Menstrual Cup Firmness: Measuring the Immeasurable
A definitive menstrual cup firmness chart is not possible due to how the thickness of silicone (which is technically measurable) is only part of how the cup’s firmness feels when worn. Shape, thickness, type of material, and more play a role in how firm or soft the cup wears while inside the vagina. Other design elements, such as internal support or varying thicknesses, can also have an effect on how the cup feels while worn.
All that said, we’ve done our best to group cups into five categories after the direct handling and comparison of each brand and size. There is a bit of variance in some of these cups (as noted below the graphic) but generally speaking the firmest or most prominent portion of the cup is what lands a cup in a category. For example, the LadyCup has a soft base but a thick and firm rim. Because the firm rim is what will apply the most pressure, we rank it as a firmer cup.
As we mentioned, material plays a role. Both silicone and TPU come in a variety of firmnesses. TPU does mold to your body more with heat, which also has an effect on how the cup feels when worn. The Keeper is made from natural rubber and is by far the most firm cup on this list (it’s actually quite hard).
Menstrual Cup Firmness Guide
Cups with varying thickness/firmness include:
- LadyCup — base is average firmness while the rim is firm
- Lily Cup — this cup has a soft body but firm, non-protruding rim & internal spine to help it open
- Merula — rim is non-protruding average firmness while the body has a firmer feel due to the bulbous shape
Why does firmness matter?
Choosing a cup with the correct firmness for your body can make a huge difference in your comfort and the effectiveness of the cup. In general, softer cups are more comfortable because they don’t apply any outward pressure but they can be harder to get open inside. We call softer cups “fiddle cups” because there is often some manual maneuvering that has to be done in order to get the cup to open once inside. Soft average cups will be slightly better when it comes to opening and still offer a high level of comfort.
Average or average firm cups are better when you first begin using a cup because they take little to no coaxing or manipulation to open once inside. Average firm cups may apply some slight pressure that only announces itself once you try to urinate, making your urine stream a tad slower (see our post and video: Peeing with a Menstrual Cup). Firm cups may apply noticeable pressure that shows in either an urge to urinate (bladder pressure) or slow urine stream. In severe cases a complete blockage of urine could occur, though this is very rare. While the pressure mentioned is a possibility it isn’t a guarantee, we just feel pointing out all possibilities is important. On the plus side, average firm, and firm cups are better for those who experience cups that slip down during wear. If you’re a very active person you will want an average firm or firm cup to prevent your muscles from pushing the cup out during exercise.
To find more information on the brands listed in the firmness guide you can visit our menstrual cup comparison chart– this sortable chart lists details such as capacity, length, diameter, and more.
Did you find this post helpful? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
77 Responses
glad i didnt order a femmycycle after all!! i think it’d be way too soft…. (and $90 AUD is too much!)
I have 2 Lena cups, large and small sizes. I’ve tried using them both several times over and they both slide down and partially out after only walking around. I got sore from trying place it as high up as possible and checking to make sure it opened all the way. Do I need a softer cup? What would you recommend. The size seems fine until it starts sliding down and it feels comfortable.
I have the same thing happening. I have recently started using it, but it seems to be such a hassle. It is either sliding down, or pressing on my bladder!!
Quick question, what is the smallest and softest cup? I’ve been using a meluna soft small (with lube because I’m sensitive) but even though it’s super soft the rim is too wide and gives me cramps. The lunette is way to firm and I’ve hurt myself several times trying to get it up there! Never succeeded…
Meluna makes a very small cup and you can customize the firmness or you can look into Monthly Cup as they also have a small and fairly soft cup.
I’ve been having some issues with my cup. It is a Lunette. It slides down and even when I insert it I can feel it right there even wearing it inside out. When I sit down to pee i can pop it out because it is half out already. I’m guessing I have a low cervix. But the bigger issue is that when I go to remove it after the first couple of times on my cycle there is a lump of flesh inside it.
At first I thought that I had a prolapse or something because I can feel the mass there as I pinch the cup to remove it. Nothing seems out of place when the cup is removed although I might be a bit inflamed. I even went to get myself checked out by a doctor and everything was fine. It is just when I’m wearing the cup. No one else I know has had this happen. One person suggested that I might need a softer cup but I don’t know if that will help.
Have you ever heard of something like this or have any idea what might cause it or fix it? Might a softer cup help?
The first time I used a cup I thought I had a prolapse, too. Turned out that was just my cervix inside the cup! Pictures show it as a little bump, but for me during my period it stuck out/down quite far. Given your issues with getting the cup to stay in, it may very well be a super low cervix!
It may be cups won’t work for you, but if you’re willing to try some other brands that have different shapes:
LilyCup — your cervix may just stay in the top part.
LENA or another with a fuller bottom (vs a V-shape like the Lunette)
OR try a softcup like the Instead.
luv your body are designed so cervix goes inside the cup ( all my cup cervix goes inside anyway)
Question: When my cup is in its squished closed. It pops open but it doesn’t suction and it doesnt stay round its just flat I rotated it but nothing changes. Its a really soft cup so I’m thinking maybe I need a firmer one. Does this seem like a firmness issue?
I have no answer for you but I am in the same boat. I have the diva 2 and looking for guidance. Thank you!
It does sound like a firmness issue to me. I had a soft cup (the lily cup) and I could never get it to open. As soon as I tried a firmer cup (LENA cup), it was much easier for me. I usually have no trouble at all and don’t have to do any adjusting to get it to open up.
Yes it’s very helpful. Thanks you so much.
I tried the Cora cup in size 1 since since I’ve never had kids and it was a disaster..I used the punch down method to insert and it was too painful. I tried it probably an hour ago a d I’m still feeling cramps and soreness at the opening. Ugh, I was so hoping it would workout.
I’ve had trouble with mine too. One from Walgreens. “Menstrual cup”. I cut off there stem and in going to see if that helps with comfort. I’ve had a baby, so I think mine keeps slipping down 🙁
I bought the Walgreens brand in a pinch when I started my period out of town, I had it in less than 10 minutes, just long enough to drive to a Target and get a different brand, it was soooo uncomfortable.
I have a lunette and I love it I can wear for 8 hours and no leaks
I been using Diva cup for at least 8 years. Each time I get headaches using it but thought it was just period related. Last month I realized that it could be the cup. Low and behold it was. No headaches this period. But I don’t like using pads and I have a heavy flow. Pads actually are my liners when I use a cup. What do you suggest I do?
The Hesta Cup size 1 is the same size as Diva size 1 but a bit softer. It’s only 14$US on Amazon right now and manufactured in the USA. I find that I have to mess with it a bit more to get it to open up than I do the Diva, but I have trouble with softer cups. You could give it a try if you like the Diva size and style but want something softer.
I’ve used a Diva Cup for years and always had the slower urination issue with it, but had no idea why or if another cup could fix that or if it was bad for me. This article is SO HELPFUL!
We are glad it helped! FWIW you may want to try flipping the Diva inside out to see if that smooths the rim out enough to relieve some of the pressure.
Hi. Any insight on the pixie cup? I wanted to know how it stacks up as far as firmness compared to the other brands. Thanks!
We don’t have Pixie listed or any experience with that brand- it appears to be a generic cup. Maybe someone in a Facebook group can help with your question.
Why is pixie considered generic? They have a legit website. They are FDA approved. Who did they steal their design from? I’m just curious if I should try the original if there is one.
Pixie cup is soft average in my opinion, extremely comfortable, my only tiny criticism is that the stem is so stretchy that you don’t feel confident it will have as long a usage life as other stronger stems without snapping. I personally love mine, you can’t feel it at all. I don’t know what the shore rating is for a Pixie cup but it’s quite soft without feeling flimsy.
I’m looking for a cup that is small, average firmness, and has a ring. The first and only cup I’ve tried is Lena but I had issues with the stem such as discomfort and difficult removal. Any recommendations?
Cups with a ring include Selena and Meluna (made from TPE). Selena and Meluna Classic, as you can see above, are a little bit firmer than average, but should not be too firm. The Meluna Soft is a rather soft average. Having used the Selena I can confirm the firmer average firmness and the helpfulness of a ring stem when it comes to removal.
Both cups are a bit smaller than average cups. The Selena has 3 sizes and the size Small is comparable to a teen cup if you look at its length and diameter.
Hope that helps!
What about the firmness of peach life cups?
We’re you able to find an answer for this?