making breast pads - best fabric choices

[Toolip]

I just read through a ton of breast pad threads but I'm still confused. I've never worked with bamboo at all and I'm not clear about the absorbency properties of it.

I saw that many people suggested just flannel or flannel with a layer of velour or fleece (bamboo). So, is the flannel always the layer that you want against your skin?

What are the options for layers touching your skin? What about the backing? And the absorbent layers?

Spell it out for me!!

Also, I think wool would be nice in the middle but can you throw it in the washing machine? What kind of wool do you use? A blanket? An old sweater? Does it matter?

Thank you very much!

[justKate]

ETA: I wonder if people just kind of use whatever they have? I've got some fleece and some old receiving blankets, so I'm probably going to try to make some with that. If I do this I'll put the receiving blankets on the inside. Also considering getting some PUL for the outer layer for the ones I'll wear to work.

Are you making them flat or contoured? I'm probably going to just make mine flat and if that goes well then try contoured ones.

[Toolip]

Hummm, someone's got to know!

I need to know more about the properties of the fabrics, I guess. I am just not clear with all these new bamboo and hemp weaves.

[deditus]

I like bamboo velour for the inside and hemp jersey for the inner, organic cotton fleece (fleece side in) for the outer. I wasn't a huge leaker and I have no boobs so ymmv.