I think the concept of an applicator is a good idea especially for people with dexterity issues, but none of these seem to actually solve those issues. Honestly, it seems like most of these would be even more difficult to use than just inserting a cup with your hand(s). I think a cup applicator COULD be a really great accessory to make cups more accessible to use, but I think the idea needs to be rethought and not modeled after tampon applicators.
Thank you so much for demonstrating these. I definitely would have wasted my money on these and then found out the hard way my messed up arthritis hands couldn’t work them. Really appreciate this channel.
Love your kitty co-host! 💕 Also, just wanted to say, Kim - thank you so much for all your content! Period Nirvana indeed; I’m very happy with my Hello Disc ☺️
Having to wash the applicator after each insertion seems more time consuming than just using your hands to insert. Depending on how the applicator gets stored between uses (like if it gets put in it's storage pouch), I'd probably want to wash it again right before the next insertion to get all the lint off too. I also don't like the fact that you can't boil the applicator like you can do for the cup. From what I've heard from the Sunny brand, you're only supposed to clean the applicator with soap and water.
Some of these applicators just show how far we as women still have a long way to go in dealing with applicators. They could be designed so much better.
Is it possible to make a version of the hello disc in an oval PLEASSSEEE I love everything about mine, but i am struggling so bad. It hkas only worked for me 2 times (not the disc error, i babe recently found oval shape works better for my body). I would love and appreciate an oval version! Thank you for this channel and all your efforts it has helped me greatly!
Hi! Oh my gosh I am so happy to catch a new upload! I started using a cup because of you! This was my first cycle with the cup and it went super well! I only leaked once, funny enough because I also wear acrylic nails I use an applicator for inserting, taking it out still isn’t very graceful for me, I think I have a really high cervix because I need to get into a really deep squat to remove but other than that I felt super prepared! Thank you ❤
Well none of us “need” one this is just another option of course there is the disc or even just pads & period panties tampons so there are other options
It seems like most of these applicators need lube to make it easier to push the cup through (purple being the exception 😬). I agree with another commenter who said the deisgn should be reconsidered rather than modelling wholly after tampon applicators.
Take everything I’m saying with a grain of salt because I’m fresh off another failure to insert a menstrual cup, in pain, and completely demoralized. Insertion of anything is painful for me. I’ve just learned to use tampons and I’m in my 30s. An applicator (that works) would be a god send! I need a smooth entry and exit to make the experience somewhat tolerable. So I was disappointed that I could tell you weren’t a fan of applicators before your disclaimer. Also disappointed to see nearly everyone in the comments missing the point of applicators. If it doesn’t make sense to you, you’re not the target audience. To be fair, I think your point about the extra maneuvering defeats the purpose is spot on. I don’t think cups or discs will ever be accessible to me no matter how much I want them to be (I want them for cost cutting and sustainability).
But also thanks for your work. I just found your page and will be exploring. You’re one of the few people who have done a review and care. Plus your cat is so cute.
Have you tried a disc? I'm also in my thirties, was a late user of tampons because of pain, and tried and tried multiple menstrual cups and was literally never able to insert one. Ever. It was so painful and frustrating and just horrible. And then I tried a mentrual disc. I now use the disc exclusively and I love it so much. The insertion point for discs is so much smaller than cups (the same as a tampon!) and it doesn't sit in the vaginal canal where more nerves are. I've been exactly where you are and I feel for you so much. There is hope though, I promise!
@EldritchNerd I felt the same way when I saw them but they're really small when folded. I'm a very firm believer that people who are more petite down there or struggle with insertion have more success with discs. I hope you find something that makes your period more comfortable. ❤
You may have already tried this but putting some lube on your finger and putting it inside you rather than on the cup or disc has been an absolute game changer for me for a smooth insertion 😊
The Purple applicator application reminded me of my first sexual experience! 🤪That being said, thank you so much for the detailed comparisons. Keep up the good work.
Using an applicator for something with a certain orientation must be hard as well. Wit ha disc you can put it in upside down and with the sunny there is a front and back too.
I think the idea is awesome, but theres still a major flaw. The most noticable flaw I noticed straight off the bat was the fact that you still need to be reaching in around there. You do step one and insert it, assuming it opens properly. Great! Now it needs to come out, and you still need to be able to reach in there and get it, and it still isnt disability friendly.
Great point, maybe they could design something like a little pincher type thing that is inserted and designed to break the seal. But that would probably make a huge mess. We need some great minds to figure these things out!
What is that model?! I feel like using one of those would help my teen understand how to insert a menstrual cup, applicator or not, and understand how they work
I have the universal applicator and I use the pusher only. It helps me push the cup inside, hence less effort for my hands. Doing it tampon-style just doesnt work for me. Pushing it out of the applicator is definitely frustrating.
im really wondering if companies stepping away from a tampon style applicator would be the best option. like it works sometimes, and it's definitely a tried and true method for sticking things in a vagina, but it feels like we're just making a worse version of something that already exists. it takes a lot of dexterity to load and use these and you still usually have to reach inside to open the cup which defeats any purpose i can think of. and even if you could get someone else to load the applicator every time, most people don't have someone to do that for them. and you still have the issue of trying to jam the thing in yourself without dropping it and having to restart entirely
Have you ever considered making a video on period sponges, since those are also advertized as a reusable period option? Even if you don't want to feature them in your shop and not test them due to the hygiene concerns, with your reach you could probably educate people on why sponges aren't in your shop and maybe aren't all that great of an option to use.
@@PeriodNirvana It's been on my mind since I've been looking for a new menstrual disc and got sponges suggested on a few pages. They just really rub me the wrong way, since they're porous and can't really be cleaned. One brand even suggests to sanitize it with dillute tea tree oil 😬
I would be interested in seeing some assistance devices for periods i have seen on that sorta looked like a speculum i can’t remember if it was for cups or tampons however.
The hardest part about providing reusable products is that they are anatomy dependent. A brand can’t just provide a whole facility with their disc/cup and have it work for everyone without leaks or other issues. Disposable products should be available for people in correctional facilities free of charge. Everyone deserves dignity during their period. And disposables like pads aren’t anatomy dependent. If you ever watched orange is the new black there was a scene where cups were advertised at a fair for correctional officers.
@@PeriodNirvanaperiod product equity is such a problem that is rarely talked about. I lived on the streets as an unhoused person for some time and had to use rags and just stick them between my legs. I am housed now but am still getting on my feet and could not afford tampons every month. I saved and bought a cup and it has worked so well and I don’t have to worry about having money for tampons every month. I hope that there is a way for reusable period product brands to look for ways to donate or help with people either in jail, unhoused, or who cannot afford period products. Maybe a voucher program so women can use them on the reusable product that would work for their anatomy after using something like the quiz on Period Nirvana. I hope to see this some day ❤ because this is an issue very close to my heart and that has affected me personally greatly. I wish there was something I could do to help.
Flex cup has a seal breaking stem if your issue is related to that: period.shop/products/flex-cup. Or you can try something else, menstrual discs have no suction and the Hello Disc and Lumma Discs can be removed by their stems for that reason. period.shop/collections/menstrual-discs-1 hth!
Once again, I find your bad faith reviews of applicators to be SO frustrating!!! We get it!! You don't need or want an applicator but I literally cannot do my cycle without one. I am currently, as I am typing this, using the flex cup, which I inserted with "the tank" you use. I can tell you from regular good faith use, this applicator is smaller than most vibrators, it's really not a big deal to get in and out. The instructions it comes with tells you to lubricate *THE INSIDE OF THE BARREL* rather than the cup. It works really well for the Flex cup, the Selena cup, Diva, reusable Flex disc, disposable Flex disc, and Hello disc. Please, prioritize education and access more. Your coverage of applicators is ableist and fatphobic. Those of us that NEED applicators deserve better than this, Kim.
It's just so insulting to be someone who knows something works, have read the instructions that comes with the product and followed them and literally never had a single problem, watching your over the top infromercial level incompetence using the Eco Blossom applicator.
I think the concept of an applicator is a good idea especially for people with dexterity issues, but none of these seem to actually solve those issues. Honestly, it seems like most of these would be even more difficult to use than just inserting a cup with your hand(s). I think a cup applicator COULD be a really great accessory to make cups more accessible to use, but I think the idea needs to be rethought and not modeled after tampon applicators.
Well said
Thank you so much for demonstrating these. I definitely would have wasted my money on these and then found out the hard way my messed up arthritis hands couldn’t work them. Really appreciate this channel.
Laughing at that horrible purple one!!🤣 I think it's much easier to just use hands! Practice, practice, practice! I also love discs over cups.
Love your kitty co-host! 💕
Also, just wanted to say, Kim - thank you so much for all your content! Period Nirvana indeed; I’m very happy with my Hello Disc ☺️
I cannot wait for the Fillow disc and applicator! I hope it works for my body. 💜
This is the most hilarious video you have did to date. This is even funnier than the menstrual cups that squeeze the blood out through the stem.
Having to wash the applicator after each insertion seems more time consuming than just using your hands to insert. Depending on how the applicator gets stored between uses (like if it gets put in it's storage pouch), I'd probably want to wash it again right before the next insertion to get all the lint off too. I also don't like the fact that you can't boil the applicator like you can do for the cup. From what I've heard from the Sunny brand, you're only supposed to clean the applicator with soap and water.
it's really helpful for people with sensory issues, i.e. I hate touching my wet flesh down there 😂
@@nhatlinh731 dude, same
There's cup applicators now? Man, I'm feeling old 😂
LOVE THISSS THANK YOUUUU ahhh, these eco friendly period products lowkey make periods funn
Oh commented before seeing one for discs is on the horizon..can’t wait
Some of these applicators just show how far we as women still have a long way to go in dealing with applicators. They could be designed so much better.
Is it possible to make a version of the hello disc in an oval PLEASSSEEE I love everything about mine, but i am struggling so bad. It hkas only worked for me 2 times (not the disc error, i babe recently found oval shape works better for my body). I would love and appreciate an oval version! Thank you for this channel and all your efforts it has helped me greatly!
Hi! Oh my gosh I am so happy to catch a new upload! I started using a cup because of you! This was my first cycle with the cup and it went super well! I only leaked once, funny enough because I also wear acrylic nails I use an applicator for inserting, taking it out still isn’t very graceful for me, I think I have a really high cervix because I need to get into a really deep squat to remove but other than that I felt super prepared! Thank you ❤
Omg even with the leak you experienced and the having to reach high aren’t they just the best!? May I ask what cup you use?
I feel for anyone that had dexterity or reach issues that needs one of these, cause YIKES i would never want to use one of these!
Well none of us “need” one this is just another option of course there is the disc or even just pads & period panties tampons so there are other options
It seems like most of these applicators need lube to make it easier to push the cup through (purple being the exception 😬).
I agree with another commenter who said the deisgn should be reconsidered rather than modelling wholly after tampon applicators.
Thank you for the informative video, I love your glasses where did you get them??
Take everything I’m saying with a grain of salt because I’m fresh off another failure to insert a menstrual cup, in pain, and completely demoralized.
Insertion of anything is painful for me. I’ve just learned to use tampons and I’m in my 30s. An applicator (that works) would be a god send! I need a smooth entry and exit to make the experience somewhat tolerable. So I was disappointed that I could tell you weren’t a fan of applicators before your disclaimer. Also disappointed to see nearly everyone in the comments missing the point of applicators. If it doesn’t make sense to you, you’re not the target audience.
To be fair, I think your point about the extra maneuvering defeats the purpose is spot on. I don’t think cups or discs will ever be accessible to me no matter how much I want them to be (I want them for cost cutting and sustainability).
But also thanks for your work. I just found your page and will be exploring. You’re one of the few people who have done a review and care. Plus your cat is so cute.
Have you tried a disc? I'm also in my thirties, was a late user of tampons because of pain, and tried and tried multiple menstrual cups and was literally never able to insert one. Ever. It was so painful and frustrating and just horrible.
And then I tried a mentrual disc. I now use the disc exclusively and I love it so much. The insertion point for discs is so much smaller than cups (the same as a tampon!) and it doesn't sit in the vaginal canal where more nerves are.
I've been exactly where you are and I feel for you so much. There is hope though, I promise!
@@circling-girl Thank you. The discs scared me more cause they just look bigger. I’ll give it a try.
@EldritchNerd I felt the same way when I saw them but they're really small when folded. I'm a very firm believer that people who are more petite down there or struggle with insertion have more success with discs. I hope you find something that makes your period more comfortable. ❤
You may have already tried this but putting some lube on your finger and putting it inside you rather than on the cup or disc has been an absolute game changer for me for a smooth insertion 😊
Some of these are so big it seriously concerns me. And I would love for period companies to not use names like “flirty”
Yes - flirty is awful for this
It’s actually called fleurity cuz fleur means flower
@@ARareAndDifferentTune1313it’s called fleurity but I thought it said flirty too for a sec
The Purple applicator application reminded me of my first sexual experience! 🤪That being said, thank you so much for the detailed comparisons. Keep up the good work.
This will be beneficial👍🏻 & informative for those interested in cup inserters.
I personally use discs over cups. I have tried cups but my body was sensitive to the suction.
Using an applicator for something with a certain orientation must be hard as well. Wit ha disc you can put it in upside down and with the sunny there is a front and back too.
I think the idea is awesome, but theres still a major flaw. The most noticable flaw I noticed straight off the bat was the fact that you still need to be reaching in around there. You do step one and insert it, assuming it opens properly. Great! Now it needs to come out, and you still need to be able to reach in there and get it, and it still isnt disability friendly.
Great point, maybe they could design something like a little pincher type thing that is inserted and designed to break the seal. But that would probably make a huge mess. We need some great minds to figure these things out!
What is that model?! I feel like using one of those would help my teen understand how to insert a menstrual cup, applicator or not, and understand how they work
I have the universal applicator and I use the pusher only. It helps me push the cup inside, hence less effort for my hands. Doing it tampon-style just doesnt work for me. Pushing it out of the applicator is definitely frustrating.
Lol you have to dig around after insertion to check for folds and placement so what's even the use of these applicators😭
Maybe (certainly I hope) that isn’t always the experience people have. If so then yeah what’s the point? Agree.
Now if we can get one for discs 😊
im really wondering if companies stepping away from a tampon style applicator would be the best option. like it works sometimes, and it's definitely a tried and true method for sticking things in a vagina, but it feels like we're just making a worse version of something that already exists. it takes a lot of dexterity to load and use these and you still usually have to reach inside to open the cup which defeats any purpose i can think of. and even if you could get someone else to load the applicator every time, most people don't have someone to do that for them. and you still have the issue of trying to jam the thing in yourself without dropping it and having to restart entirely
Have you ever considered making a video on period sponges, since those are also advertized as a reusable period option? Even if you don't want to feature them in your shop and not test them due to the hygiene concerns, with your reach you could probably educate people on why sponges aren't in your shop and maybe aren't all that great of an option to use.
funny you say that because my husband just brought back a few brands from his trip to Germany. I already had some soft sponges here though.
@@PeriodNirvana It's been on my mind since I've been looking for a new menstrual disc and got sponges suggested on a few pages. They just really rub me the wrong way, since they're porous and can't really be cleaned. One brand even suggests to sanitize it with dillute tea tree oil 😬
thank you sooo much for this, you are soo honest an i love tahtt
Is there an update on the Fillow Kickstarter campaign you supported??
I would be interested in seeing some assistance devices for periods i have seen on that sorta looked like a speculum i can’t remember if it was for cups or tampons however.
When is the feelow coming out?
How to keep menstrual cup folded, cause no matter what I do is it still unfolds in my hands?
These companies should donate cups and discs to women’s correctional facilities and teach them how to use them. It would save tax payer dollars a lot.
The hardest part about providing reusable products is that they are anatomy dependent. A brand can’t just provide a whole facility with their disc/cup and have it work for everyone without leaks or other issues. Disposable products should be available for people in correctional facilities free of charge. Everyone deserves dignity during their period. And disposables like pads aren’t anatomy dependent. If you ever watched orange is the new black there was a scene where cups were advertised at a fair for correctional officers.
@@PeriodNirvanaperiod product equity is such a problem that is rarely talked about. I lived on the streets as an unhoused person for some time and had to use rags and just stick them between my legs. I am housed now but am still getting on my feet and could not afford tampons every month. I saved and bought a cup and it has worked so well and I don’t have to worry about having money for tampons every month. I hope that there is a way for reusable period product brands to look for ways to donate or help with people either in jail, unhoused, or who cannot afford period products. Maybe a voucher program so women can use them on the reusable product that would work for their anatomy after using something like the quiz on Period Nirvana. I hope to see this some day ❤ because this is an issue very close to my heart and that has affected me personally greatly. I wish there was something I could do to help.
I love your channel so much ^^
thanks so much for saying that, appreciate it
I'd like to see a good disc applicator and remove assistance tool
None of these look very practical. Unless the user has a disability, normal manual insertion is so much easier
KITTY!
I have a problem with the cup opening up inside
My christmas wish is literally one hello disc T.T
What’s the point if still used fingers 🙄🙄🙄
Forget applicators, what we really need is a menstrual cup remover!
Flex cup has a seal breaking stem if your issue is related to that: period.shop/products/flex-cup. Or you can try something else, menstrual discs have no suction and the Hello Disc and Lumma Discs can be removed by their stems for that reason. period.shop/collections/menstrual-discs-1 hth!
What about remover?
I am 34 and so scared to make this transition, it seems the design on all of these things is so poor still 😢😢 help!
Guilty of buying the purple one. It's a big NO for me. Couldn't get the cup out even with lube
Disappointed I did t see hello disc and how it fit in the applicator :(((
Once again, I find your bad faith reviews of applicators to be SO frustrating!!! We get it!! You don't need or want an applicator but I literally cannot do my cycle without one. I am currently, as I am typing this, using the flex cup, which I inserted with "the tank" you use. I can tell you from regular good faith use, this applicator is smaller than most vibrators, it's really not a big deal to get in and out. The instructions it comes with tells you to lubricate *THE INSIDE OF THE BARREL* rather than the cup. It works really well for the Flex cup, the Selena cup, Diva, reusable Flex disc, disposable Flex disc, and Hello disc.
Please, prioritize education and access more. Your coverage of applicators is ableist and fatphobic. Those of us that NEED applicators deserve better than this, Kim.
It's just so insulting to be someone who knows something works, have read the instructions that comes with the product and followed them and literally never had a single problem, watching your over the top infromercial level incompetence using the Eco Blossom applicator.
Thank you, seemed like a sunny applicator promo after seeing the universal one tested....lol
@@TGarza1111 right!!! like its just transparent
Is there a disc equivalent to the Saalt Soft cup anyone can recommend? 🩸😊
Yep. Cora Soft Fit Disc : period.shop/products/cora-soft-fit-disc
@@PeriodNirvana Thanks!