As you chop down your vibrator options, here’s what it is advisable to consider.
Material
Don’t hate the messenger, but not all massagers are made together with your health in mind. “Some sex toys are made from materials that could harm your body,” says Nekrasova. Your move? Avoid vibrators made with porous materials, like rubber, vinyl, and PVC, she says. These materials can’t be sanitized safely because they’ve microscopic holes that may be breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and dirt, she explains.
Instead, “opt for body-safe options like medical-grade silicone or ABS plastic, which are both non-porous,” Nekrasova says. (FYI: Stainless steel and borosilicate glass are also body-safe, but it surely’s pretty rare for a vibrator to be created from either of those). Non-porous materials may be quickly disinfected with soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner.
Type
Not quite sure which style or shape to decide on? Spend a while noodling on how you truly wish to use the toy, suggests Wright. Do you need to use it externally, internally, or each? Which body part(s) are you seeking to stimulate? Are you planning to make use of it alone or with a partner—and if with a partner, are they present with you or seeking to play from distant?
“If you’re brand new to sex toys, it can be helpful to think about what types of sensations you already know you like,” says Wright. For example, when you like rubbing your clitoris, you would possibly consider a finger vibrator or other clitoral vibe, she says. Meanwhile, when you enjoy anal stimulation, a vibrating butt plug or prostate massager could also be more up your alley. More experienced users may search for a vibrator that helps them explore something recent , she adds. For instance, possibly you’re curious how it could feel to wear a vibrator in public, or possibly you’ve been wanting to try blended orgasms.
Vibration
The sensation a vibrator provides may feel either buzzy or rumbly. Usually, larger toys have larger motors, which creates a more rumbly vibration, says Nekrasova. “Buzzy vibrators, like bullet and finger vibrators, are great for targeted stimulation, as they buzz at a higher frequency,” she says. Rumbly vibes, like wands, create powerful sensations that stretch deep into the body, she adds.
Other features
Some vibrators boast a spread of additional features that may allow you to choose from top contenders.
- App-compatible: Certain vibes may be synced to an app in your smartphone, which allows them to be controlled from afar. “If you and a lover spend a good amount of time at a distance from each other, like [if one of you is] deployed, or [if you’re in] a long-distance relationship, having app capabilities allows you to maintain an interactive intimate relationship with your partner,” says Berkheimer.
- Travel lock: An important feature for people planning to travel with their sex toy, a travel lock will help keep your vibrator from going off in the course of a flight.
- Rechargeability: “While some vibrators run on batteries that can easily be changed, other vibrators will need a cord and will need to be plugged into an outlet to charge,” says Nekrasova. (The former could also be preferable for those with roommates.)
- Waterproof: Not all vibrators are water-proof. Some are water-resistant, which suggests you possibly can get them wet for brief periods of time while cleansing them, but they shouldn’t be submerged in water, explains Nekrasova. “A waterproof vibrator can be a great option for people who have limited alone time and need to take advantage of their shower time,” she says. “Waterproof vibrators also allow the fun to continue, or begin, with a partner while in a hot tub.”
Price
Public service announcement: You should never drain your checking account for the sake of a sex toy, regardless of how pretty its packaging is or how impressive its reviews are. There are of enjoyment products available for under $50, based on Nekrasova. “More expensive, luxury sex toys are actually not always better than budget-friendly options,” she says. “A budget-friendly vibrator with few features, for example, may be great for someone who doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles.”
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