Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)

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Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« on: November 12, 2006, 07:54:07 PM » by herbalmama

Our local Walmart and the Rite Aid sell the softcups in boxes of 12 .I have been using them for almost 4 years now (except for postpartum and after miscarraiges) and absolutely love them !I dont know that I would recommenfdthem for a tennager though ,for our oldest who is 12 I like homemade reusable pads made out of soft unbleached flannel she doesnt want to use anything internally.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2006, 05:20:43 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: Roatan Ann on December 01, 2006, 01:31:24 PM

What about a virgin wearing one of these?

My daughter didn't have any problems with the Instead disposable types. She said it fit well, was easy to use. Her only complaint-she claims it caused extra cramping. I used them as well this month and I was pretty pleased. They are not leak proof as far as I can tell, but I never needed more than a panty liner.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2007, 07:02:10 PM » by 4myhoonie

hello! i have results to report about both the diva and instead. i am a very short (5' 1") and very narrow person. the two are very different. the instead is fitted up next to your cervix which works great for me--nothing coming down the vagina. just a pocket of saran wrap type stuff to catch the flow. the top of the diva fits up next to the cervix, leaving the rest of it to go somewhere( Huh

??) it's much more firm silicone. for me there is just not enough room for it, leaving me uncomfortable most of the time. i have used it (diva) for 4 cycles and just can't seem to get the hang of it, so i'm assuming it just isn't going to work for me. instead for me is completely unnoticable. i had toxic shock as a teen and began again very cautiously using the lowest absorbption tampons at age 30. i only wore them when going out, and for short times. this last cycle i wore the instead, changing them regularly for 2 days of my cycle. it made it great! much better than uncomfortable pads. haven't made my own yet, just wish used diva's were ok to sell! Tongue

too bad for me, $35 wasted! i wish it had worked for me, cuz $35 once is better than buying something all the time. i am jazzed about INSTEAD! HTH you!

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2007, 07:10:06 AM » by earthymomof2

Girls,

They make a silicone Keeper now, it's called the mooncup and it's the same price as the keeper and smaller than the Diva, so if you're latex sensitive, but want the smaller size, you can try out the mooncup. Cool, huh?

I use the Diva and it's fine for me. Doesn't bother me at all.

That's all...

Sarah

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2007, 10:44:21 AM » by healthybratt

All of the following Labels will take you to the main website which created & designed each cup. If you click on each image, you can see a larger version of the image.

Diva Cup

The Keeper

Moon Cup (from UK)

Lunette

Instead Cup

Here's a pic from a foreign website (no English), but I believe from left to right they are "The Keeper" (large & small), "Mooncup UK" (large & small), DivaCup, & Lunette.

For more side-by-side comparisons, check out this link.

http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/Cups.html

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2008, 06:34:18 PM » by amy3js

Has anyone used both the instead and the diva? Which did you like better and why? More importantly, what did you NOT like. I am particularly interested in fit/comfort. I use and love the insteads, but they are spendy. So I would like to switch to a reusable, but they are shaped so different and seem like they would be uncomfortable. Roll Eyes

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2008, 02:11:41 AM » by mom24boys

I have used both Instead and Diva.

Instead was comfortable but a huge mess when I tried to change it anywhere away from home. I also could not always get a finger hooked on it to get it out. Besides that, it gave me mega cramps. Not to mention the cost.

Diva does have a learning curve. It is harder for some women to get the hang of. However, after my second month using it, I wanted to tell just about every woman I knew how much better it was, how much "nicer" my period was and even more.

I don't have "accidents" with the Diva (and I have really heavy periods). The diva is comfortable - I don't even notice it most of the time. The "environment" and ph of my feminine parts stays the way it should. I used to get real raw from removing tampons or struggling with the instead. I only have cramps the day before I start instead of for 3-5 days. I used to get flu like symptoms but not since using diva. My period is my friend now instead of my enemy (I know that sounds corny and I am usually not into the whole "earth-mother" thing but my attitude has dramatically changed.)

The diva also has a one year, money back guarantee so what do you have to lose but a little postage?

There is also a great yahoo group that discusses the keeper, mooncup, diva and others. I think it was called keeper mooncup diva or something like that - just do a search. The gals on there were invaluable it helping my with a few kinks (but they are fairly new-age-ish/barley-grass-crystal-fems)

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2008, 03:19:57 AM » by amy3js

Quote

The gals on there were invaluable it helping my with a few kinks (but they are fairly new-age-ish/barley-grass-crystal-fems)

Lol!
Thanks for the info. I think I will go ahead and try it. I didn't know there was a money back guarantee. That makes me feel easier about it. Wink

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2008, 09:33:04 AM » by 4myhoonie

Quote from: amy3js on January 25, 2008, 03:19:57 AM

Quote

The gals on there were invaluable it helping my with a few kinks (but they are fairly new-age-ish/barley-grass-crystal-fems)

Lol!
Thanks for the info. I think I will go ahead and try it. I didn't know there was a money back guarantee. That makes me feel easier about it. Wink

yes, just beware, it means you can return it to the place of purchase!!! i disliked mine after trying repeatedly to use it getting instructions over the phone, etc. so i called the company and they said i had to take it to the place i bought it. so i had a real embarrassing return episode to the "guy" who worked in that dept at the health food store. i got the smaller one, and still am not enjoying it. i might give it another try, but the money back guarantee is not all it's cracked up to be. i would just be sure to order it over the internet so as not have to return it "in person" if it doesn't work for you! Wink

i like the instead the first couple days then i just use pantyliners. i agree about them being messy and try to just make sure i won't need to change it if i'm going out.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2008, 01:51:35 PM » by 4myhoonie

hi Gals, ok, well, i have read all the info on this page:

http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/Cups_mythoughts.html

and it really didn't pertain to my question. i am looking for a few people who are my size (about size 0 jeans, no problems with tampons, having babies naturally or accommodating my big hubby) and have tried more than one of the 4 different options. the keeper, mooncup, lunette and diva. i have the diva and find it too uncomfortable to use. i have tried both sizes. i would like to hear from anyone on the small side who has used the diva and any of the other (NOT instead) 3. are any of the others smaller than the small diva? any of them softer or less noticable? i am interested in anyone's opinion who found the diva difficult or uncomfortable then liked on of the other options. TIA!

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2008, 07:08:39 PM » by amy3js

Quote from: 4myhoonie on January 25, 2008, 09:33:04 AM

Quote from: amy3js on January 25, 2008, 03:19:57 AM

Quote

The gals on there were invaluable it helping my with a few kinks (but they are fairly new-age-ish/barley-grass-crystal-fems)

Lol!
Thanks for the info. I think I will go ahead and try it. I didn't know there was a money back guarantee. That makes me feel easier about it. Wink

i like the instead the first couple days then i just use pantyliners. i agree about them being messy and try to just make sure i won't need to change it if i'm going out.

Thank you for that info! Shocked

I was thinking I could send it to the company, so that is important to know!

After reading on it some more, I realized that it would sit much farther down than the instead. I don't know why I didn't realize that before. The reason I love the instead so much is because it is so far up and I can't tell its there. So hmmm. I'm not sure now.

I know that the Instead cup says it is not reusable, but why would that be? It is made of Polyethylene and mineral oil. I don't see why or how those would encourage bacterial growth more than the diva or moon cup? Other than they are less durable in the actual cup part.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2008, 09:01:15 PM » by naturalgirl

Uh, are these safe to use? I mean, if tampons are so bad for you, why are these safe? It doesn't seem very, well, natural. Embarrassed

Are these safe for singles to use?

Boy. Now I'm getting embarrased. Cheesy

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2008, 10:16:19 PM » by amy3js

Quote from: naturalgirl on February 03, 2008, 09:01:15 PM

Uh, are these safe to use? I mean, if tampons are so bad for you, why are these safe? It doesn't seem very, well, natural. Embarrassed

Actually I was wondering that too. They seem like they would be just as bad if not worse than tampons. The only other option is organic all natural tampons and cloth pads. I don't like tampons and I prefer not to wear just a pad. But then I think, what if I'm poisoning my body even more? Undecided

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2008, 10:27:45 PM » by 4myhoonie

Quote from: naturalgirl on February 03, 2008, 09:01:15 PM

Uh, are these safe to use? I mean, if tampons are so bad for you, why are these safe? It doesn't seem very, well, natural. Embarrassed

Are these safe for singles to use?

Boy. Now I'm getting embarrased. Cheesy

they don't harbor bacteria like a tampon, and there is no "absorption" like a tampon. tampons can absorb too much if there isn't enough flow. i think they are a lot safer. it wouldn't be any different for singles. also, tampons and pads are bleached so those toxins could be getting into you. Tongue

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #14 on: February 03, 2008, 10:31:27 PM » by mom24boys

Quote from: amy3js on February 03, 2008, 07:08:39 PM

After reading on it some more, I realized that it would sit much farther down than the instead. I don't know why I didn't realize that before. The reason I love the instead so much is because it is so far up and I can't tell its there. So hmmm. I'm not sure now.

After being on an email list for over a year who's topic was Divas, Moon cups and Keepers, it appear most women do wear the cups up higher than suggested with better results that they were getting wearing it at the suggested position.

Once I found the position that was right for me, I found that I couldn't even feel that I was wearing it. Honest.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #15 on: February 03, 2008, 10:38:16 PM » by mom24boys

Quote from: 4myhoonie on February 03, 2008, 10:27:45 PM

Quote from: naturalgirl on February 03, 2008, 09:01:15 PM

Uh, are these safe to use? I mean, if tampons are so bad for you, why are these safe? It doesn't seem very, well, natural. Embarrassed

Are these safe for singles to use?

Boy. Now I'm getting embarrased. Cheesy

Yes, because the cups don't absorb, they are leaving your regular vaginal fluids in place. These normal vaginal fluids keep the environment in there healthy.

The materials the cups are made of are completely inert and there is nothing to shred or shed off and leave behind. Also, the fluids being collected are kept in a near-oxygen-free so there can be little that happens or changes between insertion and removal - unlike with tampons.

Tampons also leave microscopic abrasions on the vaginal lining that give a foothold for opportunistic bacteria.

Just some things to think about.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #16 on: February 04, 2008, 11:25:01 AM » by naturalgirl

Thinking...thinking...thinking... Grin

Thanks for the info.!

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #17 on: December 29, 2008, 10:26:12 AM » by twitterpated4hubby

Anyone use the instead cups? I have been wondering if they are safe and i figure they are but just thought i would ask before i continue to use them.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #18 on: December 29, 2008, 10:33:02 AM » by Rikki

Quote from: twitterpated4hubby on December 29, 2008, 10:26:12 AM

Anyone use the instead cups? I have been wondering if they are safe and i figure they are but just thought i would ask before i continue to use them.

I use and LOVE it! I cannot use it on everyday of my period, only on the days where the flow is heavy enough. My periods are so easy that I can only use it a day or so but it is so great when I do! No yucky smell or having to wear pads, (which I hate!) even though I do use cloth pads and they are way better than normal pads. I literally don't even know I'm on my period when I wear one! It is just awesome!!

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #19 on: December 31, 2008, 07:45:47 AM » by GarlicMomma

I never used the divacup. Never had heard of them. I used the keeper http://www.keeper.com/index.html , because it is the one I found at the time. It looks like the divacup and the keeper both have a similar design.

As for use, this product transformed what I could do during that time of the month! I had very heavy periods - would use tampons for awhile (didn't seem to make any difference at all), but usually about 3 maxi pads with wings at a time. You get the picture. Bleah!

I had tried the instead brand, but found it to be useful while in place, up to a point, and very messy removal.

The keeper product I used was very easy to clean. Helped me reduce accidents, gave me more freedom, etc.

I would also bring a wet paper towel in the stall. What helped more though, is a small peri-bottle. I would fill it with a small amount of liquid soap like a drops worth and the rest of the way with hot as I could stand water, then shake up.

In the stall, I would remove the keeper carefully, dump in toilet, and either wipe with toilet paper and/or wet paper towel, or use soapy water peri-bottle. The peri-bottle was cleaner. All would be clean, then I would reinsert.

The keeper would do such a good job, that I would not have to change pads every time. Please understand, I still had to use pads, because I was that heavy. An average person probably would have even more success.

Before I would put the keeper away for the next month, I would fill a small dixie cup full of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and let it soak for a few hours. I felt that this gave it an extra germ fighting chance.

Finallly, I was so impressed that I saved the information for the future for my own daughter, because I wanted her to have that option instead of years of frustration/embarassment and changed schedules if the need arises.

I will now get down off my soap box - hehehe

« Last Edit: December 31, 2008, 01:15:22 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #20 on: December 31, 2008, 10:36:04 AM » by twitterpated4hubby

OK i tried the instead cups on my heaviest days and they work BUT they seem to leak easily. Is that normal? Im sorry for the TMI but im bleeding like crazy and they seem to be fine till i sit down to pee or something and then its like a murder or something. Shocked

Im pretty sure they are in right. I wanted to also ask if you guys who use instead cups always throw them away after the first use or if you wash them and put them back in. Also, should my period get lighter after months of using them or should it be lighter the very first time cuz im seriously bleeding VERY heavy. Embarrassed

« Last Edit: December 31, 2008, 01:23:02 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #21 on: December 31, 2008, 01:49:25 PM » by brigonia

I've used the instead cup and have very heavy periods. On my heaviest days I have to change them every 1-4 hours. I am just prepared to change it at every bathroom trip on my heavy days. Undecided

Even so my periods are less messy and easier to deal with. I used them for about a year before I got pregnant and my periods never bacame lighter. Sad

I have reused the cups. I did a lot of reading online before I decided to reuse them.

When my period returns I might try the diva or keeper.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #22 on: January 25, 2009, 12:10:31 AM » by RunAmokFarm

Have only tried one "instead" at this point, so my opinion is definitely not that of a "pro"... So far, this seemed pretty ok for something I would use while at home... but if this was my only test, my conclusion would be that this is not exactly "leakproof".

While moving around, standing, and sitting at the computer, this seemed to stay in place... but the moment I sat down to pee, the cup must have shifted or something, as it "flooded" (thank goodness I was sittin' on the potty); it must have readjusted as I stood up ?? as it quit leaking, so I left things be.

It must be the angle when I sit to pee, because later when I sat down to go, it flooded again... Wink

Removal was, uh... interesting... to say the least. Had a hard time "hooking" the edge, so I think it tipped and spilled while I was removing it. I think, at this point, I would NOT want to try that in a public restroom. Grin

Anyway, that is my "novice" breakdown, thus far.
J

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #23 on: November 10, 2009, 10:41:54 AM » by FarmWife

Quote from: healthybratt on June 04, 2007, 10:44:21 AM

All of the following Labels will take you to the main website which created & designed each cup. If you click on each image, you can see a larger version of the image.

For more side-by-side comparisons, check out this link.

http://www.labyrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/Cups.html

I had to laugh when I went to the link given above. They had a link to menstrual cup icons to use on chat pages. They had smiley faces and everything. Umm.... I don't think I will be using that icon.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #24 on: November 11, 2009, 09:11:05 PM » by 4myhoonie

Quote from: RunAmokFarm on January 25, 2009, 12:10:31 AM

Anyway, that is my "novice" breakdown, thus far.
J

that is my experience too, at least not ever being able to get it totally situated, and the taking it out part Roll Eyes

IF i could hook it, it always dumped and i ended up really messy. so until they improve them, i'm going to do something else!

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #25 on: November 12, 2009, 07:59:54 AM » by rejoicing

I HATED the instead cups!!! They wer very uncomfortable in, I double checked to see if it was in wrong, it just wasn't comfortable at all. Removing it was next to impossible! I had to lie down on my bathroom floor! Tongue

I was trying it for TTC, but if it had been for AF, I imagine it must have been a very messy process. I wouldn't recomend it, and I won't be using them again. Wink

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #26 on: November 12, 2009, 11:21:17 AM » by boysmama

I find the vagin&l canal and cervix are very different as the cycle progresses. May be what didn't fit well for one use would work better later on?

I just can't get used to the idea of keeping something in there, and all the old stuff sitting in there not draining. On very rare occasions I'll double protection for an hour or two and use the thinnest, natural tampon I could find. Guess I should try one of these options. Tongue

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #27 on: January 29, 2010, 08:02:08 PM » by T

Can anyone give an update on where to find these and the price? I've not seen them at any stores here but haven't looked long. I'm not sure I want to spend much $ on this as an experiment. It would be nice to know if they are secure enough for swimming. It seems we miss half the summer at the pool due to these weeks! I'd like to investigate this for my daughter but I'm still not sure about having her use anything internal.

Also, are there any chemicals that leech from the plastic/silicone or whatever they are made of? It seems that maybe since everyone is shaped differently, some fit some women and some fit others. I suppose it may also have to do with how and how many babies one has had.

Any new info from anyone?

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #28 on: January 29, 2010, 08:46:11 PM » by seekingtruth

I have a keeper and have no worries about the natural rubber leaking- as long as you don't have an allergy to rubber. Mine had a free trial period. If it didn't work for you, you could get a refund. I believe other brands may be the same way. I doubt you will be able to find one locally unless you live in a huge metro area. I ordered mine online. It has been years so I don't remember the details.

Sometimes you can get the instead locally, but they are disposable and of a different design than the others.

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Re: Menstrual Cup Comparisons (Instead, Diva, Keeper, Etc.)
« Reply #29 on: January 29, 2010, 10:13:50 PM » by Jemima

I found both the Diva and Keeper at a small local health food store/co-op. Didn't like it, either, but I don't think the Diva had a free trial period, so I wasted $30. Undecided

Finding one with a free trial period would be extremely worthwhile in my opinion!

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