Reviewing MORE zero waste period products: reusable tampons + menstrual cup vs menstrual disc
I’m a HUGE period underwear fan which means that’s all I’ve talked about in the last two years. But since then, I’ve tried some new period products. Not only new to me, but some are also new to the market! So, let’s compare menstrual cups to menstrual discs as well as review reusable tampon applicators. Don’t worry, I’ll still leave you with some of my favorite period underwear brands at the end if you aren’t a fan of internal period products
Menstrual cup vs menstrual disc
Here’s my quick minute version comparing the two in a YouTube shorts
Those are the key details. I’ve tried several brands of menstrual cups over the last 6 or so years with little success. Now, this is all anecdotal, I know MANY people who use and love and swear by menstrual cups, but I do not. Here’s why: I almost always have leaks and due to my low cervix, I can almost always feel my menstrual cup which makes wearing one very uncomfortable. They are also hard to use in public. The good news, of course, is that it can be worn for 12 hours at a time (theoretically more) which means you can go to school or work or catch a flight without having to worry about how you will empty and clean it. Cleaning is possible in public either in single-stall restrooms or by bringing a water bottle with you to rinse it out quickly over the toilet.
That’s why I made the switch to a menstrual disc which I WILL swear by. I never have leaks, even as a beginner. I never feel it, even with a low cervix (that being said, the OG Nixit was too big still for my cervix so I went with the smallest option I could find from Saalt Cup (that link gets you $10 off $29), and it works like a charm). I like that you can dump out the contents while it is still inside you without having to actually remove it completely, which makes use in public very convenient and less messy. But the process is similar to the disc in that it can be hard to dump, clean, and reuse while in public. You find ways to make it work. I found that the menstrual disc had a lower learning curve and was easier to learn as a beginner. I also had less fear of using it as an IUD user.
Again, these are all personal thoughts. I love the reusability, the lack of fear about TSS, and the ease of use, but it all depends on your needs and your body. If you have a normal-to-high cervix, a cup may be better for you. You CAN make either option work with IUDs, you just have to be careful. If you have troubles with discs (leaking, uncomfortableness, etc) I recommend you try the disc before giving up on reusables entirely.
Here is a great quiz to find the best menstrual cup for you. They also have a menstrual disc quiz. You could take the quiz to narrow down a few brands before making the jump.
Reusable Tampon Applicator
Whatttttt?? A reusable TAMPON? This sustainable tampon from Dame (this link gets you 20% off) I love this swap for several reasons:
1. It’s a great steppingstone from traditionally wasteful products to a more eco one without having to commit to an entirely new period routine
2. It’s great for folks with disabilities or other needs of an applicator. For example, I am a hiker/backpacker so when I’m out I the backcountry with no soap and water, this is a great sanitary way for me to manage my period without having to worry about dirty hands inside me or an unwashed period cup.
3. There is no learning curve if you already use tampons
4. It’s less messy
5. It’s way less waste than traditional tampons
(Yes, I already know internationally, applicator-free tampons are the norm. In fact, I think we all know this. Please do NOT shame people in my comments for wanting or needing to use an applicator. That is why I’m offering this less wasteful alternative.)
That’s basically my review. I have no complaints. I love the little amount of waste it creates, I love the ease of use, and it makes me so much more comfortable on backpacking trips than trying to be sanitary and not leak all over the place with a cup or a disc (though now that I’m a strong disc fan, I may have to give that a go once I backpack somewhere with more water). As a backpacker, it takes up so much less space which is essential. Look at this small baggie that is holding over 30 (yes, THIRTY) tampons!
This is a product I wish I had known about sooner. It’s been a game changer as someone who can’t do menstrual cups and who it outside and dirty a lot. If you’re in the same boat as me, this is an excellent swap.
Period underwear
We won’t cover it long, because I’ve already talked your ear off about period underwear, but I want to cover it briefly for those who don’t like internal period care.
You can get much more info in these videos about period underwear:
- Answering all your period underwear questions: how long to they last, do they smell, etc
- How to wash period underwear to make them last (the long version)
- How to care for period underwear (the minute version)
- Period underwear vs menstrual cup vs reusable pads
- My thoughts after using period underwear for the first time
- Comparing dozens of period underwear, first thoughts
And, something new from Modibodi and other brands is period SHORTS which are comfy and work really well!
Here are my quick pros and cons of period underwear:
My top brands are:
1. Modibodi is my fav for inclusivity: disability, size, and gender inclusivity. Not to mention amazing quality and fit
2. Lilova has a wide range of styles and is very comfortable
3. Bambody is a great budget option
What questions do you have about these zero-waste period products? This is one of my fav topics to talk about and wants to keep it going! Let me know which one you’re going to try down below.
Thank you for reading along and as always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)
Emma
