Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Eco Cup

First off a big thanks to the staff at Coppetta Mestruale for being so nice to work with and sending me this cup to review.
When I first received this cup I was so excited as it's a beautiful fuchsia color, and I was just hoping that the cup would work for me. It came with directions, and a green cotton storage bag. It's made really well, the silicone is very nice and soft. It's fairly easy to clean, you'll just need a small brush to clean out the stem as it's hallow. I chose the larger size (Size 2) as it's the same length as the Size 1, but holds more.  It works really well for me even though I have a low cervix. The wider size allows my cervix to dip inside the cup, so that even if my cervix is lower it will still work. I didn't have any leaking and was able to get a good seal every time. It is soft and very comfortable to wear, I just trimmed the stem a little as it was too long for me.

The cup comes in clear, fuchsia, and now a gorgeous blue.

Sizes Available:

Size 1 
Diameter: 42.55mm                                Capacity to Holes: 17ml
Cup Length: 45mm                                 Capacity to Rim: 21ml
Total Length: 67mm

Size 2
Diameter: 46mm                                     Capacity to Holes: 20ml
Cup Length: 45mm                                 Capacity to Rim: 28ml
Total Length: 67mm

Where to Buy:  
https://www.coppetta-mestruale.it/

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Reusable Menstrual Cups

Has anyone ever wondered why the box on the Diva Cup or similar only mentions sizing based on if you have or haven't had a kid, or are over 30?

Why do they not mention one of the most important factors such as cervix height? Is it because it's too hard to explain how to figure it out on a box? If one were to buy a cup based on children or no children the chances of it not working are great, and if it didn't work it may turn women off cups all together. They may not know that you can buy online, or need to research why it didn't work out.

Does one really want to spend $40 on a cup and have it not work? No, but what other option is there?
Research a ton by google-ing, or joining groups on Facebook about reusable menstrual products.
Hopefully by doing this you can find your perfect cup on the first try. If not it's bound to be less of a hassle at least knowing your cervix height, so you can narrow down your options.

Is it just me or does it really suck that the options for cups that fit a low cervix are very slim? I mean if you're cervix only leaves room for 45mm you don't have a ton of options. Luckily MeLuna offers a range of sizes and firmness-es. They even sell a sample ring for you to be able to try all 8 of them out to see what works best for you. There are other brands that may work for you, you just have to search.

I think it'd be great if other companies started offering low cervix cups as well. Just stinks that so many other cups are pretty, or shaped differently and you can't use them with a low cervix. Unless you want the cup hanging out of your vagina, which by the way is not comfortable at all.

My first cup was a size 1 Diva, because the box said it would work for me and it was local to purchase. I couldn't figure out why in the world it wasn't working for me. Until I decided to get online and do tons of research because I was determined to use a menstrual cup. After researching I found out that disposables had so many harmful chemicals, so I loved the idea of getting rid of tampons, and was even more determined to find a cup that would work for me.
Luckily I discovered Facebook groups to buy/sell/trade your cups/pads that didn't work for you. After searching I came across a Meluna mini that was reasonable enough that I had to buy it. When it arrived I boiled it, don't worry I had researched online about sterilizing it first. Then when it came time to use it I found it very easy to insert and remove. It never leaked for me and imagine that was actually all the way inside my vagina and not hanging out. I found it so much more comfortable than the Diva as it was clearly too long for my low cervix.  

So no matter how many cups you try, never give up, and remember to do your research. It will pay off in the end.

Say no to disposables and their nasty chemical laden selves!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Intimina Lily Cup Compact - Kick Starter

Check out this new design for a menstrual cup. 

It looks similar to a collapsible funnel. Great idea! I would love to have this to carry around as a just in case cup. It would be great to not have to worry about when you need to carry a cup with you, so small you can carry it all of the time.  


Help support them via Kick Starter to help spread the word of menstrual cups.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/intimina/lily-cup-compact-the-menstrual-cup-reinvented

Size A
Diameter: 42 mm / 1.65 in. .
Length: 58 mm / 2.28 in.
Capacity: 11 ml / 0.37 fl.oz.

Size B
Diameter: 45 mm / 1.77 in
Length: 58 mm / 2.28 in.
Capacity: 14 ml / 0.47 fl.oz.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

OrganiCup

OrganiCup customer service is so nice to work with, I would definitely recommend working with them. I got the OrganiCup in the small size. It is made of silicone, and has 4 air holes near the rim. The cup itself is very soft, but the rim is a little firmer to make it easier to pop open. I didn't have any trouble getting it to pop open. The stem has good grip rings on it and is very stretchy, as well as the bottom of the cup. The stem didn't bother me at all without trimming it, although it can be trimmed if you find that it bothers you. Once the cup was in I couldn't feel it, which I love about it. I had no issues with leaking, which was nice. I think this cup is good option for women who like soft cups. Overall I really love this cup, and I will be using it for a very long time. 

A special thanks to OrganiCup for sending me this sample cup to review.

Sizes available:
Size A
Diameter: 40mm
Cup Length: About 50mm
Total Length: 66mm

Size B
Diameter: 45mm
Cup Length: About 52mm
Total Length: 70mm

Lifespan:
Up to 10 years

Care:
  • Boil the cup for 5 minutes before the beginning of your cycle. *Or at the end if you prefer.
  • Wash with soap and water, then rinse well.
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to buy:
http://www.organicup.dk/

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Bella Cup

I decided on the Bella Cup small. The Bella company is so nice to work with and it ended up shipping to me faster than I expected. I highly recommend this company.

The cup itself is very soft and comfortable to wear, I didn't even notice it was there. The only part that bothered me was the stem being too long, but I think a little trim will fix the problem. It popped open easily for me. The grip on the cup itself isn't very grippy, but the stem is.  That could end up being a problem for those that need grips on the cup or are inexperienced. I don't need them and had no problem pinching the cup to remove it. The length was perfect for me. It's also very easy to clean as there isn't much writing on the cup to make it difficult. Overall I'm very happy with the cup, and will continue to use it.

Sizes available:
Small
Diameter: 41mm
Cup Length: 48.1mm
Total Length: 71.9mm
Cup Capacity: 20ml

Large
Diameter: 45.5mm
Cup Length: 48.1mm
Total Length: 73.4mm
Cup Capacity: 30ml

Lifespan:
Up to 5 years

Care:
  • Boil the cup 2-4 minutes after each cycle. *Never leave the cup unattended.
  • Swab with alcohol.
  • Wash with soap and water, then rinse well. 
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to buy:
http://www.bellacup.co.kr/

Femmycycle


The new Femmycycle designs are nice. The low cervix and regular style are the same size, the only difference is the stem. The cup is made of a nice smooth silicone and the stem is very flexible. Getting it in and out was easy, but it takes some getting used to as this style of cup is different than any other cup. It was a little different because the cup stays folded inside you (when other cups open up). However it was comfortable and I couldn't feel it once it was in.
Overall the cups are very nice, I would just recommend practicing different folds and wearing a panty liner as backup until you get the hang of it. 

A special thanks to Femmycycle for sending me these sample cups to review.

Sizes Available:

Teen  

Regular
Diameter: 38mm
Cup Length: 45mm
Total Length: 60mm
 
Low Cervix
Diameter: 38mm
Cup Length: 45mm
Total Length: 51mm

Lifespan:
Up to 1 year (They can lasts longer depending on how well you care for them.)

Care:
  • Do not boil, microwave, use detergent, or use alcohol as it can all damage the cup.
  • Do use soap and water to clean, then rinse well.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to Buy:
www.femmycycle.com 



Friday, August 1, 2014

MeLuna Update

MeLuna has just been approved to be sold in the US, they will be available to purchase from their USA website soon. It looks like so far the only color is clear, but that may change. I also noticed they have several shorty (mini) sizes for women with a low cervix as well as the regular sizes.

Sizes Available:
Picture
Here is a picture I found on their website showing the new sizes.
Firmness Available:
Classic
Sport

Lifespan:
Minimum of 3 years

Care:
  • Do not use detergent, or use alcohol as it can all damage the cup.
  • Do use soap/Cetaphil and water to clean, then rinse well.
  • Boil after each cycle. *Never leave the cup unattended.
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to Buy
:
http://meluna-usa.com/


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Regular MeLuna

I just love MeLuna cups, they come in all different sizes and firmness-es.

I bought this one in Small (classic and soft). I like the option of using a different firmness during my cycle depending on how I feel that day.
They are both rather soft, the soft is very soft and pliable which could be a problem for those with strong muscles. The soft is softer than the Diva Cup, and the classic is very close to the Diva. I didn't have a problem getting either of them to open. I have heard that some ladies have a hard time with very soft cups, so if that is your case you should look into getting the classic or sport.

The small is one of my favorite cups I've tried so far.
It's good for a low cervix and holds more than the mini if you have a heavier flow.

Sizes Available:
Small
Diameter: 38mm                        Capacity to Holes: 15ml
Cup Length: 45mm                   Capacity to Rim: 23ml
Total Length: Varies by stem

Medium
Diameter: 41mm                        Capacity to Holes: 20ml
Cup Length: 48mm                    Capacity to Rim: 28ml
Total Length: Varies by stem  

Large
Diameter: 44mm                        Capacity to Holes: 24ml
Cup Length: 51mm                    Capacity to Rim: 34ml
Total Length: Varies by stem

Extra Large
Diameter: 47mm                       Capacity to Holes: 30ml
Cup Length: 56mm                   Capacity to Rim: 42ml
Total Length: Varies by stem

Firmness Available:
Soft
Classic
Sport

Lifespan:
Minimum of 3 years

Care:
  • Do not use detergent, or use alcohol as it can all damage the cup.
  • Do use soap/Cetaphil and water to clean, then rinse well.
  • Boil after each cycle. *Never leave the cup unattended.
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to Buy:
http://shop.menstrualcup.co/brands/MeLuna/  (affiliate link)
http://www.me-luna.eu/

Mini MeLuna

 
I bought the small mini soft.
I love this one because I have a low cervix. 
It is very soft, and I like the feel of the cup. It is softer than the Diva Cup.
It also comes with a bag to store it in when not in use.
I found it very easy to use and get it to open. It's also very easy for me to remove it. I have heard that some ladies have a hard time with very soft cups, so if that is your case you should look into getting the classic.

Overall I really love this cup. It's great for those with a very low cervix as it's pretty short. It's also good if you have a light flow, but can still work for someone with a heavy flow (it will just have to be checked on sooner).

Sizes Available:
Small Mini
Diameter: 40mm                               Capacity to Holes: 10ml
Cup Length: 40mm                           Capacity to Rim: 15ml
Total Length: Varies by stem

Medium Mini
Diameter: 45mm                                 Capacity to Holes: 15ml
Cup Length: 45mm                             Capacity to Rim: 21ml
Total Length: Varies by stem

Firmness Available:
Soft
Classic

Lifespan:
Minimum of 3 years

Care:
  • Do not use detergent, or use alcohol as it can all damage the cup.
  • Do use soap/Cetaphil and water to clean, then rinse well.
  • Boil after each cycle. *Never leave the cup unattended.
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.
Where to Buy:
http://shop.menstrualcup.co/brands/MeLuna/  (affiliate link)
http://www.me-luna.eu/

Diva Cup

The Diva was my first cup, mostly because I could purchase it at a store near me.
I noticed two different sizes: 1 for women under 30 or who haven't given birth & 2 for women over 30 or who have given birth. I chose the size 1 as it seemed best suited for me.
I opened up the box after I got home and started reading about it and doing lots of research online on how to insert etc. 
I did manage to finally figure it out after a few tries, however it is a little too long for me. So I use it with the stem cut off and that works better for me. As my cervix moves lower I do need to turn it inside out for it to work.
It is fairly soft, which I like, and I love the feel of the cup itself. It comes with a pouch to store it in and a pin you can wear or put in your bag for decoration.

Overall it's a good soft cup, but probably better for those with a higher cervix.

Sizes Available:
Size 1
Diameter: 43mm                       Capacity to Holes: 20ml
Cup Length: 57mm                  Capacity to Rim: 30ml
Total Length: 70mm

Size 2
Diameter: 46mm                         Capacity to Holes: 25ml 
Cup Length: 57mm                    Capacity to Rim: 30ml
Total Length: 70mm

Lifespan:
Minimum of 1 year

Care:
  • Do not use detergent, or use alcohol as it can all damage the cup.
  • Do use soap/Cetaphil and water to clean, then rinse well.
  • Boil after each cycle. *Never leave the cup unattended.
  • Use a small brush to clean the holes.
  • Use sterilizing tablets.

Where to Buy:
http://shop.menstrualcup.co/brands/DivaCup/ - (affiliate link)