okaCup’s patent-pending ribs make it easier to break the seal to help remove the menstrual cup mess-free.
This all started when 3 engineering design graduate students at Northwestern University wanted to find a way to make it easier for people to adopt menstrual cups as their primary form of period protection.
Using a human-centered design approach and mechanical engineering backgrounds, we interviewed over 200 potential and current menstrual cup users to develop unique insights that drove our design for okaCup.
Unlike typical menstrual cups, okaCup has three unique features that help to remove it completely mess-free.
Break seal at base
The patent-pending ribs allow the user to press at the base of the okaCup to release the seal, which is the first step to being able to remove it and priority for IUD users and people with sensitivity concerns.
“I worry about the seal with my IUD and I’m always down to try a cup that is easy to break the seal!”
–Tasha M.
Remove without reaching
Because the point to break the seal is lower, the okaCup can be removed with reaching the rim of the cup, which is especially difficult for people with limited mobility and new menstrual cup users.
“It was a little scary how hard it was for me to reach and remove as it had traveled really far inside. I almost had to ask hubby for help after several minutes because my fingers could barely reach it.”
–Megan A.
Reduce risk of spilling
Since the user no longer needs to reach near the rim, the chances of touching menstrual fluid and spilling over the edge is significantly reduced.
“It’s really easy to accidentally flick blood everywhere when you’re taking it out... my hands would get covered in blood too.”
–Olivia R.
Current menstrual cup users are excited to try the okaCup.
“I would be interested in this…I can’t even reach the tail on most as my cervix is so high. Removal is a huge issue for me.”
–Jane A.
“I would love to try something like this!”
–Laura C.
“Let us know when you’re ready for testers! I’d buy!”
–Sarah M.
Who we are
The okaCup is designed by Christy Zhang, Hanna Lauterbach & Chris Spaulding, graduate students in Northwestern' University’s Segal Design Institute MS Engineering Design Innovation Program.
What we believe
We believe that menstrual cups are the most sustainable period protection option available today, but high barriers to adoption prevent potential users from even trying them.
