SoftCup vs Diva Cup: Head to Head Battle of these Menstrual Cups

Are you looking for some help deciding between these two popular menstrual cups, one reusable, and one disposable? Then keep on reading for everything you need to know about the SoftCup vs Diva Cup.

Instead Softcup vs Diva Cup: Key Features

Are you trying to decide between these two products to get you through your menstrual cycle in style? Both are great for certain thing. The key is finding what will work best for you during your menstruation. Read more for all the information you need to make your decision.

Here are the key differences between the Diva Cup and Soft Cup Disposable Menstrual Cup:

Instead Softcup

• Disposable menstrual cup (single use only)
• Can be quite expensive if used as the sole period protection product
• Fits right below the cervix
• The shape is a flat, flexible disc
• Can be used during penetrative sex
• Made by the same company behind the Flex Menstrual Disc
• Can be a bit difficult to insert or remove if you have a high cervix/short fingers or wrist injuries
• Latex-free

The Soft Cup can often be found in local drugstores, or check it out online: (Soft Cups on Amazon).

Diva Cup

• Reusable (most people  get years of use, although the company says 1-2 years)
• Eco friendly, and affordable period protection
• Can potentially save a lot of money if used in place of tampons
• Sits low, just so that the stem isn’t sticking out
• Firm cylinder made from medical grade silicone
• Not for use during sexual intercourse
• Made in Canada
• Also latex-free

Keep on reading to learn more about which one is right for you, along with tips and tricks for making them work.

SoftCup vs Diva Cup: An Introduction

A common question that people have is SoftCup vs Diva Cup, and which one is better.

Which menstrual cup is right for you? The shape of these products are very different, and they’re actually designed for quite different uses.

This is a bit of a tricky question to answer because you’re actually comparing apples to oranges. The Diva Cup and the Instead menstrual cup are two very, very different types of feminine hygiene products. Although they’re both loosely considered “menstrual cups,” that’s about the only similarity.

When you compare something like the Diva Cup to the MoonCup, or the Lunette Cup, you’re comparing apples to apples and it’s easy to choose the best one for your body type. One cup is 70 mm long, while the other is a low-cervix cup at 50 mm. Maybe one is a high-capacity cup at 40 ml, while the other one is a normal 30 ml.

Nevertheless, let’s examine them with the goal to help you figure out which one is best for you.

When to use the Soft Cup

• Period sex!

They’re disposable, which makes them expensive, and also not great for the environment.

When to Use the Diva Cup

• During your period, but you’re not having penetrative sex.

They’re reusable, which makes them a fabulous choice for the environment, as well as your bank account.

All about the Diva Cup

First, some basic information about each type of feminine hygiene product.

It’s the oldest, most popular traditional menstrual cup in the world. It is made of top-quality silicone in Canada and is bell-shaped.

The DivaCup measures 70mm in length and is designed to sit between the cervix and opening to your vagina. The lower it sits, the better and you should place it just so that the stem isn’t sticking out.

It’s designed to be reusable and the company recommends replacing it every year or two (but many people find that it lasts longer than that).

Overall, it’s an eco-friendly reusable period product that will save you a ton of money over the medium to long-term. It’s often our most highly recommended cup here at Reusable Menstrual Cups.  

It has some excellent reviews on Amazon, and most people that use this product just find that it works. By work, I mean doesn’t leak, which is, after all, what you want a feminine hygiene product to do.

To sum it up, it’s often the first menstrual cup that people try. And it’s so good that most of the people end up sticking with it for the rest of their lives. That’s about all there is to say!

All about the Instead SoftCup

On the other hand, it’s designed for a 1-time use only. It sits higher up in the vaginal canal, right below the cervix. It’s flat, and soft, unlike the Diva Cup.

It’s basically a firm ring, with a pouch to collect menstrual fluid hanging down from it. Although they can be a bit difficult to insert, one of the major advantages is that you are able to have penetrative sex while wearing one. They can also be a bit more difficult to remove—hopefully you have long fingers!

Instead Menstrual Cup: Not Reusable

You do, however, lose the advantage that menstrual cups have over disposable products when you use a disposable cup. That is, that they’re more environmentally friendly and can save you lots of money.

Because it’s designed for only a single use, you will have to spend money on them, as well as create waste when throwing them in the trash.

However, if you want to have non-messy sex while on your period, you don’t have a lot of options beyond the Soft Cup. Thankfully, it’s a good choice and works well for most people. User reports show that most people (both sides) were unable to feel it during penetrative sex.

Consider Using if You’re Trying to Conceive

There are a number of anecdotal reports from people who use disposable menstrual cups if they’re TTC. They either have penetrative sex and then insert one of these. Because it sits right under the cervix, the theory is that it keeps the sperm closer to where it needs to be.

Or, they have their partner ejaculate onto the cup and then insert it.

Of course, we’re not doctors and certainly don’t recommend doing this without getting some advice from your doctor. So, check-in with them first and see what they think about it.

Softcup vs Diva Cup

Do you want to find out more about this head to head battle between two different styles of menstrual cups? Then you’ll need to check out this short video:

SoftCup vs Diva Cup

As you can see, they are indeed very different and it can be a little bit hard to compare them. Both however have their pros and cons. Let’s look at these in more detail.

We’ll try to help you figure out which one is right for you, or if both belong in your bathroom cupboard.

Diva Cup Pros:

• Oldest, most popular menstrual cup in the world
• Manufactured in Canada
• Readily available in almost all countries
• Great for the environment
• Cost is not high when considering 2+ years of use
• The small size is quite large for smaller people, or those with a low cervix
• Offers a chemical-free period experience
• Most people try this one first and end up sticking with it for the rest of their lives
• Excellent customer service and support
• Readily available in drugstores in many countries around the world
• Stiff enough that it’s reasonably easy to insert—it will just open naturally in most cases, but you can experiment with different folds if you’re struggling with it
• Easy to remove and get a good grip on the base of it
• Although it’s not disposable, it’s very easy to dump the blood/menstrual fluid in the toilet, wash, and then reinsert it

Diva Cup Cons:

• Expensive up-front cost
• Some people find that it leaks
• Can’t be used during sex
• Can be a bit difficult to insert (most people take 3-4 cycles to figure it out)
• Some people find that it’s too stiff, think it feels uncomfortable inside of them, and wish that it was a bit softer
• You have to care for it properly if you want it to last for a few years
• Requires access to water for cleaning (can be difficult in public bathrooms, or when travelling)

What People are Saying about the Diva Menstrual Cup

“Overall, the Diva Cup is a great product and I’m very happy that I bought it. The key, however, is to give yourself some time to get used to it. There is definitely a learning curve. The best thing? It’s great for my health because I’m not exposing myself to all sorts of toxins during that time of the month.”

“I love that I’ve finally found a reusable feminine hygiene product that works for me. It’s so much cheaper and also better for the environment, which is important to me.”

“Never using tampons again now that I’ve tried a menstrual cup and loved it. Thank you DivaCup! Love that I’m now throwing plastic into the landfill.”

“I’ve tried all sorts of pads and tampons, including the organic ones. But I found that they all give me a nasty rash on my lady bits. I’m not sure why I didn’t find out about it until now, but I’m so thankful I did. Finally, a product that feels good inside my body! Absolutely never going back!”

—>See Customer Ratings and Reviews for the Diva Cup<—

More Information

Do you want to find out more about the most popular menstrual cup in the world? Then you’ll definitely need to check this out:

Diva Cup Review

Shop Now

It can sometimes be a little bit difficult to find the Diva Cup at your local pharmacy, particularly if you live in a small town. The best place to get one is on Amazon. There are plenty of resellers and you can compare prices and shipping options between them.

Check out the deals for yourself and purchase one today:

More Details SoftCup vs. Traditional Menstrual Cups

Soft Cup Pros:

• Can be used during penetrative sex
• Low up-front cost
• No cleaning (just throw it in the trash)
• One size fits most people
• Variety of box sizes
• Can be left inside for up to 12 hours, compared to a tampon with a maximum time of 8
• A disposable product so you need access to potable water when travelling or camping for example
• Very easy to keep a spare one in your purse, bag, or backpack

Soft Cup Cons:

• Can be pretty difficult to insert/remove, when compared to the a Diva Cup
• No environmental benefits
• May not be compatible for people with IUDs (consult your doctor) because both are in the same spot in the vaginal canal
• More expensive than reusable products (when you consider the cost over the year)
• Can be very messy to remove compared to the Diva Cup
• Sometimes difficult to insert, and can take up minutes of your life! Part of the problem may be a long vagina and/or short fingers
• Some people find the rim quite stiff and wish it was a little bit softer

Instead SoftCup Review

What People are Saying about the Instead Menstrual Cup:

“I generally prefer my Diva Cup, but the Soft Cup works well when I want to have some “adult time” during my period. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Some women have issues with inserting it, but it was pretty easy for me.”

“Works better than pads and tampons, although they do take a bit of getting used to. It’s the first time I haven’t had to get up in the night to deal with my period when I’m at my heaviest flow. You may have to press or push it up into the correct position, but once it’s in, it’s in. Love them!”

“I switched to them from pads and tampons a couple of years ago. My favourite thing about them is that I only have to change them about 1/2 as often as with the other disposable. That means being able to get through a hike, or most of my workday without the hassle and inconvenience. I love Soft Cups, but my only request is that they make them a bit sturdier so that they’re reusable.”

“I bought a box of these because my partner and I have been using them because we’re trying to have a baby. You can insert one immediately after sex and it can increase your chances of conception.”

More Information about the SoftCup:

Check out our Full Instead SoftCup Review

Shop Now

Does it sound it’s right for you? It may indeed be, particularly if you love the idea of having non-messy penetrative sex during your period.

They are not always readily available at your local pharmacy, so we recommend buying them online. You can check them out for yourself on Amazon today. There are plenty of options for box sizes, and you can easily compare prices.

Check them out on Amazon today:

Softcups vs Diva Cup: Which One is Easier to Insert and Remove?

Which one comes out ahead?

It Mostly Depends on You!

We know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but it really does depend on the woman! Some women find a menstrual cup like the Diva Cup super easy to insert and get it on their first try, while others struggle for a few cycles. It’s the same with the Soft Cup.

But…Diva Cup is Slightly Easier to Insert

But, if pressed to give you an answer, we’d say that the Diva Cup is easier to insert than the Softcup. This is because it sits low in your vaginal canal, instead of right under your cervix. You don’t have to reach waaaaay up in there to get it done.

For either of these things, you may want to consider a bit of lube, or getting them wet to make this process easier. And when they’re inserted correctly, you won’t feel any discomfort.

Removal: Diva Cup is Easier than the Soft Cup Disposable Menstrual Cup

For removal, the Diva Cup is also easier because the stem should be right around the entrance of your vagina. Just pull on it gently until you can reach the base. Then, squeeze in the sides with two fingers to break the suction seal and pull it out.

For a disposable menstrual cup like the Softcup, you have to hook one finger under the rim and pull it out. This can prove to be not so easy if you have a long vaginal canal, short fingers, or a wrist injury.

Quick tip: Whatever option you choose, many women have success inserting and removing it in the shower.

What about IUD’s and these Personal Care Products?

What about if you have an IUD? Which product will be better for you? Let’s find out!

In general, you should have some space between your cervix and the top of your menstrual cup if you use an IUD. This is because you don’t want the cup to interfere with the strings on your IUD.

This reason makes the Diva Cup a much better choice—it sits low in your vagina, unlike the Soft Cup which fits right under your cervix.

What about Flex Menstrual Discs?

You may have heard of this new product, Flex Discs. In reality, it’s very similar to the Soft Cup, and both brands are made by the same company. The company says that the Flex Menstrual Cup has a newer, updated design and newer materials.

The main difference between them is how you can buy them. For the SoftCup, the best place to buy a box is on Amazon, but you may also be able to find them in your local drugstore.

With the Flex Disc, you can only get them through a subscription model. You have to sign up for a regular delivery every few months. Of course, you can cancel at any time and you’re not locked in should you be unhappy. They are more expensive than Soft Cups, but the convenience may be worth it for you.

Flex Menstrual Discs vs. Menstrual Cups

If you want to find out the differences between these two popular disposable cups, then check out this short video below for all the details you need to know:

Compare Non-Messy Period Sex Options

Do you want to see all of your options for period sex? Then you’ll want to check out this super handy comparison chart that we’ve put together with everything you need to know.

The Takeaway on this Head-to-Head Battle

Overall, most people seem to prefer the Diva Cup. There are a few reasons, but the main ones are environmental and cost savings benefits.

The reason that people use a menstrual cup instead of disposable period products is because they’re concerned about putting more waste than necessary in the landfill, or they want to save a bit of money (pads and tampons are expensive!).

It’s true-Soft Cups are comparable to disposable pads and tampons when it comes to wastefulness and expense. So you are in fact losing a huge advantage from the Diva Cup, Lena Cup, or Anigan EvaCup.

Ease of Use

The other factor to consider in this SoftCup vs. Diva Cup comparison is ease of use. Insertion is reasonably with the Diva Cup, or other traditional menstrual cups. Removal is not that messy either, and you often won’t get much menstrual fluid on your fingers at all.

However, most people comment that while inserting a SoftCup was easier than expected, removal was not. It’s quite difficult to remove it without spilling all of the fluid in it. However, some days are better than others so don’t give up!

However, the SoftCup does come out a winner when considering you just throw it in the trash, instead of having to clean it. It’s not a huge deal to keep a menstrual cup clean, but it does take some time and effort.

SoftCup: Worth Having a Box in your Bathroom Cupboard

Where the SoftCup does come out a clear winner is if you want to have penetrative sex during your period. The two basic options you have are messy sex, or not messy sex if you use a SoftCup (or a sea sponge tampon).

Although the Soft Cup may be a bit of a hassle to insert, most people find that this fact alone (period sex!) makes them worth having a box of them in their bathroom drawer.

There is a bit of a learning curve for inserting them, but once you get it, you get it. Most people do eventually figure it out, so don’t give up if you like to have non-messy period sex! There is a great option for you, if you take the time to figure it out.

I have a Heavy Flow: Which One Should I Consider? 

If you have a heavy period, then you’ll probably want to know which one is right for you. The Diva Cup h0lds 30ml, while the Soft Cup holds 3 jumbo tampons worth (also around 30 ml).

However, it can be extremely difficult to remove a Soft Cup that’s full without spilling menstrual fluid all over yourself! This is not the case for the Diva Cup. It’s easy enough to remove it, even when it’s full.

It’s for this reason that we recommend the Diva Cup if you have a heavy flow, or just consider one of these high-capacity ones instead (https://reusablemenstrualcup.com/menstrual-cup-reviews/high-capacity-menstrual-cups-find-one/).

What about when you sleep? Either one could work for you because you can leave either product in for a maximum of 12 hours. However, for the same reasons as mentioned above (lack of mess when removing), the Diva Cup may be a better option for overnight use.

Diva Cup: Great for Everyday Use

So here’s what you need to know. If you’re looking for a menstrual cup for everyday use, then the Diva Cup is a clear winner. It’s cheaper (in 3-4 months), much better for the environment, leaks less, and is easier to insert and remove.

However, it’s stiff silicone which means that it’s totally unsuitable to have inside you while having penetrative sex. That’s where Instead Soft Cups come in. The other negative is that you have to care for it properly, but most people find that this isn’t a big deal.

Get yourself a Diva Cup on Amazon today:

SoftCup vs Diva Cup: Sex During your Period?

If you’re looking for a menstrual cup suitable for this purpose, then the SoftCup, which sits right up under your cervix is a clear winner. Most people, as well as their partners can’t feel the SoftCup once it’s inside. No more messy sex? Love it.

We hope you found this article about the SoftCup vs. Diva Cup useful! Leave a comment below and tell us which one your prefer and why.

Get yourself a box of SoftCups on Amazon today:

Soft Cup vs Diva Cup: Which one is More Eco-Friendly?

If you’re wondering which menstrual cup option is better for the environment, it’s the Diva Cup hands down. For the SoftCup vs Diva Cup battle, it’s not even a really one in this arena.

The Soft Cups tries to bill itself as an eco friendly or green option when compared to tampons. This may in fact be true, kind of. But, in reality, there isn’t much difference between it, and disposable tampons which can be worn for 8.

If you’re looking for the truly eco-friendly option, then you’ll need to consider the reusable Diva Cup. Although the company recommends replacing it every couple of years, most people find that it can last for 5-10 years.

During this period of time, the Diva Cup potentially replace more than a thousand tampons.

In terms of environmental friendliness, the Diva Cup is the winner!

Which One is Cheaper? Soft Cup vs Diva Cup

Which one will save you the most money?

As far as period protection goes, Softcups are one of the most expensive products you can use for everyday use. They generally cost around $0.75 per cup. If you use two per day, then that’s $1.50 per day, or $7.50 for a period that lasts 5 days.

Most people spend less than $5 on pads or tampons during this same amount of time.

Compare this to the Diva Cup, which costs around $30. If you use it for three years, then that’s $10 per year, or less than $1 per period.

If you’re looking strictly at price, a reusable option is the winner by a long shot.

Can I Reuse the Softcup?

A way that you might consider getting around the fact that Soft Cups are more expensive, and also less environmentally friendly than the Diva Cup would be to reuse it a few times. Perhaps you could just wash it when you take it out and use it for an entire cycle.

It’s tempting. You can even find some tips and advice around the Internet for doing just this. 

However, the company is VERY clear that these products (and Flex Menstrual Discs) are single-use products only. Using products designed for only one use more than once can lead to a whole bunch of problems, so just don’t do it.

The main reason is that the materials in single-use products like tampons or Soft Cups can’t be washed easily. Putting them back in without proper cleaning can lead to things like infections and Toxic Shock Syndrome (see below for more details).

Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome

If you’re considering making the switch to a Soft Cup or Diva Cup, then you’ll probably want to know if there’s a risk of TSS with these products.

Every year, there are hundreds of cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampons. Of course, there are lots of tampon users, and the overall risk is actually not that high. The vast majority of people use tampons their entire menstruating life and never get Toxic Shock Syndrome.

There has only been one reported case of TSS from a Diva Cup, and none from the Softcup.

It’s clear that the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome for both the Soft Cup and the Diva Cup is lower than with tampons. As for SoftCup vs Diva Cup and the risk of TSS? It’s basically the same.

Take Basic Precautions with Both These Products

That said, be sure to take basic precautions with both the Diva Cup and the Soft Cup to prevent this serious problem. Be sure not to wear either of them for more than 12 hours (maximum).

At 12 hours, take them out. Be sure to wash your hands well before removing them. Throw away your Soft Cup because it’s a single use product only.

Clean your Diva Cup well. Use a mild soap or menstrual cup wash, and rinse the residue off well. Doing this will go a long way to keeping your vaginal happy, and preventing more serious problems.

Cervix Height

Check out this short video below for how to measure your cervix height.

Fit with a Low Cervix

If you have a low cervix, you might actually prefer the Soft Cup (or a low cervix menstrual cup). That’s because some people with a very short vagina find the Diva Cup irritating because it’s too long for them.

You can of course trim the stem on the Diva Cup, or you can turn it inside out, but it’s often preferable just to stick with an option like the Soft Cup which is flat, or a shorter length traditional menstrual cup.

I have a High Cervix: Will it Fit?

If you have a very long vagina, then you might find something like a Soft Cup quite difficult to use. That’s because you have to reach up, with your fingers to right below your cervix to insert and remove it (and empty it without spilling it).

In this situation, you may prefer the Diva Cup which sits lower. It should actually be inserted just so that the stem doesn’t stick out of you.

I Love SoftCups, is there a Reusable Version?

Look no further than the Ziggy Cup!

I have some great news for you! Previously, if you wanted to have penetrative sex during your period, you didn’t have a reusable option except for sea sponge tampons. However, we don’t really recommend these because they are very hard to keep clean and sanitary.

Recently, Intimina, the company behind the Lily Cup has come out with the Ziggy Cup. It’s very similar to the Soft Cup or Flex Menstrual Disc in terms of design and function. However, the Ziggy Cup is made from the same material as the Diva Cup.

This makes it reusable, and it should have the same lifespan that a normal menstrual cup would (5 years or so).

—>Check Prices on the Ziggy Cup<—

An interesting fact about the Ziggy Cup is that it has a massive capacity, around double of regular cups like the Diva Cup. If you have a very heavy period, you may want to try it out.

However, because the Ziggy Menstrual Cup is so new, there are very few actual user reports of how much fluid it can hold comfortably.

Check out Ziggy Cup for yourself over on Amazon:

What about the Thinx Period Sex Blanket? 

You may have heard recently about the Thinx blanket for sex during your period. It’s certainly nice—soft, comfortable, leakproof but not all sweaty and hot. I definitely want one!

The only problem is that it’s close to $400. It’s definitely more than I’m willing to spend on a blanket to have sex on. That’s why we’ve put together this list of far, far cheaper alternatives. They range from free, to around 50 bucks or so.

So, if you worry about having non-messy sex during your period, this might be the solution for you. You can check out a blanket that helps to prevent leaks here: Cheaper Alternatives to the Thinx Blanket.

Divacup of SoftCup: Where to Buy Them?

If you want to pick up either of these period cups for yourself, check them out right here:

Have your Say about the SoftCup vs Diva Cup

What do you think? Any questions that we can answer about the head to head battle of the Soft Cup vs Diva cup?

Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts or feedback! We’d love to hear from you.

Also don’t forget to share this article on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. It’ll help other cup enthusiasts, like yourself find this useful resource.

 

Last update on 2021-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API