Kmart's new $29 Period Belt has been described as a “dupe” version of more expensive period pain relief devices. Photo / Kmart / Sylvie Whinray
Kmart's new $29 Period Belt has been described as a “dupe” version of more expensive period pain relief devices. Photo / Kmart / Sylvie Whinray
The accessible gadget is quickly becoming a must-have for those dealing with menstrual cramps.
From stomach cramps to lower back pain, periods can be pretty unpleasant.
Research shows up to 91% of women and girls experience period pain at some point in their lives, with around 30% facing severe symptoms.
That’s not to mention the millions of women who endure debilitating conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and fibroids.
For years, we’ve resorted to popping ibuprofen, using heat packs and sucking it up, but thankfully, the tide is slowly turning.
Women’s health is finally starting to receive the attention it deserves, leading to the launch of various tools aimed at alleviating menstrual symptoms.
However, due to the personalised nature of our periods, a device that works for one person might not work for another.
So instead of forking out hundreds of dollars for a buzzy new product that might not suit your needs, a number of budget retailers have launched their own “dupe” versions of period pain relief devices.
Women have praised Kmart’s new period belt online. Photo / Facebook
From Shein to Temu, a quick Google search will turn up hundreds of results – but if you’re not willing to go that budget, Kmart fans have been loving the new store’s new Period Belt, calling it a “life-saver” when it comes to painful periods.
In a recent Facebook post in the group Kmart Mums, a shopper shared her excitement over the newly landed product – a menstrual heated belt priced at just A$25 ($29).
The adjustable and rechargeable device has a battery life of around two and a half hours and features a hot-compress massager for the waist and abdomen.
Users can choose from three heat levels and four massage modes, offering a tailored experience for those dealing with varying degrees of discomfort.
On TikTok, similar but more expensive devices have been hailed as “game-changers” for people dealing with menstrual cramps and medical conditions.
One of the most popular products in this space is the Staci Companion Period Pain Relief Device, which retails for A$150 ($169), which is A$125 ($140) more than Kmart’s version.
Another popular device is the Portable Electric Heating/Vibration Belt from The Endo Essentials, which costs A$69.95 ($78).
But people seem to be really excited about Kmart’s version, and the fact they’ve tapped into the market at an affordable price point with a product that works just as well.
Kmart's Period Belt, which sells in New Zealand for $29. Photo / Kmart
One commenter declared, “Need this for my endo!” while others chimed in with reactions such as “no way”, “awesome for period, back or neck aches” and “I want to try this!”
Many women who have already tried it praised its effectiveness, making comments like “I love it! It’s amazing!” and “these are awesome”.
“Just ordered for my daughter. Hopefully it works, then I’ll get me one too!” one mum wrote.
“I love it. I turn it up to the highest setting, and I can barely feel any cramps,” another said.
One customer noted it’s great if you need to pop out of the house because you can wear it in the car and to meetings under your clothes without anyone knowing.
So it seems the Kmart Period Belt is going to quickly become a must-have for that time of the month.
