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 and disc types, 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, and Lunette. TPE cups such as Hello are good for people who may have a silicone allergy.

Most brands of menstrual cup, such as Saalt, Diva and Lunette, have a fully matte finish. If you have a cup with a smooth or shiny surface you may find it easier to remove by first wiping the base with a little bit of toilet paper.

Menstrual discs are typically only available in medical grade silicone.

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, Hey Zomi is the only brand we carry that currently manufacture their cups here in Oz.

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.

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 discs do not have stems per se, however, many brands may offer some form of removal aid in their design. This may be in the form of a loop, tab, silicone string, or a notch under the rim. These are designed to make it easier to grab and remove your disc. Tabs may help make the removal process slightly less messy, however, mess is generally to be expected with most menstrual discs.

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 or a menstrual disc. This will help reduce the number of times you may need to empty it throughout the first few days of menstrual flow. On average menstrual cups will hold around 25ml of menstrual fluid, and menstrual discs will hold around 50ml. It is much easier to measure the amount of menstrual loss using a menstrual cup rather than a disc, as discs tend to spill some of their contents during removal.

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 discs have a much larger diameter, averaging 65mm compared to around 40mm for menstrual cups. However, they are designed to sit in the posterior vaginal fornix and tuck up behind the pubic bone (where there is more space), rather than seal around the vaginal wall.

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 Hello low cervix or the Merula cup. This will help ensure the cup fits correctly within the vagina, without causing discomfort to the cervix. If choosing a menstrual disc, opt for a smaller size.

Women who have a particularly high cervix may find a longer cup more useful (such as the Hello high cervix, 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. If choosing a menstrual disc, opt for a larger size.

Women who have an average positioned cervix should be fine with whichever cup or disc they choose.

Your cervix will change position during your period, so you may find that a couple of different sized cups work best depending on what stage of your period you are at.

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. It is becoming the norm for cups and discs to be produced with coloured silicone rather than clear.

Choose from the leading menstrual cup brands in Australia:

Sale!
Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
Original price was: $ 55.00.Current price is: $ 50.00.
Rated 4.36 out of 5
Saalt Menstrual Disc Duo Box
$ 89.95
Rated 4.83 out of 5
Sale!
Nixit Menstrual Cup
Original price was: $ 74.95.Current price is: $ 69.95.
Rated 4.42 out of 5
Merula Menstrual Cup XL
$ 49.95
Rated 4.35 out of 5
Saalt Soft Cup
$ 44.95
Rated 4.50 out of 5
Ruby Cup
$ 39.95
Rated 4.69 out of 5

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 guidelines to 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.

Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart

Disc Brand	Material	Country of Manufacture	Stem Type	Stem Length	Disc Capacity	Disc Diameter
Allmatters Disc	Medical Grade Silicone	Germany	None	–	50ml	70mm
Hello Disc	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Ring	48mm	50ml	68mm
Hey Zomi	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Ring	15mm	52ml	65mm
nixit Disc	Medical Grade Silicone	Canada	None	–	70ml	70mm
Saalt Disc Small	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Notch	–	30ml	56mm
Saalt Disc Regular	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Notch	–	50ml	66mm
Ziggy Disc Size A	Medical Grade Silicone	China	None	–	50ml	57mm
Ziggy Disc Size B	Medical Grade Silicone	China	None	–	76ml	67mm

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
Allmatters Menstrual Cup Mini	Medical Grade Silicone	Germany	Solid Round	18mm	40mm	58mm	19ml	37mm	Clear
Pelvi Cup Teen	Medical Grade TPE	Spain	Toggle	10mm	50mm	60mm	17ml	38mm	Pink
Pelvi Cup	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Toggle	10mm	50mm	60mm	20ml	42mm	Clear
Hello Average Cervix Cup Small	TPE Plastic – fully recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	46mm	56mm	17ml	38mm	Lilac
DivaCup Model 0	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Hollow	–	–	65mm	22ml	38ml	Clear
Lily Cup One	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Ring	10mm	37mm	47mm	21ml	39mm	Clear
Saalt Cup Teen	Medical Grade Silicone	USA	Flat	20mm	45mm	65mm	15ml	37mm	Wild Rose, Aqua Green

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
Allmatters Menstrual Cup Size A	Medical Grade Silicone	Germany	Solid Round	20mm	50mm	70mm	27ml	41mm	Clear	FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Diva Cup – Model 1	Medical Grade Silicone	Canada	Hollow	–	–	66mm	26ml	42mm	Clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694) . Only cup approved for sale in Canada
Hello Low Cervix Cup Medium	TPE Plastic – fully recyclable	New Zealand	None	–	43mm	43mm	21ml	41mm	Green	FDA registered
Hello Average Cervix Cup Medium	TPE Plastic – fully recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	49mm	59mm	21ml	41mm	Blue	FDA registered
Hello High Cervix Cup Small	TPE Plastic – fully recyclable	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	57mm	67mm	19.5ml	38mm	Dark Blue	FDA registered
Juju Cup	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	19mm	46mm	65mm	18ml	40mm	Clear	ARTG listed (ID: 180153)
Lily Cup Size A	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Small Round	18mm	60mm	78mm	28ml	40mm	Light Pink
Lily Cup Compact Size A	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Small Toggle	10.5mm	47.5mm	58mm	18ml	42mm	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
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	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Flat	20mm	44mm	64mm	22ml	41.25mm	Nude	–

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
Allmatters Menstrual Cup Size B	Medical Grade Silicone	Germany	Solid Round	18mm	54mm	72mm	33ml	44mm	Clear	FDA registered, Vegan Certified, Allergy Certified
Diva Cup – Model 2	Medical Grade Silicone	Canada	Hollow	–	–	66mm	30ml	45mm	Clear	FDA registered and ARTG listed (ID: 173694). Only cup approved for sale in Canada
Hello Low Cervix Cup Large	TPE Plastic	New Zealand	None	–	47mm	47mm	28ml	45mm	Green	FDA Registered
Hello Average Cervix Cup Large	TPE Plastic	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	54mm	64mm	29.5ml	45mm	Blush	FDA Registered
Hello High Cervix Cup Medium	TPE Plastic	New Zealand	Toggle	10mm	61mm	71mm	25ml	41mm	Dark Blue	FDA Registered
Juju Model 2	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	19mm	50mm	69mm	27ml	46mm	Clear	ARTG listed (ID: 180153).
Juju Model 3	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	20mm	58mm	78mm	22ml	40mm	Clear	–
Juju Model 4	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Pointy	10mm	40mm	50mm	23ml	48mm	Clear	–
Lily Cup Size B	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Small Round	18mm	60mm	78mm	32ml	43.5mm	Fuchsia Pink
Lily Cup Compact Size B	Medical Grade Silicone	China	Small Toggle	10.5mm	47.5mm	58mm	32ml	45mm	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
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	Medical Grade Silicone	Australia	Flat	20mm	50mm	70mm	30ml	45.8mm	Nude	–

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. The following brands also offer satisfaction guarantees:

Sale!
Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
Original price was: $ 55.00.Current price is: $ 50.00.
Rated 4.36 out of 5
Saalt Menstrual Disc Duo Box
$ 89.95
Rated 4.83 out of 5
Allmatters Menstrual Cup
$ 39.95
Rated 4.56 out of 5
Ruby Cup
$ 39.95
Rated 4.69 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a menstrual disc as a contraceptive?

No. Even though menstrual discs are similar in size to diaphragm (a common contraceptive device), neither menstrual discs or cups will protect against pregnancy or STI’s.

Can a menstrual cup or disc get lost inside me?

No. Your cervix acts like a closed door, ensuring your cup or disc cannot travel beyond it. If you have a high cervix, your cup may position high up in your vaginal canal, but it won’t disappear completely.

Can I use a cup if I have a sensitive bladder?

Yes you can. However, we would recommend selecting a soft rimmed cup or disc to help reduce any pressure that may be placed on the urethra.

Can a teenager use a menstrual cup or disc?

Yes. Teenagers can successfully use a menstrual cup or disc. We would recommend choosing a ‘teen’ size cup or small size disc for those early in their menstrual journey.

Do I need more than one cup or disc?

No. Usually one cup or disc is all you need and it should last you many years. However there are some instances where customers may purchase more than one:

They have a larger one for heavy flow days and a smaller one for light flow days
They have a longer one when their cervix is high and a shorter one when their cervix is low
They keep a spare somewhere (ie. car or handbag) in case their period catches them by surprise.

Why does my menstrual cup keep falling out?

If you menstrual cup keeps pushing or falling out, you may have a low cervix and would be better suited to a shorter cup.

Are menstrual cups and discs inserted the same way?

Although both are inserted into the vaginal canal, they are both folded and positioned differently.

A menstrual cup can be folded many different ways and should sit low in the vaginal canal below the cervix. A menstrual cup uses suction to stay in place.

A menstrual disc is usually only folded in a ‘figure 8’ shape and sits up within the posterior vaginal fornix, and lodged behind the pubic bone. Sometimes the cervix may sit inside the disc. A menstrual discs does not use suction to stay in place.

Learn more about menstrual cup care:

Your Menstrual Cycle: Get To Know Your Flow

Surprisingly, your menstrual cycle can indicate specific underlying health conditions. However, this doesn’t mean that each woman experiences similar symptoms or a similar flow when it comes to their period. Getting to know your own flow may help you determine your health, your stress levels, whether or not you are pregnant, and so much more.

10 tips for cleaning a menstrual cup in a public toilet

How long can you wear a menstrual cup?

How Long Can You Wear a Menstrual Cup? Most menstrual cup brands claim their products can be worn for 8 to 12 hours, and this is true for the most part. However, these claims have caused some confusion amongst customers. Is it safe to wear a menstrual cup all day? Are 12-hour menstrual cups better

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