Composition
The Keeper is made from latex rubber (Rubber being natural, but an allergen for some), so is not suitable for those with an allergy to latex, or who think they may develop one.
The other cups are made from medical grade silicone, which isn’t the same as that used in breast implants – it is the same as used in medical equipment (such as tubing and in replacement joints), baby bottle teats, dummy/pacifier teats etc. and is reportedly safe for prolonged use.
Colour
The silicone cups can discolour with use (going a yellowish colour). Hydrogen peroxide apparently helps bring it back to the original colour. Most of the cups are a clear, slightly white translucent (see through), but a few are coloured.
Diva – Translucent white/clear silicone.
Femmecup – Translucent white/clear silicone. “Whitest” of the cups.
Keeper - Brown completely opaque (not-see-thru) rubber. Unlikely to discolour.
Lady Cup – Translucent white/clear silicone. Most “clear” of the cups. Also comes in a pink tinged version called “Pink Cup”.
Lunette – Translucent white/clear silicone. Most “Frosted” (less see-thru) of the cups.
Miacup – Pinkish-purple completely opaque (not-see-thru) silicone. Unlikely to discolour.
Mooncup (UK) – Translucent yellow/clear silicone. Has a yellow tinge.
Mooncup (USA) – Translucent white/clear silicone.
Feel & Flexibility
The rubber Keeper is slightly stiffer than the silicone cups. Lady Cup is the softest/most flexible of the Cups. The internal base of the Lady Cup and Lunette comes to a point on the inside while other cups have a flat inside base, so the pointed base is more flexible there – allowing it to be folded a little more at the base.
A menstrual cup is form of reusable menstrual protection. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids. Once in place it forms a seal, preventing blood flowing out of the vagina by collecting it in its “cup” shaped reservoir. Unlike a tampon which absorbs the blood along with the vagina’s natural secretions, a menstrual cup simply holds the fluids until you remove it – so they do not dry out the vagina and do not hold the TSS risk that tampons do.
They hold around 20-30ml, which is for most women will cope with a full day without emptying, and at most perhaps you would need to empty it a few times a day for a very heavy flow. A menstrual cup will last (with proper care) for around 10 years, perhaps longer, so while the initial outlay is high, it pays for itself with savings pretty quick.
This website aims to give information on all the available reusable cups, and provide the latest news. This is a sister site to www.ecomenses.com
