Help?? Any period tips?

So It's been about a good 10 years since I developed my period (Started at 9 years old, currently 19) and my flow is usually medium. My period started June 30th and it's heavy. Like, wayyy too heavy. I wore 8 hour leakguard protection {MAXI} pads and they still wouldn't work!! I had to wash my bed sheets because I was in them for two hours and it leaked through my shorts (Luckily I live alone so no one could see the mess it made). I need tips on how to keep my sheets clean and stuff. (Trust me, I used tampons to see if it would help and they worked for about TWO hours and yes, I did insert them correctly.) Also, I need suggestions that [don't] involve diva cups because I am planning to buy one in the future. Please help!! I hate feeling dirty during my period!! I want to do activities without running to the bathroom every hour to see if my period leaked through my pants. I'm planning to sleep on a towel so my bed won't get dirty again. Thanks!