I really like these myself. They are very absorbent and anti microbial, so they don't stink. As far as how many you should get, I guess it depends. Bella has maybe six of them, but that is just because once she goes on them twice, shes done with that and wants a clean one. Bella knows how to get our attention if she wants to go outside, but i like her having the option to stay inside, especially when I will be out of the house for a few hours. I really only got these for Bella because she hates Texas, literally. She hates the heat and she won't stay outside for more than two minutes at a time, but I hate the heat too, so it works out great.