If you didn’t already know, there are many alternative period products on the market which offer more of an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to tackle your menstrual cycle than tampons or pads.
We’re giving a special shout out here to menstrual cups; these nifty devices are the future of menstrual care.
What’s more? They’re safer, affordable and comfortable.
Choosing one might be a bit tricky though as there are so many available.
To help make it easier, we’ve analyzed the top 4 menstrual cups on the market.
We compare each choice to find out which is the best one for you and explore some frequently asked questions.
Related: 7 Things to Know As a Newbie nixit User
1 - nixit Menstrual Cup
Our first choice, nixit Menstrual Cup, is made from 100% ultra-soft and sustainable medical-grade silicone. The silicone naturally conforms to your body, it’s a one size fits all.
This reusable menstrual cup offers up to 12-hours of protection before it needs to be cleaned –it holds a whopping 70ml–and lasts up to 5 years if maintained properly.
In other words, you can go about your period without having to rush back and forth to the toilet for frequent changes and be saving hundreds of dollars in money that you’d usually spend on tampons.
One of the most unique aspects of nixit is that it’s suction-free.
No suction means:
You can expect maximum comfort upon removal of the device
You can enjoy comfortable and mess-free sex
You can wear with an IUD
This is an incredibly reassuring feature that nixit offers (and one which can’t be guaranteed with most other brands.)
nix worry. nix plastic. nix strings. nix leaks. nix stigmas. nixit. period.
Here’s what one verified nixit Menstrual Cup buyer said:
“I wanted to switch to a more sustainable option. The nixit cup is great, rarely have leaks. And less changeout verses traditional tampons. Highly recommend!”
However, to enjoy the long-lasting effect of nixit (and most menstrual cups on the market), you need to maintain it properly.
It’s easy enough to do: when it’s time to clean your nixit cup, you can simply pair it with a wash and wipe .
The wipes are biodegradable and let you clean-on-the go without needing water. Alternatively, our cleanser & vaginal wash includes natural ingredients perfect for your vulva and the menstrual cup.
“Makes me feel better about knowing my disc is clean for next months period! As for using a day wash, it’s great and doesn’t make you feel dry!”
The menstrual cup comes packaged in a teal, purple, or yellow box, and it arrives quickly with an option for express shipping.
2 - DivaCup
Similar to nixit Menstrual Cups, DivaCup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone with no additional dyes, plastics, or chemicals.
DivaCup however comes in multiple models depending on the intensity of your menstrual flow:
Model 0 holds a 20 ml menstrual flow.
Model 1 holds a 30 ml menstrual flow.
Model 2 holds a 32 ml menstrual flow.
One reusable cup lasts 12 hours between washes, no matter which model you choose.
The selling point? It is slightly cheaper than the other market offerings.
3 - Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup
Saalt Soft is designed for those who often suffer cramps with firmer cups, live with a bladder sensitivity, or experience general discomfort when using the above options.
“I had a Diva cup prior and found it to be really stiff and uncomfortable, this is by far superior! Much more flexible and comfortable, and easy to insert and remove, worth every penny.”
Like nixit and DivaCup, Saalt soft cups can be worn for up to 12 hours and are made from medical-grade silicone.
In terms of price, these menstrual cups come in second place. They’re slightly cheaper than nixit but more expensive than DivaCup.
4 - Athena Menstrual Cups
Athena Menstrual Cups are the last (and cheapest) option on our list. They come in two different sizes depending on your flow and an impressive selection of 12 colours.
Like the above choices, you can wear Athena Menstrual cups for 12 hours between washes. However, Athena boasts the longest lifespan, with one cup lasting up to 15 years.
This disposable menstrual cup is perfect for those on a budget looking for more freedom in their color choice.
Which Menstrual Cup Is the Best Choice for Me? A Quick Comparison
Now that we’ve been over the four menstrual cups that offer you long-term peace of mind, here’s a quick comparison table so you can see them side by side.
Features | nixit Menstrual Cup | DivaCup | Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup | Athena Menstrual Cups |
Material | 100% medical-grade silicone | 100% medical-grade silicone | 100% medical-grade silicone | 100% medical-grade silicone |
Hours of protection | 12-hours | 12-hours | 12-hours (8 hours for larger cups) | 12-hours |
Capacity | 70ml | 32ml max | 40ml max | 40ml max |
Lifespan | 5 years | 1 year | 10 years. | 15 years |
Use during intercourse | Yes | No | No | No |
Suction free | Yes | No | No | No |
Size options | One-size fits all. | 3 size models | 2 size models | 2 size models |
IUD compatible | Yes | Depends on cervix | If the IUD string is trimmed, yes. | No guarantee. |
Colour options | Yellow, purple, teal coloured reusable boxes. | No | Yes (size dependent) | Yes |
Carry Bag | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Cleaning Products | Yes | No | No | |
Best for | Menstrual cup users wanting a suction-free, no leak and maximum comfort menstrual cup | Users looking for a reliable alternative at a lower cost. | Users looking for a longer lifespan experience. | Users looking for color choices. |
As you can see, each menstrual cup comes with unique advantages. However, if you’re looking for the best vaginal cup on the market that’s one size fits all, we’d recommend choosing nixit.
This customer tried a few before learning that nixit was the perfect one:
“I love this product! I was super excited to learn about cups but others were inconsistent and unreliable. nixit is the perfect fit, reliable. I love it!!” — Eden S
Frequently Asked Questions
Are menstrual cups reusable?
Yes, most menstrual cup brands are reusable. For example, nixit offers 5-years of reusability. By choosing a menstrual cup, you’ll be both saving money on non-disposable tampons and supporting an eco-friendly alternative.
Are menstrual cups safe?
Yes, menstrual cups are safe. Medical News Today said that: ”menstrual cups are not dangerous, as long as people follow the manufacturers’ instructions.”
We’re very passionate about this, and that’s why we offer clear step-by-step user instructions on our website.
Why do menstrual cups leak?
When you’re using menstrual cups, they can leak for various reasons, but it usually comes down to a learning curve. For example, you may be using the wrong size menstrual cup, or you may not have opened your cup properly.