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Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie

Mom travelers, well, any menstruating traveler, this post is for you. It’s all about my personal favorite travel accessory: the menstrual cup. If you’re a menstruating person, you will have to figure out what works for you during travel. Cups are reusable and work well for traveling and daily life. They are much easier than taking up valuable luggage space with period supplies.

So if you’re looking for an alternative to tampons, let’s check out period cups!

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Best Menstrual Cup

There are so many different brands and types of cups. They are made for high cervix, low cervix, heavy flow, light flow, and so forth. Each brand has different pros and cons and the comparison chart below will help you find the best menstrual cup for travel and daily life.

Do I really travel with my menstrual cup? Oh heck yeah! I definitely do. I recommend it highly and this article will help you find the best cup for your body, how to care for it, and why I prefer using my cup to tampons.

If you prefer pads, check out my reusable cloth pads for travel guide!

Disclaimer

Blissmersion is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Posts on this site might contain affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. I have not received any free items or services for these reviews. I purchased and use my menstrual cup(s) and I want to share how helpful they are for menstruating travelers.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is an alternative to using pads or tampons during a menstrual cycle. Cups are made from latex rubber or silicone, both medical grade quality. The collect your period flow, instead of absorbing it as pads or tampons do.Cups do need to be emptied and cleaned regularly. Keep reading for more practical information.

Another great accessory to have with you while traveling, is a quick dry travel bra!

Period Cup Reviews

Luna Cups

Luna cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone. They are soft enough to be comfortable and firm enough to not allow leaking. This style of cup is considered good for women who may have a high cervix. This cup is also good for medium to high flow. Another cool feature is the ball stem, which is unusual for cups.

The large size is best for those who have given birth vaginally. The small size is better for those who have NOT given birth vaginally.

Large:

Small:

 

DivaCup

DivaCups are made from healthcare grade silicone. These cups are also considered good for those with a medium to high cervix. DivaCups also offers up to 12 hours of leak-free protection (this will vary depending on your flow).

The model 2 size is recommend for women over 30 who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean. The model 1 size is recommended for women under 30 who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean.

Model 2:

Model 1:

 

Moon Cup

Moon Cups are made from soft silicone rubber and can hold up to an ounce of vaginal fluid. This is the brand I use and I’ve been very happy with it. I chose it because I didn’t want the stiffness of other brands. Moon cups are soft and flexible, but also don’t leak when used properly. It can also last up to 10 years!

Size A is designed for women who have given birth vaginally. Try size B if you  have not given birth vaginally.

Size A:

Size B:

 

Blossom Cup

Blossom cups are made from 100% BPA-free FDA approved medical grade silicone and can last up to 15 years of regular use. It is soft and pliable. Blossom does not believe that age and birthing history play a significant role in choosing a menstrual cup, so choose based on your flow. Size L is good for heavy periods. The Blossom size S is good for normal flow periods.

Size L:

Size S:

 

Lunette Cup

Lunette cups are made in Finland from medical grade silicone. This is a bell shaped cup, which is typically better for a shorter cervix. Lunette cups also don’t base their cup sizing on whether or not you’ve given birth. In fact, their smaller cup size is softer and may be the best period cup for a teenager.

Size 2: For medium to heavy flow. Size 1: For light to medium flow, younger, have not experienced intercourse. It is made from a softer silicon that size 2.

Size 2:

Size 1:

 

How do I choose the best menstrual cup for me?

All bodies are different, so there are many different options available. While a few brands offer one-size-fits-all, most companies offer different sizes. Since menstrual cups come in different sizes, shapes, capacity, and firmness, there is a cup out there that will be comfortable for you!

What is the best menstrual cup for beginners?

Since everyone has different needs, this is going to vary on a person by person basis. I know you were hoping I’d say “buy this brand,” but if I did that, half of you would hate your cup! For the best cup for a beginner or not, a few factors must be taken into account. Is your flow heavy or not? Is your cervix high or low? Have you birthed children or not?

How do I measure my cervix?

It’s pretty easy. First, wash your hands and then insert a finger or two into your vaginal canal. If you put your fingers all the way in and can’t reach your cervix, you have a high cervix. If your fingers are pretty far in there and are definitely touching it, you have an average cervix height. Finally, if your fingers go just inside before reaching the cervix, you have a low cervix.

For reference, a cervix is firm but still a little bit soft, kind of like the tip of your nose.

It is best to check your cervix height on the first day of your period and a few times through out the month to get an idea of how your cervix moves.

What is the best menstrual cup for heavy flow?

A cup with a higher capacity.  Most cups can hold quite a lot. As often as possible, I’ve compiled that information with each cup. Many companies have two sizes and a person with a heavy flow should consider the larger of the two.

What is the best cup for low cervix?

Shorter cups and bell shaped cups usually do the best for a low cervix. Try out a Lunette Cup!

What is the best cup for high cervix?

V shaped cups that are longer in length will likely work better for a high cervix. Try out a Luna Cup!

What’s the best menstrual cup after childbirth?

Usually, manufacturers recommend moving up to the larger size cup if a woman has given birth and is over 30. The best cup will depend on additional factors, like cervix height and heaviness of flow.

I use the Mooncupand I love it.

Menstrual cup travel and why you should take it with you!

As a mom and traveler, I have to pack for three people (me and my two children). I always try to pack lightly and packing feminine hygiene products does take up a lot of space. My cup doesn’t take up much space in my luggage at all.

Menstrual cups are small

They take up very little space. You don’t have to worry about running out of tampons if you have your menstrual cup along on your travels.

Menstrual cups are reusable

This right here. The initial investment is a little higher, but mine is around 3 years old and going strong. Plus, you won’t be throwing away used pads and/or tampons at your destination. Win-win!

What can I do while wearing a travel menstrual cup?

Can I wear a menstrual cup while going to the bathroom?

Yes, you can wear a menstrual cup while going to the bathroom. Empty it if you wish or leave it in until it needs to be emptied.

Can I wear it while swimming?

Yes, cups can be worn while swimming.

Will a shark chase me if I scuba dive while on my period?

My most embarrassing moment involves this exact question. I’ve had this exact fear and even asked the dive master in a frenzied panic. Though my moment was mortifying, you can avoid it. No, sharks won’t chase you because you are scuba diving on your period. Phew! Also, you can can absolutely go scuba diving while wearing your menstrual cup.

Do I need a special scuba diving menstrual cup?

No, use your regular, comfortable cup for scuba diving. You will be able to dive safely and not worry about leaks or cup discomfort.

Can a menstrual cup get stuck in me?

That’s a big, fat nope! So breath a sigh of relief. It also cannot get lost inside you. You may have to get up close and personal with yourself to get it (especially if you’ve cut off the cup’s stem), but it will be retrievable. If you’re having trouble reaching it, relax and work it on out.

What’s the best menstrual cup for beginners?

The best cup will be the one that fits your body best. First, determine if you have a high or low cervix. Second, figure out how heavy or light is your flow. Third, take into account if you have birthed children or not. I also considered that I wanted a softer, less firm cup due to how sore my pelvic region gets during the heaviest part of my period.

Most importantly, practice! Give your body a few months to adjust to your new routine. Check out the troubleshooting tips and video below. If it is really sore, it is worth trying out a different brand.

What about Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious, life threatening bacterial infection mostly associated with super absorbent tampons.

First, I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. In my research, I’ve learned it is highly unlikely to get TSS while wearing a cup, though not impossible. Even better, there are only a few reported cases stemming from cups being left in for days. Don’t leave your cup in for more than 12 hours (or manufacturer’s recommendations), do wash it, and sterilize it according to manufacturer’s instructions, and it’s extremely unlikely you will have any issues.

If you suspect you have TSS, please seek immediate medical attention.

How to clean menstrual cup while traveling

Traveling can put some pressure on your cup, but that’s also exactly when you want to use it for the convenience and eco factor. Here are some quick tips to help you through your period travel days.

First, if you have access to running water (for instance, in the morning before leaving), thoroughly wash your cup with a soap made for washing menstrual cups. If you will be using an airplane, airport, or other public bathroom, bring along potable (drinking) water and thoroughly rinse your cup and then reinsert.

Different cup manufacturers have different directions. Some do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide, while others do suggest it. I use peroxide on mine, which removed all stains, and it hasn’t damaged it to my knowledge. These differences between manufacturers is why it is so important to follow the directions for your specific cup. If you are able to boil it, that will also sterilize it. It’s also best practice to store your cup in the cotton bag it arrives with for safety.

Menstrual cups don’t work for me! Troubleshooting your cup

While there are people for whom a cup just won’t work, there are a lot of different cup options. Different bodies will need different cups. I also found an awesome video of troubleshooting tips that changed my life. Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration. Finding out that menstrual cups exist and purchasing one did change my life for the better, though.

Here are a few easy and quick troubleshooting tips:

1. If the stem is irritating, you can turn the cup inside out and use it that way. Obviously, it’s a bit more invasive to remove it, but it won’t get stuck inside. Without the stem, you have to squeeze the bottom of the cup to remove it.*
2. Don’t insert and remove your cup too frequently because that can cause irritation.
3. Experiment with different folds. The directions for mine came with directions for using the “C” fold. There are other folds and the video below demonstrates the punch fold and the 7 fold.
4. You can use lubricant! I think this would be especially helpful for first time users, until you get the hang of it and as long as you need it.

*I recommend trying it out before chopping the stem. I did not do this. It was a mistake. The trimmed stem was extremely irritating and I had to turn the cup inside out to use it.

The video below is my holy grail of troubleshooting tips for menstrual cup leaks. I learned a lot from the presentation and I’m even happier with my cup now. If you have any problems with your cup, watch this!

Go Forth and Travel Without Worrying About Your Period

You can go forth and travel without worrying about running out of feminine hygiene products. It can be packed or worn for travel (based on manufacturer’s instructions). You won’t be leaving unnecessary waste at your travel destination. You can wear it while swimming, and going to the bathroom (and there’s no wet tampon string to worry about). Most brands can be left in for up to 12 hours, though check your cup’s website for specific instructions.

Once, I made the mistake of leaving my cup at home while I was traveling during my period. I really regretted it because I had to use tampons the whole time (it was a beach vacation). It highlighted to me the importance of my reusable products and how much easier they were as I never had to worry about running out.

Go forth and travel with your menstrual cup!

What’s your favorite menstrual cup? Have more feedback on this list of menstrual cups or more suggestions? My best recommendations come from readers! Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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