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
The Diva Cup kills me when I try to wear it. It feels like it’s suctioning my cervix as if it’s holding on for dear life, but it doesn’t seem to open up completely either. The weird thing is, is that I leak and have pee collect in it as well. Can you give me some insight as to if I need a cup firmer or softer than the Diva cup?
So I am a new user and I just got a Saalt cup and so far from what I can tell it is slightly uncomfortable until I wear it for a while. Is that normal or did I maybe not put it up far enough. I am a disk user and all the reading and research I’ve done made me think may e the cup doesn’t need to go very high. But positioned lower in my vaginal canal I can feel it and it’s not pleasant. After I moved it up a bit it was still a little crampy for 20-30 mins but now I don’t feel it at all. Any suggestions or reassurance is welcome. I wish I had discovered all these tools before I turned 40!!
I see the Meluna Sport on the list, but I’m wondering how the regular Meluna rates in comparison? I’m on my first cycle trying to use the regular firmness Meluna Shorty. The rim doesn’t stay folded down after insertion, but it feels like it’s squished flat and when I remove it the rim is oval shaped. I’m also getting a lot of leaking. I’m thinking this might mean I need a stiffer cup.
In case it helps anyone else, I figured out whatvwas happening: apparently my cervix is very low and the cup was getting squished between it and the vaginal wall, so it wasn’t capturing all my flow. I figured out how to put the cup around the cervix and I don’t get leaks anymore. Unfortunately it also doesn’t hold a lot, though, because the cervix is filling part of the cup, so I have to empty it frequently on my heavy days.
I have been having the same issue of it feeling squished flat, so your comments are really helpful, thank you. I will check to see if I am fitting it properly as I was thinking about buying a firmer cup.
Hi. I have flat cup problems too. I try to stretch myself out to pop the shape out but i get sore. How are you making sure its around the cervix? I cant feel anything up there when my cup is in. It literally takes up all the room. I ordered a med sport shorty hoping this may work and also 2 lumma sizes. So freaking frusterated.
I was wondering if anyone knew anything about Luna cups i found them on amazon.
I am very active – I do functional training 3 times a week and lift weights (not super heavy, but I do make a lot of effort) 2 times a week. On those days I get really sensitive, sometimes even my labia hurt a little – but I can still workout without a problem. All the quiz recommendations are a 2 in the firmness scale, and I am buying a Meluna cup becuase where I live you don’t have that many options. The soft MeLuna is a 2 and the classic is a 4. Do you think I should stick with the soft or buy the classic?
I currently use a Lena cup. I’ve been using it for roughly a year and STILL have issues getting it inserted properly so that it doesn’t leak. I’ve triedany folds, angles, etc. It’s very frustrating. I’ve have 5 children very close in age and I’m also very active. Should I go for a firmer cup although the Lena cup is considered firm/average?
I have been using a Mooncup UK but sure it contributing to constipation/haemorrhoids. I have been using the smaller size even though I am older and post-childbirth. There are not many softer options but I guess I could try something with less of a prominent ridge.
This is the only problem I have with the Mooncup as well. I’m sure the firm rim is messing with my ability to go to the toilet. I have been using the smaller size for 12 years, and i’m now in my thirties (but I haven’t had kids) and there’s no leaking to suggest that I need to start using the bigger size. But since it’s about time I replaced my current one i’m looking in to ones with softer or less prominent rims.
I bought Lena sensitive large as a first cup. It’s tricky learning but i like it. Problem i have is removal – i swear it runs and hides and breaking it free from waaaay up there is like an Olympic event! The tail is gripped but barely any fingertip to pull with – thoughts?
OMG! Same. Although i have the reguler small one. So glad i didnt buy the sensitive one. Since i thought because its softer its not gonna do that..
Any comparisons for the Super Jennie?
Why are some cups rated N/A for firmness? I have a very heavy flow, bought a Juju cup (4) and am wondering why it doesn’t show up in my quiz results, even though size 4 is for a low cervix and has a higher capacity than the to-holes capacity of the ones listed in my quiz results. These are the most important issues I have. And why no firmness rating?
We don’t have the cups to test the firmness for ourselves at this time.
I know this post was a 2 years ago, but I tried Flex large and small, (in that order) it’s N/A, and it was painful for me. I believe I have a low cervix. I tried Saalt small which is softer then flex and it fits much comfortably.