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
I LOVE my soft saalt size 1. It is perfect for everyday.
But, I am finding working out it slips down. Do I go for the Size 2 or the regular firmness Saalt?
Thanks so much.
I have been using a regular Lena cup for over a year and it ALWAYS leaks. Usually a liner is enough but sometimes it not. I have had my cup catch NO blood one time and ruin a par of jeans. I guess it tipped over or something. I love using a cup but I can not keep having this leaking problem but I am not sure what to do… Do I need a larger cup, different brand, different shape style idk. I think I do have light incontinence and that might be why? I know my cervix points back? The lena is a 4 on the firmness scale do I need a 5? Some times my cup does not open.
I have NO idea if I’m right or wrong or what I’m even doing but maybe your cervix is going in the cup and causing your cup to fill faster? Try emptying the cup more often or maybe need to find a cup that is bigger. Not sure
The quiz recommended me DivaCup Ⓛ, Lunette Ⓛ, Mermaid Cup Ⓛ or in laste case Super Jennie Ⓛ. I still saw Merula Ⓧ, because I have a MeLuna Ⓧ and it shed in 2 hours. I’m afraid because of his Firmness. Which should i choose? I’m undecided between Merula Ⓧ and Super Jennie Ⓛ. One has more capacity but is harder, the other has less capacity but is softer. Both have greater capacity than my current one. I gave birth to twins 4 years ago. Help me please. Thanks
So I’m experiencing major leaks with my Organicup
I know for a fact that it gets sucked up really high. It moves around a lot once it’s inside. I’m unsure if this is a firmness or length issue?
I tried all three sizes (mini, A, B) of OrganiCup and still experienced leaks. It moves so high up during the night so I always stain my pyjamas and bed sheets in the morning. I’m not sure if it’s a “length issue” because it happened no matter the cup length size, but probably a firmness issue that doesn’t allow the cup to stay in place.
I am curious to know the stats of the Flex cup and where it stands in firmness. Any cups to compare it with?
I came here looking for feedback on the Flex too. I’m still a cup novice, but I’ve found the Flex to ne quite firm (prob too firm for me), such that I can basically always feel it. And while it def last longer than pads + tampons on my heavier days, I still have some leaks. Charging that part to user error though.
If you both still wondering how flex is, I tried them both. I am a beginner with heavy flows so I started with the large. It gave me unpleasant cramps. And then I used the small, and it was just uncomfortable inside. I think it’s cause its firm but I don’t know how firm. I believe I have a low cervix so I think that’s why it was uncomfortable. But I did love my cup when I can put it in right. I end up using Saalt soft and it’s much more comfortable.
I’ve been wanting to make the switch to a cup for ages so my friend got me an organicup for christmas (she knows me v well!!). It feels fine when in, if a little long, no leaks or discomfort or anything, but it’s reaally painful to insert and especially remove. it feels like i’m just too narrow and it catches on me as i ease it out. i’m thinking maybe a cup without a pronounced rim? something like the lily cup, but i’m worried that one’s too long for me. anyone had a similar issue?
I have taken the quiz and all my recommendations are for cups that are a 2 in firmness. However, I have an extra heavy flow. I go straight through both an ultra tampon and maxi pad every 45 minutes for most of my cycle. None of the high capacity cups are a 2 in firmness. Should I try a 1 or 3?
Hi! I’ve recently bought a small Lena cup and was wondering if it would be ideal for a teen who plays a bit of sport and does of lot of sitting down/standing up. (i have a medium height cervix) Thanks!
Hi everybody,
there is one reason to wear a firm cup I’ve never read about. But it is actually my reason and perhaps it can help some other women.
I’ve strong muscels a very high Cervix, I cannot even reach it with my fingers. When I insert a cup it almost slides up on it’s own and I cannot reach the rim any more, sometimes I cannot even reach the middle of the cup. So I have to guess if it is opened up or not.
That is the reason I first thought a cup would not work for me, but I kept on trying an fortunately a quite firm cup works for me.
I’m using a cup for about 9 years now, and your website and videos helped me to find two new cups that work even better, than the last one.
Thank you!
which cups did you find to be best? i have the same issues and am here trying to find my perfect cup but i am having trouble deciding!
So I just started my 3rd cycle using a Lena cup and I’m feeling really discouraged. I took the quiz and it said Lena Sensitive, well long story short I came to realize I ordered the wrong one. I’m pressed for money so I have no idea when I’ll be able to buy a different cup. I have issues of pressure when I pee and leaking so I still have to use back up pads. I really really want to be comfortable in this change but it’s so frustrating.
If you contact Lena and have the order information ready they will compensate you on your money back.