Reusable period products must be made of safe, high-quality materials. The first modern menstrual cup was made from natural gum rubber. This material is safe and still in use today, but many menstrual cup users are allergic to it. So now, the main choice is TPE vs. silicone menstrual cups.
In 2002, the Moon Cup brand released the first medical-grade silicone version, shortly followed by the DivaCup. The only problem is that some people are allergic to silicone menstrual cups, too.
So then menstrual cup manufacturers explored thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE, as an alternative for those allergic to silicone. This material is similar to silicone and is rubbery and flexible.
These materials have different benefits, and aside from allergies, there may be other reasons you would want a TPE vs. silicone menstrual cup, or vice versa. Here’s what you need to know about each of these materials.
Medical-Grade Silicone Menstrual Cups
Silicone is a soft, elastic material that’s available in many grades, including medical. This rubber-like material can stretch and then regain its original shape. It’s known for being:
- Non-reactive
- Flexible
- Temperature-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Body-safe
Silicone is often used for medical supplies because of these properties. It’s flexible but returns to its original shape instantly. It doesn’t absorb water, works in nearly all temperatures, and can be boiled at home for sterilizing.
Types of silicone
There are many varieties of silicone. Manufacturers match the type of silicone with the function of the product. Menstrual cups and discs need silicone that’s biocompatible, meaning it does not produce a toxic or immune response within the human body.
In a perfect world, we would be able to trust that all menstrual cups and discs were made of biocompatible grades of silicone. One way to ensure that you buy products made by trustworthy brands is to shop from the curated selection at Period.Shop.
Is your cup medical-grade silicone?
Since medical-grade silicone is expensive, some unethical manufacturers add unapproved fillers to save costs. Those materials are untested for biocompatibility, so they’re not safe for a product that goes inside your body.
If you question the material of your current menstrual cup, give it a slight stretch. If the silicone turns white, this is a sign that it may contain fillers. Do note that if you stretch silicone too far, even high-quality silicone will appear white.
How long will a silicone menstrual cup last?
A high-quality medical-grade silicone cup can last up to 10 years. You should replace your cup if the silicone shows any sign of deterioration, such as chalkiness, stickiness, or cracking.
Can you recycle silicone menstrual cups?
Very few places accept silicone for recycling. DivaCup offers recycling, but only for their brand of menstrual cups. True medical-grade silicone can be burned to ash for a waste-free disposal method.
Medical-Grade TPE Menstrual Cups
Thermoplastic elastomer, or TPE, is a material used in many household items, and it can be produced in a medical-grade variety.
Elastomer refers to a natural or synthetic polymer that has elastic properties. Natural rubber, for example, is an elastomer. TPE does not contain any latex.
Thermoplastic means the material can be heated and molded into a new shape. It will stay in the new shape when it cools without changing the properties of the material. TPE is:
- Flexible
- Heat-conforming
- Waterproof
- Body-safe
Unlike silicone, TPE holds its shape temporarily when heated, including inside the body. To return a TPE cup back to its original shape, run it under warm water and roll it between your hands.
How long will a TPE menstrual cup last?
A high-quality medical-grade TPE cup can last up to 10 years.
Are TPE menstrual cups recyclable?
Yes, TPE is a recyclable material. Similar to other rubber elastomers, TPE can be reformed and made into new products. You will need to find a facility that accepts number 7 plastics or ask your menstrual cup brand if they have a recycling program.
Natural Rubber Menstrual Cups
While rare, you can still find some menstrual cups made from natural rubber. Unlike silicone or TPE, rubber comes directly from nature by tapping trees and collecting the latex. Rubber has a large stretch ratio and high resilience.
As a natural material, rubber is a more sustainable material that’s biodegradable, but it’s also a scarce resource. Since it contains latex, more users are also likely to be allergic. Rubber is:
- Waterproof
- Natural
- Flexible
- Biodegradable
- Body-safe
Rubber can harden over time, especially when it’s not used often. It can also crystalize. If you’ve ever noticed a chalky film on a balloon or rubber pacifier, this is an example of crystallization.
How long will a rubber menstrual cup last?
A natural rubber cup can last up to ten years.
Is natural rubber recyclable?
Natural rubber is compostable.
Which menstrual cup material is best?
Both medical-grade TPE and medical-grade silicone are safe options, but does one perform better than the other?
At first glance, you might assume silicone wins, since it’s the most popular material that menstrual cups are made from. However, the shape-conforming nature of TPE cups can be an added benefit over silicone cups.
Considering their lifespans are about the same, the choice comes down to the shape, size, and firmness of the cup. If you’re allergic to any of these materials, that will usually play the deciding factor in which menstrual cup to use.
Some users choose to avoid TPE because it is a plastic, favoring silicone since it’s derived from silica (sand) or natural rubber.
Firmness
TPE and silicone cups can come in different firmness levels. There are soft, average, and firm options in both materials. The shore (a score of hardness) of the material along with the overall design of the cup affects the firmness of TPE or silicone cups.
Many brands of TPE cups tend to be firmer, but not always. Cups by brands like Meluna have a wide array of firmness options available, including soft, average, and firm.
Selection
Silicone offers the widest selection of brands with many sizes, styles, and firmnesses. TPE cups are second to silicone in available options. Natural rubber cups are far more rare, with only three brands currently selling a rubber option. You can utilize the Period Nirvana Cup + Disc Finder and search for products by the material they’re made from.
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