Selecting the appropriate material for your new sex toy is just as crucial as choosing its type. The material of the vibrator influences several key factors, including its price, usage experience, and even its life-span. When shopping for a vibrator, there are three primary considerations to keep in mind regarding its material.
Firmness or Flexibility: Consider whether the material can be bent into different shapes or if it remains fixed in its original form. Flexible materials are often preferred as they can adapt to your body’s contours, providing a more comfortable experience. However, firm materials can be easier to insert and remove, offering potentially more stimulating sensations.
Smooth or Textured: Some vibrator materials have a naturally smooth and sleek surface, allowing for easy penetration. In contrast, other types feature a rough or textured surface, which can enhance vaginal stimulation.
Vibration Transmission: Like the difference in hearing someone underwater versus in the air, vibrations can also be affected by materials. Some vibrator materials are more effective at transmitting vibrations than others. Generally, firmer materials tend to translate sensations better than flexible ones, although there can be exceptions to this rule.
Plastic Materials
Plastic vibrators are a preferred option for budget-conscious customers due to their affordability, vibrant colors, and exceptionally smooth surface. Made from firm material, plastic easily transfers vibrations, resulting in more potent stimulation. Additionally, these vibes are effortless to clean and maintain.
However, plastic toys generally come with basic designs and may lack special features. Many have relatively weak motors that might wear out quickly with frequent use.
PVC & Rubber Materials
Rubber-based, PVC, and latex vibrators share similar features with some slight differences. They are durable and can withstand rough usage, offering more special features than plastic vibrators, all at a reasonable price. These materials provide the right balance of firmness for easy penetration and flexibility for added comfort. They are generally easy to clean.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Rubber-based materials, including PVC and latex, are usually thicker, which can weaken the strength of vibrations. These materials are semi-porous and have tacky exteriors, making them harder to clean and slightly sticky to the touch. Using lube is essential with these toys, but it’s important to avoid petroleum-based lubricants, as they can damage the vibrator. Mixing these lubes with the toy can lead to the vibrator melting. Moreover, these materials often come in limited colors, primarily black or white.
Jelly Materials
It’s essential to avoid buying jelly vibrators for several reasons. These toys are typically made from rubber, a porous material that can harbor bacteria. To make them flexible, phthalates are often added, which can be harmful to your health as they are considered carcinogens. Additionally, jelly toys emit a strong and unpleasant odor, similar to cheaply made rubber products.
Due to their porous nature, jelly toys are difficult to clean thoroughly, as bacteria can get trapped in the tiny pores. The grippy, sticky, or tacky surface of these toys makes them prone to picking up dirt, lint, and other particles, making them unhygienic for use.
TPE & TPR Materials
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) and TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) are widely used materials in vibrators and sex toys, alongside silicone and plastic. While they are chemically different, they have similar practical applications in making sex toys. In fact, even experts can sometimes get confused between the two materials.
TPE/TPR were initially developed as phthalate-free alternatives to jelly materials. They offer a moderate level of softness and flexibility, while still being firm enough for comfortable penetration. Compared to rubber, TPE/TPR materials are softer, but they are firmer than realistic materials commonly used in certain types of sex toys.
Choosing a sex toy made from TPE/TPR ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience, as they are phthalate-free and provide a satisfactory level of flexibility and firmness for pleasure exploration.
Silicone Materials
Silicone, the most popular material used in sex toys, offers incredible versatility and a host of special benefits. First and foremost, silicone is renowned for its healthiness—it’s hypoallergenic, making it safe for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Being non-porous means it won’t trap dirt, dust, or hair like other materials. Its durability is remarkable, as silicone toys retain their shape no matter how much bending or stretching they endure.
Silicone boasts a smooth and sleek surface, and silicone vibrators can vary from flexible to firm, depending on the design and thickness. Its robustness enables it to efficiently transmit vibrations for heightened stimulation.
On the downside, silicone vibrators tend to be pricier than average, and they may be damaged if they come into contact with silicone-based lube or other silicone toys.
Nevertheless, the abundance of benefits offered by silicone outweighs these minor drawbacks. Silicone remains an exceptional choice for vibrators and sex toys, providing excellent value for your investment.
Metal Materials
For those who want to make a statement, metal vibrators are the perfect choice. These vibes boast an ultra-smooth surface and stylish appearance, making them both visually appealing and incredibly powerful in action. The firmness of metal allows it to efficiently transmit sensations, offering a more intense and satisfying experience. Metal toys feel robust and sturdy, enhancing the pleasure during use. While they tend to be pricier, metal vibrators are highly durable and equipped with powerful, long-lasting motors.
Interestingly, metal vibes share common features with silicone and glass toys. They are hypoallergenic and non-porous, ensuring safety and easy cleaning. Starting off cool to the touch, metal vibrators quickly warm up and retain heat, making them ideal for temperature play.
Metal vibrators usually have a straightforward design without the special features found in some other toys. Due to their high-quality materials and construction, they often come with a higher price tag. Basic metal toys may cost around $60, while premium versions made from materials like titanium or 24K gold can reach thousands in price.
