Healthdirect says a period may be heavy if you lose more than 80 mL of blood during a period, bleed for more than 8 days, or need to change your tampon or pad every 1 to 2 hours.
Numbers like these are handy when you weigh up a period cup, because cup capacity is measured in millilitres too. Below are seven features of the Lunette period cup, set out plainly, and a guide to choosing between its two sizes.
Quick answer: The Lunette period cup has seven features worth knowing: medical-grade silicone, a softer Size 1 and a firmer Size 2, capacities of 25 mL and 30 mL, measuring lines, a 72 mm length including the stem, six colours, and up to 10 years of use. Lunette's Australian store says it can be worn for up to 8 hours.
What are the Lunette period cup's seven features?
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1. Material | 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex; independently tested by Danish TÆNK with no unwanted substances detected |
| 2. Two levels of firmness | Softer silicone in Size 1, firmer silicone in Size 2 |
| 3. Capacity | 25 mL in Size 1 and 30 mL in Size 2, each more than 2 to 3 tampons' worth |
| 4. Measuring lines | 5 mL and 13.5 mL on Size 1; 7.5 mL and 15 mL on Size 2 |
| 5. Length and stem | 72 mm long with the stem for both sizes; a 25 mm stem on Size 1 and 20 mm on Size 2 |
| 6. Colours | Violet, pink, blue, orange, yellow or clear on the Australian store |
| 7. Lifespan and origin | Up to 10 years with proper care; made in Finland, where Lunette began in 2005 |
How wide is each Lunette period cup?
Size 1 is 41 mm across and Size 2 is 46 mm, so the bigger cup is wider rather than longer. Size 2 also holds 5 mL more. Lunette's guidance pairs Size 1 with light to medium flow, a low cervix, teens, strong pelvic floor muscles or a sensitive bladder, and Size 2 with heavier flow or a higher cervix.
Which period cup size suits a heavy flow?
Size 2, according to Lunette's recommendation for heavier flow, and its measuring lines show how much you've collected each time you empty it. Healthdirect's self-care suggestions for heavy periods include wearing a tampon or menstrual cup together with a pad or period underwear for extra protection.
Cervix height plays a part as well, with Size 1 suggested for a low cervix. Our post on high cervix, low cervix and your menstrual cup goes into more detail.
Should a first-timer start with the smaller cup?
General advice from Jean Hailes is that it's a good idea to start with a small cup and experiment with other sizes once you're used to inserting and removing it. Lunette's smaller, softer option is Size 1, though Lunette's own advice ties size to flow and anatomy rather than experience.
Jean Hailes adds that the stem should sit just inside your vagina. If it's too long, take the cup out and trim the stem following the product instructions.
When to see a GP
- See your doctor if you have heavy periods or your periods affect your everyday life.
- Go to an urgent care clinic if you have a heavy period with signs of anaemia, such as dizziness or weakness, or bleeding that is suddenly much heavier than usual.
- In a medical emergency, call triple zero (000) straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Are both period cup sizes the same length?
Yes. Size 1 and Size 2 each measure 72 mm including the stem. The difference sits in the width and the stem: Size 1 is 41 mm wide with a 25 mm stem, while Size 2 is 46 mm wide with a 20 mm stem and is made of firmer silicone.
Which colours can I choose?
Lunette's Australian store lists the period cup in violet, pink, blue, orange, yellow and clear. Whichever you choose, the cup is the same 100% medical-grade silicone, so you can pick on looks once you've settled on the size that suits your flow.
What if my first size doesn't work out?
Lunette asks you to allow at least two to three cycles to get familiar with inserting and removing the cup. If it clearly doesn't work after that fair try, Lunette can refund your purchase or send you the other size, and because it's an intimate product, you don't need to post the cup back.
Settled on Size 1 or Size 2? The Lunette period cup comes in six colours and lasts up to 10 years with care. Our period cup cleaning guide shows how to keep it in shape for that long.
We provide this as general health information, not medical advice. If heavy bleeding or pain is affecting you, make an appointment with your GP.
