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Before you can select a toy whether it's for the first or 50th time consider what kind of sensation you desire. Do you like a strong, hard vibe, or are you looking for a more realistic experience? Next think about how much you want to spend and how much time you want to invest in caring for your toy. Finally, decide what kind of stimulation you'd like: clitoral, vaginal and/or anal.
A few basic rules are the same for all toys, regardless of the material:
- Always clean your toy thoroughly before you use it for the first time.
- Clean your toy after you use it
- If you are sharing a toy with a partner (or if you are using the same toy anally and vaginally), always use a condom to prevent the spread of bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases.
Plastic
Probably the most common material for simple vibrators, plastic transmits strong vibrations, making it a favorite with anyone who enjoys an intense vibe. Commonly used with silver bullets, pocket rockets and traditional vibrators.
Pros
Intense vibrations, great for clitoral stimulation, inexpensive
Cons
Cold, hard, inflexible, not great for thrusting
Lube
Any water- silicone- or oil-based lubricant
Cleaning
Wipe with rubbing alcohol, soap or bleach
Rubber
Versatile, inexpensive and softer than plastic, latex rubber is the most common material used for sex toys. Rubber toys are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors, but they can be a little high-maintenance when it comes to care. Choose latex when you are trying a new toy style, or whenever you want a solid toy at a reasonable price.
Pros
Soft, flexible, lots of fun colors and styles, good for clitoral, vaginal or anal stimulation, inexpensive
Cons
Some people are allergic to latex, extremely porous, can be difficult to clean properly, not very durable
Lube
Water-based lubricant only; never oil- or petroleum-based
Cleaning
Wash thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. Never use bleach or alcohol, which will destroy your toy.
Jelly
Softer than latex or plastic vibrators and less expensive than silicone, jelly vibes are extremely popular with people who like a more realistic look and feel, but don't want to commit to the high cost of a silicone or realistic toy. For a smooth, good-quality toy at a reasonable price, try a jelly vibrator.
Pros
Versatile, durable, great for clitoral, vaginal or anal stimulation, inexpensive
Cons
Some people don't like the way jelly smells, porous, can't be disinfected, not safe to share jelly toys without using condoms
Lube
Water-based only, lots of it!
Cleaning
Warm water only, no soap or detergent
Silicone
Almost as good as the real thing, silicone toys are the gold standard of vibrators. Realistically soft and smooth texture, silicone warms with use, reaching body temperature quickly. For a lifelike, long-lasting, high-quality toy, choose silicone.
Pros
Hypoallergenic, nonporous, safe to share, easy to clean, durable, realistic, great for clitoral, vaginal or anal stimulation
Cons
Expensive
Lube
Water-based only, lots of it!
Cleaning
Boil or wash thoroughly with soap and water
Cyberskin & Other Realistic Materials
A step up in quality and price from silicone, toys made from Cyberskin, NewSkin, Ultraskinand other realistic materials are the most lifelike you can buy. Vibrators made from these materials are perfect for people who want a truly realistic vibe and are willing to pay for it.
Pros
Hypoallergenic, nonporous, safe to share, easy to clean, durable, lifelike, great for clitoral, vaginal or anal stimulation
Cons
Expensive
Lube
Water-based only, lots of it!
Cleaning
Wash thoroughly with mild antibacterial soap and water; do NOT boil. Powder with corn starch after cleaning and wrap the toy in a cotton cloth to keep it from getting sticky.
by Tamar Love
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