The Fillow Disc and Applicator began in 2023 as a Kickstarter. The concept introduced the first menstrual disc and applicator product – designed by four friends. The Kickstarter promised two sizes of discs, each featuring a long removal stem, and a slender applicator designed to work with their disc. Period Nirvana wrote about the Kickstarter in 2023 and we pledged to support it. Nearly three years later, after numerous delays, the package finally arrived. I tried it for my February cycle and can share my Fillow Disc review with you.
Fillow Disc Details and Dimensions
- Available in TWO Sizes – Small (63mm) and Large (68 mm)
- Slender Soft-Tip Applicator
- Trimmable Removal Stem
- Firm Rim
- High Capacity (61 ml and 78 ml)
| Fillow Disc Small | |
| Material | Silicone |
| Diameter | 63 mm |
| Capacity | 61 ml |
| Firmness | Firm – 4.5/5 |
| Fillow Disc Large | |
| Material | Silicone |
| Diameter | 68 mm |
| Capacity | 78 ml |
| Firmness | Firm – 4.5/5 |
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 Fillow Disc Unique – Overview of Features
Applicator Included. The Fillow Disc offers people a way to insert their menstrual disc using an applicator designed to fit their two disc sizes. The disc folds lengthwise to insert into the applicator barrel, and is pushed out with a pusher in much the same way as a tampon with an applicator.
Generous capacity of either 61 ml or 78 ml provides ample capacity for heavy periods when using either size option.
Removal Stem – The Fillow Disc has a long removal stem attached at the rim. It’s sturdy enough that it’s unlikely to ever break and can be trimmed shorter or entirely off if needed.
Firm Double Rim. The firmness score for Fillow is 4.5 out of 5, making it one of the firmest reusable discs available. Firmness is is subjective and my rating is also influenced by how it wears in the body. This firm rim helps the disc push through the Fillow Applicator.
How Fillow Disc Compares to Other Brands
Fillow’s two sizes of menstrual discs can be best compared to the Lumma Medium and Lumma High size options. Like Lumma, the disc offers a long removal stem as well. The rim of each Fillow Disc is close in firmness to the Flex Disc. The double seal rim is similar to the Nixit. Fillow’s small size is the same diameter as Lumma Medium, the large size is the same diameter as Lumma High and Hello Disc.
The reusable applicator is longer and slimmer than the Sunny Cup’s reusable menstrual cup applicator, but has a similar, even softer and more pliable petal tip design. The Fillow applicator is designed specifically to fit and work with Fillow’s discs, however it works with several other reusable discs including Nixit, Poppins Period, Lumma Disc, and other discs with rims on the thinner side. It does not fit a disc like Hello Disc, which has a thick rim.
Compare all brands of menstrual discs by size, capacity, and firmness on our menstrual cup comparison chart. You can sort by “disc” to see them all.
Check out our Menstrual Cup + Disc Comparison Chart for more side-by-side menstrual disc comparisons.
Best Way to Insert Fillow Disc
Fold your disc lengthwise in half making sure the removal stem is centered.
Push the disc into the barrel of the applicator with the open side facing up towards the “F” logo on the applicator.
Insert the pusher into the barrel – thread the stem through the pusher.
Check the direction of the applicator and insert it into your body with the “F” logo facing up towards you to ensure the disc inserts the correct way.
You only need to insert the tip of the applicator, then begin pushing the disc inside using the applicator’s pusher.
Push until you either 1. hear a “click” or until you feel reistance. You can pull the applicator lower out of you if you feel resistance, and then keep pushing the disc out with the pusher until it clicks. If you’d like, once it has clicked you can push the applicator back up gently to make sure the disc is “tucked.”
Related Article: How to Insert a Menstrual Disc
Best Way to Remove Fillow Disc
If you keep the stem attached to your disc, reach inside the vagina and feel for the stem of the disc. Grab the stem and gently pull or wiggle the disc down.
To reduce the mess, grab the rim of the disc once it’s near your vaginal opening and keep removing it while pulling up towards you.
If you cut off the stem, reaching inside the vagina and feel for the rim of the disc. Hook behind the rim with a finger and drag the disc down, or pinch the rim and pull it out.
Try removing your disc in the shower for your first try – it can take practice before you find the best removal method for you.
Fillow Disc and Applicator Review
I tested the Fillow Disc and Applicator size Large during my February period. Keep in mind that I am not the target audience for this product; I don’t need or even like the idea of using an applicator to insert a disc. I would much prefer to insert my disc manually and I find the extra steps involved annoying.
The reason I backed the Kickstarter and still believe in the design is that many people can benefit from a device that helps them insert a disc. And discs like Fillow’s that have a removal stem are also a great option for people who struggle with hand strength or reach/access challenges that make cups impossible to use.
The Good:
- It worked!
- Leakfree
- Generous Capacity
- Comfortable to insert
- Comfortable to wear and undetectable
The Bad:
- Uncomfortable Stem
- Time consuming to insert and clean parts
- Didn’t self-empty
- Pricey and only sold as 1 Disc + 1 Applicator
When testing a product like Fillow my goal is to use it the way it’s advertised. I used the applicator to insert the disc, and went about my day. The good news is that the disc worked great even though I never checked to see if it was in correctly – meaningit inserted as effectively via applicator as it would have by my own hand.
Discs are pretty good at nestling into place intuitively, so if you insert the disc with it facing the correct way the odds are in your favor that it will work and not leak.
The applicator tip was comfortable and narrow, it was never uncomfortable to insert via applicator. It was physically hard to push the disc out of the applicator. This has been a trend for me when trying all cup or disc applicators, and my best guess is that my body creates some sort of vacuum. Outside of my body I was very impressed by how the disc pushed through the applicator without the need for a bucket of lubricant inside the applicator.
The Fillow’s tail caused a lot of pain and irritation. The stem has raised ridges on both sides for grip, but these rubbed my skin raw. Rather than trim the stem shorter I wanted to skip right to comfort so I trimmed it offf entirely. The one and only time I removed Fillow with the stem attached it was a clean and mess free removal. Without the stem, removals were messier. Even moreso because the disc did not autodump for me so it was often very full when I removed it!
I am happy this option exists. Some people may rely on the applicator for every insertion. Others may find the applicator appealing as a new user, but stop using it after a few cycles.
Final Score
My ratings are based on one full cycle using Fillow Disc and part of another cycle. 5 blood drops = a perfect rating.
Overall grade 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Ease of insertion 🩸🩸🩸
Ease of removal 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Leak factor 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Comfort factor 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Where to Find Fillow Disc and Applicator
You can buy the Fillow Disc and Applicator direct from Period Nirvana where we carry it online, or in our brick and mortar location in Asheville, NC.
Shopping from our business supports our educational content, so thank you!
Fillow Disc and Applicator FAQ
Fillow Disc is available in size Small (63 mm diameter) or Large (68 mm diameter.)
It’s made of medical grade silicone.
The small holds 61 ml and the large holds 78 ml.
The disc is suction free and safe to use with an IUD but always be aware of your strings when removing.
If your cervix is low consider the size Small, however even some people with a low cervix will be able to wear the Large size due to its flat fit.
Yes! The disc holds a generous 61 mm for the Small and 78 ml for the Large – 2-3x more than a Super tampon (20-25 ml).
In some cases, yes, the Fillow Disc applicator will work with other brands. The Poppins Period disc and other smooth textured discs with thin rims fit. Discs with rougher/matter texture and/or with thick rims will not work with the applicator.
No – at this time the Fillow Disc and Applicator are sold as a set.
It’s available through Shop.PeriodNirvana.com
