Saalt Cup
A Saalt Menstrual Cup is a reusable cup made of soft silicone that is worn internally like a tampon, but collects—rather than absorbs—your menstrual flow. Naturally odorless, biocompatible, and toxin free, Saalt Menstrual Cups are a healthy and sustainable alternative to pads and tampons. Because it has a capacity 2–4 times that of a regular tampon, you can wear it for up to 12 hours before emptying. Yes, that means you only have to change it twice a day, and can sleep with it in. Once inserted, Saalt’s flexible design molds to your internal shape so you can comfortably wear it to hike, swim, or fly to Bora Bora.
Saalt Menstrual Cups are a healthy and sustainable alternative to pads and tampons that are better for you and better for the planet.
*Sustainable - One Saalt cup lasts for up to 10 years and replaces thousands of single-use period products.
*Healthy - A Saalt Cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, so it’s naturally hypoallergenic and toxin free. No BPA. No latex. Odor free and non-toxic. Maintains natural pH.
*$$ Saving- Remember how your cup will last 10 years and replace thousands of single-use period products?
*Comfortable - Soft and flexible, it molds to your shape. Saalt creates premium menstrual cups that are modern and innovative, with multiple sealing points to prevent leaks, and a soft flex stem for comfort.
*Convenient - Because it has 2–4 times the capacity of a regular tampon, you can wear your Saalt Cup for up to 12 hours before emptying. Yes, even while sleeping!
Anyone who menstruates can use Saalt Menstrual Cups! There are no limits on cup use based on age or life experience. We admit we’re biased, but we think the Saalt Cup should be elected Madame President of Periodsville! ;)
In some situations (like if you have an IUD, or have ever had TSS), you should consult with your medical provider before using a menstrual cup. Find out more in our FAQ section about Health Concerns.
Saalt Menstrual Cups are a great period care solution for anyone who menstruates! Yes, you can still use a cup even if you’ve never put anything in your vagina before or never used a tampon. Many people who don’t like or haven’t used tampons use our cups and love them. We encourage you to take your time, go slowly, and listen to your body as you learn to insert your cup.
For some people, anatomical differences like the size or shape of the hymen or a smaller vaginal canal may mean that a longer time practicing and learning will be needed before cup use will come easily. We are here to help! Our Saalt Cup Academy on Facebook is a safe and supportive place to ask questions and get help to make the transition to cup use a great one!
For some people, anatomical differences like the size or shape of the hymen or a smaller vaginal canal may mean that a longer time practicing and learning will be needed before cup use will come easily. We are here to help! Our Saalt Cup Academy on Facebook is a safe and supportive place to ask questions and get help to make the transition to cup use a great one!
For some, menstrual cup success comes right away, and for others, there is a learning curve that depends on the user's unique anatomy. Everyone is different! There are two big factors that really impact anyone's success with a menstrual cup. One is their comfort level learning about their body and being in physical contact with their intimate anatomy (i.e. putting their fingers in their vagina to insert and remove the cup), and the other is the level of support they have to help them learn. We are always here to help you navigate the learning curve. Be sure to check out our Saalt resources to help you learn. It's like we're holding your hand. But metaphorically... because you'll need your hand. ;)
Typically, it takes about two cycles for your body to get used to the idea of a new menstrual cup, so be patient with yourself as you navigate the learning curve and check out our Saalt Cup Academy on Facebook to get tips and support from other savvy Saalt users.
Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook
Or email our Saalt Coaches directly at sayhey@saalt.com for personalized tips and help to get you to cup success!
The short answer is NO! Say goodbye to bulky pads for good. Some people choose to supplement their cup with period underwear while mastering the learning curve or on their heavier days.
Saalt Menstrual Cups are made of 100% medical-grade silicone and are BPA and latex-free. Our cups do not contain harmful dyes, but are rather colored with pigmented silicone. That's right, the color itself is also medical-grade silicone. The silicone has been tested and certified for cytotoxicity and skin sensitization per rigorous FDA testing standards so it is biocompatible and hypoallergenic. To ensure that our cups do not leach any substance into the body, we put our cups through third-party testing to ensure consumer safety and we’re happy to say our cups pass the test! Because silicone is set in a permanent bond, it cannot melt and nothing can ever leach out.
Yes! Saalt Menstrual Cups are vegan and cruelty-free. Saalt cups are sourced using a medical-grade silicone that is already tested and FDA approved and manufactured in an ISO 13485 certified facility. Neither our cups nor the raw materials used to make them have been tested on animals, just our family and friends. ;)
Great question! Saalt Menstrual Cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone and our unique design sets us apart from the crowd. Our bulb shape creates two points of contact in the vaginal canal, helping the cup be sensation and leak free as it stays put with a great seal. We use a velvety soft silicone for comfort, but our cup is still firm enough to open easily and retain its shape to prevent leaking. We know we’re partial, but we also love our soft flexible stem that is ultra-comfortable and will never rub or irritate. Our dedicated Saalt Coaches/customer service team are also in your corner whenever you need them to help you find success with your cup. Last, when you purchase Saalt products, you’re also helping provide improved period care and menstrual health education to people in need. Thank you.
Up to 10 years—that’s as long as your passport! Saalt Menstrual Cups are made of durable silicone that can last up to 10 years with proper care. If your cup is ripped or torn, or the silicone is showing visible signs of wear or deterioration, it’s time to replace your cup. You can preserve the longevity of your cup by always following Saalt’s guidelines for cleaning, sanitizing, and storing your cup, and by handling your cup carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the silicone.
The Saalt Small Cup holds up to 25 ml of fluid (3x the amount of a regular tampon), and the Saalt Cup Regular holds up to 30 ml (4x the amount of a regular tampon). To compare, the very largest tampons max out at 18 ml of fluid.
Saalt Small: Capacity (2–3 tampons), Volume (25 ml), Height (with stem 70 mm), Rim Diameter (41 mm)
Saalt Regular: Capacity (3–4 tampons), Volume (30 ml), Height (with stem 70 mm), Rim Diameter (46 mm)
Glad you asked! There are several factors that play a role in choosing a size. Take our Cup Quiz to find which size and firmness may be your best fit. The best indicator of which cup to purchase is cervix height, specifically while on your period. Don’t know your cervix height? Check out this video to learn this information for yourself! For a medium to low cervix we recommend the Saalt Small cup. For a medium to high cervix we recommend the Saalt Regular cup.
Opens easily for a secure fit and seal. Great for new menstrual cup users.
Saalt's original menstrual cup was designed to be the easiest to use and most comfortable cup on the market. The medical-grade silicone has a velvety soft finish and is on the slightly firm side of average and is engineered with a bulb shape that retains its form very well. This makes it an excellent cup for first-time cup users because the slightly firmer structure allows it to pop open easily when inserted and creates a really good seal, so it's leak free and sits comfortably in place.
Saalt Soft
Designed with comfort in mind, especially for those with sensitivity.
The Saalt Soft is designed especially for those with a history of bladder sensitivity, cramping or discomfort with firmer menstrual cups. The Saalt Soft has the same bulb shape and soft rounded transitions, but is made from a slightly softer medical-grade silicone that is designed especially for those who have experienced bladder sensitivity, additional cramping or discomfort with firmer cups. Because the silicone is softer, it can take a little more effort to get opened, but once it's sealed, many find it to be the perfect fit for comfort.
Is the Saalt Soft for me? Read more information about the Saalt Soft here.
Say no to uncomfortable stems! The stem on your Saalt Menstrual Cup is designed to be soft and comfortable so you can keep it to help locate the cup. Depending on how you wear your cup, you may decide to trim off part or all of the stem. If you do, trim on one of the indentations. Never trim the stem while your cup is inserted. Make sure you know the desired length before trimming. Take care not to cut or scratch any part of the cup when trimming to avoid unwanted tearing of the cup. We recommend using your cup with the stem intact for at least one full period before choosing whether or not to trim your stem. Your cervix changes position throughout your cycle and you may find that having the stem is helpful to locate the cup later during your period.
Cup Inserting and Positioning
Let’s be real, it’s the question we all had when we made the switch. And then we learn, YOU FOLD IT FIRST. Light bulbs! When your cup is folded, the insertion point is quite small. Give different folds a try, making sure to hold the fold tightly during insertion. Many people find that the Punch Down Fold or 7-Fold gives them the smallest insertion point.
Time for some origami! The three most popular folds to try when inserting your cup are the C Fold, the Punch Down Fold, and the 7-Fold. Give them each a try and see which one works best for you. Easy peasy.
Saalt Menstrual Cups fit comfortably inside your vaginal canal and stay in place when a seal is formed between the outside of the cup and the walls of your vagina. When inserted properly, it will rest naturally; you won't even notice it’s there.
With clean hands, insert 1–2 fingers into your vaginal canal. Feel for the opening of your cervix, which feels similar to soft cartilage (some compare to the tip of a nose but softer). Your cervix will have a tiny hole in the center. Reaching your cervix with your finger inserted to the 1st knuckle = low, 2nd knuckle = medium, 3rd knuckle = high. If your cervix height is low to medium, we recommend you choose the Saalt size small. If your cervix height is medium to high, we recommend you choose the Saalt size regular.
Your cervix can change position throughout your ovulation cycle. Because your cervix may descend lower into the vaginal canal or continue to sit higher during your period, it's best to check your cervix height several times throughout your period.
Yes! Water is a great natural lubricant. Try wetting/rinsing the cup before inserting your cup. If you feel the need to use additional lubricant to aid in insertion, be sure to use a product that is water-based and safe for vaginal use. Please do not use oil-based lubricants, like coconut oil, to aid in your cup use. These may degrade the silicone over time, reducing the longevity of your Saalt Cup.
A Saalt Menstrual Cup should sit lower than a tampon in the vaginal canal, below the cervix. When positioned correctly, it should fit comfortably and be leak free. It’s natural and normal for the cervix to change position throughout the cycle, so you may find that the best placement for your cup may change from day to day. For some people with strong pelvic muscles or a high cervix, the cup may naturally find its way higher in the vaginal canal during use. For the most comfortable fit, it’s best to match the angle of the cup to the natural slant of your vaginal canal. The easiest way to do this is to insert your cup more horizontally, as if pointing toward your tailbone.
Cup Cleaning and Care
Your Saalt Menstrual Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying. We recommend emptying it morning and night. Of course, you know your body best. On days that you have a heavier flow, you might find you need to remove and empty more frequently.
See the Saalt Cup instructions for how to clean your menstrual cup right out of the box. During your period, remove the cup (always use clean hands) and rinse first using cold water to help avoid discoloration and odor. Then wash using warm water and mild pH-balanced soap. We recommend Saalt Wash! Rinse again to completely remove any soap. Your cup is then ready to reinsert.
After your period, rinse your menstrual cup in cold water first to help avoid discoloration and odor. Then wash thoroughly using a pH-balanced cup wash or mild soap and hot water. We recommend Saalt Wash! Avoid strong cleaners or anything that may irritate your skin if not completely washed off. Use a soft rag to wipe away any buildup. Clear the four holes at the top of your Saalt Menstrual Cup by passing water through the holes. Then sanitize your cup by placing it in a pot of boiling water for 4–5 minutes (but not more than 7 min). Use tongs or a whisk to make sure the cup doesn’t rest on the bottom of the pot. When boiling is not an option, you may sanitize your cup by rinsing it with water then thoroughly wiping your cup (and all its nooks and crannies) with a soft rag and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the alcohol to evaporate and you’re good to go!
Please do not use the following that may degrade the silicone over time, disrupt your natural pH and vaginal flora, or may lead to irritation:
*Antibacterial soap
*Hand soap
*Sterilizing tablets
*Bleach
*Baking soda
*Castile soaps
*Vinegar
*Extended soaking in any substance
We recommend our all-natural Saalt Wash, but it’s not the only option. You may also use any other mild soap that is fragrance-free, oil-free, and rinses clean with no residue.
Please do not use the following that may degrade the silicone over time, disrupt your natural pH and vaginal flora, or may lead to irritation:
-Anything that may leave behind residue.
-Anything that irritates your skin
-Vinegar
-Soaps containing tea tree or peppermint oil
-Dish soap
-Antibacterial soaps
-Oil-based soaps
-Castile soap
-Dr. Bonners
-Coconut oil
-Baking soda
To prevent discoloration, always rinse your cup first with cold water after emptying. Then wash your cup with a pH-balanced cup wash or a mild cleanser that is free of oils and fragrances. We recommend Saalt Wash! Though silicone can become discolored over time, your Saalt Menstrual Cup is still safe to use.
If you have access to a sink in a public restroom, the best method is to remove and empty your menstrual cup, then wash it in a sink as you would at home. If it’s inconvenient to get to the sink in a public restroom, no worries! You might consider carrying a small water bottle or squirt bottle in your bag to use on-the-go. You can also use a fragrance-free wet wipe or a clean, wet paper towel to wipe your cup clean. The most important thing to remember is to always handle your cup during insertion and removal with clean hands. Later, you can choose to wash your cup more thoroughly. We recommend Saalt Wash!
Cup Lifestyle
Healthy living is a pretty big deal here at Saalt, so kudos to you for keeping active. Because we designed Saalt Menstrual Cups to fit snugly inside your vaginal canal, you can maintain the same level of activity that you do when you’re not on your period. Go ahead and swim, dance, and be free from bulky pads or dangling strings.
We totally dig that. Fortunately, the seal created between your menstrual cup and vaginal walls should allow you to breeze through those asanas, no problem.
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Tampon fibers absorb water, bacteria, and chemicals while swimming that can become hospitable toward microbial growth. Saalt Menstrual Cups form a seal that creates a barrier between you and the water and still prevents you from leaking. So if you want to avoid soggy tampons and harmful chemicals, you’ll love your period upgrade with Saalt.
Unfortunately, no. You’ll need to remove your menstrual cup before penetrative, vaginal intercourse.
Cup Health Concerns
Most people do not need to talk to their doctor before using a menstrual cup. If you have an IUD or have ever had TSS, we do recommend that you talk with your doctor before using a cup. We’re period experts, not medical experts, so if you have a medical condition or something in your medical history that makes you wonder if cup use is right for you, we always encourage you to check with your trusted medical provider for their recommendation.
Though using a menstrual cup with an IUD or contraceptive ring should be no problem, we recommend talking with your medical provider before use. Some cup users find that it is more comfortable if the strings on their IUD are trimmed shorter prior to using their cup. Be sure to break the seal before removing your cup to avoid dislodging your contraceptive.
When positioning your cup with a ring contraceptive, make sure the ring is not resting in your cup since it works by contacting your skin. Many cup users reported that compared to a tampon, the cup was easier to insert and remove without disturbing the ring.
The short answer is that getting TSS while using a menstrual cup is possible, but highly unlikely. To minimize your risk, always wash your hands before and after handling your cup, clean your cup thoroughly between periods, and consider emptying your cup more frequently. Consult your doctor before using a menstrual cup if you’ve previously been diagnosed with TSS.
Read more about menstrual cups and TSS here.
Of course! All of Saalt’s menstrual cups are made of 100% medical-grade silicone that is blissfully latex, BPA, and toxin free.
Rest easy—you can comfortably use Saalt Menstrual Cups with a high, low, or tilted/retroverted cervix. In fact, the location of the cervix may change naturally throughout a person’s cycle. If your cervix is higher, your cup may find its way higher in the vaginal canal during use. This isn’t a problem, so long as it doesn’t cause leaking or discomfort, which can come from positioning the cup too high, creating pressure against the cervix. It may also take a little more effort to remove. For those with a low cervix, our size small may be your most comfortable option. If your cervix is tilted, be sure to take some time to find which angle will suit you best when your cup is inserted.
TMI welcome here. To get a quick, personal reply, email our Saalt Coaches at sayhey@saalt.com or text us at 775-23SAALT (775-237-2258), international rates may apply.
We're period experts, not medical experts, but there is a phenomenon called vasovagal syncope which can happen when a person's vagus nerve overreacts to a certain trigger such as the sight of blood, extreme emotional distress, or even pressure being placed on the nerve. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, and cause lightheadedness, feverishness, sweating, blurred vision, and sometimes fainting. The vagus nerve branches out all over the body, and part of the nerve passes by the cervix. So, if a menstrual cup is putting pressure or suction on the cervix, it could trigger this response. If you think this sounds like what happened to you, we'd recommend wearing your cup lower than a tampon so it does not put pressure on your cervix. We encourage you to reach out to a medical professional if you have any concerns about whether a menstrual cup is right for you.
Cup Troubleshooting
Consider removing your menstrual cup while straddling a toilet or while in the shower, especially your first time. Always break the seal before removing your cup by pinching the base of the cup and wiggling as you pull. Never pull on the stem alone. Wiggle back and forth while removing, pulling out the top/front of the rim first, keeping the cup upright to avoid spilling, then remove the bottom/back of the rim.
If you can't reach your menstrual cup when it is inserted, relax. The cup cannot get lost inside the vagina; sometimes it may sit higher up and be hard to reach (this can happen at night). You can use your pelvic muscles to move the cup lower. We refer to this as gently bearing down, and it should feel similar to starting an easy bowel movement or releasing gas. Try not to strain when you bear down, and breathe with an open mouth and loose throat to prevent pressure on your pelvic floor. Once in reach, grasp lower on the base of the cup, pinch, wiggle and gently pull it out. You may also just continue to move around and gravity will naturally move the cup back down to its normal position. Try again to remove it after 30 minutes.
Also try inserting one finger alongside the cup and press in to break the seal. If possible, try hooking that one finger at the rim of the cup to help bring it lower.
If you need additional assistance, please email sayhey@saalt.com with the subject line "REMOVALMAGIC" or send us a private message on Facebook, your Saalt Coaches are ready to help!
When your menstrual cup is inserted correctly, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort or leaking. First check the position. A Saalt Menstrual Cup sits lower in the vagina than a tampon. If it is too high or too close to the cervix, it can leak or cause discomfort and cramping. Use your vaginal muscles to gently move the cup to a lower position. Your vagina has a natural slant, so make sure the cup is inserted to match the natural slant of your vaginal canal. To accomplish this, point your cup towards your tailbone instead of straight up during insertion. Leaking can also be caused by a poor seal. Make sure the four air holes are not clogged and that the cup has fully opened. Swirl a finger around the base of the cup to check for any folds or indentations. Pinch the base of the cup and rotate it to make sure it is opened completely. If leaking persists, we are here to help! Please send us a direct message or email sayhey@saalt.com for personalized tips. Most importantly, keep trying small adjustments, everyone is different.
Wipe or rinse your labia after insertion to prevent spotting. Spotting can be caused by blood left in the vagina after insertion. After inserting your menstrual cup, swirl your finger around the cup to remove any excess blood, then wash your hands. You can supplement your cup with a pad, liner, or period underwear while you are learning to use it or on your heaviest days.
For some people the cup opens right away after insertion, and for others the cup may need a bit of help to fully open. If you find your cup hasn't fully opened, try one or more of the following:
*Choose a different fold. Sometimes something as simple as changing the fold will help the cup to open easier. You can also try changing the direction the fold is facing during insertion.
*Insert the cup slightly higher into the vaginal canal. The vagina is at its narrowest near the entrance and is slightly wider higher into the canal.
*Pinch the base of the cup and rotate it to get it to fully open. This may be a few short twists or a full 360 degree rotation.
*Try rotating again while grasping the cup a little higher.
*Gently press the vaginal wall away from the dent/fold to create more space for the cup to fully open.
*Bear down on the cup, as if having a bowel movement, as you press upward on the base of the cup to keep it in place.
*Pinch the bottom of the cup once or twice directly below the dent/fold, essentially "pumping" the fold out of the cup.
If the Saalt menstrual cup is positioned incorrectly, it can put pressure on your urethra or bladder. It may feel like you have to urinate often or can feel like a weak urine stream, where it can take a long time to empty your bladder. Either way, changing the position of the cup should help relieve this pressure. You’ll want to be sure that you are positioning your cup to match the natural slant of your vaginal canal. To do this, try inserting your cup more horizontally toward your tailbone.
If you know you have bladder sensitivity, you might find that our Saalt Soft is the perfect fit for comfort! The Saalt Soft is a natural progression for Saalt's menstrual cup line. It has the same bulb shape and soft rounded transitions, but is made from a slightly softer medical-grade silicone that is designed especially for those with bladder sensitivity, cramping or discomfort with firmer cups. Because the silicone is softer, it can take a little more effort to get opened, but once it's sealed, we’re confident that you’ll find it to be the perfect fit for comfort.
Orders & Shipping
We take all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Google Pay, Facebook Pay, and dark couverture chocolate.
We do not ship internationally from our Canada site. Feel free to visit our US site at saalt.com for international orders outside of Canada. If you are located in the UK, shop Saalt at saaltco.uk.
Your order will be shipped within 24 hours and once it ships it can take about 3-7 business days to arrive on average - so watch for an email with tracking information. Hooray! You’re one step closer to period bliss. If you have questions about your order, please contact us at orders@saalt.com.
Provided your order hasn’t yet shipped, please email orders@saalt.com to cancel your order.
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at orders@saalt.com
We're here to share every tip and trick up our sleeves to help you get to period bliss.
Check out these resources below:
Or email us directly at sayhey@saalt.com for personalized tips!
