Two sizes, removal notch, premium silicone, and coordinating pouches. You’ve been asking for a Saalt Disc review and I am here to deliver. Saalt was kind enough to send their new discs, one of each size, ahead of the retail launch. Period.Shop is taking pre-orders now for Saalt Disc, with an expected shipping date of mid-February. If you’re not in the US check Saalt.com for their shipping areas.
How Menstrual Discs Work
A reusable menstrual disc can be worn for up to 12 hours comfortably. They are inserted by folding lengthwise and will sit below the cervix in a larger space called the vaginal fornix. Discs look intimidatingly huge but most users will fit a disc in the 60-70mm size range, even users who wear light tampons or size Small menstrual cups. Discs are sized by your cervix height more than any other attribute. If you have a lower cervix, you will want to use a small disc such as Saalt Disc Small. Everyone else will most likely fit the Saalt Disc Regular.
Related Resource: How to Measure Your Cervix
Unlike menstrual cups, menstrual discs are safer to wear if you have an IUD because they do not create a vacuum suction. You can also wear them on your period during sex because they sit higher in the vaginal canal and have a flat bottom. Discs are not a replacement for birth control. Removal can be messy but the benefits and comfort of a disc often make up for this aspect.
Saalt Disc Features
- TWO Size options
- Custom removal notch with grip
- Premium soft medical grade silicone
- Firm but flexible rim – suitable for most users
- Includes a coordinating breathable storage pouch
Saalt Disc Compared to Other Discs
With two size options, Saalt Disc will have a size that fits anyone. This year will be “The Year of the Disc” with at least 3 major brands releasing new products (including Saalt) but I suspect more will follow. This comparison segment reflects discs available or soon to be available as of January 2022. Find the largest selection of trusted reusable menstrual discs online from Period.Shop.
“One Size/Large” Menstrual Discs Compared to Saalt Disc Regular
Saalt Disc Regular comes in towards the smaller diameter range of the one-size reusable menstrual discs in comparison. Popular brands like Nixit, Ziggy, and Lumma are all larger. Cora Disc is only 1 mm smaller, a disc that bridges the gap between “large” and “medium” diameter discs. Saalt Disc Regular holds 50 ml, still significantly more than size “large” menstrual cups, but there are discs that hold more in this size range. Hello Disc also holds 50 ml. See all menstrual disc measurements on our sortable menstrual cup chart.
“Medium” and “Small” Menstrual Discs Compared to Saalt Disc Small
Saalt Disc Small is not the smallest available disc but it comes close. Lumma Short, at 53 mm diameter, is still the smallest but Saat Disc Small isn’t far behind at 56 mm. Saalt Disc Small holds 30 ml even with the notch removal taking some of the capacity. We still don’t understand exactly how much discs hold in the body and it likely varies for each person. Still, a 30 ml option for someone with a low cervix can really help those with a low cervix and a heavy flow.
Saalt Disc Firmness Comparison
Saalt Disc in both sizes ranks as a “firm” disc. It is nearly identical in firmness to Cora Disc, Lumma High, Lumma Short, and Hello Disc. Lumma Medium is ever so slightly firmer than Saalt Disc. Ziggy disc (all sizes) is slightly less firm. Flex Disc (both disposable and reusable) is much firmer than Saalt Disc. Nixit and SHEPeriod is softer than Saalt Disc. Watch the embedded video Saalt Disc review for video comparisons of Saalt Disc and other menstrual discs.
Saalt Disc Review
The good news? As expected, Saalt Disc Regular was very comfortable and I had a leak-free experience. It auto-dumped when I wanted it to but never leaked at other times. One reason I have switched to menstrual discs over menstrual cups is that they work for me reliably 100% of the time. My body loves discs and I assumed correctly that the Saalt Disc Regular would work for me as well.
I did experience a few issues outside of the wear experience. Insertion was more challenging than I expected. Even while on my period (lubricated) the size Regular disc was difficult to get tucked behind my pubic bone. This was a surprise to me because the disc is similar in size, firmness, and design to Cora Disc. I did not have the same struggle with Cora. Subsequent insertions of Saalt Disc Regular did get easier but it was never as easy as other discs for me. I was too lazy to get up and grab cup-safe lubricant; I’m sure adding a bit would have helped.
Removal of Saalt Disc Regular also presented some challenges at times. The disc was lodged behind my pubic bone in a way that removal using one finger and pulling the notch would not allow for. I had to reach in and really “dig” and then pinch to finally remove the disc. The more you have to root around for your disc the messier removal will be. Not every removal was challenging. On one occasion the notch stayed centered and I had an easy and low-mess removal. For the rest, the notch had rotated but I was able to find it and remove it without the disc feeling stuck. My only explanation for why the disc was “stuck” is that maybe I was more swollen that day. I do have a pronounced pubic bone so coupled with potential swelling this is likely the reason.
I also tried the Saalt Disc Small. Insertion and removal were easier due to the smaller size. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t leak. Size Small also rotated in my body so when it was time for removal I did have to seek out the notch because it was not centered for removal.
The biggest issue I had with Saalt Disc Small was keeping it tucked during bathroom visits. I love the ability to auto-dump my size Regular disc and other “one size” or “large” discs. I never have to re-tuck the discs into place. Using the smaller size disc went well during wear but for toilet visits, it came untucked. In one scenario, it almost expelled entirely from my body on the toilet. Considering my frequent bathroom use on my period this is something that I wouldn’t want to deal with and is a deal-breaker for me for the size Small.
Related Resource: What is Auto-Dumping?
Overall
I am excited to see another size Small disc available and one that offers a possibly easier removal option. Saalt Disc didn’t climb to my own personal favorites list but I suspect it will be a great option for other users. They did a lovely job on the packaging and coordinating pouch; opening your period product feels like a gift.
Where to Buy
Period.Shop has Saalt Disc available as a pre-order for US customers. Outside of the US? Visit Saalt.com to find out of they can ship to your country.
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