Silverette Cups: Using silver to heal nipple damage

I’d tell them that Silverettes can be a comfort tool for some breastfeeding parents, especially if nipples feel irritated from friction against clothing. I’d also be clear that they don’t address the most common causes of nipple pain, like latch, positioning, or oral function issues. They’re not harmful for most people, but they’re also not essential or universally effective. I frame them as an optional add-on, not a solution. If pain or damage is ongoing, getting skilled breastfeeding support matters more than any product. If they already have them or weee gifted them, they’re fine to use, but in general there are better products to purchase if there is that level of nipple damage that needs healed.

Silver has long been used in medical wound care because it can help reduce bacterial growth and support healing when silver is in direct contact with damaged tissue, such as in silver-impregnated dressings used for burns and chronic wounds. The proposed benefit of Silverettes is that the metal cup sits directly over the nipple, allowing contact between the silver surface and the skin while also protecting the area from friction. This combination may help reduce irritation and limit bacterial overgrowth on compromised skin. There are no large, high-quality randomized trials specifically confirming that solid silver nipple cups like Silverettes prevent infections or significantly speed healing compared with best-practice wound care (e.g., correcting latch, moist wound healing products). Some researchers point out that effects may be due more to moist wound-healing environments and friction reduction than any specific antimicrobial action of silver in this form. Any benefit is likely modest and supportive rather than curative, and they do not replace addressing the underlying cause of nipple damage.

• Are there alternative options that are more effective for these purposes, like using lanolin or silicone nipple shields?

Yes, and this is where nuance matters. Lanolin is no longer routinely recommended by many clinicians due to the risk of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, particularly in parents with sensitive skin or wool sensitivities. Silicone nipple shields are not a treatment for nipple damage, but rather a temporary tool that can help protect the nipple while the underlying cause, such as latch, positioning, or oral function, is identified and addressed. The most effective approach is always correcting the root issue first. For active wound healing, hydrogel pads, coconut oil, and medical-grade honey products (such as MediHoney) are often preferred because they support moist wound healing, reduce bacterial load, and are gentler on damaged skin.

• Anecdotally, have you had clients you found success with using Silverettes? Have you had clients who ran into more breastfeeding challenges with Silverettes?

Yes! Some patients report that Silverettes feel comforting, especially in the early days when nipples are tender and rubbing from clothing is uncomfortable. I’ve also had mothers swear by them that they made a huge and immediate difference for their pain and damage. Others feel neutral about them and don’t notice much difference. I’ve also seen situations where Silverettes delayed care by giving a false sense that pain would resolve on its own. In those cases, ongoing latch or oral function issues continued to cause damage. They tend to work best as a short-term comfort measure, not a long-term fix. Three times I’ve seen allergic reactions to Silverettes or other silver cups because of the other metal alloys in them (usually copper or nickel)

• If someone wanted to try them, how would you recommend using them?

They should sit gently over the nipple without pressing tightly or causing indentations. Wearing them inside a supportive but not restrictive bra can help keep them in place. If they cause pressure, discomfort, or increased soreness, they should be discontinued. They’re meant to protect, not compress. They should be worn for a few hours and then taken off for a few hours and not worn constantly.

• If someone wanted to try them, how often or how long would you wear them? Is it safe to use them every day?

For most people, it’s safe to use Silverettes daily between feeds as long as the skin stays healthy and comfortable. They don’t need to be worn 24/7. Many prefer using them only when nipples feel sensitive or when clothing friction is an issue. If redness, swelling, or pain worsens, it’s important to stop use and reassess. Comfort and skin integrity should guide use.

• If someone wanted to try them, what’s the best way to clean them?

After each use, rinse the cups with lukewarm water.  If there is milk residue or build up, use a mild, fragrance-free soap for cleaning with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface. Keeping them clean is important, especially when nipples are cracked or healing. Moisture trapped inside uncleaned cups can increase irritation rather than reduce it. To remove any tarnish, make a paste using a mix of baking soda (one teaspoon) with a few drops of water. Rub the paste over the cups, rinse and pat dry.

• Can Silverettes be used with lanolin or other creams or ointments? Why or why not?

No!! Silverettes should not be used with lanolin, ointments, or pastes. These products create a barrier between the metal and the skin, which interferes with the proposed benefit of silver being in direct contact with the nipple. Creams and thick pastes can also trap moisture under the cup, creating an overly wet environment that may slow wound healing and increase irritation. In addition, ointments can coat the metal surface, reducing cleanliness and potentially altering how the product sits against the skin. Silverettes are designed to be used on clean, dry nipples so the metal can directly contact the skin and function as intended.