Mumsnet testers review the Lunette menstrual cup

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 50 Mumsnet users who have been testing the Lunette menstrual cup over the last 3 months.

Here’s what Lunette has to say: “We are revolutionising the future of period care with our small but mighty menstrual cup.

Lunette is a Finnish, women-led company on a mission to change attitudes about periods. Trusted name in the industry, Lunette Cups have been around for almost 15 years and are sold in over 100 countries. All our menstrual cups are vegan, bpa-free, and come in a variety of colors. Ethical, sustainable and easy to use, Lunette Menstrual Cups will provide you with up to 12 hours of worry-free use.

87% of our users say that their quality of life has improved as a result of starting to use Lunette Cup - Join us for period revolution and support women’s rights movements all over the world!"

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the questions below as well as completing the short survey we have emailed you:

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?
• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?
• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?
• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?
• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one lucky MNer will win a £300 voucher for a store of their choice (for a list).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight terms and conditions apply

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I've used a menstrual cup before, although a different brand, so knew what to expect, but was pleased with how easy it was to insert and how comfortable it felt.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I use it a lot - it's my main go to on heavier days.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Easy to use, and the best thing is for sports. I run a lot, and it's great to be able to use usual running shorts with no bulky pads.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes, it's easy to use and reliable.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes, it's better than another brand I've tried, it fits better and is softer.

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?
I've used mooncups for the best part of a decade so inserting it was no problem but removing it took a little longer than usual. I think this was due to going up a cup size and it being brand new. Now that I've used it a few times it's softer and easier to remove.

- How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?
As above, much easier to remove. I'm fortunate not to suffer with heavy or painful periods so I use the lunette and forget i'm on.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

No irritation from sanitary towels. Previously when using a mooncup I would double up on san pro and still use a pad at times. This is not necessary with the lunette as it doesn't leak for me.

- Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?
Yes definitely.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes definitely

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?
It was easier to insert and less noticable than the other mental cup I had used.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now? It’s good, I still find positioning hard, but once it’s right it does a good job
• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Environmentally friendly! Which is something I am very conscious of. It’s also comfortable in comparison to other things!

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes for the reasons above :)

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes for sure! It’s a very good cup!

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

• I liked the packaging and simplicity of it.

How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I still find it a little awkward to insert. Once it's in the correct place I find it comfortable but sometimes it's not quite right and isn't that comfortable. I am on the pill and so don't have periods that regularly, so haven't had that much chance to get used to it.

What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

• for me it's the eco benefits that count.

Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

• Yes, I will persevere. I like the idea of a cup, I can see the benefits, I just need to use it more until I'm more competent at fitting it.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes, I would

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I was a bit apprehensive as it looked quite large! But I was definitely willing to give it a go! The bright colour (violet) of it was lovely and I absolutely love the little bag it comes with. It seemed perfect to keep in my bag instead of the hassle of lots of tampons or pads!

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I absolutely love the cup, it's really comfortable, seems really good quality- I don't leak at all with it and I found I was emptying it far less often than changing a tampon!

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Eco friendly!! I'm so happy I've been able to cut out the tampon/pad waste!
It's very comfortable, for me, more comfortable than other products like tampons or pads.
You don't need to worry about where your next tampon will come from if you're in work or out and about as it's reusable.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes I will never use other sanitary products again, I'm really used to it now and just overall prefer using the cup. I don't get irritable like I do with using disposable products.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes! I've recommended them already to family and friends. Some of which have already purchased one. 😁

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?
I have used menstrual cups for over a decade now. Comparing this one to my usual I found it a lot softer and more mailable than I’m used to.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

Overall I found it very easy and simple to use but that may be because I am used to them already and mastered what works for me. For example I cut the stem off before using it and know which fold I prefer. I had no issues with leaks or being able to feel it and found I got this one in the right position quicker and easier than my usual one due to how much softer and more flexible it is.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Main benefit for me is never running out of sanitary protection as this is always there ready. I don’t need to think twice or worry if pads or tampons have been destroyed in the bottom of my bag or Ive forgotten to refill the bag before I’ve left the house. No rush to change it in the morning or worry about leaking either is a huge bonus.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

I will continue to use this one. I prefer it over my previous cup that I had been loyal to for a decade. The purple colour is also nicer to look at and doesn’t discolour like my clear/white one but that’s not a huge concern for me since I’m the only one who sees it.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

I would recommend this to anyone I knew who was in the market to try one. It’s very simple to use and very comfortable and the colours are a nice touch too.

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

Initially I was sceptical about using it, and actually a little scared- I haven’t introduced new sanitary products since I was about 15 so I was a little unsure. I felt the actual cup is very user friendly, with helpful instructions and was very easy to use from the initial first use

- How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I would genuinely not go back to using another type of sanitary product. Environmentally this is so much better and it is also more comfortable than any I’ve used before

- What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Without a doubt is the ease of use. You don’t have to carry bagfuls of sanitary wear with you (particularly cumbersome if going away etc.) It is very environmentally friendly and actually a lot more discrete than I presumed. It is more comfortable- and because I have a variable flow than I am more confident that this doesn’t cause toxic shock syndrome than my usual method

Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Absolutley, for all the reasons listed above! I would purchase a large size cup as well to see if that coped better with days 2-3 of my period (particularly heavy flow- saturating a super plus tampon usually every hour-2 hours before) but it is perfect for my use

Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

I have already recommended the Lunette and will continue to do so. I feel that it is priced particularly well, and have contacted our food bank to see if this is something they could take as a donation (unopened and unused obviously) in the future, as sanitary wear is something they really struggle with

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I was a little daunted by the product at first and found it really difficult to insert comfortably the first time I used it.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I found a guide online of different methods of inserting the cup. After a bit of practice I found the one that suited me best. I know find it really easy and so much more comfortable than tampons.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

So much better for the environment that tampons. Much more comfortable to use as well.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

I absolutely will. I never have to remember to buy sanitary products. It’s way more comfortable. I can leave it in for longer. It’s better for the environment. No leaks (which I would get from tampons if using overnight)

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes I have already to virtually every woman I know who menstruates

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

As soon as my period started, I was really excited to use the Lunette cup but I struggled immensely to fit the cup in. I tried over several days on a couple of different periods but unfortunately was never able to successfully insert the cup.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

Unfortunately I was unable to successfully insert the cup so I haven't been able to use it. It's something I will keep trying.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Nothing yet as I haven't been able to use it but I imagine the monetary and environmental impact would be the main benefits.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

I will continue to try using the cup.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

I would based on its benefits but I would caveat that I haven't been able to insert it.

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

That it was much softer than I expected.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I love it. Very easy to use.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Not having to remember to buy sanitary products. Less pain during periods.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes absolutely it was much better than my mooncup. It's super easy to use and convenient.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others? Yes 100%

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I was really worried by the size of it! I liked the colour and the rubber felt soft.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I am really happy with it and have been telling all my mates to try one.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

The convenience of not having to remember to buy tampons. The environmental impact of course and I feel like it was just a better fit for me and more comfortable than most tampons.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes I certainly will. I am just much more confidant that I won't leak, it's comfortable, cheap and more environmentally friendly.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Yes I would and have been!

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I liked the packaging, nice and not in Your face. I like the colour of the cup (purple). It took afew attempts to find the right way to insert the cup, and do think an applicator eould.make it easier. But i soon found the best way for me. The stem was far too long for me and was rather painful when i sat down so I had to trim it quite abit. Taking it out took abit of practice but got easier.over time. The second day of my period is generally the heaviest and most painful. I struggled to get the cup comfortably in place and leaked a few times. After that it was fine.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

I Still struggle on day two and do still have to double up with pads. I think this is.more my anatomy though than the cup, as day two is the most painful and i get very swollen so i struggle to get it Into place and to sit right and open properly. Again i think some kind of applicator could make this easier. But every other day is brilliant! I am a convert.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Lessen the cost of my period, i used to go through a box and a half of tampons and a packet of pads every month. And the convenience of the cup is do much easier than having to remember to check if i have enough tampons and pads to get me through the day!

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

I will definatly continue to use the cup. It is so convenient and has saved me a fortune already. Not to mention the environmental benefits!

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Most definatly. It is so convenient and will save so much money and landfill waste in the future!

Thank you for letting me test this product. I am a convert!

What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?
I found it much trickier than I thought to insert it comfortably but once I got the hang of it, it was OK. I found it very difficult that when out and about, it requires so much hands on contact to remove and empty then reinsert just as in public bathrooms it is annoying to get blood on your hands etc whereas with a tampon even my heavy periods don't cause this problem. But I of course weigh this up with environmental benefits.

How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?
As someone with heavy periods I still find it quite stressful using it out and about due to the reasons above but on light flow days it is fine.

What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?
Feeling I am not damaging the environment needlessly! Financially it's so much better than tampons - as someone with a heavy flow I have spent ungodly amounts on Sanpro between starting age 12 and the 20 years since then!

Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?
I will on light flow days but as someone with a busy job that involves a fair amount of travel between meetings, I do find the heavy days incompatible with the emptying and reinserting away from home. Maybe this would be much less of an issue with people who have generally normal / lighter flows because they could leave it in until they are home again.

Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?
As above definitely to people with an average flow but if chatting to friends I would at least flag to them that if they have heavy periods it's worth being mindful of the logistics! To my younger cousins etc I've said to try it because of not only the environment but also the amount of money they could avoid spending on sanpro particularly when it is so unfairly priced and taxed. Grr, I won't get started on that!

Thank you for the chance to review

Oh and @shitwithsugaron reminded me:

Fiestly, packing was ridiculous and also the wording MENSTRUAL CUP on the side was a bit unnecessary.

The wasteful size of the packaging was INSANE! Especially for a product that is marketed as environmentally friendly. Appreciate that when bought on shelf / perhaps online this might not be the case but it was fairly shocking.

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I found the insertion easy but struggled a bit with the removal. I did wonder how I was going to use it out and about. The first period I had a slight leak.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

It is so easy when you know how! I love not having to worry about changing it in the day and have mastered the process. I haven't had any leaks since the first period, so I think I am just more aware of how it feels when it's placed correctly.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Being able to have it in for 12 hours and not having to worry about changing pads or tampons! And not creating any waste is great.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes, I am a real convert, I can't imagine having to go back to pads/tampons now. I love the ease and I also like feeling a bit more aware of my cycle, as you can really see the changes in flow etc.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

Definitely, I already have recommended it. I'm not aware of it's pros and cons compared to other brands of cups, but I have been more than happy with my Lunette.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to test, this has been a real change for me.

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

Nice packaging and the cup comes in a handy pouch. I was surprised how easy it was to insert and really impressed initially. Timing wasn't great as I then went away camping for the weekend. I'm not sure if it was the way I was inserting it but I found the pull cord top very uncomfortable during that first cycle. I have used another 2-3 times since then and not experienced this again so I think I've mastered a better way of using it.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

Brilliant! So quick and easy to use. Can leave it in for many hours with no leaks. Would now hate to go back to tampons. Total convert.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

Speed and ease of use. Better for the environment, cost effective. Never worry about carrying tampons with me etc.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes! For all the above reasons!

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

I already have. If the plastic could be made out of a slightly softer material then even better!

• What do you remember of your initial experience of the Lunette cup?

I thought the packaging was attractive, modern and clean which I liked. I have the smaller sized cup, despite having DC because with the first brand of menstual cup I've tried, the larger size was too hard and uncomfortable and leaked, the Lunette is the softest of the three brands I've tried and this is the most comfortable. I also liked the longer, more flexible stem.

• How is your experience with the Lunette Cup now?

It is now the only menstrual cup I use, having suffered no leaks or discomfort at all. I cannot feel it at all once it is properly in position. I've used menstrual cups for over a year but often had to readjust and position my others throughout the day, not so with the Lunette. I had my period during a festival and used it which was far more convenient than tampons or pads and have been swimming with it in with no problems.

• What have you felt to be the main benefits of using the Lunette cup?

I'm able to almost forget I'm on my period using the Lunette as it's so comfortable. It is environmentally friendly compared to traditional sanpro. I am very happy not having all the waste and packaging from tampons in my bathroom bin. Also great knowing you'll never be in a position of running out of tampons or pads again. It feels far more hygienic to use too.

• Will you continue to use the Lunette cup following this test? Why?

Yes, it's the best menstrual cup I have tried, I've not used anything else since receiving it, and will purchase the same again when it is at the end of its life.

• Would you recommend the Lunette cup to others?

I already have to several of my colleagues, some of whom were open to the idea. I think it will be a while before they become mainstream. I will be recommending Lunette to my daughter when the time comes as they are so convenient.

I'm not sure about these cups. They rely on quite a bit of suction to keep them up there and I know one woman who's sure that long term use of hers has definitely contributed to her vaginal prolapse.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this product test. The prize draw winner is @Scaredofthecity - congratulations!

Wow! Thank you so much mumsnet

I found the Lunette cup easy and comfortable to use.
It felt a little strange to start with but that was down to my insertion!

I've found myself inserting, removing and cleaning the cup faster and more efficiently the more I use it. It takes a little practice but I couldn't go back to traditional methods now.

The main benefits;

• Easy to use
• Comfortable
• Not having to remember to take tampons out with me

I will continue to use the cup. As I said above, it's easier and more comfortable than traditional methods.

I would (and have!) recommend(ed) the cup to other women.
One friend has bought one and others are looking into their options.
The friend who bought one shared the same concerns as me before I tested it, but I completely put her mind at rest!

Can I ask some questions ? They may be stupid, but as a GP (grand parent not doctor)
How do they reduce cramps ? So if my GC ask I need a proper answer
Are they simple for a teen ?

@Redshoeblueshoe - I cannot answer the cramps question, but they are definitely simple to use. As with most things it takes a few goes to get the hang of it, but there's plenty of youtube videos with tips (like how to fold it to get it in) and she can practise with the little 'tail' attached and once she's got the hang of it she can cut that off if she wants. I doesn't go in far at all and cannot get lost etc.

They are SO much better than pads of tampons - really discrete and as long as she doesn't have really heavy periods it can be sorted first thing in the morning and doesn't need to be thought about again until getting home in the evening, which is so much better than changing tampons/pads out and about for example. I wish I'd used one as a teenager!

Thanks powkin.