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.

Menstrual Cup and Disc Comparison

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 4MerulaFemmyCycle 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:

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.

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
  3. Once you have determined which brand you think works for you, double-check the specific sizing instructions for your chosen brand.

Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart

Disc BrandMaterialCountry of ManufactureStem TypeStem LengthDisc CapacityDisc Diameter
Hello DiscMedical Grade SiliconeAustraliaRing48mm50ml68mm
Hey ZomiMedical Grade SiliconeAustraliaRing15mm52ml65mm
Lumma Disc ShortMedical Grade SiliconeBrazilString60mm30ml53mm
Lumma Disc MediumMedical Grade SiliconeBrazilString60mm55ml63mm
Lumma Disc HighMedical Grade SiliconeBrazilString60mm60ml68mm
nixit DiscMedical Grade SiliconeCanadaNone70ml70mm
Saalt Disc SmallMedical Grade SiliconeUSANotch30ml56mm
Saalt Disc RegularMedical Grade SiliconeUSANotch50ml66mm
Ziggy Disc Size AMedical Grade SiliconeChinaNone50ml57mm
Ziggy Disc Size BMedical Grade SiliconeChinaNone76ml67mm

Teen Cups (Smallest Cup Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart

Cup BrandMaterialCountry of ManufactureStem TypeStem LengthCup Length (from rim to base)Total Length (from rim to end of stem)Cup Capacity (to holes)Cup DiameterColours
Allmatters Menstrual Cup MiniMedical Grade SiliconeGermanySolid Round18mm40mm58mm19ml37mmClear
Pelvi Cup TeenMedical Grade TPESpainToggle10mm50mm60mm17ml38mmPink
Pelvi CupMedical Grade SiliconeUSAToggle10mm50mm60mm20ml42mmClear
Hello Average Cervix Cup SmallTPE Plastic – fully recyclableNew ZealandToggle 10mm46mm56mm17ml38mmLilac
DivaCup Model 0Medical Grade SiliconeUSAHollow10mm47mm57mm17ml39mlClear
FemmyCycle PetiteMedical Grade SiliconeUSARing19mm38mm57mm20ml31mmClear
Lily Cup OneMedical Grade SiliconeChinaRing10mm37mm47mm21ml39mmClear
Saalt Cup TeenMedical Grade SiliconeUSAFlat20mm45mm65mm15ml37mmWild Rose, Aqua Green

Model 1 Cups (Smaller Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart

Cup BrandMaterialCountry of ManufactureStem TypeStem LengthCup Length (from rim to base)Total Length (from rim to end of stem)Cup Capacity (to holes)Cup DiameterColoursApprovals
Allmatters Menstrual Cup Size AMedical Grade SiliconeGermanySolid Round20mm50mm70mm27ml41mmClearFDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Diva Cup – Model 1Medical Grade SiliconeCanadaHollow17mm53mm70mm24ml43mmClearFDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694) . Only cup approved for sale in Canada
Haakaa Flow Cup – SmallMedical Grade SiliconeChinaToggle10mm53mm63mm25ml42mmCoralFDA registered
Hello Low Cervix Cup MediumTPE Plastic – fully recyclableNew ZealandNone43mm43mm21ml41mmGreenFDA registered
Hello Average Cervix Cup MediumTPE Plastic – fully recyclableNew ZealandToggle10mm49mm59mm21ml41mmBlueFDA registered
Hello High Cervix Cup SmallTPE Plastic – fully recyclableNew ZealandToggle10mm57mm67mm19.5ml38mmDark BlueFDA registered
JuJu Cup – Model 1Medical Grade SiliconeAustraliaPointy19mm46mm65mm18ml40mmClearARTG listed (ID: 180153)
Keeper CupNatural Gum Rubber (latex)USARound27mm46mm80mm21ml45mmBrown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes.FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID:68249)
Lily Cup Size AMedical Grade SiliconeChinaSmall Round18mm60mm78mm28ml40mmLight Pink
Lunette Cup – Model 1Medical Grade SiliconeFinlandFlat25mm47mm72mm21ml41mm5 Colours including ClearFDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084)
Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size STPE PlasticGermanyRing15mm40mm55mm15ml38mmPurpleFDA registered
Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size MTPE PlasticGermanyRing15mm45mm60mm20ml41mmPurpleFDA registered
Me Luna Classic Shorty Size STPE PlasticGermanyRing10mm35mm45mm8ml38mmPurpleFDA registered
Me Luna Classic Shorty Size MTPE PlasticGermanyRing10mm38mm48mm10ml41mmPurpleFDA registered
Merula One SizeMedical Grade SiliconeGermanyLadder33mm39mm72mm38ml40mm3 Colours (Apple Green, Fox Orange, Midnight Black)Vegan
Pelvi Cup – MediumMedical Grade SiliconeUSAToggle10mm60mm70mm25ml42mmClearFDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885)
Ruby Cup – SmallMedical Grade SiliconeChinaHollow19mm46mm65mm19ml40mmClear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black
Saalt Cups Size SmallMedical Grade SiliconeUSAFlat23mm47mm70mm25ml41mmOcean Blue and Himalayan Pink
Mist Grey and Desert Blush
FDA registered, Vegan
Super Jennie – SmallMedical Grade SiliconeUSAPointy15mm47.5mm62.5mm26ml43mmClear, Blue, Teal, PinkFDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562)
TOM Organic Cup – Size 1 RegularMedical Grade SiliconeAustraliaFlat20mm44mm64mm22ml41.25mmNude
XO FLO MiniMedical Grade SiliconeUSAToggle with nodules29mm45mm74mm31ml41mmClearFDA registered

Model 2 Cups (Larger Sizes) Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart

Model 2 Brand (Larger Sizes)MaterialCountry of OriginStem TypeStem LengthCup Length (from rim to base)Total Length (from rim to end of stem)Cup Capacity (to holes)Cup DiameterColoursApprovals
Allmatters Menstrual Cup Size BMedical Grade SiliconeGermanySolid Round18mm54mm72mm33ml44mmClearFDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Diva Cup – Model 2Medical Grade SiliconeCanadaHollow13mm57mm70mm28ml46mmClearFDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694). Only cup approved for sale in Canada
Haakaa Flow Cup – LargeMedical Grade SiliconeChinaToggle10mm56mm66mm30ml45mmCoralFDA registered
Hello Low Cervix Cup LargeTPE PlasticNew ZealandNone47mm47mm28ml45mmGreenFDA Registered
Hello Average Cervix Cup LargeTPE PlasticNew ZealandToggle10mm54mm64mm29.5ml45mmBlushFDA Registered
Hello High Cervix Cup MediumTPE PlasticNew ZealandToggle10mm61mm71mm25ml41mmDark BlueFDA Registered
FemmyCycle RegularMedical Grade SiliconeUSARing20mm43mm63mm25ml36mmClearFDA cleared
FemmyCycle Low CervixMedical Grade SiliconeUSARing6mm43mm49mm25ml36mmClearFDA cleared
JuJu Cup – Model 2Medical Grade SiliconeAustraliaPointy19mm50mm69mm27ml46mmClearARTG listed (ID: 180153).
Juju Model 3 (for high cervix)Medical Grade SiliconeAustraliaPointy20mm58mm78mm22ml40mmClear
Juju Model 4 (for low cervix or poor pelvic tone)Medical Grade SiliconeAustraliaPointy10mm40mm50mm23ml48mmClear
Keeper CupNatural Gum RubberUSAHollow26mm53mm79mm25ml46mmBrown (gum rubber colour) No added dyes.FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 68249).
Lily Cup Size BMedical Grade SiliconeChinaSmall Round18mm60mm78mm32ml43.5mmFuchsia Pink
Lunette Cup – Model 2Medical Grade SiliconeFinlandFlat20mm52mm72mm27ml45mm5 colours including clearFDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 157084).
Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size LTPE PlasticGermanyRing15mm51mm66mm24ml44mmPurpleFDA registered
Me Luna Classic, Sport, & Soft in Size XLTPE PlasticGermanyRing15mm54mm69mm30ml47mmPurpleFDA registered
Me Luna Classic Shorty Size LTPE PlasticGermanyRing11mm41mm52mm14ml44mmPurpleFDA registered
MeLuna Classic Shorty Size XLTPE PlasticGermanyRing11mm44mm55mm16ml47mmPurpleFDA registered
Merula One SizeMedical Grade SiliconeGermanyLadder33mm39mm72mm38ml40mm3 Colours (Apple Green, Fox Orange, Midnight Black)Vegan
Merula XLMedical Grade SiliconeGermanyLadder22mm50mm72mm50ml46mmStrawberryVegan
Pelvi Cup LargeMedical Grade SiliconeUSAToggle10mm60mm70mm30ml46mmClearFDA listed and ARTG listed (ID: 312885)
Ruby Cup MediumMedical Grade SiliconeChinaHollow17mm51mm68mm24ml45mmClear, Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, Black
Saalt Cups Size RegularMedical Grade SiliconeUSAFlat18mm52mm70mm30ml46mmOcean Blue and Himalayan Pink
Mist Grey and Desert Blush
FDA registered, Vegan
Super Jennie LargeMedical Grade SiliconeUSAPointy16mm52mm68mm34ml47mmClear, Blue, Teal, PinkFDA registered, and ARTG listed (ID: 292562)
TOM Organic Cup – Size 2 SuperMedical Grade SiliconeAustraliaFlat20mm50mm70mm30ml45.8mmNude
XO FLOMedical Grade SiliconeUSAToggle with nodules31mm55mm86mm38ml44mmClearFDA 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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