 Amazing! |
| Review Date: March 3, 2005 |
| Reviewer: thisbattymom, USA |
I have been using them for nearly 3 yrs now. It did take a little getting used to but after I figured out how to insert it right I have not had any trouble and I LOVE them.
For those wanting a tip or 2...
I insert mine when it is wet. I wash it with warm water and leave it damp. I usualy do this in the shower. Squat and insert folded sideways, then twist the edge slightly so it folds over the cervix. Then check to be sure it has covered the cervix (my biggest errors occoured when I didn't check). Then push it as far back as you can - this will prevent leaking and keep it from feeling like it will fall out. Kinda a long process compared to tampons but you don't have to think about it after that.
I don't bother to replace it except when I get my morning shower. Go to the bathroom as usual through the day and bear down. The seal will break enough for the blood to be expelled and you don't have to do anything else special.
One of the best parts about this device is that you can have sex w/ it in... but I only recomend it durring lighter days b/c more adventurous sex may cause it to dislodge and leak. Sex can really help ease cramps. ;) |
I'll never go back to Tampons or Pads!
|
| Review Date: April 9, 2004 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Instead is the most convenient product that I have found. I put one in when I wake up in the morning and change it in the evening - then I'm good until the next morning. I only have to think about my period twice a day! This product took a little getting used to, but by the third day I was hooked. I swim, run, and hike and very rarely notice that it is even there. I no longer have to carry extra tampons with me or remember to change it every few hours. I can go on 5 hour hikes without worrying about my period at all. Instead has freed me from the "curse" of my period. |
Looks are decieving!
|
| Review Date: September 15, 2004 |
| Reviewer: K. Romer, Warwick, NY USA |
| Well I opened my box, and was shocked to see how big they were. My first impression was - Thats not going to "fit". LOL but they do and are suprisingly comfortable! You won't even know they are there. |
This is a really liked this product. I ...
|
| Review Date: March 22, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This is a really liked this product. I would definitely recommend it to anyone! |
amazing, life changing - transformational!
|
| Review Date: April 4, 2004 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This product has revolutionized my life. I now LOVE getting my period - I can't feel it while it is inside, it rarely leaks (it did in the beginning when i laughed really hard) and I can wear it during sex! ... I can't recommend these enough! |
wonderful wonderful! not entirely perfect tho...
|
| Review Date: September 2, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Jennavex, Canada |
| Man! do these ever beat the alternative!! unlike most of the other ladies they have on their site, my guy does notice it. he knows its there. could be just the way i'm built, but these don't slip up completely behind the public bone. they do enough to stay in place, but, it kind of drops down a little bit depending on the angle we're at and he finds it rubs. but, i love the flexibility of them, i like the length of time you can wear em...i like the lack of absorbancy and that they don't change my natural chemistry. the only thing i'm not so keen on is the removal. it's just not quite as simple as say a tampon. so i find i flip between both of them depending on what's going on. but if you are at all curious about them, i definitely suggest you give them a go! :) enjoy em, have fun with em! just be realistic about your expectations. drop me a line if you have any specific questions! :) |
This product took a bit of practice but ...
|
| Review Date: March 17, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This product took a bit of practice but once I learned to use it, it worked wonderfully! They don't leak and you can wear them much longer than tampons. I think these would also save you money because you don't need to use as many as you do with tampons. I'd highly recommend this product to my friends. |
Awesome invention!
|
| Review Date: August 12, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Jennifer Climie, Michigan |
| This product takes some getting used to, but after working with it for a few months, I got the hang of it and periods are no big deal now. I won't go back for nothing! |
I'll never use anything else ever again
|
| Review Date: June 7, 2005 |
| Reviewer: M. Thompson, Cleveland OH |
| If they ever stop making this product I am in serious trouble. I can never go back to using pads and tampons now that I have tried these. Once i got the hang of them, which did not take long, I felt cleaner, safer, and healthier wearing them than any other mentrul product I've tried. Another reviewer mentioned them being bad for heavy flow days, but I find that that's when they really shine. You avoid the bulk and messiness of pads, they can be worn a lot longer than tampons and come with no strings attached. I'm hooked! |
How to change them without a mess / in a public restroom
|
| Review Date: February 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jessica, |
As other women have said, why don't they teach us about all these options INSTEAD of just tampons and pads. Over the past few years, I've been trying different products after using Tampax tampons for almost 10 years. First I had a friend teach me about OB. These expand in thickness rather than in length. Put them through a water test to see what I mean. This change alone has helped me to avoid any leaks for almost 5 years. Then, in about the past year, I decided to try the Instead cup. I tell any forward-thinking female friend that will listen, and I even pass out samples. My fear is that they will stop making them so I want to get everyone else hooked! The other reviews cover a lot of the benefits (ie: able to use before flow starts, near end of menses, during intercourse, up to 12 hours at a time, etc). It's important to realize that anything that causes you to bear down/ valsalva, including bowel movement, cough/ sneeze, etc, may break the seal and cause a leak. This is not very different than tampons, though.
More important than a review, I want to share a tip that has made things easier when it comes time to change the cup. I work in the medical field and realized that I use gloves for any other procedure that requires exposure to body fluids, why not use a glove to change the cup?! Once I remove the cup with my gloved hand (and pour the excess into the toilet), I squeeze the edges of the cup together (like you do to insert it). Then I use the other hand and grab the glove at the inside of the wrist and pull towards the finger, keeping the cup in the palm/ fingers. The glove will end up turned inside out with the cup inside. Then just wrap it up and dispose. It's so easy that it can be accomplished in a public restroom. You can then use a clean glove (if needed) to insert a new cup, if you have limited access to a sink (ie: public stall, camping, port-a-potty).
While I'm considering purchasing one of the reusable menstrual cups, I still think that the situations listed above are the reasons why I might continue to use Instead, or at least want it for a back up. I would want to try one of those cups because it seems they might hold more fluid and be easier to chage. Sure, I understand the concerns about waste and landfills but, if you purchase a bottle of water, use a paper plate or cup, especially when you travel and can't really carry all your reusable products, it seems inappropriate to judge those that are using a product that works for them. |
I LOVE THIS PRODUCT
|
| Review Date: July 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: FLY, |
| Been using this for about 7 years. I haven't used a tampon since. It took some getting used to, and it is messy to get out, but it is well worth it. It is great for swimming, jogging, etc... and you can have sex with it in. EXCELLENT! |
Customer
|
| Review Date: October 10, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Petunia, USA |
| To the woman who said she could feel the cup and it was uncomfortable: You didn't put it in right. |
This product would take some getting used to. ...
|
| Review Date: March 25, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This product would take some getting used to. It could get messy if not used properly. I like it because you cannot feel it inside of you, unlike a tampon. However, I mainly wanted this product because it says that you can engage in all activities such as intercourse. This product wasn't what I expected during intercourse. There was some leakage. However, Instead is the only product I know of out there that allows women to engage in sexual intercourse during menstruation. I just think that I need to get used to this product and then it will work well for me. |
I liked this product, but make sure you ...
|
| Review Date: March 30, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I liked this product, but make sure you read the insertion instructions. Don't assume you don't need to. These didn't work on my very heavy days, for some reason (maybe they weren't inserted right?). If you don't like inserting tampons that don't have an applicator, you won't like these. And disposal isn't as handy as with tampons. Overall, I liked this product. |
Not for Everyone
|
| Review Date: November 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. M. Tanaka, sunny maui |
I gave this 4 stars because of the mess of cleaning--but its a thousand times better than a tampon or pad. Won't be going back to those!
Here are my impressions of using the Instead Softcup.
Do not try to do this in a public bathroom--it's too difficult (messy) and may not be sanitary. And because these cups can be used for 12 hours, in my case, I was always home to do my changes.
Follow the instructions! Read them twice.
I found I didn't have a hard time inserting the soft cup, but getting it out was another thing. Make sure your hands are clean and if you are having a hard time inserting your finger and pulling out the ring you need to RELAX.
The first time I pulled it out (after a lot of sweating), I made a mess trying to empty it out and dispose of it. By the third one, I was more prepared. After emptying the cup, I wrap it in toilet paper and then place it in a small plastic bag. If you have small plastic bags to reuse then put them in the bathroom where you will be doing your changes.
If you insert it correctly, you will not feel anything there. If you have problems inserting due to dryness, then try some lubricating gel. The cup was so comfortable for me that I had to remind myself when I needed to change it.
I had one time that it leaked. It was on the second day of my period (the heaviest day for me) and I had a cold. I coughed and coughed and suddenly, yep, you guessed it, I felt a warm gush--good thing I was home. Like I said in the beginning--READ the Instructions. I should have been changing it every four hours--it was about six hours that I had it in. So that leakage was my fault (operator error) ;-).
I wish I had known about this product while I was going to school--would have made me a lot happier not to mess with pads and tampons at school. |
Diva
|
| Review Date: May 2, 2004 |
| Reviewer: , |
I have tried these but I found the Diva Cup to be an even better product. It was sturdier and never needed replacing; I love it and would never go back to traditional products.
I was disapointed to find Amazon doesnt sell them so I bought one off the web site, (...) |
This product worked as described, but it was ...
|
| Review Date: April 11, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This product worked as described, but it was a little hard to insert and I just wasn't used to it. I'd probably stick with tampons. |
not for heavy flow days
|
| Review Date: April 10, 2005 |
| Reviewer: anonymous, |
It took a few times to get used to the insertion/removal, and I did feel a bit of irritation from the removal process since you have to feel around to get the edge of the cup to remove it. It was not too bad otherwise until I started to flow heavier. When the cup was full and I sat down, blood literally poured out of the cup. I was quite fortunate that I didn't get blood all over my clothes. As one might imagine, removing the cup was very messy and there was really no way to avoid getting blood all over my hand.
I would recommend using a tampon for heavier flow, but these are fine if your flow is lighter. |
I don't think that the Instead softcup is ...
|
| Review Date: March 18, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I don't think that the Instead softcup is a product everyone will embrace with enthusiasm. Although I liked the idea of not having the embarrassing pre-sex tampon pull-out, I wasn't too thrilled with the discomfort I felt wearing it. The manufacturer says that it takes about three months to get used to it. I don't believe I'll be using the rest of it though. I'll be sticking to my old faithful brand and leaving this new miracle for others. |
This is the first time I ever used ...
|
| Review Date: March 21, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This is the first time I ever used this product and I'm not quite used to it. Personally, I don't really like it. It's just too awkward for me. I'd recommend it to everyone who's searching for something new. |
Something even better than instead is out there!
|
| Review Date: May 24, 2005 |
| Reviewer: hoppy bunny, CA |
I can remember using Instead when it first came out but have trouble finding it in stores now. The only perk it has over what I use now instead of tampons is that it is intercourse-friendly.
I use a DivaCup--also sold as Moon Cups or Keepers. It--unlike Instead--is REUSEABLE! It is a cup you insert that's made from silicon (so it is non-irritating), and it lasts about TEN YEARS. I got it a year ago because it is so environmentally friendly (disposables create so much waste) and love it because I forget it's even there. Also, I don't have to worry about being 'stocked up' for my period. Keepers are made from natural rubber if you want to go even more eco-friendly, but I was afraid of an allergic reaction so I went with silicon. The ONLY drawback is that you can't wear it during sex.
Like the Instead Softcup, it doesn't absorb my body's natural lubricators, so my pH is nice and healthy, and the DivaCup holds a full ounce of blood--much more than a tampon.
If you like Instead, I think you would prefer a Diva Cup. And because it is better for the environment and cheaper ($30 or so for a ten-year supply of tampons anyone?) I just wanted to spread the word!!! No one asked me to do this and I'm not getting paid a penny! I just love the product. |
Good, but not as good as the menstral cups. Beware TMI !
|
| Review Date: February 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Cammie Ann S. Dunaway, |
| I tried insteads about two years ago. I like it. I've now gained a lot of weight since then and putting the insteads in were a lot more than I remembered. It leaked though I would tuck it behind the cervix. Sometimes with my IBS and with a full bladder it would slip out of place. I just dried the Diva Cup on a whim. No leaks at all! On top of that, you don't need to buy the cup. You just wash it and reuse it. "Ewww!" I know some of you are thinking. You are thinking, "Why not just throw the away and stick with insteads? That's so unsanitary. I could get an infection." I thought all of that too! I am a RN and I haven't had an infection from my cups. I clean it with the diva wash and boil my menstrual cup after every period. I tried the mooncup by keeper this month and I must say that I like it the best. It is easy to put in once you get the hang of it(try utube for instructions). The menstrual cups stay in place. I don't have a leak on my undergarments and I no longer have to worry about buying sheets to match my "leaks." My period is very heavy. I would go though a super tampon and two pads in 2 hours. Now with the mooncup, I don't have any leaks. No more emergency trips for changing because I feel wetness where I shouldn't. Taking the cup out isn't messy either. I just watched some utube videos on how to take it out and let me say, it's way less messy than taking a tampon out. It's even cleaner than the insteads. I would dread that time of month because I would always get something under my nails, but now I don't. |
I used the cups several times for short ...
|
| Review Date: March 19, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I used the cups several times for short amounts of time. The fit was semi-correct and as far as comfort, I couldn't tell I was wearing it at all. Even though I wore the cup for only a short period of time there was some slight leaking. I recommend it if you're looking to be ""intimate"" during a time you usually may not want to. I don't recommend it for long term feminine protection. |
Uncomfortable and very messy - say "NO" my friends
|
| Review Date: March 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: magicgirl, Philadelphia, PA |
I hoped this would work. But it didn't.
Its the year 2010 and there still isn't a product that is comfortable, convenient and long-wearing for women. This is really sad.
HERE IS MY REVIEW ON INSTEADS:
OVERALL MESSYNESS
It's as messy as the Divacup. If you have a love for cleaning up murder scenes then this product is for you. You have to be in you private bathroom and even then its a hot mess.
REMOVAL
Removal was easier with INSTEADS than the Divacup. Both don't have strings for removal. If you don't mind shoving your finger up there you will like this product. Why can't their be a string for easy removal? Is this so hard of a concept? Do women want to deal with messes in public bathrooms? I don't think so!
COMFORT LEVEL
The instructions for instead claim that you won't feel it if its put in right. I don't believe that. I could definitely feel it and I felt cramping all night. And i usually don't get cramps at all. It felt very un-comfortable.
UNPREDICTABILITY
After trying this and reading reviews I noticed that many people felt that if they coughed, sneezed or moved the Insteads would leak. That is the last thing women want. An unpredictable product.
HEAVY DAYS
I also read that for heavy days, INSTEADS might not be good to use because they have to be changed every 4 hours. So, the 12 hour wear that was advertised was mostly a lie if you have heavy periods. For that, you might as well stick to tampons.
People who were happy with INSTEADS, were those that:
-have sex during their time of the month
-are on birth control pills and experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting, they could put insteads on
-want to put insteads on before your period starts
-want to use an environmentally friendly product
-dont mind using stringless applicators
|
INSTEAD, try another product!
|
| Review Date: November 6, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Alicia Alicia, |
| Instead cups were terrible for me! Aside from being difficult to insert into the proper position, and messy to remove and dispose of, the stupid things leaked at completely random times. It might be okay for an hour, and then would shift and spill, terrible leakage. Sometimes it would be okay for 3-4 hours and then leak all over making a horrible mess. Truly not worth the cost, not worth any cost! I would not use this product again if I was paid to, honestly. I have since purchased a Diva Cup and couldn't be more thrilled. If you are looking for a menstrual cup that preforms, doesn't leak and lowers the risk of TSS you must check out Diva. But please leave Instead on the shelf! |
I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone! Instead ...
|
| Review Date: March 17, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone! Instead was easy to insert but when it came time to take it out it, I had a very difficult time and it was very messy. The thought of emptying the fluid in the toilet was pretty disgusting! I definitely prefer tampons over Instead. Tampons are much easier and less messy! |
I didn't like this product at all. When ...
|
| Review Date: March 27, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| I didn't like this product at all. When I tried to insert it, I could still feel it. It was very uncomfortable and I would not recommend this product to anyone I know. It was too difficult to tell whether or not it was inserted properly, and I always felt like it was going to come out. |
|
No details are available for this product
No video reviews found for this product.
No comments yet