Silicone! Cyberskin! and Latex Oh MY!!

With so many sex toys out there and things that can help to enhance our sexual experience in and sometimes out of the bedroom <wink wink> it can be difficult to understand all the different types of material it takes to make up these wonderfully delicious sex toys.

This week I am going to break down and give you the low down on all the materials that make up these divine products. I will also discuss the differences and how to care for them and store them as well. 

So let’s get started shall we?

Silicone 

Silicone is soft and lifelike, it is hypoallergenic, warms up quickly to body temperature, non-porous and so is easy to clean and can even be boiled for sterilization (that is of course if the toy is water proof and if not if there are no electronic devices in it). Unlike jelly rubber and other porous materials, silicone can be sterilized in temperatures up to 300 °C (572 °F). In addition, it can be bleached in a 10% bleach solution. When using lubricants with silicone sex toys it is important that silicone or silicone-based lubricants are not used to avoid damage to the toy so in a likely matter do not store Silicone toys together unless you want melted toy. There are different grades of silicone; it is preferable that medical-grade silicone be used for sex toys. Cheaper silicone products may use industrial-grade silicone. Because of the material does not come cheap these toys are usually more expensive.

IN SUMMARY:
*Hypoallergenic
*Non-porous can be boiled for sterilization if waterproof
*Water based Lubricants only
*Store individually away from other toys they are diva’s and don’t play nice
*Does not contain phthalates
*Costly

Cyberskin /TPE or TPR/ UR3/Soft Touch/ Futurotic/ and Neoskin

CyberSkin is a ThermoPlastic Elastomer or ThermalPlastic Rubber and is a close emulation of real skin. CyberSkin is made from ingredients on FDA approved lists and it does not contain phthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), heavy metals or latex which means it is hypoallergenic as well. These are great for people who are sensitive to certain chemicals and latex. It is slightly porous which means it can still hold bacteria if not clean properly with toy cleaner and is not susceptible to higher temperatures like Silicone. So if you are going to share your toy consider using a condom. It is easy to clean and maintain by using toy cleaner and patting dry. Water based lubricants are best and they should be stored in a dry place.

IN SUMMARY:

*Hypoallergenic
*Porous material so use condom if shared
*Water or Silicone/Water Hybrid Recommended but Silicone can be used IF you have nothing else.  Just cleanse thoroughly when done
*Store in dry place
*Does not contain phthalates
*Usually not as costly as Silicone but still pricer

 

 

Latex rubber/PVC/Jelly Rubber

Latex rubber, also called jelly rubber, is commonly used for sex toys; it is a flexible and inexpensive material allowing the user more options in size and look. It is water-resistant and less liable to tear the it’s aforementioned counterparts making them extremely durable.  While latex is commonly used and less expensive than materials such as silicone, glass and CyberSkin, it can cause a reaction to some people with latex allergy. Latex is porous and should be cleaned thoroughly with toy cleaner and a condom to be used if shared with other people. Some rubber toys contain phthalates which are used to soften rubber, but certain studies have shown that exposure to phthalates can have negative affect your respiratory system, cause cancer, and lead to liver problems. However, there are also studies that do not show conclusive evidence between the link of phthalates and certain medical conditions. As of now, phthalates are still legal by the FDA, and is used in sex toys as it is cost effective to manufacturers, making toys with phthalates cheaper to the consumer. Water and silicone-based lubricants can be used with latex toys. These toys are very porous and susceptible to bacteria. Make sure you clean thoroughly with toy cleaner and it is not advisable to share but they are cheap enough you can have one for a guest anyway.

IN SUMMARY
*Non Hypoallergenic
*Porous material not advisable for sharing
*Any type of Lube will work except Oil based lube… Lube discussion will be next week
*Can be stored with other Latex Rubber/PVC/Jelly Rubber Toys in chest or drawer
*Some may contain phthalates check with your Romance Sexpert Education Consultant or Adult shop Representative. Key is if you’re worried about it and they are unsure and cannot get a clear answer from the manufacturer buy something different.
*Best to buy on a budget

Hard Plastic

Hard Plastic Sex Toys are phthalate free, hypoallergenic, and are non-porous, which makes these products easy to clean.The drawback of the Hard Plastic Toys is comfort, potentially breakage if dropped, and non-realistic feel. Many of the hard plastic vibrators are powerful, as the lack of the soft texture in the hard plastic allows the vibrations to be more powerful. Water-based and silicone based lubricants can be used with the hard plastic toys.

IN SUMMARY
*Hypoallergenic
* Non-porous can be boiled for sterilization if waterproof
* Any type of Lube will work except Oil based lube… Again lube discussion will be next week
* Can be stored anywhere with anything.
* Does not contain phthalates
* Best to buy even on a College Students budget!

Metal and Glass

Sex toys that are made up of metal or glass are very durable and non-porous, which makes them easy to clean. Many of the dildos (non-vibrating) are made up of glass or metal. These toys are compatible with all types of lubricants and can be boiled for cleaning or cooled to enhance the experience.

IN SUMMARY
*Hypoallergenic
* Non-porous can be boiled for sterilization if waterproof
* Any type of Lube will work except Oil based lube… Again lube discussion will be next week
* Can be stored anywhere with anything. I STORE MY GLASS ONE OUT IN THE OPEN AS DECORATIVE! Shhh don’t tell I get a kick out of people who pick it up and say “Ohhh how pretty! What an unusual piece!”
* Does not contain phthalates
* Some glass toys can get pretty pricey so save your pennies

I have posted pictures of products that personally own and enjoy from my website. Prices are as of today 03/10/2013.

I hope this guide has helped a bit and again I carry all these products and much more at my website! My party is still going on. If you click on my website and when placing your order at the end please place my party number of #328 for me to get a credit. I will be sending a nice surprise to one lucky winner chosen at random out of all the people who buy. Winner to be announced after party is closed on 3/23/2013.

Thanks for subscribing and don’t forget to answer this week’s poll over the left. Please leave your comments and suggestions below. Next week we will cover all these lubes I wrote about in this blog.