What’s the Difference Between Lily Cup One & Lily Cup Compact?
If you’re always on the go, then you know that having menstrual care products that are convenient to carry is mega important. We have not one, but two different collapsible cups that fit into a carry case about as big as your lip balm.
With one of these menstrual cups in your purse, pocket or backpack, you’ll never get caught by surprise again! But what’s the difference between Lily Cup One and Lily Cup Compact, and which is right for you?
Lily Cup Compact
What It Is:
Lily Cup Compact was the very first reusable menstrual cup to collapse down flat for easy-carrying.
Who It’s For:
If your period deviates from it’s “schedule” or you’re just not great at keeping track of it, this is a great cup to have on hand. Lily Cup Compact comes in a Size A and Size B (B being ideal for those who have given birth or otherwise have a weaker pelvic floor.
When it comes to flow, Lily Cup Compact is for women with a light to medium amount of menstrual blood per day. Size A (light pink) holds 18 ml and size B (dark pink) holds 23 ml – which is still a higher capacity than a tampon! If you have a heavy flow, you can still use the Compact, but you’ll probably just have to empty it a little more often.
Lily Cup One
What It Is:
Lily Cup One has a slimmer bubble design, so it’s less of a daunting fit for smaller anatomies. It also has a stiffer rim than any of our other menstrual cups so it’s easier to open once inserted.
Who It’s For:
This cup was made with newbies in mind. Whether you’re new to menstruating or new to cups, it has a few features that make it a bit easier to use.
Even folks who are pros when it comes to popping in a menstrual cup may prefer its unique design, and how easy it is to open. Lily Cup One is our most petite cup, yet it still has an impressive 20 ml capacity (20 ml – or the same as 2 regular tampons).
If you have a very heavy flow, you may need to change it more often than our higher capacity cups (like Lily Cup Classic) but it’s so easy to insert, that won’t be a problem!
Lane Baumeister is an internationally-based Canadian writer with several years’ experience creating educational and entertaining articles that discuss intimate health and sexual well-being. When not waxing profound about menstruation, she devotes herself to enjoying extremely good food and equally bad movies.
Hello! I have a high cervix and am looking for a more portable cup. I have only ever used a Diva Cup (model 1), which I find can be a bit hard to remove due to how high it sits, so I am hesitant to go any shorter. I see in the product descriptions that the lily cup compact is longer than the lily cup one, with the lily compact length being about the same as the diva cup and the lily one being significantly shorter.
However, in photographs I have seen, the compact and one cup appear to be basically the same length. How much of a difference do you think the length difference would make to someone with a high cervix such as myself? I would prefer to get the lily cup one because of the firmer rim and loop, but I want to make sure it is not too short to remove easily.
Hi Emma, thanks for reaching out! If you’re having trouble grasping the stem/bottom of your cup to break the seal and remove, I think I would recommend the Compact over the One. If you’re quite experienced with using cups, then I don’t think you should have trouble using the Compact. Do let me know what you think though – I can certainly pass along your frustration to the product team because it’s important for them to get diverse feedback so we can improve our products!
Hi there
My cervix sits very low at the start of my period and even with trimming the stem of my previous cup it could sit low and irritate me. I therefore went for the lily cup compact, and while the collapsible feature is cute it was the length that was the deciding factor for me. I’m on my first cycle using it (after 2 years with my previous cup) and the length is perfect. However I’ve had terrible trouble with leakage, particularly at night. I’m thinking that the softer material plus the collapsible nature of the cup means that it is harder to fit perfectly. A couple of times I’ve reached in to remove it and felt the lowest portion pop open (despite having pulled on insertion).
Your tips and tricks article doesn’t specifically cover the collapsible cups – is there any additional advice please?
Thank you
Hi Lydia! I’m so sorry to hear you’re having issues with your cup. Does it feel like you’re able to create a seal (as in, if you try gently tugging just after inserting, can you sense a seal)? I can recommend two things – one would be trying a different fold method to see if the cup is just not opening correctly with the fold you’re using now. Or, you may want to try the Lily Cup One? It’s short and collapsible, but has a more rigid body and rim which make it much easier for opening and creating a seal. Let me know if that helps!