All period cups are actually “soft” as they are designed to be comfortable to wear for up to 12 hours a day. You should not be able to feel it when the menstrual cup is used correctly.

So when we talk about soft vs hard period cups, we are looking at the firmness of the rim of the cup. The firmness of a period cup is how much effort it takes for the cup to spring back into shape when released. 

What does it mean when considering a soft vs firm period cup? In theory, does a soft period cup mean it is more comfortable? And why would anyone want a firm period cup?  In this article, we will look at how to define soft vs firm period cups and their pros and cons. And which cup is best for you?

Firm period cup

A firm period cup requires more effort to push down and it will feel more solid and harder to squeeze. Medium firmness cups are usually the easiest cups to use when you are trying a period cup for the first time. This is because the cup will ‘pop open’ easier when inserted. At the same time, it is still quite comfortable for beginners. 

This is important as you want the cup to fully open and fit against your vaginal walls after it is inserted. This is to collect your menstrual blood with no gaps, and no leaks. Liana period cup beginner is great for beginners who are unsure of what their preference is. 

The down side is that you may feel a tiny bit of period cup pressure, and this may be most noticeable when you try to pee. 

Liana Cup Beginners

Soft period cup

A soft period cup will be easier to squeeze down. It will feel very delicate and be easy to squeeze. But may take a little bit longer to pop open when inserted inside the vagina. Soft menstrual cups conform to your body easily. They are believed to be more comfortable as there is no pressure pushing on your vaginal walls.

But they may be harder to open completely once inside. Your vagina walls may be pushing it out of shape. If there is a fold or incomplete seal, this can cause leaking. With very soft cups such as Liana Silky Soft, you may need to check the seal. You can do this by running a finger along the rim once inserted.

Just because it is a soft menstrual cup does not necessarily mean it is the most comfortable. How easily a period cup opens up, with little or more effort, will also depend on the strength and elasticity of your vagina. Remember, every woman’s body is completely different. That’s what makes it so special!

Those women who are sensitive down there may find soft cups more comfortable. 

Time and usage factor

Regardless of a soft cup or a firm cup, it has been discovered that the cup becomes softer with time. Don’t worry this will not compromise its use. This is usually due to repeated boiling when sterilizing the cup after each cycle. So a cup that is used often may become softer than a cup that is hardly used. Remember to check your cup often if you find the material is degrading or is being compromised, then it might be time to get a new cup.

Conclusion

You should choose a firm cup such as Liana beginner’s cup if you haven’t used the cup before or if you are not sure which cup to choose. It has a medium firmness that ensures that the cup will open easily when inserted inside the vagina. 

Liana low cervix also has medium firmness but you only choose it if you have a low cervix. Read more about what a cervix is and how to measure it.

You should choose a soft cup such as Liana silky soft if you are sensitive down there or have weak pelvic muscles or bladder issues or feel pressure inside by using other cups. It is so soft and smooth so you may need to apply some techniques to make the cup open inside e.g rotate the cup.

You should choose a Liana teen cup if you are a teenager as it is specially designed for teenagers because the insertion is easy due to its small size.