Can you post a pic of what you're using? Good Japanese pads are perfectly fine wicking material. IF they're good quality, new and in good shape.
Stuff without the package is the crappy cotton that came with this cheap coil building tool set. Stuff that is packed in the bag is the muji cotton I've ordered on ebay. I did't want to waste the better stuff on my first wicking adventures so I just used the crap cotton lol