Most menstrual cups have small holes near the rim. These tiny holes might seem unimportant, but they play a big role in how your cup works. Understanding air holes helps you choose the right cup and use it correctly.

What Are Air Holes?

Air holes are small openings placed near the top rim of a menstrual cup. They're usually round and about 1-2mm wide. Most cups have 2 to 4 air holes evenly spaced around the rim.

These holes aren't there by accident. They serve an important purpose in how the cup creates and breaks its seal.

Why Do Cups Have Air Holes?

Air holes help you remove your cup safely and comfortably. When a cup is inserted correctly, it creates a light seal or suction against your vaginal walls. This seal keeps the cup in place during wear.

Without air holes, breaking that seal during removal would be much harder. The holes let air enter the cup when you squeeze the base. This releases the suction quickly and makes removal easier.

How Air Holes Work

Here's what happens when you remove your cup:

You pinch the base of the cup to break the seal
Air enters through the holes at the rim
The suction releases completely
The cup slides out easily without pulling

This process is explained in detail in Chapter 15: How to Insert and Remove.

Number and Size of Air Holes

Different cups have different numbers and sizes of air holes. This affects how the cup performs.

Typical Air Hole Patterns

2 holes: Common design, works well for most women
4 holes: Most popular configuration, releases suction very easily
Larger holes: Release suction faster but may leak if squeezed too hard
Smaller holes: Create stronger suction but take longer to release

More holes or larger holes make removal easier. Fewer or smaller holes create stronger suction during wear. Neither design is better—it depends on your body and preferences.

Air Holes and Suction Strength

Air holes affect how much suction your cup creates. Cups with smaller or fewer holes tend to create stronger suction. Cups with larger or more holes create lighter suction.

Strong suction isn't always better. Women with bladder sensitivity often prefer cups with more air holes and lighter suction. Active women might prefer stronger suction to keep the cup secure. Learn more in Chapter 8: Bladder Sensitivity.

Cleaning Air Holes

Air holes need regular cleaning. Blood, discharge, and minerals from water can clog the holes over time. Clogged holes make it harder to break the seal during removal.

How to Clean Air Holes

Follow these steps to keep air holes clear:

Fill your cup with water and cover the holes with your palm
Squeeze the cup to force water through the holes
Use a soft toothbrush (dedicated to cup cleaning) to gently scrub the holes
Push a toothpick through each hole to remove stubborn buildup
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning

Clean your air holes every cycle. During your deep cleaning between periods, pay extra attention to the holes. See Chapter 16: Cleaning Your Cup for complete cleaning instructions.

Cups Without Air Holes

A few menstrual cups have no air holes at all. These cups rely on other designs to help with removal, like extra-soft materials or special rim shapes.

Cups without holes are slightly harder to remove for most women. However, they're easier to clean and never get clogged. Some women prefer them for that reason.

If you're considering a cup without air holes, make sure you're comfortable with the removal technique. Read reviews from other women to learn about their experiences.

Finding the Right Cup for You

Air holes are just one feature to consider when choosing a cup. Your cervix height, flow volume, and activity level matter much more than air hole design.

Most women do well with standard 2-4 hole designs. You'll likely adapt to whatever air hole pattern your cup has. Focus on getting the right size and firmness first.

Our Cup-Figurator quiz helps you find cups that match your body and needs. The quiz considers all the important factors—not just air holes—to give you personalized recommendations.

Quick Tips About Air Holes

Check air holes regularly to make sure they're clean
Don't worry too much about hole number or size when choosing a cup
If removal is difficult, make sure your holes aren't clogged
Pinch the base firmly during removal to let air enter through the holes
Clean holes thoroughly during your between-period deep clean

Air holes are a small but important part of how menstrual cups work. Keep them clean, and they'll help make removal easy every time. Focus on finding the right cup size and firmness for your body, and the air holes will take care of themselves!