Search
EFF logo for round

Softcup Menstrual Disc Review

Meet the Instead Softcup, a disposable menstrual disc. To be honest with you, I debated whether or not to review the Softcup because of its disposable nature. While they now offer a reusable option, it is still meant to be a disposable product. The ‘reusable’ cup is meant only for a single period and the regular Softcup is to be disposed of after each use.

When it came down to it, I decided to do the review because, above all else, my hope is that all women use safe products and know their options. I believe that the Softcup is a safe alternative to traditional tampons and pads that use non-organic cotton and synthetic fibers and is a good option for women choosing safe & healthy feminine hygiene products.

I was a long time tampon user and when the idea of “menstrual cups” came up it wasn’t really something that I jumped up to check out right away. I kept hearing about them and how great they were and eventually my curiosity got the best of me – and I’m so thankful that it did! My first cup was a silicone type. While the SoftCup has shape and fit differences, it shares many of the same benefits.

Cups are eco-friendly, super convenient, comfortable and above all else menstrual cups are safe. They don’t contain the toxins that most disposable products do, some of which have been linked to Endometriosis, fertility issues and even cancer. They also have no known link to Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can be deadly and difficult to recognize.

In addition to those amazing qualities, the Softcup is easy to use. The first thing I noticed was that the Softcup is inserted differently than a tampon or silicone menstrual cup. Perhaps this is an odd analogy but when you are sitting think of the cup as a “drawer” (yea, like cabinetry). To insert the Softcup you will squeeze the sides of the band to flatten the ‘O’ and then insert being sure to get the cup just behind the cervix and then tilting the front of the band up slightly to get a secure fit. To remove you’ll just slip your finger under the rim of the cup and pull it out level (kind of like a drawer). Once removed you can simply empty the cup.  If that didn’t make any sense, check out the video demonstration below:

 

The Instead Softcup can be worn for up to 12 hours (convenient!), is great for swimming, sports and any other strenuous activities – like sex. Yes ladies – sex. Unlike any other menstrual product you can have sex with the Softcup in. As you saw in the video above, the Softcup is made up primarily of a very thin, pliable layer of material and fits similarly to the way a diaphragm does – allowing you to enjoy a mess-free sexual relationship with your partner if you choose.

As they say, “Softcups have no wings, no strings . . . just freedom!”

The Softcup is available in two styles – Disposable (single use) and Reusable (use for a single cycle and then dispose). The two cups are virtually identical, with the exception of the material that they are made from – and the color.  Check out the photo and clip below to see the two side by side.

 

I think that the Softcup is a great option for women. I love the benefits over traditional products – hands down. I find the cups to be very comfortable. Once inserted, I don’t notice it a bit.  It is basically all but forgotten – which is fantastic. Who wants to worry about their menstrual product all day?  Another nice thing about the Softcup is how extremely easy it is to insert – no folding, twisting, or fidgeting – simply squeeze, insert, done. The ease of insertion is definitely nice for anyone who may be worried about the use of slightly more complicated products. Something else worth noting is that these products can be found basically anywhere. I even spotted them at my local, small town grocer!

What I didn’t care for was the removal of the cup. I felt a bit of pressure when removing the cup and I found it to be a little messy. I didn’t spill anything or get anything on me, it was just the general size and surface area of the cup that allowed for a bit more to clean than I am use to. For the disposable product, I see no issue with this. Removal was simple so tossing it into the waste would be a breeze and ideal for when a woman may need to empty the cup in public or that are completely uninterested in a reusable product.  The reusable version would not be quite as simple to use and rinse in public – though a small squirt water bottle could be handy to have for in-stall rinsing.

If you have any questions about the Instead Softcup please post them below and I will do my best to answer them. If you have used the product, please join the conversation and share your experience!

  • About Me

  • © 2023 Breathe Love Play, LLC. All Rights Reserved

    This website accepts select banner advertising and features affiliate links which help me generate income.