Flip can be used to achieve a simple, discreet, and hassle-free cleaning of the menstrual cup in any situation you find yourself in. Additionally, it has the capability to properly sterilize the cup at the beginning and end of each menstrual cycle.

In recent years, menstrual cup adoption has increased due to significant benefits like environmental sustainability, minor toxicity and cost savings compared to disposable products. However, the cleaning process remains challenging, often seen as tedious, cumbersome, and uncomfortable, especially outside private environments. Cleaning in public or shared places can cause discomfort or difficulty, highlighting the need for improved convenience and accessibility in various contexts. Despite their environmental, health and economic benefits, addressing public perception and everyday comfort is crucial for widespread adoption of menstrual cups.

Using the turbine housed inside, Flip is capable of displacing a stream of water for a brief period, sufficient to clean all surfaces of the menstrual cup. All the user needs to do is fill the interior with water up to the indicated level, or carry it pre-filled if they don’t want to rely on a water source. Insert the menstrual cup inside and re-lock the closing mechanism. Flip the device 180º to turn it upside down, causing the water to cover the menstrual cup, and press the start button. Finally, once the cleaning program has finished, after approximately 10 seconds, the device is ready to be flipped back, allowing the used water to drain to the bottom, away from the user, so the menstrual cup can be removed ready for use again. Additionally, the user can activate the sterilization program using steam whenever Flip is placed on its base.

During the design and development, various cleaning situations were analyzed, and information was gathered from users to empathize with their realities. This led to three blocks of requirements that had to be met in the final design. The first block deals with usability and ergonomics, considering features such as unconditional portability, effective sterilization, an intuitive sequence of use designed to always keep one hand free, allowing the product to be operated in all phases with a single hand, and aiming for great durability. The second block of requirements focuses on safety and cleanliness, emphasizing features such as easy accessibility for internal cleaning of Flip through detachable parts, built-in safety systems that ensure user protection and safety, the watertightness of the electronic system, and device certifications and biocompatibility. Finally, the third block underpins the dimensions and component requirements, aiming for goals such as reduced size and weight, easy disassembly of components for repairability, and compatibility with the widest range of menstrual cup sizes. It has additional supports that complement the manual grip, whether with the hook or detachable straps.

Flip stands out significantly from other products intended for menstrual cup cleaning. While most lack portability and cannot simultaneously handle both cleaning and sterilization, Flip is designed to efficiently meet all these needs without complications. Its design has been meticulously crafted to provide an optimized user experience, taking into account specific needs throughout the cleaning process, making it simpler rather than hindering it. Additionally, Flip is economically accessible, ensuring that cleaning and sterilization are possible in any context and for anyone.