The Short Answer
Disposable discs are perfect for trying out disc life, but reusables are the undeniable long-term winner. Single-use discs are made from medical-grade polymers that cannot be sterilized, meaning they go straight to the landfill after 12 hours of wear.
Meanwhile, a 100% medical-grade silicone reusable disc pays for itself in just two cycles. It is completely non-porous, easily sterilized in boiling water, and completely eliminates your monthly period waste.
Why This Matters
Disposables are an ongoing plastic trap. While brands like Flex use medical-grade polymers instead of toxic plastics, you are still throwing away biological waste encased in synthetic materials every single day of your period. Over five years, that equals hundreds of plastic discs hitting the landfill. Are Menstrual Discs Safer Than Cups
Your vaginal health prefers medical-grade silicone. Disposable discs rely on thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and polymers that are inherently porous. Medical-grade silicone is completely non-porous, meaning it repels bacteria and can be safely boiled to a sterile state. Is Silicone Menstrual Cup Safe
The cost difference is staggering. A box of disposable discs runs about $15 to $20 and might last two cycles if you have a heavy flow. Over a decade, you are looking at a one-time $35 purchase for a reusable versus nearly $1,000 for disposables. Best Menstrual Disc
What's Actually In A Disposable Disc
- Medical-Grade Polymer Blend ā A hypoallergenic plastic alternative that bends to fit your anatomy. It is safe for up to 12 hours, but porous enough that it cannot be sterilized and reused. Is Flex Disc Safe
- Mineral Oil ā Used in the manufacturing process to soften the polymers. It is generally safe but completely unnecessary in silicone alternatives.
- Carbon Black ā A non-toxic colorant. It is purely cosmetic and used to give the disc rim its signature dark color.
- Bioplastic ā Discs like the Flex Plant+ use 40% sugarcane-derived polymers. They are slightly more sustainable to produce, but they still end up in the trash as medical waste.
What's Actually In A Reusable Disc
- 100% Medical-Grade Silicone ā The gold standard for internal period products. It is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and heat-resistant enough to boil safely month after month. Is Silicone Menstrual Cup Safe
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Medical-Grade Silicone ā This is the absolute only material you should consider for a long-term reusable disc.
- Pull Tabs or Grooves ā Reusable discs with specialized removal notches make the extraction process significantly less messy.
Red Flags:
- "Washable" Polymers ā Never try to wash and reuse a disposable disc, as the porous polymer will quickly harbor toxic bacteria.
- Latex ā Found in older disc models and cheap generic knock-offs. It is highly allergenic and degrades much faster than silicone.
The Best Options
Choosing the right disc comes down to material purity and intuitive removal design. Best Menstrual Disc
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saalt | Saalt Disc (Reusable) | ā | Premium silicone with a custom finger-notch for exceptionally easy removal. |
| Cora | Perfect Fit Disc (Reusable) | ā | Extremely comfortable silicone design with an intuitive pull tab. |
| Flex | Flex Disc (Disposable) | ā ļø | Clean ingredients for a disposable, but intentionally creates ongoing landfill waste. |
| Generic | Cheap Reusable Discs | š« | Lack medical-grade certification and often use sketchy mystery plastics. |
The Bottom Line
1. Start with disposables to test the fit. If you aren't sure a disc will work for your unique anatomy, a $15 box of Flex discs is a cheap, safe way to find out.
2. Upgrade to silicone for safety and massive savings. Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, completely bacteria-resistant, and pays for itself in just two months.
3. Never reuse a disposable. Single-use polymers cannot be sterilized by boiling, so washing and reusing them dramatically increases your risk of TSS. Can Menstrual Cups Cause Tss
FAQ
Can I wash and reuse a disposable disc?
Absolutely not. Disposable discs are made from a slightly porous polymer that absorbs bacteria and cannot be safely sterilized at home. Attempting to wash and reuse a single-use disc puts you at a severe risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Can Menstrual Cups Cause Infections
Are disposable discs toxic?
No, reputable brands use remarkably clean materials. Brands like Flex and Softdisc use medical-grade polymers entirely free of BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. However, they are still single-use plastics that permanently contribute to environmental waste. Is There Pfas In Period Underwear
Is insertion different between reusable and disposable discs?
The core technique is identical. Both are pinched in half, inserted into the vaginal canal, and securely tucked behind the pubic bone. However, disposables typically have a firmer rim, while reusables often feature softer silicone that requires a bit more practice to tuck in place. Are Menstrual Discs Safe