Menstrual Cup Comparison: Choose the Right Cup for Your Needs
Here’s everything you need to know about the different menstrual cup sizes and shapes.
Most reusable menstrual cups have a similar design and purpose. Unless you have been recommended a particular brand by a friend or family member, it can be difficult to determine which cup you should choose. To help you out, we will compare several menstrual cup types and brands, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision. You can also refer to the period cup comparison charts at the end of this article.
What are the different types of menstrual cups made from?
Menstrual cups are made from a variety of materials that determine the cup’s firmness and shape. These include thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials, latex, non-medical grade silicone, and medical-grade silicone. All menstrual cups sold through Menstrual Cups Australia are latex-free and manufactured using quality medical-grade silicone or TPE. We offer brands such as Ruby, Saalt, Diva, JuJu, and Lunette.
The Diva and Lunette cups have a fully matte finish, whereas the Juju cup has a smooth/shiny finish with a matte butterfly grip at the base. The matte finish can make gripping and removing the cup a little easier. However, removing the Juju cup is easy too with a little practice. Another tip for removing cups with a smooth surface is to wipe the base of the cup with a little bit of toilet paper first.
Menstrual cup manufacturers and accreditation
For some menstrual cup users, considering the manufacturer of their period cup is super important, especially if they want to support local businesses. Although all the previously mentioned brands are stocked by MCA for Australian customers, Juju and TOM Organic are the only brands that currently manufacture theirs cups in the country. Customers who wish to support local companies can purchase their cups from these brands.
Furthermore, product accreditation with government regulatory bodies like the FDA and TGA is a sign that the cup has been approved for the market. Up until July 2018, all the products listed on MCA Online were listed on the ARTG (Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods). After July 2018, the Australian regulations surrounding menstrual cups changed, making other international brands more accessible. To meet the needs of our customers, we have increased the number of brands we sell. However, we only stock brands with proven high-quality products. Currently, four of the biggest menstrual cup brands are registered in the ARTG. They include the Diva Cup, JuJu Cup, Lunette Cup, and Pelvi Cup.
Stem type and length
Different menstrual cups tend to come with different stem types. These include flat stems, round stems, hollow stems, ring stems, no stems, pointy stems, ladder stems, and ball stems. The stem type doesn’t make a huge difference when it comes to the use of the cup, however, some people may find different stem types more comfortable than others. For example, the ring or ladder stems make removal easier.
The main purpose of the stem is to guide you to the base of the cup, so you can remove it. The total length of the stem is generally not too much of an issue either. This is because you can trim it to your desired length once you are comfortable removing your menstrual cup.
If however, you have a particularly high cervix, you may like to choose a cup with a longer stem. This will aid in removal.
Menstrual cup capacity
As a general rule, a woman will usually lose around 6 tablespoons of menstrual fluid per cycle (80-120 ml). Over a typical 3 to 5-day cycle, this would equate to an average of around 25 ml per 24 hours of menstruation (keeping in mind that most people have a lighter flow in the last few days). However, the above figure is an average. Some women can lose up to 8.5 tablespoons (120 ml) of fluid over their cycle. While this will still be comfortably held in each of the menstrual cups, if you have a particularly heavy flow, then you may want to opt for a cup that specifically has a high capacity. This will help reduce the number of times you may need to empty it throughout the first few days of menstrual flow
Menstrual cup diameter
The diameter of a menstrual cup may vary. It also plays a critical role in determining the effectiveness of the cup’s seal. The wider your vaginal canal, the wider the cup you will need.
If you have particularly weak pelvic floor muscles or have had several children, you may wish to consider a cup with a larger diameter. This is because your vaginal muscles will be looser and the canal is therefore wider. A wider cup will provide a better seal around the vaginal wall to reduce the chances of leakage.
On the other hand, if you have particularly tight pelvic floor muscles or happen to be a first-time user, you may find that a smaller diameter cup will be sufficient (even though you may also successfully use a larger cup). A smaller diameter will be easier for a beginner to insert.
Menstrual cup length
Depending on the position of your cervix, the length of the cup may be important.
Women who have a very low lying cervix should probably choose a shorter cup such as the Juju model 4, Merula, FemmyCycle Low Cervix, or the Me Luna Shorty. This will help ensure the cup fits correctly within the vagina, without causing discomfort to the cervix.
Women who have a particularly high cervix may find a longer cup more useful (such as the Juju model 3, Lily Cup, or Diva Cup). A longer cup will be easier to remove if it happens to travel up the vaginal canal towards the cervix.
Women who have an average positioned cervix should be fine with whichever cup they choose.
Menstrual cup colours
There is still some debate regarding the chemical reactions that may take place when colours and dyes are added to silicone. Research is still unclear about the potential for dye chemicals to enter the bloodstream and cause issues. For this reason, some cup companies have decided not to add any colours to their cups, meaning a clear colour is your only option. However, other brands have added colours to help hide discolouration and improve the aesthetics of the cup.
Choose from the leading menstrual cup brands in Australia:
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Period Cup Comparison Chart
Every woman is different, and unfortunately, every cup brand uses slightly different sizing criteria. However, by following the below steps, you should be able to settle on the right menstrual cup for your needs, be it the largest or smallest menstrual cup you can find.
- Use our general sizing guidelinesto work out which size menstrual cup you are likely to need – either Model 1 (the smaller cup) or Model 2 (the larger cup)
- Use the factors above to compare the different menstrual cup brands in the size you require. For example, if you need a model 2 cup, only compare the cups in the Model 2 table.
- Once you have determined which brand you think works for you, double-check the specific sizing instructions for your chosen brand.
Teen Cups (Smallest Cup Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart
| Cup Brand | Material | Country of Manufacture | Stem Type | Stem Length | Cup Length (from rim to base) | Total Length (from rim to end of stem) | Cup Capacity (to holes) | Cup Diameter | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvi Cup Teen | Medical Grade TPE | Spain | Toggle | 10mm | 50mm | 60mm | 17ml | 38mm | Pink |
| Pelvi Cup Small | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Toggle | 10mm | 50mm | 60mm | 20ml | 42mm | Clear |
| Hello Cup XS | TPE Plastic – fully recyclable | New Zealand | Toggle | 10mm | 47mm | 57mm | 17.5ml | 38mm | Lilac and Yellow |
| Diva Cup Model 0 | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Hollow | 10mm | 47mm | 57mm | 17ml | 39ml | Clear |
| FemmyCycle Petite | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Ring | 19mm | 38mm | 57mm | 20ml | 31mm | Clear |
| OrganiCup Mini | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Solid Round | 14mm | 44mm | 58mm | 17ml | 37mm | Clear |
Model 1 Cups (Smaller Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart
| Cup Brand | Material | Country of Manufacture | Stem Type | Stem Length | Cup Length (from rim to base) | Total Length (from rim to end of stem) | Cup Capacity (to holes) | Cup Diameter | Colours | Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diva Cup – Model 1 | Medical Grade Silicone | Canada | Hollow | 17mm | 53mm | 70mm | 24ml | 43mm | Clear | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694) . Only cup approved for sale in Canada |
| Haakaa Flow Cup – Small | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Toggle | 10mm | 53mm | 63mm | 25ml | 42mm | Coral | FDA registered |
| Haakaa Flow Cup Valve – Small | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Valve | 21mm | 50mm | 71mm | 18ml | 42mm | Coral | FDA registered |
| Hello Cup Small/Medium | TPE Plastic – fully recyclable | New Zealand | Toggle | 10mm | 49mm | 59mm | 21ml | 41mm | Blue, Yellow, and Orange | FDA registered |
| JuJu Cup – Model 1 | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Pointy | 19mm | 46mm | 65mm | 18ml | 40mm | Clear | ARTG listed (ID: 180153) |
| Keeper Cup | Natural Gum Rubber (latex) | USA | Round | 27mm | 46mm | 80mm | 21ml | 45mm | Brown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes. | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID:68249) |
| Lily Cup Size A | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Small Round | 18mm | 60mm | 78mm | 28ml | 40mm | Light Pink | |
| Lunette Cup – Model 1 | Medical Grade Silicone | Finland | Flat | 25mm | 47mm | 72mm | 21ml | 41mm | 5 Colours including Clear | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084) |
| Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size S | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 15mm | 40mm | 55mm | 15ml | 38mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size M | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 15mm | 45mm | 60mm | 20ml | 41mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Me Luna Classic Shorty Size S | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 10mm | 35mm | 45mm | 8ml | 38mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Me Luna Classic Shorty Size M | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 10mm | 38mm | 48mm | 10ml | 41mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Merula One Size | Medical Grade Silicone | Germany | Ladder | 33mm | 39mm | 72mm | 38ml | 40mm | 3 Colours (Apple Green, Fox Orange, Midnight Black) | Vegan |
| Mia Amika Small | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Toggle | 30mm | 50mm | 80mm | 20ml | 43mm | Clear | FDA registered |
| OrganiCup – Size A | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Solid Round | 15mm | 50mm | 65mm | 25ml | 40mm | Clear | FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified |
| Pelvi Cup – Medium | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Toggle | 10mm | 60mm | 70mm | 25ml | 42mm | Clear | FDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885) |
| Ruby Cup – Small | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Hollow | 19mm | 46mm | 65mm | 19ml | 40mm | Clear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black | – |
| Saalt Cups Size Small | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Flat | 23mm | 47mm | 70mm | 25ml | 41mm | Ocean Blue and Himalayan Pink Mist Grey and Desert Blush | FDA registered, Vegan |
| Super Jennie – Small | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Pointy | 15mm | 47.5mm | 62.5mm | 26ml | 43mm | Clear, Blue, Teal, Pink | FDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562) |
| TOM Organic Cup – Size 1 Regular | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Flat | 20mm | 44mm | 64mm | 22ml | 41.25mm | Nude | – |
| XO FLO Mini | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Toggle with nodules | 29mm | 45mm | 74mm | 31ml | 41mm | Clear | FDA registered |
Model 2 Cups (Larger Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart
| Model 2 Brand (Larger Sizes) | Material | Country of Origin | Stem Type | Stem Length | Cup Length (from rim to base) | Total Length (from rim to end of stem) | Cup Capacity (to holes) | Cup Diameter | Colours | Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diva Cup – Model 2 | Medical Grade Silicone | Canada | Hollow | 13mm | 57mm | 70mm | 28ml | 46mm | Clear | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694). Only cup approved for sale in Canada |
| Haakaa Flow Cup – Large | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Toggle | 10mm | 56mm | 66mm | 30ml | 45mm | Coral | FDA registered |
| Haakaa Flow Cup Valve – Large | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Valve | 21mm | 50mm | 71mm | 24ml | 47mm | Coral | FDA registered |
| Hello Cup Large | TPE Plastic | New Zealand | Toggle | 10mm | 54mm | 64mm | 28ml | 45mm | Blush, Fuchsia, and Yellow | FDA Registered |
| FemmyCycle Regular | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Ring | 20mm | 43mm | 63mm | 25ml | 36mm | Clear | FDA cleared |
| FemmyCycle Low Cervix | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Ring | 6mm | 43mm | 49mm | 25ml | 36mm | Clear | FDA cleared |
| JuJu Cup – Model 2 | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Pointy | 19mm | 50mm | 69mm | 27ml | 46mm | Clear | ARTG listed (ID: 180153). |
| Juju Model 3 (for high cervix) | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Pointy | 20mm | 58mm | 78mm | 22ml | 40mm | Clear | – |
| Juju Model 4 (for low cervix or poor pelvic tone) | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Pointy | 10mm | 40mm | 50mm | 23ml | 48mm | Clear | – |
| Keeper Cup | Natural Gum Rubber | USA | Hollow | 26mm | 53mm | 79mm | 25ml | 46mm | Brown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes. | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 68249). |
| Lily Cup Size B | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Small Round | 18mm | 60mm | 78mm | 32ml | 43.5mm | Fuchsia Pink | |
| Lunette Cup – Model 2 | Medical Grade Silicone | Finland | Flat | 20mm | 52mm | 72mm | 27ml | 45mm | 5 colours including clear | FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084). |
| Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size L | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 15mm | 51mm | 66mm | 24ml | 44mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size XL | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 15mm | 54mm | 69mm | 30ml | 47mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Me Luna Classic Shorty Size L | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 11mm | 41mm | 52mm | 14ml | 44mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| MeLuna Classic Shorty Size XL | TPE Plastic | Germany | Ring | 11mm | 44mm | 55mm | 16ml | 47mm | Purple | FDA registered |
| Merula One Size | Medical Grade Silicone | Germany | Ladder | 33mm | 39mm | 72mm | 38ml | 40mm | 3 Colours (Apple Green, Fox Orange, Midnight Black) | Vegan |
| Merula XL | Medical Grade Silicone | Germany | Ladder | 22mm | 50mm | 72mm | 50ml | 46mm | Strawberry | Vegan |
| Mia Amika Regular | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Toggle | 33mm | 54mm | 87mm | 25ml | 47mm | Clear | FDA registered |
| OrganiCup – Size B | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Solid Round | 15mm | 55mm | 70mm | 30ml | 45mm | Clear | FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified |
| Pelvi Cup Large | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Toggle | 10mm | 60mm | 70mm | 30ml | 46mm | Clear | FDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885) |
| Ruby Cup Medium | Medical Grade Silicone | China | Hollow | 17mm | 51mm | 68mm | 24ml | 45mm | Clear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black | – |
| Saalt Cups Size Regular | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Flat | 18mm | 52mm | 70mm | 30ml | 46mm | Ocean Blue and Himalayan Pink Mist Grey and Desert Blush | FDA registered, Vegan |
| Super Jennie Large | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Pointy | 16mm | 52mm | 68mm | 34ml | 47mm | Clear, Blue, Teal, Pink | FDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562) |
| TOM Organic Cup – Size 2 Super | Medical Grade Silicone | Australia | Flat | 20mm | 50mm | 70mm | 30ml | 45.8mm | Nude | – |
| XO FLO | Medical Grade Silicone | USA | Toggle with nodules | 31mm | 55mm | 86mm | 38ml | 44mm | Clear | FDA registered |
Our menstrual cup comparison tables should make it easier to choose a comfortable cup that suits your body and the position of your cervix. Nevertheless, if you still find yourself uncertain about which cup to choose, we recommend trialling 2 or 3 different menstrual product brands.
Learn more about menstrual cup care:
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