Saalt Soft Menstrual Cup – Reusable Period Cup – Made for Comfortable, Leak-Free Protection Up to 12 Hours – BPA & Latex Free – Includes Cup & Carry Bag (Regular, Desert Blush)

After years of misery I finally decided to give period discs and cups a try. After two babies I can’t tolerate a tampon, they feel like they are stabbing me, and I leak around them; and pads leave my skin feeling raw by the end of my period week. And I leak around them half the time anyway, even wearing extra long overnight pads during the day. And I don’t even have an overly heavy flow. I tried flex discs first. They were very comfortable and I had noticeably less cramping, but I kept having leaks, and they would need adjusting all the time during the day. When they were in place, I couldn’t tell they were there- but I knew immediately if they migrated. And my God, I could never find a way to take them out without it being a bloodbath. And they were disposable, so I had to keep shelling out money, and then I was putting more plastic in landfills. AND I still needed to wear a liner or pad anyway. I gave it five months, but then I called the experiment a bust. I resigned myself to pads thinking that I f tampons were too uncomfortable then a menstrual cup would be, too. But friends kept telling me to try one. There’s a website www.putacupinit.com that goes over like every product out there and the quiz they have to help suggest the right product pointed me to the Saalt Soft Cup. So far, I REALLY like it. I got through a day at home, a day at work (12 hour shift as a nurse in a busy ER), and two sleeps -and between the Saalt and Bambody period underwear (HIGHLY. RECOMMEND.)- NO LEAKS on my clothes or sheets, and no raw skin from pads. -I can feel the cup, but it is infinitely more comfortable than a tampon. I’m aware it’s there but I can tune the sensation of it being there out easily. It doesn’t feel like it’s stabbing me the way a tampon does. I have had to adjust it a bit a couple of times, but it’s mush easier to do with the cup than the disc, and MUCH less messy when it happens. -It was easy to insert correctly from the start. The instructions are clear, and I got it right the first try. -I have had scant leaking around it, unlike the flex disc that leaked all the time. I would almost be willing to wear it with regular underwear, but the thought of an accident doesn’t seem worth it when the Bambody underwear are so comfy. -When it is time to remove and reinsert the cup, it is SO MUCH LESS MESSY than the disc. I never once managed to remove a disc without getting blood all over myself. And the toilet. And occasionally the floor. It was insane. Twice I’ve been mess free with the cup, and the other times the amount of blood spillage was minimal. -The only area the flex disc beats the Saalt is that you can still have sex while wearing the disc, but not while wearing the cup. For me, this isn’t a deal breaker. And you can always keep a stock of discs just for period sex if you want. -So far I’ve only worn the larger of the two cups, since I’m just starting my cycle. If for some reason the lighter cup is a problem I will update, but worst case, I wear only the large and spent a little more on the two pack than necessary. I’m saving a ton over the life of the cup by not buying disposable products. I’m nearly 40, and the website estimates I will save nearly $1300 by switching. Imagine if I had started younger!

*this is a pretty long review and I have a lot to say. In sort, I really liked this cup. It's perfect for younger people, does not leak, and is comfortable to wear when using the bathroom.* Originally, I first started with Diva Cups since it was sold at my local pharmacy. The diva cup was way too large, thick, long, and uncomfortable. I could feel it coming out throughout the day and would always leak. I assumed this was probably because the shape or size of this cup made it impossible for me to easily get it to suction, or the fact that I have a tilted cervix. I concluded that both of these things were probably at play and contributed to the Diva Cup being uncomfortable. So, I decided to try another cup. I wanted to try a shorter cup this time, and something softer since the Diva Cup was too hard. So, I opted to get the soft Saalt cup. I read the reviews and the cup looked very short so I was hopeful it would work. Keep in mind I am not old at all, and because of that I never had children. The cup arrived in a very cute packaging. I simply let it soak in boiling water for no more than 5 minutes and washed it out with scentless soap after wards. Then, I used it. It was very easy to insert since it was small. The diva cup hurt to put in and take out so the Saalt cup was an improvement. Once it was in, I pushed it far up and expected it to be noticeable when I stood up, but I truly could not feel it at all. However, the cup seemed to sit further up but not far enough for me to not be able to feel it. Throughout the day, I knew a cup was up there but I genuinely could not feel it. There was also no leaks. When I went to take it out at the end of the day, the cup was actually halfway full on one of my light days. I am pretty heavy so anyone with a normal flow should be able to use this cup for 12 hours no problem. It was a little hard taking it out and I was afraid it was tugging on my cervix because I couldn't release the suction, but it only took me a few minutes to release the suction. I continued to use this product for a couple more days and it was perfect. Some positives is that I could keep the cup in me while using the bathroom (1&2). This wasn't the case for the Diva Cup. Softer cups have a reputation for "falling out" while your using the bathroom but not this one. Overall, this cup is really good and I recommend it to people who are younger, have a shorter/curved cervix, have bladder problems when using a regular stiffness cup, can feel regular stiffness cups, and also those who want to just try a new cup. I would not recommend the softer version for new users mainly because it can be scary to take out and put in since it is so soft.

UPDATE: bought a new one which arrived in perfect condition and had the correct bags. I also reached out to Saalt customer service who responded very quickly and compassionately to my inquiry about the bags and provided information on how to get them. If you got the cotton bags just hit them up and they will tell you what to do. They temporarily ran out of their classic colorful bags. The "regular" one is a little difficult to work with. It's slightly bulbous (wider than a diva cup) so it's kind of hard to not feel the pressure from inside. Is it unbearable? No but added discomfort during the menstrual cycle can be a tough thing to excuse at times. Nonetheless it is a very good cup in terms of functionality, cleanliness, and quality. 4 stars for it. The small cup however?? 5 STARS. It's so comfortable you cannot feel it, and as someone with a sensitive body it does not hurt neither on insertion nor removal. It's very nice and soft and yet it forms a perfect seal with your body once you get it open. I tested it in my home by wearing white underpants and no liner. No leakage, no spots, no stains, nothing. I absolutely love the small one and recommend it for those who are sensitive to width or pressure. In the video I am basically just opening and closing my hand. I hardly have to apply any pressure to squeeze it. It arrived open and also does not have the storage bags as advertised. They were cheap and thin unbleached cotton pouches. It looks like someone tampered with mine so I have to send it back for personal safety. If the seller is of assistance I'll update the review with the true product

As the title indicates, this is the 4th cup I've used. I've been using cups for 10 years, so my opinion is fairly well informed. I've worn Diva, Lunette, Ziggy and now Saalt Soft. I have not been through childbirth, I do have painful periods/cramping and bladder sensitivity. My main reason for choosing Saalt Soft was a survey I took that was trying to suggest to me the softest cups that wouldn't put pressure on my bladder, make it difficult to poop or aggravate cramps. These are all things I have experienced with cups during a "bad" period, even if I have zero of these issues on a "good" period. Diva is on the stiff side and their small size isn't wide enough if your cervix likes to sit low. I only wear it when my Lunette is being sterilized. Ziggy (the one you can have sex in), doesn't stay put and is constantly wanting to pop out from behind the pelvic bone. I also find things touching my pelvic bone to be uncomfortable. Lunette has absolutely been my favorite over the years. It's softer, has a wider shape and generally has been more comfortable for me. So here's what I think of Saalt Soft. First, they shouldn't advertise sizes based off of how much blood it holds. Rather they should go the traditional route of recommending a smaller size for those who haven't gone through childbirth, etc. Compared to my Lunette, it is wider by what you'd think is an insignificant amount.... but it's not. It's enough that I'm not sure I'm a fan. I'll get used to it, but I think I would be more comfortable with the smaller size. Maybe that's on me for not thinking of getting the smaller size, knowing that most other companies size based on childbirth. But just like clothes, every brand has their own sizing and it's their responsibility to make that data clear to purchasers. However, the benefit of the larger size is the wider opening, so that if you have a low cervix, it sits around it nicer. Second, I think the pull tab is too short. I find myself REALLY having to reach up there to grab the pull tab/pinch the bottom. Most cups offer an extra long pull tab to allow you to trim it to your preferred length (some cervixes are higher, some are lower, it matters), and I think Saalt should follow suit. Third, the suction is good and I haven't had any leaks. This is comparable to the Lunette and a step up from Diva and Ziggy (which is constantly leaking and is really a piece of ****). Because of the shorter pull tab, etc, it is harder to pull it into reach to pinch and relieve the suction. Fourth, there aren't marks indicating volume of blood like the Lunette (am I missing them?). May sound picky, but knowing how much you bleed can be an important piece of information to share with your healthcare provider if you have any reproductive issues. Finally, I'm trying this out on a "bad" period, and it has not improved cramps, hasn't improved my bladder sensitivity, etc. So although I do generally like it, it's nothing special and is basically like a cheaper Lunette cup. So if you can't afford the extra $$$ for Lunette, I would recommend it over other cups. But Lunette is still the holy grail in my opinion.

Prepare yourself for a long, TMI review. Some background: When I got my period at the age of 12, I knew I had many long years of pain ahead of me. My cycle has always been extremely painful and affects my daily life. My blood flow is heavier than anyone else I know, my cramps are debilitating, I get hot flashes and headaches, back pain, mood swings, and messed up intestines. In short, my period is awful. My mother has always used pads, so that's what she started me on when I got my first period. We soon realized mine was much heavier than hers, so I switched to Kotex maxi pads. From the ages of 13 to 19, that is what I used. But one wasn't enough. I had to overlap two maxi pads in my underwear just to keep the blood from leaking out. I often wore spandex or tights as well as an extra layer of security to make sure the heavy blood flow didn't escape. I had to go to the bathroom every half an hour or so just to clean up all the blood and adjust my very thick and uncomfortable (not to mention expensive) pads. I was constantly worried that I would leak onto my clothes (because that happened several times). At night, I had to lay a towel down on my bed and wake up at 2 or 3 am just to go to the bathroom to wipe away all the blood. For years, I dreaded my period every month because it was so much to handle. I tried tampons but after two or three negative experiences with them, I gave up. I figured I was simply doomed to be miserable for 5 days out of every month. About 5 months ago, I decided to cough up the money for a menstrual cup. I had an amazon gift card, so I didn't feel like I would be wasting any money, and I was searching for a way to reduce my environmental impact and save some money. If it helped my period at all, it would be a bonus. And I am SO glad I did. As someone who has rarely ever used tampons, I was a little nervous to try this out. But I took an online quiz and it suggested the Saalt cup as a good option so I went for it. First, the packaging was discreet and adorable, and it came with a cute little bag for storage, which has come in handy. It also came with an instruction booklet about how to use the cup, insert it, and keep it clean. The first cycle I used it, it was a little tricky to insert (I eventually found that sitting on the toilet and using the c-fold work the best for me) but I could not have been happier once I became comfortable inserting and removing it. It is not uncomfortable in the least. In fact, the only time I really ever feel it is when it pops open inside. Sometimes, I completely forget I'm using it. I can wear it for up to seven or eight hours (it's supposed to last twelve, but again, I have a lot heavier flow than most) which is a godsend. No blood! For eight hours! Sometimes I wear a panty liner with it if I'm having a really heavy day or doing a lot of moving around, but I've found that I don't really need to most days. It hasn't leaked a single time. Sleeping has become so much easier. No towel, no waking up in the middle of the night. I empty the cup before bed, and again in the morning. If you are grossed out by your blood or feel uncomfortable at the thought of getting a little messy while taking it out, this may not be the best choice for you. But I don't really mind at all. It's really easy to pinch and take out then rinse and reinsert. I left the little stem on at the bottom as it helps me adjust it, but it can be trimmed off as well. I have also found that boiling it after your cycle is an easy way to keep it clean. This cup reduces period odor considerably. No longer do I worry that other people will think I smell like a menstrual cycle. And the cup itself doesn't hold much odor after use either. For the price, this is an incredible investment. It will last years and I no longer have to spend any money on disposable pads, which harm the environment. Because of the Saalt cup, I no longer dread my period. I have told all of my friends about this product and I think they're getting tired of hearing about how amazing I think it is! I've never reviewed any Amazon purchase until now. I'm telling you, it's that good. If you are considering giving a menstrual cup a try, go for it! It seriously changed my life.

With the Saalt menstrual cup: -REGULAR size is for women who've given birth -SMALL is for fully grown women who haven't given birth Make sure to pull on the grip rings instead of the tail when you remove it so you don't damage the menstrual cup. Doctors recommend you sterilize menstrual cups/disks each time you remove them to minimize the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Here's how: Buy a Pixie sterilizing cup. Put water and your dirty (rinsed) menstrual cup in the Pixie sterilizing cup and heat in the microwave for 4 minutes with the top of the Pixie sterilizing cup lid on top but not sealed. After the microwave is done, let the Pixie sterilizing cup sit inside the microwave for a while so the water can cool off and you don't risk burning yourself. Since this process takes about 10 minutes I recommend have 2 menstrual cups so you can immediate replace a dirty one with a clean one. I prefer Saalt disks over cups a lot more because they empty aka "auto dump" when you pee! When I pee I engage my pelvic muscles (I haven't had a baby so my pelvic muscles are strong), which squeezes the disk and creates space between the disk and vagina where blood flows out into the toilet. When I stop peeing, the disk goes back to the original placement. In other words, I empty the disk every time I use the restroom without sticking a finger into my vagina or getting blood on my hands. For this reason, I don't have to worry about the disk getting too full. I think this would also decrease the risk of toxic shock syndrome. The Saalt menstrual cup is WAY better than the Diva Cup. The Diva Cup is too long and rigid, making it uncomfortable. I threw out the Diva Cup after 1 use. I can't even feel the Saalt menstrual cup or disk when they're inserted. The Saalt "Soft" cup was too soft for me and there was a lot of leaking but the regular Saalt cup works great. I should have taken the quiz on the Saalt website before buying because the quiz said I needed the non-soft cup. The Saalt menstrual cup is WAY better than tampons because: -The menstrual cup holds way more blood than tampons so you can go a whole work day without changing it. It's messy removing it but since you can remove it after you get home, who cares? -The menstrual cup isn't made of scratchy, dry cotton so is more comfortable to use near the end of your period. -Once you pay for the menstrual cup, period care is free. (I recommend using machine washable period underwear as a backup instead of disposable pads. They're more comfortable and better for the environment.)

I'm torn between giving this 3 or 4 stars because I really like it, but I'm on my third Saalt regular soft cup in about as many years because the stems keep breaking off at the indent nearest the base of the cup (pictured). Now, I do wear it a lot: I've always had a lot of everyday vaginal discharge so I wear this cup ~12 hrs every day when I'm NOT on my period. This cup leaks on my period so I use Saalt's firmer cup when I'm bleeding. Even so: they say it should last 10 years. If we assume they mean for use while menstruating, and the average period is 5 days, that's 600 days that it should last for. If I wear mine ~25 days a month that's 300 days in a year, so it's still wearing out much faster than it should. With the first cup where the stem broke, I tried to continue using it but it goes so far into my vagina that it was extremely difficult to remove, and I've used cups for at least 15 years. As you can see in the photo, the cup itself is still in great shape but the stem is going to break completely off soon, which is a shame, so I went ahead and bought a backup. If it happens a third time though I will be exploring another option. I just like this cup and how soft & gentle it is for more regular use, so I wish they'd fix the stem issue.

Every gal I know who uses menstrual cups loves them. After hearing about it for the umpteenth time, I decided it was time to order one of my own. Saalt comes nicely packaged, with instructions for use and sterilization and a little bag to keep it in. Insertion wasn't horribly difficult. It took a few twists to get it to open, and I leaked a small amount the first hour, but then it was all good. I have very heavy periods, and I had it in for eight hours with no leaks! Color me impressed! After the 8 hours, I get home and go to remove it. It's up there. WAY up there, I can barely feel it. The instructions say not to pull the tab, so I set about trying to pinch the damn cup to get it to un-suction and release. After about ten desperate minutes I'm able to twist it out - no mess, full cup - I dumped, cleaned and replaced. Not so bad, I think, I can do this! I go to a work event, and come back two hours later and try to remove it again. I thought it was up there before, but now it's almost gone. The Saalt cup is latched to my cervix like a starved leech. Try as I might, I cannot get it to come out. I can BARELY reach the cup with my fingers. I pull on the string, no bueno. At this point I'm starting to worry I'll have to go to the ER for the humiliating task of removal. So I call my fiance upstairs and tell him I have a very unfortunate task I need his assistance with. Now we're BOTH trying our damnedest to remove this thing. No luck. He's close to tears. I'm close to tears. The dog is standing nervously in the doorway, unsure how to help. Finally, in a fit of part rage, part distress, I grab the tab and I pull as hard as I can. It feels like it's pulling my entire uterus with it. Right as I'm about to give up hope - POP - it un-suctions and flies out, dropping what can only be described as a bomb of blood all over my bathtub. My fiance almost fell in his hasty retreat from the bathroom. It's been four days, and he still won't look me in the eye. It does what it's supposed to, but at what cost? I'll be experimenting next with the ones that have a hoop for "easy removal." TL;DR - you won't leak for hours, but you'll need the strength of the Hulk or digits like Salad Fingers to remove it. It's also worth mentioning I felt like it, for lack of a better word, "clogged" me up after it got full - maybe my fault for not dumping it throughout the day. EDIT: after a year of use and experimenting with other cups (frankly, this is the only one that does not regularly have leakage), I'm adding the final star. As many others have said, using this cup takes practice. Insertion and removal are both fairly easy (I do sometimes have to fish around, but nothing like before). If you're looking at other cups, just take it from me... this is the best you're gonna get.