Why Does it matter what kind of materials are in my sex toy?

In part 1 of these series, you learned the various issues to consider when deciding whether or not to introduce a sex toys into your relationship.

In the following two sections, we'll focus on the materials contained in sex toys and why they are extremely important factors in your decision to purchase one or more sexual devices. There are literally hundreds of different blends of different things that make up your typical sex toy, each making the toy behave and feel a certain way. Knowing  what's your sex toys will help you decide not only which ones are right for you while shopping. but you can also help avoid purchasing items to which you may be allergic.

What, Exactly. are different materials found in sex toys?

Well, that depends. Sex toys are generally comprised of four different categories f materials- rubber/latex, plastic, silicone, metal, glass, or some combination of these ingredients. Each materials has certain benefits and drawbacks. 

Silicone- King of Sex Toys Hill

Probably the fastest growing ingredient being used in sex toys is silicone( though latex and PVC are still most common due to their low costs). And, while you may read articles extolling the wondrous properties, we'd like to go a bit deeper to explain exactly what silicone is, what types and grades of silicone are manufactured, and why certain sex toys are better suited for this material than others. After all, a sex toy is something you will be putting not only n your body but in the MOST sensitive areas of your body! It makes sense to be aware and educated before you put it in on, or around your body no?

What Exactly, IS SILICONE?

In scientific terms, silicone is a synthetic polymer derived from silica, which is a white or colorless crystalline compound that occurs abundantly as quartz, sand, flint, agate, and lots of other minerals. Silica is the second most abundant element of the earths crust (making up 28% of it, in fact) and by chemically linking it to oxygen molecules, silicone in various consistencies can be created including liquids (oils), gels, rubbers, and even hard plastics. Silicone is also able resist extreme temperatures and oxidation, making it ideal for making products ranging from breast implants to gaskets to sealants to (yep) sex toys. Indeed silicone has now become so prevalent in the sex toys industry  that is now commonplace to find products that contain at least some silicone to their ingredients. Advances in silicone technology have led to sex toys that actually mimic human flesh. Finally, silicone sex toys( at least the quality ones) are easy to clean and disinfect.

Is Silicone safe to put in My body?

The truthful answer to this question is "who knows?" Silicone sex toys have only been around since the late 1980's, so no thorough studies have been conducted or published. However, since silicone is technically "inert", it's reasonable to deduce that there can be no chemical reaction with your body. Silicone (medical grade) is hypoallergenic, hygienic, boilable, bleachable and even dishwasher safe. One major problem is that sex toy manufacturers classify their products as "novelties" to avoid having their products regulated as medical devices by the US governments  (which may cause them to follow mush more restrictive regulations). For this reason, it is also rare  to find user manuals  on how actually use use the products, as this would define their use as something for sex (heaven forbid!), which again affects their products classification. To date, there haven't been any recorded cases of anyone dying from silicone sex toy (we're not talking bandage equipment here), but this doesn't take into account minor injuries, such as rashes, allergic reaction, or otherwise, which might occur but for which there's no conclusive data. Since many manufacturers mix different materials with silicone, one should be careful.

For practical purposes, however one good rule of thumb, is to ONLY PURCHASE SEX TOYS MADE FROM 100% FOOD OR MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE! How do you know if the toy you want is in this category? First smell the toy in which you are interested; if it gives off any odor whatsoever, DON'T BUY IT. Food and chemical grade silicone have no taste or smell. Next check the packaging: companies who use high quality silicone tend to announce this fact prominently. Doc Johnson and Jelly Krystal, for example , make it to a point to put information on their packaging, literature, and websites pointing out that their products contain only 100% medical grade silicone. If you can't find this information easily on your purchase (potential purchase), proceed with penetration at your own risk. Retailers who sell sex toys should provide this information straight forward and easy manner as well, so do your research before plunking  down your cash. If you have any questions, the company selling the toy or the actual manufacturer should be willing to promptly inform you of what's in each and every product they sell. If they can't you should be suspicious and hesitant.

What about Silicone Sex Toys and Lubricants?

There is common misperception that silicone sex toys cannot be used with silicone-based lubricants AND that silicone sex toys should nit come into contact with other silicone sex toys. For years, we had believed this fact, even witnessing a demonstration of two silicone sex toys (iVibe Rabbits, actually) melted into a gelatinous blob after being laid on top of one another for a month or two. The reason for this reaction is that jelly toys are not 100% silicone, and the melting happens because of they are made lesser materials that have additives to make them soft. Those chemical additives, called phthalates , emit from the toys over time, and as this happens, they make each other even softer, seen as :melting". We are able to duplicate this feat, in fact with two similar products, but strangely, when we arranged three or four vibe and dildos in a pile nothing of the sort happened. We even went as far as to squirt an entire bottle of silicone lube onto the stack like one would pour syrup on pancakes, still with absolutely no adverse reactions from any of the toys taking part  in our strange experiment. Sure  it wasn't the most attractive exhibit we've ever created, but it was nothing some soap and water didn't fix.

In fact it is perfectly safe to use silicone lubes with 100% FOOD OR MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE SEX TOYS. Jelly toys are the mixtures of different substances and NOT 100% FOOD OR MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE. so it's best not to expose them to other silicone toys or lubes. It's also fine to use silicone lubes with condoms of just about any kind or even to use condoms with silicone sex toys, especially given some women's reactions to glycerin, which is the primary agent used in non-silicone and water-based lubricants.

OK, I've got My Facts Straight, Now What silicone Toy Should I Get?

When picking a sex product of any kind, you should decide on your purchases based on the principals discussed in Part 1 of this series. Communication is the first step in exploring this aspect of your sexual lives and we recommend you pursue this endeavor with the full input and participation of your partner. Once the commitment is made to move forward together, you should choose whatever silicone sex toy in which you are interested based first and foremost on the quality of materials. For the greatest peace of mind, go with food and/or medical- grade materials. If none of the styles you want are available in this category or the price is simply too high for your budget (better materials do cost more), proceed with caution and try to only purchase from reputable retailers and manufacturers who provide truthful and up-to-date information on all their products in a timely and accessible manner. Use the internet to find information and testimonials on your product choices and don't e EVER buy something simply on its attractive design or packaging. No matter what you choose, make sure you've done your homework and most importantly have fun!