Yes, you can sleep with a menstrual cup. Lunette can be worn for up to 12 hours, so you can put it in at bedtime and empty it when you wake up. Local rules can be stricter: in France cups are not to be used overnight, and in Australia and Germany the limit is up to 8 hours.
Why a cup works well overnight
- It holds more. A Lunette cup holds 25 or 30 ml, about as much as three medium tampons.
- It collects instead of absorbing, so it doesn't dry you out the way a tampon can.
- It seals. Once open, the rim rests against the vaginal walls and blood collects in the cup.
How to set up your cup for the night
- Empty it right before bed, so you start the night with the full capacity.
- Check that it has opened. Run a clean finger around the cup; it should feel round and firm. A cup that hasn't fully opened is a common reason for leaks.
- Empty it when you wake up, and no later than 12 hours after you put it in.
- On your first nights, wear a liner or period pants as back-up until you know how full your cup gets.
Which size is better for nights?
| Size 1 | Size 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | Light to medium | Heavier |
| Capacity | 25 ml | 30 ml |
| Rim diameter | 41 mm | 46 mm |
| Length with stem | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Stem | 25 mm | 20 mm |
| Silicone | Softer | Firmer |
| Also suits | Low cervix, teens, strong pelvic floor, sensitive bladder | Higher cervix |
If your nights are heavy, Size 2 gives you 5 ml more room. If your cervix sits low, Size 1 tends to be more comfortable. The menstrual cup size guide helps you decide, and the article on the best menstrual cup for heavy flow covers big nights in detail.
Woke up to a leak?
The usual causes are a cup that didn't fully open, a cup that sits too high or too low, or a cup that was already full. Work through the 9 reasons a menstrual cup leaks.
Is it safe to sleep with a menstrual cup?
A 2019 systematic review in The Lancet Public Health concluded that menstrual cups are a safe option for managing your period. The review also found five reported cases of toxic shock syndrome after cup use, so stick to the wear time, wash your hands before you handle the cup, and keep it clean. If you feel unwell while using a cup, take it out and get medical advice.
FAQ
Can I sleep with a menstrual cup on my first night using one?
Yes, but it helps to practise during the day first so you know it has opened and how quickly it fills.
Can a menstrual cup go too far up while I sleep?
If it is hard to reach in the morning, relax and see how to remove a menstrual cup.
Do I need to boil it every morning?
No. Rinse it with warm water each time you empty it, and boil it for 5 minutes after each completed cycle.
If your cup clearly doesn't work for you after a fair try of two to three cycles, Lunette refunds it or sends you the other size. Choose your Lunette menstrual cup.
