Good or bad, these are the most unique menstrual cup design types to ever be sold. I’m always game to try a new cup, even ones that look terrifying. And some of them have been as painful and horrible as you’d expect, while others were surprisingly pleasant despite their wacky design.
Most menstrual cups follow a very basic design – tapered bullet shape with a long stem with various styles of grip. The design hasn’t changed much since the first menstrual cup was patented in the 1930’s.
You could argue that vaginas are all about the same, but small anatomy differences coupled with different flows and sensitivities sometimes call for a cup that’s not just a basic shape.
Most Unique Menstrual Cup Design Types
Spherical, “screw handles,” valves, custom cut to fit, collapsible, soda-can tops… there are lots of funky design decisions that make the cups on this list stand out from the crowd. But the big question is: do these work or are they just interesting to look at?
1. MoreCup’s Custom Cut to Fit Menstrual Cup
I reviewed the MoreCup after backing it on Kickstarter. The product works as a regular menstrual cup and the cup is well made. Conceptually, I’m not convinced a product like this needs to exist. The execution of how the rings are sliced off was a great experience and I was impressed with how it all worked.
2. The Screw Cup aka Amy Cup Vitality
The Screw Cup always ranks as the worst menstrual cup I’ve ever tried. It doesn’t work as a concept or design – the screw in handle adds nothing but frustration and a messy removal. Per instructions, the handle allows you to “wiggle side to side” to break the cup’s suction. In reality I struggled to break the suction in any form, even by hand. DO NOT RECOMMEND. 0/10
3. Femmaly Valve Cup
Another product that feels like a good idea on paper but one that overcomplicates what should be a simple operation is the valve cup by Femmaly. This cup’s valve stops with a pearl. The pearl is moved into a larger spot to allow fluid to bypass and the cup to drain. Menstrual fluid is thick, people pass clots. In less time than it takes to drain a cup full of period blood you can remove, empty, wash, and reinsert the cup. The process of draining is also messy, defeating that possible selling point.
4. Phia Cup
This cup has a very interesting shape and a perfectly finger sized loop for removal. The rim springs open in a way that looks promising. I’m not sure if the shape makes a huge difference in how the cup works, I have not tried the Phia Cup myself, but it doesn’t look like a bad cup at all. The cup does only hold around 20 mls and comes in just one size. Comparable sized cups hold 30 mls.
5. Flex Cup
I do have a Flex Cup review. The short version? This somewhat complicated design serves the purpose it’s designed for well. The cup’s loop stem breaks the suction and is helpful for users who have struggled to remove other cups. If that’s not you I don’t think this cup is a better option than basic designs and the stem tends to be too long for many users. It’s best for someone with an average – high cervix for both sizes. The internal mechanism can be frustrating to clean and the dark color hides things so clean carefully.
6. Beppy Cup
I also have a Beppy Cup review and included it in my “worst cups” video. It has some winning qualities like the soft body and loop stem. It loses me at the insanely difficult cleaning required. The bucket shape does stand out in a crowd. Emptying the cup fully is impossible due to their “no spill rim” that is a totally unnessecary feature. If the rim’s design did something maybe the cleaning issue would be forgivable.
7. Elanee Cup
This cup gave the Screw Cup competition for the worst menstrual cup. Made of TPE and very firm, the Elanee cup’s unique design features a curved stem that pulls through the base. The stem has 2 hearts, once can be trimmed off. Since the stem is rigid and can only be trimmed slightly it’s almost guaranteed to stab the vaginal wall. I personally struggled to use this cup due to it suctioning to my cervix, on top of the vaginal wall stabbing. I don’t usually proclaim that a cup won’t work for everyone but I have a hard time imagining either size of this cup working for anyone comfortably. Want to hear more horror stories? Check the Elanee cup review.
8. Hello Low Cervix
Unique because this cup has no stem and it looks like a little delicious gum drop. Designed for people with a lower cervix (but not super low, it’s actually a bit longer than “low cervix”) the cup is just like their Hello Cup but minus the toggle. Hello Cup Low Cervix is made of TPE and feels firm to your hands but softens during wear with your body’s warmth. I found this cup super comfortable and also really adorable.
9. Hello Disc
Not a menstrual cup, but it is a funny looking and unique product because the Hello Disc’s double-loop tabs resembles a soda can. The loops are totally functional and allow the disc to be worn 4 ways to suit various cervix heights – from lower than average to high cervix. The tab also helps the disc to remove with low or no mess, and faciliates an easier way to remove discs for people with access and grip issues.
10. KIND Cup
The KIND Cup has an ergonomic shape that curves with your body. It looks a little strange when you’re used to seeing straight, bullet-shaped cups, but it’s actually a genius design. Because of the curved shape this cup inserts intuitively and can be easier to use. KIND Cup comes in two sizes and both have a generous stem (trimmable) so it works for a high cervix. If you trim off the stem the size Small can even work for some folks with a low cervix.
11. Lily Cup Collapsible
The cup that looks like a pixelated video game cup, or a kitchen funnel! The Lily Cup Collapsible first launched via Kickstarter and was a huge success. I wouldn’t say it has benefits over basic cup shapes, but if you need a slim compact cup it can fold and fit into a clamshell case that is small enough for your pocket. It’s kind of a novelty but there are definitely fans of this cup out there.
12. Merula OS
Totally unique shape with the siganture Merula ladder stem, the Merula OS is a cult favorite. It looks like a cauldron (especially their midnight color) and has a love/hate reputation. Many love it because it’s a rare low cervix cup for heavy periods – the cup can hold about 38 mls. But, the round shape coupled with the firmness of the sphere can give some users a lot of bladder pressure and the urge to pee.
13. Hevea Loop Cup
This cup isn’t the oddest of the lot but the combination of the low body profile, loop tab, chipped rim, and slightly off-putting color brought it to my novelty cup collection. The Hevea Loop Cup is made of natural rubber, hence the golden color. It’s super soft (the sofest on our firmness scale) so it’s one of very few soft + low cervix cups available. I haven’t tried it myself because I don’t love soft cups but I’d say it could be a good option for some users.
14. Femmycycle
Like other cups on this list, the unique shape and featured of the Femmycycle cup make it a love/hate product. The “no-spill rim” is not necessary from a “going to make a mess removing this” perspective, but the funnel aspect makes this cup one that doesn’t need to open and seal like traditional cups. Since the Femmycycle doesn’t have suction holes and has a funnel rim a major recurring complaint is that it suctions to the cervix. The firmness and shape can also contribute to a lot of bladder pressure. I haven’tr tried it, frankly I’ve been too nervous because of the cervix issues, so you’ll want to look for reviews online for more perspectives.
15. Fun Cup by Fun Factory
Another ergonomic shaped cup, this one has no stem and looks a lot like a comma. On the base it has grips shaped like strawberry seeds. Available in two sizes, the Fun Cup is another funny looking cup that works great. It’s comfortable and intuitive. Even though it’s stemless it does has a farily long body length so check your cervix height before making a purchase.
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