Key Takeaways:
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Understanding Key Differences: Explore fundamental distinctions between menstrual discs and tampons, such as where they sit in the body, their absorption versus collection methods, and their material sustainability impact.
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Comfort and Leak Protection: Learn how each option offers unique benefits in comfort, fit during activities, and leak protection capability, crucial for heavy flow days or active lifestyles.
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Environmental Considerations: Consider the environmental impact of each product, with reusable menstrual discs offering a significant reduction in waste compared to traditional single-use tampons.
Your period should work around your life, not the other way around. Whether you're darting between classes, chasing after little ones, pushing through a workout, or simply tackling your daily to-do list, a comfortable, reliable period product can make all the difference. But with more innovative options on the shelf than ever before, how do you know what’s best for your body and your lifestyle—especially when the classic tampon has some serious competition from newer, reusable choices like the menstrual disc?
In this deep dive, we’ll break down the facts on the menstrual disc vs tampon debate—exploring how each works, weighing the pros and cons, and sharing knowledge to help you decide which option to try first. At Saalt, we’re passionate about creating sustainable, comfortable solutions (hello, leakproof underwear!) to support every stage of womanhood—and that includes helping you navigate the best period care for you, whether you’re a postpartum mom, managing bladder leaks, or simply want to skip the monthly “bathroom sprint” drama.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Let’s get started.
What Are Tampons and How Do They Work
Tampons are one of the most widely used period products, valued for their convenience and portability. They’re small, cylindrical absorbent materials—usually made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of both—designed to be inserted gently into the vaginal canal. Once in place, a tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it leaves the body, offering discreet protection during all sorts of activities, from sitting through a meeting to running a 5K.
Tampons come in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels, from “light” to “super plus,” allowing users to manage everything from a light day to a heavy flow. Most can be inserted using either a built-in plastic or cardboard applicator, while others are designed for digital (finger) insertion. When it’s time to change it, usually every 4 to 8 hours, just gently pull on the attached string to remove and dispose of the tampon.
This single-use form of period protection has been on the market for nearly a century, prized for its no-fuss usability and minimal visibility. For many, tampons offer the freedom to swim, exercise, and go about daily life with little interruption. However, because they absorb all moisture, including the vagina’s natural fluids, (plus pool water), some users may experience dryness or irritation. And it’s important to note: wearing a tampon carries a higher probability of developing a rare but serious risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), so regular changing is key. Want the 411 on TSS? Cool - cause we did the research to make sure you are in the know. Check out our blog on TSS.
Ready to Upgrade Your Period or Leak Protection? Try Saalt Today!Still deciding between using a menstrual disc vs tampon, or looking for even better support through your cycle? Saalt is here for you—whether you’re managing period flows, postpartum leaks, or just want fewer interruptions during your day. Our mission is to end the constant shuffle of bathroom runs and anxious glances at the back of your jeans, so you can get on with life, worry-free. Here’s how Saalt empowers you:
Ready to make the switch? Check out Saalt’s full collection and find the best fit for your life. Ditch the stress—choose Saalt for confident, sustainable, leakproof living! |
What Is a Menstrual Disc and How Does It Work
Imagine a flexible, ultra-thin disc that sits at the base of your cervix, collecting rather than absorbing menstrual fluid—welcome to the world of menstrual discs. Unlike tampons, which fit snugly inside your vaginal canal and absorb flow, menstrual discs nestle in the vaginal fornix (just below the cervix), forming a barrier that collects everything your period has to offer.
Most menstrual discs are made of soft, medical-grade silicone or polymer. They’re designed to be pinched for easy insertion, popping open to hug your anatomy once in place. Because they collect flow instead of absorbing it, discs can hold the equivalent of several tampons’ worth of fluid—usually up to 70 mL, or several regular tampons' worth of flow, depending on the brand and size. This means you can often go up to 12 hours without needing to empty it, even on heavier days.
Here’s how a menstrual disc works: After folding the disc in half, you push it into the vaginal canal until it tucks behind the pubic bone. The rim creates a gentle seal, preventing leaks and spills. When you’re ready to empty it, simply hook a finger under the rim or removal notch and gently pull it out. Empty the collected fluid, rinse, and reinsert.
Menstrual discs offer a unique feature: they can typically be worn during penetrative period sex, as their position high in the vaginal canal makes them less obtrusive. The Saalt Disc is notoriously the best disc for period sex, and they’re also a beloved option for people seeking reusable, eco-friendly alternatives to pads and tampons, and even disposable menstrual discs. While there’s a tiny learning curve at first, many find the freedom and comfort worth the switch.
Key Differences Between Menstrual Discs and Tampons
Choosing the right period product starts with understanding how menstrual discs differ from tampons. Here are the main distinctions:
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Placement: Tampons sit inside the vaginal canal and absorb menstrual flow directly. Discs rest higher, just below the cervix, and collect—rather than absorb—fluid.
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Absorption vs. Collection: Tampons are made of absorbent fibers, while discs act as a reservoir, typically holding 4–6 times more fluid than a standard tampon meaning you can wear menstrual discs for a longer period of time; up to 12 hours to be exact.
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Comfort: Both products can be comfortable; however, discs often conform to your body better and can feel “invisible” when inserted properly.
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Activity Suitability: Both protect during exercise, swimming, and busy days, but only discs allow for mess-free period sex because they don’t block the vaginal canal.
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Sustainability: Tampons and disposable menstrual discs are single-use and create more waste. Discs come in both disposable and reusable options, with reusable menstrual discs being a more eco-friendly choice.
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Changing and Removal: Tampons use an applicator or string, while discs require you to hook a finger under the rim or removal notch for removal—a process that may take practice.
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Learning Curve: Tampons may feel more familiar and easier for beginners, while discs might require more practice but offer longer wear and higher capacity. Menstrual discs are the best reusable product for people with heavy flow.
Knowing these key differences can help you decide which period solution fits your lifestyle and comfort best.
Leak Protection: Which Option Holds More Flow
When choosing menstrual products, knowing which offers better leak protection can make your period much less stressful. The main competitors? Menstrual discs and tampons.
Menstrual Disc Capacity: Period discs sit at the base of the cervix and collect fluid rather than absorb it. Their design lets them hold up to 70 mL of fluid—about five times more than a regular tampon. Because they collect rather than absorb, discs won’t dry you out and can offer up to 12 hours of protection. This high capacity and longer wear time make discs an excellent choice for heavy flows, overnight use, or when you need extra leak protection during activities like swimming or exercising.
Tampon Capacity: Tampons come in various absorbencies, with a super tampon holding around 12–15 mL of fluid. They need more frequent changing—every 4 to 8 hours—especially on heavy days. Overextending wearing time can raise the risk of leaks and health concerns like Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Which Should You Choose? If you have a heavier flow, want fewer changes, or need reliable overnight protection, menstrual discs typically hold more flow and can minimize leaks. Tampons are familiar, discreet, and convenient for lighter days but may require backups for extra-heavy periods.
In summary, for maximum protection and fewer changes, menstrual discs are hard to beat—but tampons remain a handy option for many.
Comfort and Fit During Everyday Activities
Choosing between a period disc and a tampon often comes down to comfort and fit for your everyday routine. Both are designed to help you go about your day, but there are some key differences.
Menstrual Discs: Secure and Flexible
Menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal, tucking at the base of the cervix. This placement means they usually feel “invisible” once properly inserted, even during activities like yoga, sports, or sleeping. Discs move with your body, reducing the risk of leaks and minimizing awareness or discomfort. Plus, they collect rather than absorb, so there’s less chance of dryness or friction.
Tampons: Familiar and Subtle
Many choose tampons for their familiar, low-profile feel. Available in various sizes and absorbencies, they’re easy to find and use. If inserted properly, most people barely feel them, making them suitable for work, exercise, or daily tasks. However, some do experience discomfort if the tampon isn’t at the right depth or the wrong absorbency is used. Tampons may need changing more often, especially for heavy flows or active lifestyles.
Finding Your Fit
Ultimately, both menstrual discs and tampons offer comfort, but what works best depends on your body and routine. If your day includes lots of movement or you’re sensitive to dryness, a disc might be more comfortable. You can try both to see which helps you move confidently through your day.
Environmental Impact and Waste Reduction
When it comes to managing periods, we’re not just making choices for our own comfort—we’re making decisions that affect the planet, too. Let’s get real about the environmental impact of both menstrual discs and tampons.
Traditional tampons are single-use. You unwrap one, use it for a few hours, and toss it in the trash, applicator and all. Over a lifetime, that adds up: the average person who menstruates will use between 5,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons. Most of these products end up in landfills where plastic components and synthetic fibers can take hundreds of years to break down. And it's not just the tampon itself—the wrappers, applicators, and packaging all contribute to daily waste.
Menstrual discs, especially reusable ones, flip the script by massively reducing waste. Most reusable discs are made from medical-grade silicone and are designed to last several years. That means instead of grabbing a new tampon every few hours, you could be using the same disc cycle after cycle. Concerned about cleaning a reusable disc? Not to worry - we’ve got that covered too with the Saalt Steamer. Fewer disposable products in your routine means less trash piling up, less plastic polluting waterways, and a lighter environmental footprint overall.
Choosing between a menstrual disc vs tampon isn’t just about leak protection and comfort—it’s also a step toward living more sustainably. Both your body and the planet will thank you for considering what you toss in the trash each month. Interested in learning how to insert a menstrual disc?
Which Option Is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing between a menstrual disc and a tampon, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—just what works best for your body, lifestyle, and needs. Tampons may be familiar and convenient, but menstrual discs offer longer wear, a lower waste footprint, and can be a true game-changer for those seeking comfort and freedom—especially during exercise, overnight, or on heavy flow days. For students on the go, professionals working long hours, and women in the postpartum journey, a disc’s design minimizes irritation, promotes longevity in wear, and adapts to your changing anatomy. If you’re eco-conscious or tired of those late-night emergency store runs, making the switch to discs (or combining them with Saalt Leakproof Period Panties) can be a smart, sustainable step.
Remember, you don’t have to choose just one. Many people find that a combination of period products—including reusable discs, tampons, and leakproof period underwear—offers the most confidence and flexibility, whatever life throws your way. At Saalt, we’re passionate about supporting all women through every stage of life—with premium, planet-friendly solutions that help you live leak-free, comfortably, and confidently. Ready to try something new? Your next period just got a whole lot easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Menstrual Discs vs. Tampons
Which is more comfortable, a menstrual disc or a tampon?
Comfort depends on your body and preferences. Menstrual discs sit higher in the vaginal canal and many people find them unnoticeable once in position. Tampons rest lower and can cause dryness or discomfort for some users. If tampons irritate you, trying a menstrual disc (like Saalt’s soft, flexible options) may make your period more comfortable.
Can you wear a menstrual disc overnight?
Yes! Menstrual discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, making them ideal for overnight use. You don’t have to worry about changing products during the night. For extra security, Saalt’s leakproof underwear can be paired with a disc for maximum protection until morning.
How long can you wear a menstrual disc?
Most menstrual discs are FDA-cleared for up to 12 hours. This allows for fewer changes compared to tampons. Just remember to empty and clean your disc on schedule to maintain comfort and hygiene.
How long can you wear a tampon?
Tampons should be changed every 4–8 hours and never worn for more than 8 hours. Exceeding this time increases your risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe tampon use.
Are menstrual discs safe?
Menstrual discs made from medical-grade silicone are safe for most users and are FDA-cleared for internal use. Always wash your hands before insertion and removal, clean your disc thoroughly, and follow usage guidelines. If you’re new to discs, brands like Saalt offer user-friendly designs and helpful resources to guide you.
