Best Menstrual Cups vs Menstrual Discs in Australia (2026)
Which reusable period product is right for you?
Reusable period products have moved well beyond being a niche alternative to pads and tampons. Today, menstrual cups and menstrual discs are two of the most popular reusable options for people seeking longer wear, less ongoing waste and greater flexibility during their period.
Although cups and discs are both internal products that collect menstrual fluid, they are not interchangeable. A menstrual cup sits lower in the vaginal canal and forms a seal against the vaginal walls. A menstrual disc sits higher, in the vaginal fornix beneath the cervix, with its front rim tucked behind the pubic bone.
These differences can affect comfort, capacity, insertion, removal and how each product feels during work, sleep, exercise, swimming and travel.
To help you compare the options, we assessed a selection of menstrual cups and menstrual discs available to Australian shoppers. We considered product design, capacity, materials, ease of use, cleaning, sustainability, value and suitability for different bodies and lifestyles.
Which reusable period product may suit you?
A menstrual disc may suit you if you want:
- Suction-free placement
- Higher stated fluid capacity
- More space in the vaginal canal
- The possibility of wear during penetrative sex
- A product positioned higher beneath the cervix
A menstrual cup may suit you if you want:
- A familiar bell-shaped design
- A lower position in the vaginal canal
- A stem or base that helps guide removal
- A wide choice of firmness, length and size options
- A defined seal once the cup has opened correctly
Answer three quick questions
This simple guide is not medical advice. It helps you think about the practical differences between menstrual cups and menstrual discs before reading the full comparison.
my mimi Menstrual Disc
Australian Health & Wellness Awards Best Sustainable Period Care Solution
2025 Winner
2026 Winner
The my mimi Menstrual Disc is our top overall selection for 2026. The Australian-designed reusable disc combines two size options, substantial capacity and an integrated loop tab intended to make removal more approachable.
Unlike a menstrual cup, it rests behind the pubic bone without relying on a cup-style suction seal. Its combination of reusable construction, practical removal support, Australian availability and long-term value contributed to my mimi being named the Australian Health & Wellness Awards Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in both 2025 and 2026.
Menstrual cup and menstrual disc comparison
Select a product type below to compare the reusable menstrual products featured in this guide.
| Product | Type | Best for | Maximum stated wear | Capacity | Editorial score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| my mimi Menstrual Disc | Reusable disc | Best overall | Up to 12 hours | 32 mL or 61 mL | 9.6/10 |
| Hello Disc | Reusable disc | Guided removal | Up to 12 hours | High-capacity design | 9.1/10 |
| DIVA Cup | Reusable cup | Established cup design | Up to 12 hours | Varies by model | 8.9/10 |
| Saalt Disc | Reusable disc | Streamlined design | Follow product instructions | Varies by size | 8.7/10 |
| Lunette Menstrual Cup | Reusable cup | Traditional cup users | Follow product instructions | Varies by model | 8.6/10 |
How we assessed the products
Products were assessed using a consistent editorial framework so readers could compare menstrual cups and menstrual discs against the same criteria.
Comfort
We considered product shape, silicone flexibility, rim design, positioning and the potential for noticeable pressure.
Insertion and removal
We looked at foldability, manufacturer instructions and whether removal is supported by a stem, base, notch, loop or pull tab.
Leak protection
Both cups and discs can provide dependable protection when fit and positioning are correct. Leaks can occur when a product is full, incorrectly positioned or the wrong size.
Capacity
Capacity matters for heavier periods, but the largest product is not automatically the best option. A secure and comfortable fit remains essential.
Cleaning and sustainability
We assessed rinsing, washing, sterilising, storage, reusable life, purchase price, Australian availability and ability to replace disposable products over time.
Customer experience
Public customer feedback was used to identify recurring themes but was not treated as clinical evidence.
The best menstrual cups and menstrual discs in Australia
my mimi Menstrual Disc
Best overall reusable period product
Australian Health & Wellness Awards
Winner – Best Sustainable Period Care Solution
2025 & 2026
Overview
The my mimi Menstrual Disc is a reusable, medical-grade silicone disc available in Small and Large. Rather than forming a cup-style suction seal, it sits in the vaginal fornix beneath the cervix, with the front rim tucked behind the pubic bone.
Its most distinctive feature is the integrated loop tab. This provides a clear point to locate during removal, which may be reassuring for people concerned about reaching or hooking a plain disc rim.
The Small has a stated capacity of 32 mL, while the Large holds up to 61 mL. The product is designed for up to 12 hours of wear, depending on flow.
Why we chose it
- Two size options
- High stated capacity
- Medical-grade silicone
- Suction-free placement
- Integrated removal loop
- Up to 12 hours of wear, depending on flow
- Australian online availability
| Product type | Reusable menstrual disc |
|---|---|
| Material | Medical-grade silicone |
| Sizes | Small and Large |
| Capacity | Small: 32 mL; Large: 61 mL |
| Maximum stated wear | Up to 12 hours, depending on flow |
| Placement | Vaginal fornix, beneath the cervix |
| Seal style | Suction-free placement behind the pubic bone |
| Removal feature | Integrated loop tab |
| Reusable | Yes |
| Australian availability | Available directly from my mimi and selected marketplaces |
Hello Disc
Best premium disc for guided removal
Overview
The Hello Disc is a reusable menstrual disc known for its flexible pull-tab design. Its tab can be used in different positions depending on the wearer's preference, giving users a more defined removal point than a traditional plain-rimmed disc.
Why we chose it
Removal anxiety is a common barrier for people considering a menstrual disc. The Hello Disc addresses that concern through a prominent tab designed to make the product easier to locate.
| Product type | Reusable menstrual disc |
|---|---|
| Material | Medical-grade silicone |
| Sizes | One principal size |
| Maximum stated wear | Up to 12 hours, depending on flow |
| Removal feature | Flexible pull tab |
| Australian availability | Available online; stock and delivery costs may vary |
DIVA Cup
Best established menstrual cup
Overview
The DIVA Cup is one of the most recognisable reusable menstrual cups internationally. It uses a bell-shaped design that sits below the cervix and forms a seal against the vaginal walls.
Why we chose it
DIVA helped bring menstrual cups into the mainstream and provides an established alternative for people who prefer cup placement over disc placement.
| Product type | Reusable menstrual cup |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
| Sizes | Multiple models |
| Maximum stated wear | Up to 12 hours |
| Placement | Vaginal canal, below the cervix |
| Removal feature | Stem and cup base |
Saalt Disc
Best streamlined menstrual disc
Overview
The Saalt Disc is a reusable silicone disc with a streamlined basin and removal notch. It sits beneath the cervix and remains tucked behind the pubic bone rather than creating a cup-style seal.
Why we chose it
Its understated design may appeal to experienced reusable-product users who want a simple shape without a long loop or pull tab.
| Product type | Reusable menstrual disc |
|---|---|
| Material | Medical-grade silicone |
| Placement | Vaginal fornix |
| Removal feature | Removal notch |
| Australian availability | Online availability and delivery costs may vary |
Lunette Menstrual Cup
Best traditional cup alternative
Overview
The Lunette Menstrual Cup is a reusable bell-shaped cup designed to collect menstrual fluid below the cervix. It is folded for insertion, allowed to open inside the vaginal canal and removed by releasing the seal before gently drawing it out.
Why we chose it
Lunette has a long-standing presence in reusable period care and offers a straightforward choice for people who prefer a cup to a disc.
| Product type | Reusable menstrual cup |
|---|---|
| Material | Medical-grade silicone |
| Sizes | Multiple sizes |
| Placement | Vaginal canal |
| Removal feature | Stem and textured base |
What is the difference?
What is a menstrual cup?
A menstrual cup is a flexible, bell-shaped container inserted into the vaginal canal during a period. It sits beneath the cervix and collects menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it.
Most cups include a stem and a textured or reinforced base. To remove one, the wearer reaches the base of the cup, releases the seal and gently draws it out.
What is a menstrual disc?
A menstrual disc is a shallow, flexible basin with a firmer outer rim. It is pinched into a narrow shape, inserted towards the tailbone and positioned in the vaginal fornix beneath the cervix.
Unlike a cup, a disc does not sit vertically in the lower vaginal canal and does not rely on a cup-style suction seal.
| Feature | Menstrual cup | Menstrual disc |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Vaginal canal below the cervix | Vaginal fornix beneath the cervix |
| How it stays in place | Seal against the vaginal walls | Rim tucked behind the pubic bone |
| Insertion | Folded and allowed to open | Pinched lengthways and tucked into place |
| Removal | Seal must be released | Front rim is untucked and drawn out |
| Penetrative sex | Generally removed first | Some designs may be worn, but comfort varies |
| Beginner experience | May suit people who prefer a stem and lower placement | May suit people who prefer suction-free placement and a tab or loop |
Choose a menstrual disc when:
- You prefer suction-free placement
- You want higher stated capacity
- You dislike the feeling of a cup stem
- You want a loop, notch or tab removal option
Choose a menstrual cup when:
- You prefer lower placement
- You want a stem or textured base
- You like the security of a defined seal
- You want more options in firmness and length
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep with a menstrual disc?
Many reusable menstrual discs are designed for overnight wear, commonly up to 12 hours. Your emptying schedule should be based on your flow and the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I sleep with a menstrual cup?
Many menstrual cups can be worn overnight for up to the manufacturer's stated maximum, often between eight and 12 hours.
Can I swim with a menstrual cup or disc?
Yes. Both products collect menstrual fluid internally and can generally be worn while swimming when fitted correctly.
Do menstrual cups use suction?
Menstrual cups form a seal against the vaginal walls. The seal should be released before removal.
Do menstrual discs use suction?
Menstrual discs do not rely on a cup-style suction seal. They stay in position with the rim tucked behind the pubic bone.
Can teenagers use menstrual cups or discs?
People who menstruate can potentially use a cup or disc regardless of whether they have had penetrative sex. Comfort, anatomy, size and readiness are the key considerations.
Can I use a menstrual disc with an IUD?
Some people use menstrual discs with an IUD, but individual medical advice is recommended. Use a careful removal technique and avoid tugging on IUD strings.
Can I use a menstrual cup with an IUD?
Some people do, but the cup seal should always be fully released before removal. Speak with the clinician who inserted or manages your IUD.
How long do menstrual cups and discs last?
Reusable life varies by brand, material, care and frequency of use. Replace the product if it develops tears, cracks, stickiness or significant deterioration.
How do I clean them?
Wash your hands, rinse and wash the product during your cycle, then sterilise it between cycles according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Which leaks less?
Neither product is automatically leak-free for every person. Correct size, fit, positioning and emptying schedule matter more than product category alone.
Which is easier to insert?
Some people find a pinched disc easier to insert, while others prefer a folded cup. Ease depends on anatomy, technique and personal preference.
Which is easier to remove?
Cups offer a stem and base, but the seal must be released. Discs do not require the same seal release, but they can sit higher and may be messier to remove.
Can I exercise while wearing one?
Yes. Both cups and discs can generally be worn during walking, running, gym training, yoga and other exercise when fitted correctly.
Can a menstrual disc empty itself?
Some users experience partial emptying while sitting on the toilet and bearing down. This is often called self-emptying or auto-dumping.
Can you feel a menstrual cup or disc?
A well-fitted cup or disc should generally not be painful. Persistent pressure or pain may indicate that the product is too firm, too large or incorrectly positioned.
Can a menstrual cup or disc get lost?
No. The vagina does not provide an open pathway into the abdomen. A product can move higher and become temporarily difficult to reach, but it cannot disappear inside the body.
Can I use lubricant during insertion?
A small amount of water-based lubricant applied to the rim may make insertion easier. Avoid oil-based lubricants unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility.
Do cups and discs cause toxic shock syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome is rare but serious. Follow hygiene and wear-time instructions and seek urgent medical care if sudden fever, vomiting, dizziness, confusion or a rash develops.
Can I wear a menstrual disc during sex?
Some discs may be worn during penetrative sex because they sit high beneath the cervix. Results vary, and the disc may still be felt, displaced or leak.
Which option is better for heavy periods?
A high-capacity disc may reduce emptying frequency for some people, but fit is essential. A well-fitted cup can also work effectively for heavy periods.
Are reusable period products more sustainable?
They can reduce the number of single-use products required over time. Their overall environmental value depends on manufacturing, cleaning and how long the product is used.
Do I need a backup product?
Backup is optional but can be helpful during the learning period. Period underwear or a reusable liner may provide additional reassurance.
How many cycles does it take to learn?
Some people succeed immediately, while others need two or three cycles to feel confident. Persistent pain or repeated fit problems may mean a different size or design is needed.
Our editor’s choice
After comparing Australia’s leading menstrual cups and menstrual discs against our editorial criteria, the my mimi Menstrual Disc was selected as the Australian Health & Wellness Awards Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in both 2025 and 2026.
The judging panel recognised its combination of sustainable design, long-term value, comfort-focused features and overall user experience, making it our top overall recommendation for readers looking to transition to reusable period care.
A menstrual cup may still be the better choice for people who prefer lower placement, a traditional stem and a cup-style seal. The right decision ultimately depends on anatomy, flow, positioning preference and comfort.
Editorial disclosure
Products in this guide were compared using publicly available manufacturer information, product specifications, Australian accessibility, design features and the Australian Health & Wellness Awards editorial criteria.
This article does not claim that every product was laboratory-tested or personally tested by every member of the editorial team. Product specifications, prices and availability can change, so readers should confirm current information with the manufacturer before purchasing.
Health notice
This article provides general educational information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if you have an IUD, pelvic pain, unusually heavy bleeding, difficulty removing an internal period product or concerns about whether a menstrual cup or disc is suitable for you.