Key Takeaways:
- Personalized Period Care: Choose between a tampon vs. cup based on your lifestyle, priorities, and comfort level.
- Sustainability And Cost: Menstrual cups offer long-term savings and reduced environmental impact, while tampons provide convenience and familiarity.
- Empowerment Through Choice: With the right education and support, you can select period care that aligns with your values and needs.
If you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of a tampon vs. menstrual cup, you’re one step ahead of the game. As more people explore reusable options, conversations around safety, comfort, and sustainability are more important than ever.
At Saalt, we believe informed choices lead to more empowered periods. That’s why we design menstrual cups and period panties that are thoughtfully engineered to support your body while reducing waste. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between tampons and menstrual cups—from comfort and cost to care and environmental impact—so you can choose the option that feels right for you.
Menstrual Cups: A Sustainable Choice
Imagine opening your bathroom cabinet to find a single, streamlined product—no boxes, wrappers, or waste. Just one reusable tool designed for comfort, confidence, and ease. That’s the promise of a menstrual cup. Made from soft, medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are worn internally to collect (not absorb) your period flow, offering a clean, reusable alternative to disposable products.
Why Choose A Cup?
Switching to a reusable product like a menstrual cup is about supporting your body and the planet. The Saalt Cup offers up to 12 hours of protection, day or night, and is reusable for up to 10 years with proper care. It’s made from 100% medical-grade silicone and is free of odors, BPA, latex, and toxins. As an FDA-registered and compliant product, you can feel confident about what’s going in your body.
Need help getting started? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to insert a menstrual cup to make your first try smoother.
More Freedom, Less Waste
Beyond the environmental benefits, menstrual cups offer a sense of freedom. No more asking yourself if you packed enough supplies or making last-minute pharmacy runs. Whether you’re on the trail, at the gym, or hitting snooze on a weekend morning, you can move through your day with fewer interruptions.
If you prefer external protection for backup or lighter days, period underwear and moisture wicking underwear are great companions. They’re comfortable, easy to wash, and give you the freedom to tailor your routine however you need.
A Small Shift With Big Impact
Using a menstrual cup is a quiet, everyday act of sustainability. It's about reducing waste, simplifying your cycle, and investing in something that supports both your body and the planet. And in that simple shift, you gain more than a product—you gain peace of mind.
Tampons: Familiar, But Come With A Cost
Tampons are one of the most commonly used menstrual products and have been a go-to solution for decades. These small, cylindrical products are typically made of cotton or rayon and are designed to be inserted into the vaginal canal, where they absorb menstrual flow directly from the source. Once inserted, a tampon expands as it fills with fluid, creating a gentle barrier that helps prevent leaks while allowing you to move freely throughout your day. The string at the base stays outside the body and makes removal simple.
Why People Choose Tampons
One reason tampons remain popular is their convenience. They come in various absorbency levels (light, regular, super) so users can match protection to their flow. Their compact size makes them easy to keep in a bag or pocket, and because they’re worn internally, tampons can offer a sense of freedom during physical activity like swimming or playing sports.
While tampons are convenient, they’re also single-use. If sustainability is a priority in your period care routine, this is something to consider. Unlike reusable options, tampons require constant repurchasing, creating packaging and landfill waste over time.
Reliability And Leak Protection
Tampons offer reliable protection when changed regularly, but many people still experience leaks, especially during heavy flow days or overnight. On the other hand, menstrual cups and discs are designed to collect fluid at the source without disrupting your day (or sleep).
Pairing a reusable insertable with leakproof underwear adds an extra layer of confidence. Whether you choose a full-coverage brief for heavy days or moisture wicking underwear for lighter flows or daily wear, you’re building a routine that puts you in control.
Proper Use And Safety
Tampons require some practice to use comfortably. When inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel them. If a tampon feels uncomfortable, it may need to be positioned slightly higher in the vaginal canal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health professionals recommend changing tampons every 4 to 8 hours. This helps prevent leaks and reduces the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): a rare but serious condition. TSS is associated with the prolonged use of internal menstrual products and can develop when specific factors align, including the presence of toxins produced by certain bacteria and an entry point to the bloodstream. Practicing good hygiene, including regular changing of tampons, is key to reducing risk and supporting a safe, healthy period.
Cost Considerations: Losing Money Over Time
While tampons may seem like the cheaper option upfront, their long-term cost adds up quickly. The average person who menstruates uses thousands of disposable products over their lifetime, meaning repeated purchases, packaging, and waste.
A menstrual cup is a one-time investment that can last for years with mindful maintenance. Even adding a few pairs of period underwear for backup will cost significantly less over time than restocking single-use items each month. The result? More savings, fewer trips to the store, and a smaller environmental footprint with every cycle.
Choosing The Right Option For Your Lifestyle
No two cycles look exactly the same. That’s why period care should be as flexible and personalized as the people who use it. When comparing a tampon vs a cup, the best choice should always be what’s most comfortable for you.
On-The-Go Convenience
If you often manage a full schedule, a menstrual cup can fit seamlessly into your day. With up to 12 hours of wear, it offers longer-lasting protection with fewer interruptions—perfect for long shifts, outdoor adventures, or sleeping through a whole night without waking up to change.
Tampons, on the other hand, are familiar and easy to find just about anywhere. They’re a good option for lighter flows or irregular cycles and take up very little space. If your period sneaks up on you while you’re out and about, having a tampon handy in your purse might be a lifesaver.
Thinking About Sustainability
Sustainability is a big reason many people switch to reusable period products. Menstrual cups and period discs are durable, low-waste options that help reduce the number of disposables sent to landfills over time. Choosing a reusable option can also lower your monthly costs and support a more eco-conscious routine.
If you’re not ready to switch entirely to reusables, tampons made without plastic applicators or those packaged in compostable materials can still support your environmental goals.
Comfort And Familiarity
Comfort looks different for everyone. Some appreciate the “barely there” feel of a menstrual cup, which collects flow rather than absorbing it, helping reduce dryness or irritation. Others prefer the simplicity and familiarity of tampons, especially when starting out or during transitional stages of their period journey.
Trust Yourself
Ultimately, there’s no “right” choice—only the one that feels best for you. Whether you reach for a tampon, a cup, or a combination of both, the goal is the same: Period care that keeps up with your life and makes you feel secure. Your cycle, your comfort, your call.
Switching To A Menstrual Cup: A Guide
Ditching tampons for a menstrual cup is a powerful move toward comfort, sustainability, and way fewer bathroom runs. We know it’s a big shift—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to start using the Saalt Cup with confidence.
Step 1: Get Familiar With Your Anatomy
Your anatomy is the best place to begin. The Saalt Cup sits in the vaginal canal, just below the cervix, where it forms a light seal and molds to your shape for secure, leak-free protection. It collects rather than absorbs, so you’ll experience less dryness, fewer changes, and more freedom.
Step 2: Wash Up
Clean hands = clean start. Before inserting your cup, wash both your hands and your cup with warm water and a mild, pH-balanced cleanser like our dedicated Saalt Cup Wash. Sanitize your cup between cycles by boiling for 4–5 minutes (never more than 7), using tongs or a whisk to keep it off the bottom of the pot. Want a faster way? Try the Saalt Steamer or Compact Sanitizer.
Step 3: Practice Your Fold And Angle
Fold your Saalt Cup into a “C-fold” or “punch-down” and gently insert it while aiming toward your tailbone. Once it’s inside, let it open and rotate slightly to create a seal. That light seal is key—it keeps your cup in place and prevents leaks, even on your busiest days. (Yes, even in white jeans.) For illustrations and more detailed instructions, see our full menstrual cup instructions.
Step 4: Wear & Go
The Saalt Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. That means uninterrupted workdays, full nights of sleep, and no midday scramble for a backup product. It collects 3–4x more than a tampon, so you can worry less and live more.
Step 5: Remove Without The Mess
Removing your cup doesn’t have to be messy. Just relax, pinch the base to break the seal, and wiggle it out slowly. Empty the contents into the toilet, rinse first with cold water (to avoid staining), then wash with Saalt Wash or a mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting.
Step 6: Clean, Dry, Store
Between cycles, sanitize your cup again by boiling or wiping it with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dry completely and store in your breathable cotton bag—never in a plastic or airtight container (those trap moisture and can damage your cup over time).
Need Help Choosing A Size?
The Saalt Cup comes in multiple sizes to fit your body and flow. Most people can use any size, but one may be more comfortable than the others. Factors like age, cervix height, and pelvic floor health all play a role. Take the Saalt Cup Quiz to find your best match.
Your Questions Are Always Welcome (Even The TMI Ones)
At Saalt, we don’t whisper about our periods. With a bit of practice, we know that you’ll be able to use your menstrual cup like a pro. Even if you don’t get it perfect the first time, practice makes perfect. If you’re still feeling unsure, we’d love to help! Whether you’re curious about folds, fit, or how to clean your cup after a long day, we’ve got you. Feel free to reach out to us anytime or visit our Saalt Cup Academy to get real-time advice from other users.
Making the Switch
When it comes to choosing between a menstrual cup vs. tampon, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of tampons, the long-lasting sustainability of a menstrual cup, or the added confidence of pairing either option with period underwear, Saalt is here to support your journey. With the right information and a little practice, you can build a period routine that works better for you—and feels better, too.
Read also:
- TSS: What You Need To Know And How To Prevent It
- How Is A Menstrual Disc Different Than A Tampon?
- Are Reusable Menstrual Products FSA/HSA Eligible?
Frequently Asked Questions About Tampon vs. Menstrual Cup
Are tampons or menstrual cups more environmentally friendly?
Menstrual cups offer a significantly more sustainable option. A single Saalt Cup can be reused for years, replacing thousands of single-use tampons and pads that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. Made with medical-grade silicone and responsibly packaged, Saalt cups reflect our commitment to people and the planet.
What is the cost difference between tampons and menstrual cups?
While tampons may seem less expensive upfront, the costs add up over time. The average person spends hundreds of dollars on disposables throughout their menstruating years. A Saalt Cup is a one-time purchase that provides reusable protection, saving you money cycle after cycle.
How often should I change my tampon vs. menstrual cup?
Tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours to help prevent leaks and reduce the risk of infection. A Saalt Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, offering longer wear between changes. This is especially helpful for busy days, overnight use, or reducing interruptions during work or travel.
Which is easier to use for beginners, tampons or menstrual cups?
Tampons tend to feel more familiar due to cultural norms and early exposure. But with a little practice, menstrual cups can be just as easy—and often more empowering. Saalt provides helpful tutorials and step-by-step support to guide you, so you can feel confident with your cup.
Which is more comfortable, tampons or menstrual cups?
Comfort depends on your body and preferences. Many people find menstrual cups more comfortable because they eliminate the feeling of a string and reduce dryness. Saalt Cups are made with soft, medical-grade silicone that flexes with your body, offering a secure fit without the friction that some experience with tampons. We also have a Saalt Soft Cup, designed to be extra gentle for those with bladder sensitivity, cramping, or discomfort with firmer cups.
Can a menstrual cup cause toxic shock syndrome as tampons can?
TSS is extremely rare but can occur with any internal menstrual product. Proper hygiene—such as washing hands, sanitizing your cup between cycles, and emptying it every 12 hours—is key to reducing risk. With correct use, menstrual cups are considered a low-risk and safe option for period care.
