Science and innovations have made a lot of things easy for women, and menstrual products are one of them. Gone are the days when women relied on sanitary pads and tampons. Today, menstrual cups and discs have replaced the market.
Menstrual discs are the new fad among women due to different reasons.
These menstrual products are inserted into the vagina for collecting blood and giving long-lasting protection of around 12 hours. Wonderful, right?
Menstrual discs are of two types- soft disc and flex disc- and this article will delve into their differences so that you can decide which is best for you. Also, we will learn how discs are different from menstrual cups.
What are Soft Disc and Flex Disc?
The basic difference between soft and flexible discs comes from the material used in their manufacturing.
Material
As the name indicates, soft discs have a soft texture and are made using ultra-soft 100% medical-grade silicon. It gives the desired texture to the soft disc. Also, a soft disc is designed with a wave texture that contributes to the grip of the disc, making it easy to insert and remove.
On the other hand, Flex Disc uses ComfortSeal technology to create a custom, leak-resistant seal at the base of the cervix.
However, both these products function in a similar manner and provide around 12 hours of protection without leakage.
Comfort
When it comes to the level of comfort of using soft disc and flex disc, it goes down to individual preferences and how well they have inserted the disc into the vagina.
While some people find flex discs are better as they warm and shape according to the body and don’t cause pain during insertion, others believe the same for soft discs.
What Is The Difference Between Soft Disc And Flex Disc?
Here’s a table providing a detailed differentiation between soft disc and flex disc based on different aspects-
| Feature | Soft Disc | Flex Disc |
| Material | Usually made of silicone or similar soft material | Made of medical-grade polymer or similar flexible material |
| Design | Typically, thicker and softer, resembling a traditional menstrual cup | Often thinner and more flexible, with a unique shape for easier insertion and removal |
| Flexibility | More pliable and compressible | Flexible, but may have a firmer rim for stability |
| Rim Design | Usually has a softer, more rounded rim for comfort and ease of insertion | May have a more pronounced or firmer rim for stability during wear |
| Capacity | Can vary in capacity, generally designed for light to heavy flow | Can vary in capacity, typically designed for moderate to heavy flow |
| Wear Time | Typically worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow | Typically worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow |
| Sizes | Available in various sizes to accommodate different anatomies and flow levels | Available in various sizes to accommodate different anatomies and flow levels |
| Insertion Method | Inserted similarly to a traditional menstrual cup, folded and inserted into the vagina | Inserted similarly to a tampon, with a unique fold and insertion technique |
| Removal Method | Removed by pinching the base to break the seal and gently pulling down | Removed by hooking a finger under the rim and pulling down or gripping the stem |
| Comfort | Generally comfortable due to soft material and flexible design | Generally comfortable due to flexible material and unique shape for easier insertion and removal |
| Leakage | May experience some leakage if not positioned correctly or if overflow occurs | May experience some leakage if not positioned correctly or if overflow occurs |
| Cleaning | Washed with mild soap and water between uses, boiled for sterilization as needed | Washed with mild soap and water between uses, sterilized by boiling or using a sterilizing solution as needed |
Now that we know some of the major differences between soft disc and flex disc let’s understand how they differ from menstrual cups.
Menstrual Discs Vs. Menstrual Cups
When it comes to their function, both these products work in a similar manner. Both are inserted into the vagina and collect menstrual blood for hours.
However, how they appear is what makes them slightly different. While menstrual cups look like cups with tapering ends, discs look nothing less like normal discs.
Besides this, their area of placement is also different.
A disc (soft or flex disc) fits back into the vagina fornix. It is the place where the vagina canal meets the cervix. Once fitted, the blood dripping from the cervix collects into the disc.
On the contrary, a cup sits in the vagina below the cervix and extends into the canal. Usually, it depends on what brand you are using for the purpose.
Whether you use a menstrual cup or disc, it is essential to know how to insert and remove them properly to get the most out of them.
How Long Can One Wear A Soft Disc And A Flex Disc?
Both the menstrual discs are able to handle the flow for around 12 hours. It gives you the freedom to move around and be involved in all your favorite activities with no hindrance.
However, women who experience heavy flow may need to remove the disc before 12 hours, discard the blood and disc properly, and insert another disc to prevent blood from oozing out.
Are Soft Discs and Flex Discs Reusable?
No, menstrual discs are not reusable. It is the reason why they are not considered the most environmentally friendly option. On the other hand, menstrual cups are reusable, and the same cup can be used many times after proper washing.
Conclusion
The market is filled with period products, and deciding which one is for you depends on your choice. While some women still feel comfortable using traditional cotton pads or sanitary pads, others look out for options such as tampons, menstrual cups, and discs.
If you want to try between soft disc and flex disc, do not forget to check out their differences to decide what to buy.
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