Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup Material: Silicone (LSR) vs. TPE
When embarking on the journey of purchasing your first menstrual cup, it’s essential to delve into the materials used in their construction. This knowledge empowers you to make an informed choice, aligning with your body’s needs, environmental concerns, and product lifespan expectations.
The two primary materials for crafting menstrual cups are Medical Grade Silicone (LSR – Liquid Silicone Rubber) and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). Both are commendable options, but each possesses its unique characteristics, particularly in how they feel to the touch.
Medical Grade Silicone (LSR – Liquid Silicone Rubber)
- LSR tooling is costly, and silicone necessitates post-manufacturing curing, adding to production expenses.
- LSR boasts remarkable tear strength (tensile strength).
- While not recyclable, LSR can be ground down and repurposed to create various high-impact sporting surfaces.
- Silicone menstrual cups offer an extended lifespan of 10 years or more and exhibit low compression strength, ensuring they can withstand substantial pressure while maintaining their shape throughout their life.
- LSR can endure high-temperature sterilization and chemical sterilization.
- It’s odorless and hypoallergenic, holding the highest compatibility rating for use within the human body, making it the favored choice in the medical industry.
- Renowned menstrual cup brands made from LSR include Diva Cup, Mooncup, Merula, Ziggy Cup, Kiko Cup, Fleur Cup, MyCup™, and Lunette.
With this information at hand, you can confidently make the best decision regarding the material you’d like to entrust with your body. Both materials have their advantages and drawbacks, making them sound choices for crafting menstrual cups.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
- TPE tooling is cost-effective, demanding less energy for manufacturing TPE products.
- TPE can be easily re-molded, dyed, or colored, offering flexibility in design.
- It’s recyclable, capable of being melted down and repurposed after use.
- TPE menstrual cups have a lifespan of 3-5 years, feel soft to the touch but may have a plastic-like sensation.
- With a high compression strength, TPE may lose its shape over its life.
- While TPE can be sterilized, it cannot withstand chemical sterilization or high temperatures, as it can melt easily.
- TPE is a contemporary material gaining popularity due to its cost-effective tooling and recyclability.
- Leading menstrual cup brands made from TPE include Me Luna, Oi Cup, and Hellocup.
Menstrual Cup Material Choice
After extensive research on both materials and their respective pros and cons, our team opted for Medical Grade Silicone (LSR) for menstrual cups. While TPE offers advantages in terms of manufacturing ease, recyclability, and lower material costs, Medical Grade Silicone menstrual cups excel in benefits for the end-user.
Medical Grade Silicone boasts:
- Low compression strength, maintaining shape throughout its lifespan.
- The highest biocompatibility rating for safe use within the human body.
- An extended cup life, resulting in fewer cups needed over a menstruating individual’s lifetime.
- High tensile strength.
Ultimately, our choice of Medical Grade Silicone ensures that menstrual cup provides our customers with an outstanding menstrual cup that prioritizes longevity, stability, and the highest level of user benefit.
If you require further information on either material or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
