Menstrual cups are made from safe, body-friendly materials that are designed to last for years. Understanding what your cup is made from helps you choose the right one, care for it properly, and know it's safe for your body. Let's explore the materials you'll find in quality menstrual cups.

Medical-Grade Silicone

Medical-grade silicone is the most popular material for menstrual cups. You'll find it in about 90% of cups on the market today. This material is the same type used in medical implants, baby bottle nipples, and surgical tools.

Medical-grade silicone has some amazing benefits:

Hypoallergenic, so it won't cause allergic reactions in most women
Non-porous, which means bacteria can't grow inside the material
Heat-resistant, so you can boil it to sterilize between periods
Durable and long-lasting, often 5-10 years with proper care
Odorless and won't absorb smells during use

Silicone cups come in different firmness levels. The same silicone material can be made softer or firmer based on how it's processed. This gives you lots of options to find the perfect feel for your body.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

TPE is a flexible plastic material that some cups use. It's newer to the menstrual cup world than silicone, but it's growing in popularity. TPE is also used in some medical devices and is considered body-safe.

TPE cups have their own advantages:

Usually softer and more flexible than silicone cups
Often less expensive to manufacture
Hypoallergenic for most women
Still heat-resistant enough for sterilizing

TPE cups typically last 2-5 years, which is a bit shorter than silicone cups. The material can break down faster over time, especially with repeated boiling. If you have a TPE cup, check it regularly for signs of wear like stickiness or discoloration.

Material Safety and Allergies

Both medical-grade silicone and TPE are considered safe for internal use. They're non-toxic and don't contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or latex.

Latex allergies are a concern for many women. The good news is that virtually all modern menstrual cups are latex-free. If you have a latex allergy, both silicone and TPE cups are safe choices for you.

True allergies to silicone or TPE are extremely rare. However, if you notice itching, burning, rash, or irritation when using your cup, remove it and talk to your doctor. You might be reacting to residue from soap or cleaner rather than the cup material itself.

How Material Affects Firmness

The material your cup is made from influences how firm or soft it feels. Silicone cups range from very soft (firmness 1) to very firm (firmness 5). TPE cups tend to cluster on the softer end of the scale.

Softer cups made from flexible silicone or TPE work well if you have bladder sensitivity. Firmer silicone cups are better for women with active lifestyles because they pop open easily and stay in place during movement.

Durability and Lifespan

How long your cup lasts depends on its material and how well you care for it:

Medical-grade silicone: 5-10 years with proper care
TPE: 2-5 years with proper care

Replace your cup if you notice tears, holes, stickiness, strong odors that won't wash out, or discoloration. These are signs the material is breaking down and it's time for a new cup.

Cleaning and Care by Material

Both materials are easy to care for, with slight differences:

Silicone Cups

Silicone handles heat very well. You can boil your silicone cup for 5-10 minutes between periods to sterilize it. During your period, rinse it with cold water first, then wash with mild soap and warm water.

TPE Cups

TPE can be boiled, but some manufacturers recommend shorter boiling times (3-5 minutes) to preserve the material. Check your cup's instructions. Daily cleaning is the same as silicone: rinse, then wash with mild soap.

For both materials, avoid harsh soaps, oils, or silicone-based lubricants. These can degrade the material over time or leave residue that irritates your body.

Choosing the Right Material for You

Most women do great with medical-grade silicone cups because they're durable, safe, and come in every firmness level imaginable. If you want the softest cup possible or prefer a lower-cost option, TPE might be worth trying.

The material is just one part of finding your perfect cup. Our Cup-Figurator quiz considers material, size, firmness, and all your unique needs to recommend the best cups for your body. No matter which material you choose, you're making a safe, sustainable choice for your period!