Tampons vs Cups: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to managing your period, there are more options available than ever before. This is a huge win, but it can also be a little overwhelming to understand what might be best for you.
Whether you’re just starting to navigate your menstrual cycle or you’re looking to switch things up, understanding the menstrual cups vs tampons debate can make a huge difference when it comes to finding your period bliss.
Plus, let’s not forget about other modern options like period underwear (AKA leakproof panties). Let’s break it down and find out what works best for you!
Tampons vs Cups: Side-by-Side Comparison
To help you make the best choice, we’ve broken down the key differences in a quick overview.
Here’s what you need to know to find your perfect fit.
Feature |
Tampon |
Menstrual Cup (Saalt Cup) |
|---|---|---|
Capacity |
A regular tampon holds roughly 6–9 mL; a super-absorbent tampon can hold up to about 12 mL |
The Saalt Cup Regular can hold up to 30 mL, about three times as much fluid as a regular tampon |
Wear Time |
Tampons need to be changed every four to eight hours |
A menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours |
Reusable |
No. Tampons are disposable and single-use |
Yes. A menstrual cup is reusable and significantly reduces waste |
Cost Over Time |
The average person spends approximately $100–$150 per year on tampons or pads |
A menstrual cup costs around $35–$45 upfront and lasts up to 10 years |
Learning Curve |
Minimal. Most people learn quickly |
Takes a bit of practice (1–3 cycles is typical) |
Safety Considerations |
Risk of TSS; reports of tampons containing bleached cotton and heavy metals |
Lower TSS risk. The Saalt Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone with no BPA |
Environmental Impact |
Disposable menstrual products contribute to landfill waste |
One reusable cup replaces thousands of used tampons and pads over its lifetime |
Now that you're aware of the basics, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the tampon vs. menstrual cup debate.
Ready to see how they really stack up?
Tampons: The Classic Choice
Tampons – they’re the dry, little cotton cylinders you insert into your vagina to absorb menstrual blood, and are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about menstrual products.
They’re small and pretty easy to use. But they can be uncomfortable, unreliable, and potentially more unsafe than other options out there.
Pros:
- Convenience: You can find tampons at nearly every grocery store, pharmacy, and public women’s restroom, so they are an easy option to look for when you are in a pinch.
- Low-key: They’re tiny and fit in your pocket, so you don’t have to worry about anyone noticing. Plus, they don’t require any cleanup.
- Effective: With the right absorbency level, tampons can handle a moderate to heavy flow without leaks. But it can take some time to learn what works best for you. And, you may need to switch it up during your cycle as your flow changes. But, at the end of the day, using a tampon is a tried and true choice for many people.
Cons:
- Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): It’s rare, but it’s something to be aware of. Tampon use (especially with a super-absorbent tampon) is one of the primary risk factors for TSS. You can learn the risks of TSS here. If you have concerns about TSS, discuss them with your health care provider.
- Environmental Impact: They’re disposable, so they end up in landfills, which isn’t great for the environment. Plus, disposable tampons add up fast when you consider a lifetime of periods.
- Shorter Wear Time: Tampons can usually only be worn safely for 4-8 hours, which means more frequent changes throughout the day and very little overnight protection (especially on those heavy flow days). That also means you may need to carry extra pads or tampons with you wherever you go.
- Comfort Issues: Some people find them a bit uncomfortable or hard to insert properly. The absorbing fibers can also dry you out and cause irritation and uncomfortable removal sometimes.
- Option Overload: Tampons and pads come in different absorbencies and brands, so it can be hard to know which one is best.
- Safety Concerns: New research found that tampons may contain harmful heavy metals. There have also been reports of tampons containing bleached cotton, which has raised questions about long-term safety. Click here to read the study.
Menstrual Cups: The Modern Option for Comfort & Convenience
Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s, but they’ve come a long way in design and comfort.
These flexible cups are made from medical-grade silicone and inserted into the vagina, where they collect (rather than absorb) menstrual blood.
The period cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, which means less hassle throughout the day, and it provides excellent coverage and comfort.
Menstrual cups come in different sizes to fit different bodies. Smaller cups are often recommended for teens or first-time cup users, while larger sizes tend to work better for people with a heavier flow or who have given birth.
The right size of the cup depends on the size of your body, your cervix height, and your flow.
The Saalt Cup, for example, comes in Regular and Small so you can find the fit that suits your cup and your menstrual flow best.
Pros:
- Eco-Friendly: A single reusable menstrual cup, like the Saalt Cup, can last for up to 10 years, which means less waste and fewer trips to the store.
- Cost-Effective: A cup is reusable and significantly cheaper over time. The average person spends approximately $100–$150 per year on tampons or pads. A Saalt Cup costs around $35–$45 and lasts up to 10 years, replacing over 3,000 disposable tampons and saving you roughly $1,000–$1,500 over its lifetime. You’ll never have to buy tampons on a monthly basis again.
- High Capacity: The period cup holds more fluid than tampons, which is awesome for heavy days and provides more leak-proof protection. Specifically, a regular tampon absorbs about 6-9 mL, while the Saalt Cup Regular replaces 4 tampons (which means it holds approximately 30 mL).
- Longer Wear Times: Since they can be worn safely for up to 12 hours, cups are a great option for those on the go; whether at school, at work, or out adventuring. No need to carry backup pads or tampons, and no swapping them out during your day. Plus, it can even be worn comfortably overnight. Bye, bye overnight pads! You can even wear a menstrual cup around the time that you expect your period for worry-free protection.
- A Safer Option for People on Their Period: A study found that menstrual cup users reported fewer infections and irritation. And, because the Saalt Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone with no BPA, it’s a safe option for women during their period, and anyone of any age can use a cup.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: It might take a bit of practice to get the hang of inserting and removing it. But don’t worry, we have dedicated Saalt Coaches on standby to help you with personalized advice & tips. Just email us at sayhey@saalt.com.
- Maintenance: You’ll need to clean it regularly, which is a new responsibility when making the switch from disposable period products to reusable period products. But buddies like our Saalt Steamer and Travel Bundle can help make cleaning super manageable at home or on the go.
Making the Switch from Tampons to a Menstrual Cup
The benefits of switching to menstrual cups from tampons go beyond just saving money (though that part’s pretty great).
But let’s be honest: there’s a learning curve when you first use a cup. Most menstrual cup users say it takes about 1–3 cycles to feel fully comfortable, and that’s totally normal
So, how do you make it past the curve?
1. Learning to Insert a Menstrual Cup
Cups are inserted differently from tampons (you fold the cup, not push it in), and once the seal is confirmed, it’s hands-off for up to 12 hours.
To use a menstrual cup, you fold the cup into a C-fold or punch-down fold, then insert the folded cup into your vagina at an angle, similar to how you would insert a tampon.
Once inserted, the rim of the cup creates a light seal against the vaginal walls.
To remove, pinch the base of the cup to release the seal and gently pull. A cup may not fit perfectly on the first try, but most people get comfortable after 1–3 cycles.
If you’re curious but nervous, Saalt’s 90-day Bliss Guarantee removes the financial risk of trying out the Saalt Cup. If you don’t love it, you have 90 days to return or exchange it.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance
After every use, rinse the cup with cold water and a gentle, unscented wash.
To sterilize between cycles, place the cup in boiling water for 5–10 minutes. For more convenient options, you could use the Saalt Steamer or Compact Sterilizer. You should sterilize your cup before and after every cycle.
Changing the cup in a public restroom? Just empty it, wipe it with toilet paper or a Saalt Cup Wipe, and reinsert. You can rinse the cup more thoroughly when you’re home.
3. Getting Used to The Feel
Cup use takes some getting used to. It’s worth noting that inserting the cup feels different from using a tampon.
You may notice the side of the cup as it opens inside you, and that’s normal. You’ll be a pro before you know it.
Not Sold on Either? There Are Other Options, Too
Tampons and cups are not the only two names on the list. If neither one is clicking for you, a few other reusable options are worth a look, and you don't have to pick just one. Plenty of people mix and match depending on the day:
These are underwear that look and feel like your regular pair, but with built-in absorbent layers that soak up flow and lock it away, no insertion required.
Saalt's period underwear comes in five absorbency levels, from Light (about 2+ tampons' worth) to Super (8+ tampons' worth), so there's a pair for every day of your cycle. And they're never treated with PFAS, which is one less thing to think about.
Like a cup, but with a different fit: discs sit higher up in the vaginal fornix, just below the cervix, instead of in the vaginal canal. Because they don't rely on suction or your pelvic floor to stay put, a lot of people find them more comfortable, especially postpartum. They hold a lot, too.
The Saalt Disc offers up to 12 hours of protection day or night, with the regular size holding up to 50 mL, roughly six tampons' worth.
Finding your match is usually a bit of trial and error, and that's completely normal. Try a couple of options, see what fits your body and your routine, and go from there.
Find Your Period Match
Choosing between tampons and a menstrual cup comes down to what fits your lifestyle and comfort level best.
The menstrual cup vs tampon debate really boils down to your priorities: convenience, cost, sustainability, or wear time.
Menstrual cups offer sustainability and high capacity, while tampons are convenient and familiar. And don’t forget about the best period underwear—they’re great for extra protection and comfort.
Try out different options and see what feels right for you. Everyone’s period experience is unique, so finding your perfect match might take a bit of experimentation.
Note: Menstrual Cups & Discs still carry a risk of TSS, although it is less common.
Learn: how to insert a menstrual cup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do menstrual cups compare to tampons in terms of leak protection and capacity?
Menstrual cups hold significantly more fluid than tampons. A regular tampon absorbs about 6-9 mL, while the Saalt Cup Regular replaces 4 regular tampons. This higher capacity translates to better leak protection, especially on heavy days. Because the cup collects fluid rather than absorbing it, many people find that cups provide more reliable, all-day coverage without the constant worry of leaks.
Can switching from tampons to a reusable cup save a significant amount of money over time?
Yes. The average person spends around $100–$150 per year on tampons and pads. A Saalt Cup costs approximately $35–$45 and lasts up to 10 years, saving you roughly $1,000–$1,500 over its lifetime. That’s more than 3,000 disposable tampons you won’t need to buy. A reusable cup pays for itself within a few months.
Is a menstrual cup harder to use than a tampon for someone with no internal product experience?
There’s definitely a learning curve, but it’s manageable. To use a cup, you fold the cup and insert it at an angle, similar to inserting a tampon. Most people feel comfortable after about 1–3 cycles. Saalt also offers dedicated Saalt Coaches who can walk you through personalized tips if you need extra support. And with Saalt’s 90-day Bliss Guarantee, you can try it risk-free.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician, gynecologist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, vaginal health, or the compatibility of reusable menstrual products with your body. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately contact a doctor or call your local emergency services.
