Smallest packaging for menstrual cups

November 7, 2023 3:56 PM

I'm preparing to travel in December and donations of menstrual cups have been requested. I'll have limited carry-on luggage space but want to bring as many as I can. Which high quality ones have the smallest external packaging? Or do you have a suggestion for bringing them in sanitary original inner packaging, and if so which brands have that?

For purchasing, I'm in Canada but will also be in the US later this month. Amazon in either country works, or any other suggestions.

I bought one once over a decade ago and it didn't work out for me so I have no recent experience with buying.

I'll note too that cups not discs were requested, and the request was for bringing not shipping.

Thank you!

posted by mireille to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

Can't speak to the internal packaging but this brand has a multipack box of 4 of them, so presumably they are wrapped inside? you also get 4 little fabric bags , and you get 2 smaller size cup and 2 of the larger size (sizing can be a trial and error thing, i think the guidance is usually by age? honestly smart of these ppl to sell you both and let you figure it out on your own)

Divacups come with a little fabric bag, and it looks like some of the other brands do as well.
posted by wowenthusiast at 6:29 PM on November 7, 2023

I mean you can really bring them in anything as you should give them a soap and water wash before using, but there might be of an “appearance” of sanitation to the user if they are brought in small cloth bags.

(I’m not sure the number you’re looking to bring, but if it’s anything more than 10 I’d highly recommend contacting the brands directly to ask about a discount)
posted by raccoon409 at 7:37 PM on November 7, 2023 [1 favorite]

I was also going to say that you don't technically speaking need sterile packaging, but you know better than we do what the recipients will find acceptable.

This could be a good question for either Amanda from Put a Cup in It, a review and education site for cups, or Kim from Period Shop (she used to be involved in Put a Cup in It). They would also be able to advise you on cups that would be most likely to fit well for the greatest number of people (I'd suggest the brands Lunette, saalt, and AllMatters based on shape, size, and firmness).

You may want to read the note here about shipping cups to Canada.

Many cup companies donate cups, often abroad, and I imagine they don't ship those in commercial packaging. Maybe they already have a packaging setup that would work well for you. Depending on your situation, I definitely agree with the suggestion to check whether the brands would give you a discount or even free cups.
posted by Comet Bug at 8:54 PM on November 7, 2023 [3 favorites]