Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Sleep in?

March 13, 2023

During the heavy days of your menstrual cycle, sleeping might become very difficult and uncomfortable. A survey published by the National Library of Medicine shows that poor sleep quality is often associated with heavy menstrual cycles.

As many people who menstruate get to figure out their bodies and cycles, the need for safe, high-absorbent or long-lasting menstrual hygiene products becomes significant to deal with issues which may interrupt sleep. Although, conventional products like tampons and pads are promoted to offer high retention, they end up not working as should, leading to incidents like stains and leaks further reducing sleep quality.

Subsequently, as some may have already come across how to use a menstrual cup and the numerous benefits it provides, the need to know if menstrual cups are safe to sleep in over extended periods like during a long night sleep becomes apparent.

Below, we highlight the characteristics of menstrual cups that make them safe and comfortable to sleep in.

Your worries may arise about whether sleeping with a menstrual cup is safe. Yes! It is 100% safe. In fact, they are considered to be one of the safest menstrual hygiene tools.

House of Cutie menstrual cup in pure pearl colour

Here are some benefits of sleeping with a menstrual cup

High retention and leak-free protection

Menstrual cups can be worn safely to sleep in for up to 12 hours and hold up to 30 millimeters of period fluid, depending on the size of the menstrual cup. This means they hold more blood than other menstrual hygiene product and are great to collect period fluid and protect you while you sleep. Their sizes vary and can be chosen based on a number of menstrual cups sizing factors. Regardless, they can be worn for the longest time without the risk of leaking at night. This makes them a safe option and overrules the stress of emptying menstrual cups overnight. However, the menstrual cup size is not a major determinant for purchase except for people with heavy flow.

Minimal risk of toxic shock syndrome or yeast infection

Menstrual cups do not sponsor toxic shocks, vaginal irritations, and bacterial infections if used as directed. Irritations and infections are common effects of conventional menstrual hygiene products. These hygiene materials oftentimes affect the vaginal pH after frequent use and render it imbalanced. This results in a number of discomfort and mild-to-severe health challenges such as absorption of toxic compound via the vagina walls into the body. Itching, rashes, redness, and swellings are common effects of sanitary pads. On the other hand, tampons can cause yeast, bacteria, fungal infections, and TSS if not correctly used. Unlike other menstrual hygiene products, menstrual cups have minimal cases of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) and are effective to keep you safe as you sleep.

Menstrual cups provides increased comfort when sleeping

Unlike other methods of sanitary protection, using menstrual cup when sleeping can offer more comfort and reduction in vaginal irritations and dryness. Menstrual cups have the rarest instances of vaginal dryness as opposed to when using tampons for long periods. Also, the risk of vaginal irritation, rashes, and odor is greatly reduced as menstrual cups do not smell since the period fluid is no exposed to air. This makes them a comfortable and safe option to sleep in at night.

Menstrual cups could act as a remedy for urinary incontinence

When used consistently during the menstrual cycle, menstrual cups allow consistent pressure to be placed on the urethra, significantly controlling the involuntary urine flow from the bladder, especially due to stress.

The constant pressure the menstrual cup places on the pelvic muscles trains them to become firmer and reduce urine from flowing unconsciously. This, in turn, improves one’s sexual life and lengthens trip times to the restroom. No study shows how often menstrual cups should be worn to heal urinary incontinence. We, however, advise that menstrual cups should only be used as menstrual hygiene tool and worn during period cycles. Other medically proven remedies for urinary incontinence can be considered to handle the condition properly.

However, only on rare occasions do menstrual cups leak at night. This may be due to punctures in the cup, extended hours of usage, and improper insertion, amongst other factors.

A woman setting an alarm about to sleep with menstrual cup on

Here are a few steps to reduce menstrual cup leaks while sleeping

Empty your menstrual cup before bed

Depending on whether or not you have a heavy flow, menstrual cups should be emptied and washed within 6-12 hours of use. If you have worn it all day, it is best to empty the cup before going to bed so you can sleep for as long as possible without the fear of leaking at night.

Use the right size

The right menstrual cup size is chosen based on what fits the vagina more perfectly and not one that holds more or less fluid. This is because the sizes of cups vary with the manufacturer’s design. A small cup from one manufacturer may be slightly big when compared to that of another manufacturer.
They are, however, some general guidelines to note when choosing the right menstrual cup size. Some of them include the following:

1. Age

Women older than 30 who have undergone vagina delivery or engage in regular sex may opt for larger cup sizes as opposed to teenagers who are

virgins or exercise often.

2. The length of the cup

This is equal to the height of your cervix. It is essential to note this because it helps you pick a cup that won’t peep out, nor will it be difficult to reach. Check out how to measure the height of your cervix to determine the best menstrual cup for your cycle.

3. Adjust your bedtime routine

If your habitual sleep routine is more than 12 hours, it is best you set an alarm to wake up just in time to change your menstrual cup. An extended time of usage, usually more than 12 hours, may lead to leakage and cause TSS on rare occasions. If you have trouble getting up earlier than after 12 hours of sleep, you may need to learn how to fix your sleep schedule to accommodate the need to change your menstrual cup at the 12-hour mark.

Menstrual cups are safe to sleep in and do not require constant check-in if properly inserted and used. If misused, one may risk bacterial and yeast infection or, in rare cases, TSS. To avoid these, properly wash your hands with running water and antiseptic soap before handling the cup. Menstrual cups should also be cleaned with running water and boiled in a covered pot for 10 minutes.