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.Â
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:
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Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
$ 55.00Original price was: $ 55.00.$ 50.00Current price is: $ 50.00.Rated 4.36 out of 5 -
Nixit Menstrual Cup
$ 74.95Original price was: $ 74.95.$ 69.95Current price is: $ 69.95.Rated 4.42 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:
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Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc
$ 55.00Original price was: $ 55.00.$ 50.00Current price is: $ 50.00.Rated 4.36 out of 5
Frequently Asked Questions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you menstrual cup keeps pushing or falling out, you may have a low cervix and would be better suited to a shorter cup.
Although both are inserted into the vaginal canal, they are both folded and positioned differently.Â
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.
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