Hi Ladies,
You’ve taken the leap to stop using tampons and sanitary pads, and finally found the menstrual product of your dreams – a menstrual cup! A menstrual cup is environmentally friendly, and can be reused many times over.
But, with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for you? Here we take a look at two very popular cups on the market today – the Saalt and the Lena Menstrual Cups.
The Saalt Menstrual Cup
Cost
The Saalt Cup comes out of the US, is FDA registered, and was introduced to the market in 2018. These cups can be found online, as well as at Target stores in the US, United Kingdom, and Dominican Republic. The single Saalt cups costs $29, while the Saalt Duo Pack costs $47, consisting of both the small and large cups.
Sizes
There are two sizes of Saalt Menstrual Cups available – small (with a diameter of 41mm) and large (with a diameter of 46 mm). The small cup’s height is 47 mm, while the large cup’s is 52 mm. The stem length of the small cup is 23 mm, while the stem length of the large cup is 18mm. The small cup’s volume is 25 ml (3 x regular tampons), while the large size holds 30 ml (4 x regular tampons).
If you are uncertain which size is perfect for you, the Saalt Duo Packs are available in both original and soft firmness. These cups are very rounded, as opposed to the typical “V” shape that most cups are shaped in. This is the right cup for you if you have a medium to low cervix because it is a short cup with a wide body, which makes it sit really comfortably inside your vagina. You can still use it if you have a high cervix, but it won’t be so easy to reach, which could cause discomfort.
Firmness
There are two different levels of firmness that the Saalt Cup comes in. The original Saalt Cup is firm (perfect for those with active lifestyles), and comes with a rim that is a little bit softer than the rounded body. There is a soft version of the Saalt Cup which has a firmness that is soft-medium, and is perfect for you if you suffer from bladder and/or bowel pressure or sensitivity.
Colors
The regular Saalt Cups are offered in Himalayan Pink and Ocean Blue, while the softer alternative, the Saalt Soft Cups, are offered in Desert Blush, and Mist Grey.
*Color pigments should also be FDA compliant.
Click the button below to find additional info on the Saalt Cup, and where you can find it online!
The Lena Menstrual Cup
Cost
The FDA registered Lena Cup comes out of the US, was introduced to the market in 2015, and happens to be very popular! It can be found online, and also at the following stores: EcoRoots in Arizona, Erewhon Markets and Last Minute Gear in California, Danyasa Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica, Commodities Natural Market, Northside Pharmacy, and Provisions Natural Foods Market in New York, Women’s Birth & Wellness Center in North Carolina, and People’s COOP in Oregon. It costs $25 for a single cup, and $40 for the dual pack, which includes both a small and large size.
Sizes
The Lena Cup is available in two sizes – small (with a diameter of 41 mm) and large (with a diameter of 45 mm). The cup length of the small is 46 mm, while the large is 50.7 mm. The stem length of the small cup is 25 mm while the large cup’s stem is 19.7 mm. The volume of the small cup is 25 ml (3 x regular tampons), while the large cup’s volume is 30 ml (4 x regular tampons).
The dual pack is available containing both sizes. The Lena Cup is bell-shaped with a rim that is flared, and tends to sit high in the vaginal fornix (space around the cervix.) The Lena Cup may be the perfect fit for those with a medium to low cervix.
Firmness
The Lena Cup is available in two firmness levels. The original Lena Cup is a firm cup, although the rim is a little softer than the body. The firm cup is what you want to use if you are active and enjoy exercising a lot. There is a “sensitive” version which is “soft-medium” which will suit you perfectly if you suffer from bladder and/or bowel sensitivity.
Colors
The Lena Cup comes in an array of bright, fun colors such as pink, purple, and aqua, alongside the standard opaque white.
*Color pigments should also be FDA compliant.
Click the button below to find additional info on the Lena Cup, and where you can find it online!
How to Decide Which Menstrual Cup is the Best Choice!
Even though there are many cups on the market, including the Saalt and Lena Cups, there are many different factors that play an important role when choosing the perfect cup for your body. Let’s take a deeper look into these:
1. Cervix Height
So which cup is the best fit for your cervix height? Let’s take a look:
It’s really important to know the exact location and get a true measurement or height of your cervix. Knowing such things will really help you know which menstrual cup is the best for you.
You need to take two important factors into consideration when it comes to cervix height and location: the cup needs to sit comfortably inside of you, and it needs to be easy to reach when you have to take it out.
Considering cervix height and location, let’s compare the two cups, and see which one is ideal for your cervix:
- The Saalt Cup is both bell-shaped and “V”-shaped. It’s shorter than most V-shaped cups, has a rounded body shaped like a bell, but tapers to a point. It is perfect for those with a medium to low cervix. Ladies with a high or very high cervix may experience difficulty reaching this cup when it needs to be removed. Of course, with some pelvic floor pushing, the cup can still be reached.
- The Lena Cup is shaped like a bell and has a flared rim. It tends to ride up and sit higher in the vaginal fornix (which is the space around the cervix). The base of these cups is usually round in shape which adds to its shorter length and frees up space for more capacity. This is the perfect cup for those with a low cervix as it sits more comfortably, and is easier to reach. It’s not ideal for ladies with a high cervix as they may find it difficult to reach.
2. Bladder & Bowel Sensitivity
If you’ve had bladder and/or bowel sensitivity before with any sort of vaginal penetration, it’s important to rather use a menstrual cup that is soft or medium as opposed to a very firm cup. Both these brands offer two levels of firmness – the original and soft (Saalt Cup), or sensitive (Lena Cup) version.
3. Physical Activity
Those that have an active lifestyle will need a firm cup, and both these cups are firm, which is great as it prevents leaks. If you experience any sort of bladder and/or bowel sensitivity during workouts, go for the Saalt Soft or Lena Sensitive versions.
4. Cup Capacity
Both these cups aren’t high capacity cups. The Lena Cup may ride up and sit higher in the vaginal fornix, compromising some of the capacity, and may cause premature leaking for those who experience a very heavy flow. Both the Saalt and the Lena Cups’ small sizes hold 25 ml, while the large holds 30 ml. If you usually have a heavy flow, you’ll want a high capacity cup such as the Venus Cup which amazingly holds up to 47 ml to the rim!
5. More to Consider
There are certain other things you need to look at before deciding which cup is perfect for you, such as price and accessibility. Just because you’ve found the perfect cup, it’s not always at the perfect price, or easily available where you live. It’s great to be able to order things online, but sometimes shipping costs can really add a lot to the price depending where in the world you are located!
As discussed previously, the average cost for a single Saalt Cup is $29 or $47 for a dual pack. Whereas, the Lena Cup costs $25 for a single cup or $40 for a dual pack. While both these cups are available online and can be shipped to most countries, the Saalt and Lena Cups can also be found in some physical stores as previously discussed.
Comparison Videos
Lena Cup Videos
Saalt Cup Videos
Other Menstrual Cup Options
Before making up your mind, you should take a look at other menstrual cup options, as well as cups that are similar to both the Saalt and Lena Cups.
Other menstrual cups similar to the Lena Menstrual Cup are:
- Venus Cup – The Venus Cup comes without a flared rim, and if you have a cervix that is very low, it may be a little too long for you; although it does allow the cervix to sit inside the cup without causing compromise to the capacity of the cup.The small Venus Cup is just 1mm longer than the small Lena Cup, while the large Venus Cup is 5mm longer than the large Lena Cup. It is softer than the Lena Original, but firmer than the Lena Sensitive. It also holds 17 ml more menstrual fluid than the Lena Cup which is great if you bleed heavy.
At only $19.99 for a single cup and $29.99 for the Venus Starter Kit – S+L (at the time of this article), it is a fantastic choice!
- MyCup – Both the small and large MyCup Menstrual Cups have diameters that are a bit larger than the Lena Cup’s diameters. The body is more rounded than the Lena Cup as well. Both measurements are similar, but the MyCup holds more menstrual fluid than the Lena Cup (the large holds 10 ml more menstrual fluid). Its firmness is similar to the original Lena Cup.
- Sckoon Cup – The large Sckoon and Lena Cups are similar in length, although the shorter Sckoon Cup is 7mm shorter than the small Lena Cup. This could provide a very big difference in comfort and reach. The small Sckoon Cup holds 23 ml of fluid, while the large Sckoon Cup’s capacity is the same as the large Lena Cup – 30 ml! This cup is softer than the original Lena Cup, but firmer than the Lena Sensitive.
Other menstrual cups similar to the Saalt Menstrual Cup:
- LaliCup – The LaliCup has a unique soft body that helps ease the folding of it. It’s a great cup for those who suffer from bladder and/or bowel pressure, as it eases pressure on sensitive areas. It has a rim that is medium-firm which helps it open easily. Its available in three sizes and is a high capacity cup as the small, medium and large sizes fill up to 27.4 mil, 36.5 ml and 41.3 ml respectively; however, they still don’t match the Venus Cup which holds up to 47ml of menstrual fluid!
- MyCup – The MyCup comes in three sizes, and the diameter of the large My Cup is the same as the Saalt Cup – 46 ml! The big difference lies in the capacity, as it can reach up to 40 ml, making the large size land itself on our “high capacity” list.
- Super Jennie – The small Super Jennie Cup is 1 mm wider than the small Saalt cup, while the large versions of both cups have the same diameter. Both cups are also similar when it comes to length. It is a high capacity cup as the small cup holds 32 ml and the large one holds 42 ml.
Conclusion
Well ladies, I hope this helps narrow down your choice between the Saalt and Lena Cups. If you feel one of these cups is for you, great! If you feel that other cups will suit you best, that’s great too! At the end of the day, it’s your body and you know what’s best for you!
FAQ
Which menstrual cup is best for beginners?
If you are just starting out, the best cup of choice would be the Saalt small cup, or the Lena small cup. If you experience a lot of bladder sensitivity opt for the Saalt “soft” choice, or the Lena “sensitive” choice. The best thing to do is try out the dual packs which both brands offer! Try the Venus Starter Kit if you need a high capacity cup.
Is the Saalt Cup vegan/cruelty free?
Yes, the Saalt Cup is vegan/cruelty free. These cups are all made from a medical-grade silicone that has been tested, is FDA approved, and made in an ISO13485 certified facility. None of the Saalt Cups, or the raw materials used to make the cups, are tested on animals. Be glad in the knowledge that when you buy Saalt Cups, you support the environment!
Should I boil my Lena Cup?
Many women prefer boiling their Lena Cups before and after their periods. It is advised to immerse your cup in boiling water for only 5-7 minutes at a time so that it becomes sterilized. Its best to use tongs so that the cup does not touch the sides or the bottom of the pot. You don’t want your Lena Cup to rest on the bottom of the pot as it gets too hot!
Can you sleep with a Saalt Cup in?
The answer here is a definite yes! You can sleep with your Saalt Cup, as it provides a fantastic alternative to sleeping with big sanitary pads, or tampons. Your Saalt Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours just before hopping into bed. Just make sure that your cup is clean and has been sterilized. It’s very important that you always sleep with a cup that is clean.
Can a 12 year old use a menstrual cup?
As soon as you start your period, you can use a menstrual cup. You might just want to speak to your gynecologist first and allow her to introduce you to your anatomy and show you how to insert a menstrual cup. Try dual packs with both original and soft versions and decide for yourself which ones fit best! The smaller versions are usually best for you at this stage.
Related Comparisons:
- Lena Cup vs. Diva Menstrual Cup Comparison
- Lena Cup vs. Lunette Menstrual Cup Comparison
- Saalt Cup vs. Diva Menstrual Cup Comparison
Red Herring has been sharing her experience and knowledge of menstrual cups on YouTube since 2015. She has worked on or with several menstrual cup companies but chooses not to be credited.
"I want to help people find the right menstrualcup for their situation.Not pressure them to buy a menstrual cup [that I might have helped with] for the sake of sales."
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