Not all menstrual cups feel the same when you wear them. Some cups are soft and flexible, while others are firm and sturdy. The firmness level affects how a cup feels inside your body, how well it creates a seal, and whether it works with your daily activities. Choosing the right firmness can make the difference between a cup you love and one that doesn't work for you.

Understanding the Firmness Scale

Shiro uses a 1-5 firmness scale to help you compare cups. This scale makes it easy to find the right cup for your needs:

Scale 1-2 (Very Soft): These cups are gentle and flexible. They bend easily and feel very soft inside your body.
Scale 3 (Medium): These cups balance softness with structure. They're the most common firmness level.
Scale 4-5 (Firm): These cups are sturdy and supportive. They hold their shape well and resist pressure from your body.

Soft Cups: Gentle and Flexible

Soft cups (firmness 1-2) are ideal if you have a sensitive bladder or pelvic floor. Because they're so flexible, they put less pressure on your bladder and urethra. This means you're less likely to feel the need to pee more often or experience discomfort.

Women who sit at a desk all day or have a less active lifestyle often prefer soft cups. The gentle material feels more comfortable when you're not moving around much. Soft cups are also easier to fold for insertion since they bend so easily.

However, soft cups can be trickier to insert because they may unfold before you want them to. They also need more time to create a proper seal. If you have strong pelvic floor muscles or lead an active lifestyle, a soft cup might not hold its shape well enough.

Medium Cups: The Versatile Choice

Medium firmness cups (scale 3) work well for most women. They offer a good balance between comfort and reliability. They're firm enough to create a strong seal quickly, but soft enough to feel comfortable for all-day wear.

If you're new to menstrual cups and not sure which firmness to try first, medium is usually your best bet. These cups work for various activity levels and body types. They pop open easily after insertion, which helps them create a leak-proof seal.

Medium cups work well whether you're sitting, standing, walking, or doing light exercise. They're the most versatile option and a safe starting point for beginners.

Firm Cups: Strong and Supportive

Firm cups (firmness 4-5) are perfect for active women and athletes. When you run, jump, or do intense workouts, these cups maintain their shape and seal. Your pelvic floor muscles push against the cup during exercise, but firm cups resist this pressure.

If you have strong pelvic floor muscles or a low cervix, firm cups often work better. They can handle the pressure from your muscles without collapsing. Women who do yoga, CrossFit, swimming, or other sports often prefer firm cups.

The main downside is that firm cups can put more pressure on your bladder. If you have bladder sensitivity, a firm cup might make you feel like you need to urinate more often. Firm cups can also feel more noticeable when you wear them.

How Firmness Affects Your Cup Experience

The firmness you choose impacts several aspects of cup use:

Seal creation: Firmer cups pop open faster and create a seal more easily. Softer cups may need adjustment to seal properly.
Suction strength: Firm cups create stronger suction, which prevents leaks but can be harder to break during removal.
Comfort: Softer cups feel less noticeable, while firmer cups provide more awareness that you're wearing something.
Insertion and removal: Soft cups fold more easily for insertion but can be harder to grip when removing. Firm cups stay folded better but need a tighter fold.

Finding Your Perfect Firmness

Your ideal firmness depends on your activity level and body sensitivity. Most women find success by matching firmness to their lifestyle. If you're very active, lean toward firmer options. If you have bladder sensitivity or prefer gentle products, choose softer cups.

Remember that firmness varies even within the same material. Medical-grade silicone can be made in different firmness levels. Don't assume all silicone cups feel the same.

Ready to find a cup with the right firmness for you? Take our Cup-Figurator quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your body, lifestyle, and preferences. The quiz considers firmness along with size, capacity, and other factors to help you find your perfect match.