The Short Answer
When comparing the Diva Cup to the Saalt Cup, the Saalt Cup is the better choice for the majority of users. Its bulbous, rounded shape naturally resists being crushed by your pelvic floor muscles, meaning fewer leaks. It also holds significantly more fluid (up to 35ml compared to Diva's 25ml) so you can go longer between empties. How Long Wear Menstrual Cup
However, the Diva Cup is still a fantastic, non-toxic option if you have a high cervix. Its longer "V" shape makes it much easier to reach during removal. Diva also refuses to use dyes in their silicone, making it the safest possible choice for hyper-sensitive users who want to avoid even medical-grade pigments.
Why This Matters
Finding the right menstrual cup is the difference between period bliss and a frustrating, leaky mess. Because vaginal anatomies vary wildly, a cup that is a "holy grail" for your best friend might be a nightmare for you. Are Menstrual Cups Safe
The biggest complaint with early cups like the Diva Cup was bladder pressure. A stiff cup pressing against your vaginal wall can restrict urine flow or cause cramping. Saalt solved this by offering two firmness levels, including a "Soft" version specifically designed for sensitive bladders and those prone to UTIs.
Capacity also dictates your freedom. The Saalt Cup holds almost 40% more fluid than the Diva Cup. If you have a heavy flow, that extra 10ml is the difference between making it through your workday or having to empty your cup in a public restroom. Best Menstrual Cup Heavy Flow
What's Actually In These Cups
Both brands use exceptionally clean, biocompatible materials. Is Silicone Menstrual Cup Safe You won't find the pesticides, dioxins, or PFAS often associated with conventional period products. Are Tampons Toxic
- 100% Medical-Grade Silicone ā Both cups are made from pure medical-grade silicone. This material is inert, meaning it won't leach chemicals into your body, harbor bacteria, or disrupt your natural pH like tampons can. Menstrual Cup Vs Tampon
- Pigmented Silicone (Saalt only) ā Saalt colors their cups using medical-grade pigmented silicone. This is bonded into the cup so it cannot leach, and it passes rigorous cytotoxicity testing.
- Zero Additives (Diva only) ā Diva uses exclusively clear, unpigmented silicone. They explicitly state this is a safety choice to avoid any unnecessary additives.
What to Look For
Saalt Cup Green Flags:
- Bulbous Shape ā Retains its form like a structural archway, preventing the cup from folding and leaking inside you.
- High Capacity ā The Regular size holds an impressive 35ml of fluid.
- Soft-Flex Stem ā Thin, stretchy, and free of irritating grip ridges.
- Firmness Options ā Available in regular or a specialized "Soft" silicone for sensitive bladders.
Diva Cup Green Flags:
- Dye-Free Guarantee ā 100% clear silicone with zero pigments added.
- Longer Body ā The elongated V-shape makes it much easier to retrieve if you have a high cervix.
Red Flags (For Both):
- Diva's Straight Walls ā The V-shape lacks structural strength. Strong pelvic floor muscles can easily crush it, leading to leaks.
- Diva's Thick Stem ā The short, hollow, tube-like stem can rub and irritate the labia.
- Saalt's Reach ā If you have a very high cervix, the shorter, bulbous Saalt cup might migrate too high and be difficult to reach.
The Best Options
Both cups are entirely clean and safe. Your choice should come down to your specific anatomy and flow. Best Menstrual Cup
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saalt | Saalt Cup (Regular) | ā | Best overall. High capacity and leak-resistant shape. |
| Saalt | Saalt Soft Cup | ā | Best for sensitive bladders. Won't cause pressure or cramping. |
| Diva | DivaCup | ā | Best for high cervixes. Longer body is easier to reach, and 100% dye-free. |
The Bottom Line
1. Choose Saalt for heavy flows or sensitive bladders. The shape holds more fluid, stays open better, and the "Soft" option is a lifesaver for UTI-prone users. Is Saalt Cup Safe
2. Choose Diva if you have a high cervix or want zero dyes. The longer V-shape prevents the cup from getting "lost," and the clear silicone guarantees no pigment exposure. Is Diva Cup Safe
3. Always boil your cup between cycles. No matter which medical-grade silicone cup you choose, proper sanitization is required to prevent biofilm buildup and bacterial risks. Can Menstrual Cups Cause Tss
FAQ
Does the Saalt Cup or Diva Cup leak more?
The Diva Cup is more prone to leaking for average users. Its straight V-shape lacks structural integrity, meaning strong pelvic floor muscles can squeeze it flat, breaking the seal. Saalt's rounded, bulbous shape naturally resists this pressure.
Can I use a menstrual cup if I have a low cervix?
The Saalt Cup is better for a low cervix, but you might prefer a disc. The Diva Cup is notoriously long and will likely stick out and cause irritation if your cervix sits low. Menstrual Cup Vs Disc
Are the dyes in the Saalt Cup safe?
Yes. Saalt does not use traditional liquid dyes; they use pigmented medical-grade silicone that bonds permanently with the cup material. It has passed third-party FDA cytotoxicity testing to ensure absolutely nothing leaches into your body.