXXL) and the adult super hemp/bamboo inserts. As my older-generation XXL covers wear out, I'm upgrading to the current-generation XXL. At the same time, I'm upgrading from the adult super insert to the new (and longer) adult super plus insert.
Usually, I use one soaker insert, as two are a bit too bulky. Plus, I'm at home, so it's easy to change after a large void (I have slow leakage, but also sudden urges that result in complete voiding). As they do not have side leak guards, full saturation of the insert can result in wicking to the edges in the crotch area. My experience is that, with one insert, a single complete voiding or its volume equivalent in smaller voids or leakage, is fine. But, two large accidents will saturate the insert and cause wicking. With cloth diapers, my preference is to change after each large void, or after a few hours of slow leakage (equivalent in volume to a large void), as cloth provides no odor control, unlike disposables.
I really like the microfleece inner layer, as it is very soft quickly wicks the wetness away from the skin and into the soaker. The Snap-EZ is my favorite cloth diaper for this reason...my skin feels dry. Thus, I get the economy and softness of cloth with the skin protection of a premium disposable. And, the Snap-EZ fit me like a glove despite my size. The newest generation XXL is refined to the point that I no longer have to wear fixing pants or snug underwear over them to keep them up.
Washing is easy...pull the insert out of the pocket cover and wash both in the same load. I use hot water, with a free-and-clear detergent (usually Purex or All), a little bit of color-safe bleach (usually Purex or Clorox 2), and a cup of Borax. I also use a double rinse (which I do with all of my clothes). Then, I dry them on the hot cycle. They come out fresh, clean, soft, and absorbent every time. I have a traditional Speed Queen commercial top-loading washer and matching dryer that do a great job (I don't like the HE machines at all...you need plenty of water in order to have clean clothes!!!).
The only drawback is they are quite expensive, but they do run sales and free-shipping offers a several times a year. In fact, they have opened up the pre-order for the XXL size this weekend (they are made to order, and are not an off-the-shelf item).
I like supporting an American owned-and-operated small business located right here in the Pacific Northwest; the owner employs local seamstresses who work from home. It's nice to be able to buy something that is completely American made and keep my hard-earned money here, given the economic struggles our country is facing.
In general, I feel they have been worth the investment. I wear cloth at home and disposables away.
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