UNDERSTANDING YOUR TOYS MATERIALS
TPE - THERMO PLASTIC ELASTOMERS
This is a very popular choice in the manufacture of penis rings, clitoral stimulators and some dildos. Due to its composition it can range from very soft and ‘squishy’ up to reasonably firm. It possesses extremely high strength and sheer qualities, so can be comfortably stretched without fear of snapping
when used in penis rings.
Due to its jelly like finish it is sometimes incorporated into vibrators to provide a comfortable and bendable tip.
TPE is a porous material so careful cleaning and storage is required. It is best cleaned with a mild soap and allowed to air dry between uses. Products made from TPE should always be stored separately as due to their jelly like finish they can attract dust and clump together if not.
SILICONE
Generally agreed to be one of the best materials in the Adult Pleasure Product Industry. Silicone is a very body safe material. It has no odour and no pores that are large enough to harbour bacteria. It is used to produce babies milk bottle teats amongst many other things.
Watch out for products that say ‘silicone mix’ as there is no way to determine the quantity of silicone in the production. As silicone is more expensive than standard materials you do not want to be paying more without the associated benefits.
High quality silicone has a smooth surface and can be produced in both soft and firm finishes. Some of the best dildos are produced using a combination of firm silicone for the core with a softer silicone coating to produce a realistic feel. Silicone products also transmit heat very well.
You will find that the majority of higher end products be it love eggs, butt plugs or dildos are produced from silicone.Silicone toys should only be used with a water based lubricant. Using a silicone based lubricant can cause the surface of the product to degrade.
Silicone toys should be stored separately and not touching other silicone products. They are best cleaned with a mild soap and allowed to air dry between uses.
ABS - ACRYLONITE BUTADIENE STYRENE
This a hard plastic material that is well suited to the production of bullet vibrators and clitoral stimulators, basically anything that is required to transmit a vibration well. The use of ABS in these products enables the user to receive a very targeted sensation. (ABS is used in the production of a well know children’s building blocks!)
ABS is also found in the hard parts of toys, usually handle parts, buttons, battery casings etc. It is also incorporated into an articulated core in higher end dildo production.ABS is non porous and very easy to clean with soap and water, it can be stored happily with your other toys.
GLASS
A great material in the production of anal toys and dildos. Very smooth, non-porous and easy to clean. It transmits temperatures extremely well so can be warmed up or cooled down depending on your mood to increase the sensations.
Glass toys are made from toughened glass so will not shatter or splinter like normal glass does. However toys that have been dropped and or chipped or damaged in any way should never be used!
Toys made from glass can be used safely with both water and silicone based lubricants.
METAL.
Metal is another great choice in the production of toys. Like glass it’s smooth, non porous and easy clean. Can be warmed, cooled, used with all types of lubricant and is easy to store.
LATEX
Latex has been historically used in some of the lower end and cheapest toys on the market. It is often accompanied by a rubbery smell and may cause an allergic reaction to some users.
PHATHALATES
You may have heard this word mentioned in the same sentence as Adult Pleasure Products. It was in the past (and sometimes still is) used as a softener in the production of plastics and rubber.
The down side was that not only can it leave a nasty odour in the finished toy but more concerning it can cause irritation when coming into contact with skin. Often the more rubbery a toy smelt the higher the Phathalates content is likely to be. Most reputable manufacturers no longer use Phathalates in their products and we would not knowingly stock any that did.
LUBRICANTS & CLEANING
We strongly recommend that all toys be used with a suitable water based lubricant and are washed thoroughly between each use or when sharing with a partner. Toys should be allowed to air dry before appropriate storage.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our products or just require general advice, please contact us and a friendly member of our customer care team will be happy to help.
Thanks for reading!