If you’re a regular reader of Period Nirvana, then you’ll know I love a good “novelty” cup. This week we have a Coral Cone review thanks to Jaime, our amazing Period Nirvana Community admin, who kindly sent this intriguing menstrual cup to the US from New Zealand.
The Coral Cone menstrual cup has a lot of unique features. The most notable feature is the removable ribbon stem that threads through the base of the cup and acts like a zip-tie. Made of silicone and sold only in New Zealand, the Coral Cone comes in two sizes.
Coral Cone at a Glance
- Two Size Options: “Mini” and “Midi”
- Medical-Grade Silicone
- Removable Ribbon Stem
- Dimple Base for Easy Insertion
- Average Firmness of “3” on the Period Nirvana Firmness Scale
- Snapping Storage Pouch
- Wave-Grip Ridges
Coral Cone Details and Dimensions
| Coral Cone Mini | ||
| Material | Silicone | |
| Diameter | 41mm | |
| Capacity | 15ml | |
| Firmness | Average – 3/5 | |
| Cup Body Length | 47mm | |
| Total Length | 100mm | |
| Coral Cone Midi | ||
| Material | Silicone | |
| Diameter | 44mm | |
| Capacity | 25ml | |
| Firmness | Average – 3/5 | |
| Cup Body Length | 58mm | |
| Total Length | 110mm | |
The cups are offered in pretty standard sizes. The Mini is a “small,” and their Midi is a “large,” and sizing will follow pretty straightforward guidelines.
Under 30 or haven’t had a full-term pregnancy would qualify for their Mini. Over 30 and/or have had a full-term pregnancy would quality for their Midi. As with all brands, this is not a hard and fast rule, and the decision of which size you think will work best is up to you.
Looking for certain features?
Head over to the Menstrual Cup and Disc Finder to find your perfect fit.
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Start with the Period Nirvana Menstrual Cup and Disc Quiz.
What Makes Coral Cone Menstrual Cup Unique?
Coral Cone has several features that stand out in a crowded collection of other bullet-shaped menstrual cups. Some I would call gimmicks, like a pour spout and self-described “no-spill rim.” Others, like the dimple base and removable ribbon stem, are more novel and serve a purpose.
Ribbon Stem, aka Zip-Tie Stem
The most unique feature of the Coral Cone is their removable ribbon stem. This seems like it could be good for those with a high cervix, or you have the option to remove it. Per the brand’s instructions, they do not recommend cutting the stem shorter. It’s either “on” or “off.”
The stem is thin but feels extremely sturdy, though you wouldn’t want to test the sturdiness by tugging the stem when it’s in your body! I could not wear the stem comfortably, even with how thin it was. Everyone’s bodies are different, so what doesn’t work for me may still work for you.
The downside of a product with removable parts is how they can end up missing. Be sure to keep your stem in a safe place where your pets or kids can’t find it. Or, you could find a new use for the zip-tie on your cords if you never plan to use it on your cup! The stem functions exactly like the reusable silicone cord organizers.
How Coral Cone Menstrual Cup Compares to Other Brands
Coral Cone has the distinction of being the only cup to have a detachable and removable stem, making it both good for users with a high cervix (potentially) and those with an average to low-average cervix height.
Coral Cone has an average firmness, coming in at a 3 on the Period Nirvana firmness scale. Other cups in this firmness include DivaCup and Flex Cup.
The push-dimple base is very similar to another brand, Luneale, but of course, Luneale (sold as La Cup in the US) has no stem.
Coral Cone certainly does boast length. It’s just slightly longer than the Flex Cup with the stem on and the Flex Cup in its longest position. With the Flex Cup in the shortest possible position and the stem off of the Coral Cone, the Coral Cone is shorter overall.
Check out our Menstrual Cup Comparison Chart for more side-by-side comparisons.
Best Way to Insert the Coral Cone
The Coral Cone rim has a flatter top, which makes this cup a bit harder to fold as narrowly as other round-rimmed designs. While I had no issues with inserting or folding this cup, it’s worth noting that even when using smaller menstrual cup folds like the Punchdown, it may have a larger entry diameter than other cups of the same size. A small bit of water-based lubricant can definitely help.
Best Way to Remove the Coral Cone Menstrual Cup
I wasn’t able to test the detachable ribbon stem, since my cervix is too low to wear it comfortably. The stem threads through an opening in the base and secures like a reusable zip-tie. It can be threaded and unthreaded again and again, unlike plastic permanent zip ties.
The concept is definitely interesting, and I love a good novelty cup idea. As I said in the video, sometimes the ideas are insane (Screw Cup anyone?), and sometimes, they are surprisingly good (MoreCup custom fit design.) The issue for me with this stem is that I simply can’t test it and provide useful feedback to you.
I will note that for users with a high cervix, I’m not entirely convinced that you will be able to reach the cup, even with the stem. Since menstrual cups create a suction, it’s best not to remove your cup by pulling straight down on the stem.
When users can barely reach their stem, the best option is to use it to wiggle the cup from side to side to avoid that suction feeling. This doesn’t always work, though.
Another point is that not everyone feels that intense suction with their cup, so you may be able to pull the stem without any discomfort. The best practice is to always break your cup’s seal when removing it. You can do this by pinching the base, but you have to be able to reach it first.
With a structured base, you will likely need to reach higher on the body of the cup to break your seal when removing.
My Personal Experience Using Coral Cone
The Coral Cone has been one of the most comfortable menstrual cups I’ve used. The firmness and shape agreed with my body. Wearing Coral Cone without the ribbon stem results in the “forgot I was on my period” comfort I enjoy more often with menstrual discs than cups.
When I wore the cup with the stem, I gave it as honest a try as my body could handle, which included tucking the stem back inside instead of letting it hang out of my body like a tampon string. I took a long walk and wanted to pull my hair out from annoyance.
My periods aren’t super heavy, so the lower capacity of the Midi size, which holds 25 ml, was enough for me to use. The entire period was leak-free. I can see how this cup wouldn’t stand up to a heavy period, however.
Favorite Feature: Push Dimples
I’m a stemless cup fan, so the option to wear Coral Cone without the stem is my preference, and required for my comfort. The design of this cup’s base is a “dimple” grip. This structured bottom makes pushing your cup into place super easy. It was my favorite part of using the Coral Cone.
Since this base has structure to it, the dimple grip will not help you break the suction when you pinch this area. You will need to pinch higher on the cup when you are breaking the cup’s seal for removal.
Least Favorite Feature: Wave Grips
When reviewing cups, I’m always mindful of how easy they are to clean. The raised “wave grip” around the base likes to catch debris. So, even with regular washing, without extra care and attention, it can leave some things behind that will accumulate. However, a soft-bristle brush or wipe and your fingernail can take care of it. All period products will eventually stain, but the dark blue color of Coral Cone Midi is a nice shade that will take longer to show stains over time.
Final Score
My ratings are based on wearing the Coral Cone stemless. Five blood drops equal a perfect rating.
Overall grade 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Ease of insertion 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Ease of removal 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Leak factor 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Comfort factor 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Where to Find Coral Cone
This brand is only available in New Zealand directly from CoralCone.com. Just prepare yourself for a website clearly written by fans of The Good Place. It’s a forkin’ lot. Their website is also not fully inclusive in the language they use.
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