Set of 3 HERA menstrual sponges

Before using them for the first time, dissolve one cleaning tablet in 500 ml of warm water and soak all three sponges for at least 20 minutes – this gently disinfects them. Then rinse with water and you can insert the first sponge. Gently squeeze the sponge or twist the two ends – this will give it the shape of a tampon. It doesn't need to be inserted very deeply. It s in place when you can no longer feel it. You can wear it for up to 8 hours.

To remove, tighten your pelvic floor muscles, squat down, and gently pull on the retrieval string or grasp the sponge with tweezers. Then rinse thoroughly with water, let it dry, and insert a new sponge. We recommend alternating between the three sponges. For when you're out and about, simply take a fresh sponge in your travel case, briefly moisten it at the sink, and then swap the used one for a fresh one in the changing room. After your period, you can use the cleansing tablets again, and after a maximum of six cycles, you can compost the sponges or dispose of them in your organic waste bin.

Yes – and this has been tested multiple times. The important distinction here is this: when many people think of a "sponge," they usually picture a synthetic kitchen sponge, blackboard sponge, or cleaning sponge. These are made of plastic, stay damp for a long time, collect food scraps or dirt, and quickly develop biofilm – which is why they are rightly considered breeding grounds for bacteria.

In contrast, our menstrual sponge is a natural sea sponge with a completely different structure: It has very fine pores, dries quickly after cleaning, and the material is naturally antibacterial because germs have significantly more difficulty adhering to it than to smooth plastic fibers. Furthermore, natural sponges are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

Our sponges are hand-harvested in Greece, gently cleaned, regularly tested in the laboratory, and inspected in Switzerland, where they are also tested for contaminants. For home use, we have launched cleansing tablets in collaboration with a gynecologist. These tablets have been laboratory-tested for numerous bacteria and effectively remove even potentially dangerous bacteria such as the TSS pathogen.

During your period, rinsing with water only is sufficient. After your period, cleaning with tablets and then drying ensures hygienic safety – completely without plastic, without harsh chemicals, and with a material that is naturally gentle on the mucous membranes.

A menstrual sponge is a natural sea sponge – not a kitchen sponge or a synthetic cleaning sponge. Most conventional sponges are made of plastic (e.g., polyurethane) and are hard, scratchy, or quickly become unhygienic.
In contrast, our menstrual sponge comes from a special type of sea sponge that only grows on the Levantine coast. It is 100% natural, biodegradable, soft and finely pored – therefore, it feels more like a second skin in the body and not like a "foreign object".

Biologically, sea sponges are among the simplest, most primitive multicellular organisms – without a brain, heart, nerves, or the capacity to feel pain. Many compare them more to a plant than an animal. When harvested, the sponge is not "pulled out," but rather pruned like a plant. The root remains and regrows on the rock in controlled areas – without animal suffering and without disrupting the ecosystem, provided it is harvested sustainably, as we do.

That's precisely why many vegans and people living sustainably consciously choose the menstrual sponge:
No plastic, no synthetic fibers, no hidden chemicals, no suffering – just pure nature that feels good and can even be composted after use.

You only need to buy the starter set once – it contains 3 sponges, 6 cleaning tablets, and a travel case that you can use for many years. The tablets last for about 3 cycles, as you use one tablet before and one after your period; we also recommend cleaning with tablets after period sex. How long the sponges last depends on your flow and personal usage: for heavy flow, we recommend using them alternately for about 3 cycles, for normal flow for about 5 cycles, and for very light flow for up to 6 cycles. Always use the 3 sponges alternately so that they can dry completely in between uses.

If you calculate the cost of the starter set over six months, it comes to approximately 7 CHF/€ per period – since you don't need to replace the travel case, but use it continuously. After that, you only need to buy sponges and cleansing tablets. Many people choose a bundle or opt for the flexible subscription because periods are regular and it's more convenient – and because you also save money, as bundles and subscriptions are cheaper than buying items individually.

We recommend using the sponges alternately and replacing them after a maximum of 6 cycles. You'll notice it yourself: when they become too soft, less absorbent, or change color, it's time for a new 3-pack of menstrual sponges.