A PIMP typically lives for 5-7 years under normal use – using a particular pad once per cycle. If you don't typically wash and reuse any pads mid-cycle, your collection will last for years and years. You'll probably be lusting after some new, fabulous pattern long before any of your PIMPs bite the dust. However, a pad's longevity can be shortened if you usually wear and wash a pad more than once during a cycle. Like anything, the more you use it the faster it wears out. But having fewer pads and washing and reusing them more frequently doesn't mean you don't get your $'s worth since your initial investment was smaller. Think about it this way: A pad will last for about 75 washings or 5-7 years – whichever comes first.