Crime Scene Periods

I have extremely heavy periods. I'm talking the ultra + tampons with a pad might last me 2-3 hours.. I have to set alarms through out the night so I can change the overnight pads so that everything doesn't get messy. I've heard that some people wear depends through the night and it's cleaner.. I'm just sick of my life basically having to go on pause while on my period. Not to mention the fact that my cramps are unbearable.. I can't even sit up most the time it hurts so bad and heating pads don't help.. do any of you guys have this problem and how do you make it through?