Count on Period Nirvana to bring you updated comparisons for menstrual disc brands.
What is a menstrual disc?
A menstrual disc is a reusable alternative to the tampon for period care. It collects your period blood and sits tucked below the cervix and against the pubic bone in an area called the vaginal fornix. It’s inserted by folding it longways and then tucking it into place. Made of medical-grade silicone, discs can be worn for 8-12 hours safely. They have advantages over menstrual cups which include being safe for IUD users and having a higher capacity. Even the smallest-sized menstrual disc holds as much as the average “regular” menstrual cup.
Menstrual Disc Brands
There are currently 8 proprietary menstrual disc brands I am aware of available worldwide with many more expected in 2022. Update: as of 1/19 there are now 12. Proprietary means that these brands have designed and created their own unique shape/size/mold for manufacturing rather than purchasing private label discs through Alibaba and re-selling their “brand” cheaply via Amazon or another website. Period Nirvana is a fierce supporter of the brands that innovate and create their own product and does not endorse private label brands.
In the US we have 6 reusable brands easily available to us currently. Period.Shop offers 3 brands plus has Hello Disc and Saalt Disc available for pre-order.
Related Resource: Private Label Menstrual Cups
Menstrual Disc Comparison Chart
You can visit the full sortable menstrual cup and disc chart for the best experience.
Menstrual Disc Comparison
Top Row from Left: SHEPeriod, Ziggy, Nixit, Flex (disposable), Lumma High
Middle Row from Left: Moonthlies Large, Hello Disc [prototype], Cora Disc, Lumma Medium
Bottom Row from Left: Moonthlies Small, Fleurity, Lumma Short
Menstrual Disc Reviews
At Period Nirvana I have published menstrual disc reviews for many brands. My favorite brands are the Hello Disc (coming soon), Lumma, Cora Disc, and Nixit.
Nixit Review | Lumma Disc Review | Cora Disc Review | Hello Disc Introduction | Moonthlies Disc Review | SHEPeriod Introduction | Saalt Disc Features
Menstrual Disc Firmness
Every disc has pros and cons but generally speaking, the size and firmness play a less important role in how discs feel and fit than these attributes for a menstrual cup. That is why most discs are “one size.”
“Soft Firmness” Menstrual Discs:
Nixit and SHE Period are “soft” in firmness. They all also happen to be in the larger size range of discs. Softer firmness discs might be more comfortable during insertion and removal because they squeeze into a more narrow width and have less outward force. They might be harder to push properly into place for that same reason.
“Medium Firmness” Menstrual Discs:
The brands Moonthlies (both sizes), Cora Disc, Lumma (all sizes), Fleurity, Saalt Disc, Ziggy OS, Ziggy 2 A, Ziggy 2 B, and Hello Disc would be considered medium firmness. These discs have more resistance than the “soft firmness” discs but are still comfortable to wear. While these each vary slightly from one another they’re similar enough that your body won’t notice a big difference. These discs are easier to tuck into place at this firmness level for new users. They will not fold as slimly as softer discs for insertion and removal.
“Firm” Menstrual Discs:
The Flex and SoftDisc disposable brands are plastic and more rigid. Flex Disc (reusable) is close to the firmness of the disposable version but not as firm. They are the firmest discs. If you like the firmness of the disposable disc the Flex reusable is the closest, but you might also like the less firm “medium firmness discs.
Unlike menstrual cups, a menstrual discs’s firmness appears to have little noticeable effect. Even firmer discs are unlikely to create detectable firmness in your body or apply bladder pressure. Attributes such as the shape of the rim and the firmness coupled with the diameter are considerations for staying placed in your body.
How to Pick a Menstrual Disc Size
Most people can use discs in the 60 mm – 70 mm diameter range even if they have a low or high cervix. If your cervix is super low the Lumma Short or Lumma Medium are good options. Average – High Cervix will fit discs like Cora Disc, Nixit, Lumma High or Medium, Ziggy, Saalt Disc, and Hello Disc. If you have a very high cervix the Lumma High and Hello Disc will both offer a longer stem to help you reach and remove your disc. If you don’t know your cervix height your chances of still being able to use the disc you purchase are quite high because of how discs sit in the body.
The Period Nirvana Menstrual Cup and Disc Quiz can recommend a disc tailored to your needs.
Related Resource: How to Measure Your Cervix Height
Menstrual Disc Resources
I have covered many topics on this subject to help you learn how to use a menstrual disc. Speaking generally, this product is more involved to insert and remove but can also provide an amazing leak-free period experience.
Menstrual Cups or Menstrual Discs – Which to Choose?
Hi Kim,
When will the Hello Disc be up for sale? Thanks in advance.
The pre-sale begins next week and it is expected to ship in late February
Hello! Just wondering about the Hello disc, how would you describe the firmness in comparison to the lumma disc since they are both considered medium firmness?
Also, would you recommend it to a first-time disc user?
BTW I’m really excited about its launch and thank you for designing a disc with a pull tab which is something that I’ve been looking out for 🙂
They are very similar. The rim of Hello Disc is a bit more substantial in how thick it is but when you squeeze them they’re about the same.
Hi Kim!
Such a fan of you and all you do here! You got me into cups and I’ve gone on to convert others!
Could you speak to the firmness/softness of the basket(?) rather than the rims? For instance, in the video when you poked the Ziggy and Nixit it was clear they are super flexible/collapsible, whereas the Lumma and Hello discs looked to hold the dome shape more firmly, and the Flex was audibly crinkly. I’m curious about the rest as period sex is my #1 deciding factor in purchasing.
Thank you so much!!
All discs are fine for sex, and the flexibility of the baskets doesn’t really factor too heavily into enjoyment. Your body will also muffle any crinkly sounds=)
Nixit likely has the softest basket and is very well made. It would be high on my recommendation for you.
which is the best disc for teens
Any discs could work for teens. The Ziggy size A or B is a bit softer than most discs, which could be easier to insert for new users.
Hi Kim! Thank you for this, super informative. One question – I have the Ziggy and a lower cervix, but it was horrendous inside me. I have ULTRA ULTRA bladder sensitivity/pressure due to endometriosis related cystitis, and what I like to call “scared pelvic floor” (permanently tense so I feel literally everything, even a teaspoon of urine.) I basically couldn’t pee with the Ziggy and it was pressing so firmly behind my pubic bone that I had sharp urethral pain and it made me cry.
I was wondering what you think would be something good to trial next? I have to use a MeLuna Small and Shorty (in soft) which is so far my Goldilocks, so I’m a bit nervous at the prospect of the She/Nixit in length. Could I still shove it up there?
Just wanting to have mess-free period sex but it’s all making my sexual mental-health collapse because I feel there will be no option for me 🙁
So the larger size of the originaly Ziggy might be not a friend for your bladder sensitivity. They just came out with the Ziggy size A which is smaller. The lumma series also has smaller sizes that help both with bladder pressure and lower cervix users. Best of luck, and please join our Facebook Community to keep us up to date.
Hi Kim, I am new to discs and I really appreciate all your helpful posts!
I tried the Cora Disc first and it did not leak at night at all! I was SO excited! Then, it leaked in the morning, even though it was not full. I was so disappointed. I wore it for 2 days during the day and it leaked many times both days 🙁 It is also also super hard to remove: I need to squat in the shower, push and really go high to find it.
I then tried the Lumma Disc in 2 sizes: high and medium. Both leaked as well. The string felt uncomfortable. Both high and medium started slipping out, out of the blue. The Lumma is the worst of the 3 brands I tried.
I was thinking there was a problem with my anatomy or something….
Then I tried the disposable Softdisc and tada!!! It did not leak!!!!!!!! It stays in place! What is the equivalent to it but reusable?
Why did the Softdisc work but not the others? Is it because it is firmer?
I also ordered the new Hello Disc and I hope it works for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, Kim
I’m very interested in purchasing a menstrual disc. I purchased a menstrual cup and it just isn’t the right fit for me for a variety of reasons.
I saw a post from someone that talked about menstrual product companies that give a cup or disc to women across the world with every one purchased. Are you aware of any/which companies those are?
Thanks!
I’m not aware of any offhand, but I wouldn’t suggest buying based upon a company’s charitable giving alone. Finding the right product for your body should be your number one priority… else you’re stuck with a product that doesn’t work.
Hey Kim,
Really appreciate your website and info! I’ve been a cup user for years and want to switch to a disc mostly for the ability to have sex on my period without a mess.
Been trying the nixit for 3 months and just can’t get it to stay in place. It’s in place and the. Slides out from behind my pubic bone within a minute or two.
Would a firmer disc help or is my pubic bone not prominent enough?
It’s unclear from your comment if it is slipping as part of your day, or during your partner time. It could be your partner pushing it out of the way, which could happen based on your position, your internal size, and their size. If it is not during sex, then a firmer disc could help you. You could try a disposable Flex which is the firmest on the market before committing to a re-usable.
Hi- curious what the best disposable disc would be for a young teen.
the only disposable disc options are SoftDisc or Flex Disc, both are identical except the price and color. They’re both 70 mm diameter and could work for a teen but it’s all about your comfort level. Reusable options have more variables such as small diameters, softer firmnesses, and additional features to make insertion or removal easier.
There are only two on the market: Flex and Softdisc.
Hi Kim,
I’ve been using the Hello Disc for almost a year, but having a lot of inconsistency with leaking. It feels different every time I insert it and I never know if I truly got it in the right place. It feels like a gamble every time I put it in. Most of the time, I have blood in front of the disc when I pull it out, so I know it’s not in the right position. I feel like it’s going into never never land when inserted. At my most recent gyn appt, I asked my doctor about my anatomy. He said my cervix is medium/average height, but very long and my uterus is a bit tilted. I also have a slightly prolapsed bladder, which is why I switched from a cup to a disc… the suction of the cup was not good. So, my question is, is my choice of disc good based on my anatomy. If so, what should I be doing differently? Or is there a better disc for me?? Please help!
Thanks for sharing your story. Unfortunately if your uterus is tilted and a disc is not reliably sitting behind your cervix it may not be a good solution for you. Before giving up you could try a softdisc disposable which has a super hard edge/rim, which should stay put if you can get it behind your cervix. Best of luck, and please consider the re-usable pads/liners we sell at http://www.period.shop as back-up as you troubleshoot.
Hello Kim! I’ve been watching your videos and reading and it seems like the JUNE disc small is a pretty small disc comparatively, but I really feel my issue with the disc is that it’s too large. What may I be doing wrong? I’m fairly tight (to the point where if I’m really stressed I can’t fit 2+ fingers in.) so maybe that’s the issue. I made sure the cup was behind my cervix tucked in, and I made sure it was sitting well, but it’s just still too big to tuck under my pubic bone. When I try it just pushes itself out and hurts. I really want to get into discs as I love my cup but it causes really bad cramps. Any ideas?
To also clarify, I thought cervix height determined size needed. I have a very high cervix to the point where I can barely check if the cup is in correctly. So I really don’t get what’s going wrong. Thanks for the help.
Glad to be able to help!
It’s also possible that your disc is too small, that it doesn’t have enough circumference to stay tucked behind your pubic bone. Keep in mind the vaginal fornex area is much larger than your vaginal canal. I just did new video showing all the discs on the market by size, you can also look at thecupfinder.com.
Hi Kim,
are you aware about any independent test done to check for toxic/harmful substances within the discs’ material. Officially they all claim to be free of anything harmful, but for cups I have seen tests in which the one or the other harmful substance was found.
Thanks in advance
I am not aware of any broad independent studies on toxic issues with discs. However, I know all of the owners of the brands I sell at http://www.Period.Shop and I trust their supply chain processes to ensure only medical-grade and body-safe ingredients are used. Many pride themselves on this, and it’s one of the primary reasons to support real brands and avoid the white-label products. I only curate trusted brands for this reason (and many more).
Hi Kim,
This is so helpful. I am a big fan of the disposable flex disc and looking into buy the reusable. But, I cant fight the feeling to just wash my disposable and reuse it for one period cycle. Do you know if this is safe to do? Or completely not safe to do with a disposable disc? Please let me know, thanks!
It’s not designed to be re-used so I wouldn’t recommend it. A disc can last for 10 years and would totally give you not only a better period over re-usable, but a return on your investment over that time. Consider supporting our education by searching our disc options at http://www.Period.Shop.
I suffer from endometriosis and these discs might be a life changer for me. I would like to try them but am completely lost as to what would be best for me. Do you have any suggestions?
Well I helped design the Hello Disc, so I’m partial to suggesting that. It’s a good ‘average’ disc that works for most people, and the helpful removal tab (which can be worn multiple ways) can help make removal easier. You can also take our quiz on this site, or consult our Facebook Community (Period Nirvana).