FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do All Vibrators Feel the Same?

No, vibrators vary greatly in speed and intensity of vibration, from a gentle hum to a merciless throb. Some have multiple speeds and settings, and the material that they are made out of will also affect the sensation produced. Battery-powered vibrators are generally less powerful, while plug-in electrical models have stronger motors.

How Do Vibrators Work?

The movement of a vibrator is created by an electrical mechanism inside it. The motors in battery-powered vibrators are small and have an off-center weight that spins around, making them shake. Larger, plug-in vibrators have bigger, more powerful motors, and some models use spinning electromagnetic coils to create movement.

How should I store my vibrators?

You want to keep your toys clean and safe, so don't just chuck your vibrator under the bed with the dust bunnies, where the dog might find it and mistake it for a chewy toy. Keep them in a closed container. A shoe box is fine. Wrap them in a clean t-shirt or towel. Put the box in a spot where it won't be moved around a lot, under the bed, in a nightstand drawer or closet. Separate your toys when you are storing them. Some toy materials will melt into other toys if they are touching.

It's always a good idea to take the batteries out of your vibrator when storing it for two reasons: it prolongs the life of the batteries, and it eliminates the risk that the vibrator may get accidentally switched on.

How should I clean my vibrator?

Before you clean your vibrator, take the batteries out and close the battery compartment. If it's an electrical vibrator, make sure it's unplugged. Clean it with warm sudsy water. If it's not waterproof, be careful not to get water in the battery compartment or on the controls. If your toy has a bullet or egg vibrator inside a jelly sleeve, remove the rubber part and wash it separately. Wash all attachments separately. Dry your vibrator thoroughly with a lint-free cloth; don't use a paper towel, as they can stick to rubber and leave lint and fibers behind.

To prevent your toy from holding on to germs and bacteria as well as keep it healthy and moisturized we'd recommend using a sprits of toy cleaner on your toy after washing it. It will destroy bacteria, moisturize, and protect your toy better than soap ever could!

If my vibrator breaks can I get it fixed?

Most inexpensive vibrators will simply have to be replaced when they break. Higher quality models may be covered by manufacturer warranty. Companies like LELO will require you to register your toy online and keep all appropriate paperwork somewhere safe in order to make a claim.

How long will the batteries last?

Battery life depends on the amount of power the device drains and the duration of use.

Are there rechargeable vibrators?

Yes, there are a variety of rechargeable vibrators and massagers on the market. Such brands as LELO and the We-Vibe are completely rechargeable with many hours of life to them with a single charge.

Sex Toys 101

What's a Vibrator?

A vibrator is a battery or electrical powered device that delivers fast, reliable vibrations much more intensely than a hand, penis or mouth. So this is why vibrators are often recommended by doctors, therapists and magazine editors as an effective way to help you achieve an orgasm.

Vibrators come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, some will appeal to you, and others may not. You can get penis shaped vibrators, egg shaped vibrators and even animal shaped vibrators.

Because vibrator orgasms can be more intense and are easier to achieve, they can soon become an important and regular part of your sexual norm.

What's a Dildo?

A dildo unlike a vibrator does not vibrate. It is designed for insertion either vaginally or anally. A dildo can be used on its own or in a harness to enable hands-free penetration of a partner. These are called strap-on dildos. Strap on sex is a common practice amongst straight couples and gay couples.

Straight men sometimes enjoy penetration by their partner which stimulates their prostrate gland and some women enjoy penetrating their partner with a strap-on dildo perhaps because it gives them power and a unique sensation of pleasure giving.

Men in straight relationships can wear a dildo to experiment with double penetration on their partner, or to prolong sexual intercourse after their own erection has subsided or before intercourse to lengthen the experience for their lover.

What's the Difference between Vibrators and Dildos?

Contrary to popular belief a dildo does not vibrate and is designed for insertion. This often leads to the misconception that women orgasm more readily through thrusting which is incorrect. The shape of a vibrator is not as important to women as the "spot" it hits because most women orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than thrusting alone, although once combined the dildo and vibrator may provide the ultimate experience for many women.

What is a Clitoral Vibrator?

Most women admit to being able to orgasm easier through direct clitoral stimulation and while standard vibrators can easily help women achieve this, clitoral vibrators are used uniquely for this pleasure.

These vibrators are normally smaller, friendlier looking and better for beginners using a vibrator for the first time. They are often less intimidating than phallic shaped vibrators.

Some are hand held such as the Pocket Rocket and others can be worn, such as the Micro Butterfly. There are even remote control vibrators on the market so that the woman's partner can participate in pleasuring her with their choice of clitoral vibrator.

What is a G-Spot Vibrator?

The g-spot lies on the front wall of the vagina and is approximately an inch in size. The g-spot vibrator is designed for insertion and usually has a curved tip to stimulate this difficult to find area.

Some people have disputed the existence of the g-spot but those lucky ones that find it will discover a very intense and powerful orgasm that feels different to a clitoral orgasm. If you try a g-spot vibrator but find the vibrations too distracting, a curved tip dildo will be a great alternative.

What is a Branch Vibrator?

Branch Vibrators are toys that have an insertable shaft as well as an external clitoral stimulator. These toys are best at achieving a blended orgasm because the stimulate the G-Spot and the Clitoris simultaneously.

What are Anal Toys?

As their name suggests anal sex toys are used in the anal area and can come in vibrating or non vibrating versions.

The anal sex toys that bulge in the middle are called butt plugs and are often left in place during sex. Anal beads are strung together and are designed to be inserted one by one and then pulled out gently using the loop. Anal toys that are shaped like small dildos are good for penetration and are often the choice for stimulating men.

Used with a good quality sex lube or lubricant, anal toys can provide stimulation that feels good for women or men. Anal toys should have a flared base to stop them being drawn in by the body.

What are Male Sex Toys?

Male sex toys again can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because vibrators are much discussed they've become socially acceptable in much of the Western world as they have helped women learn about their body and how to achieve orgasm easier.

However men also enjoy playing with toys, as vibration can feel great on the anus, penis, testicles or perineum.

A vibrating sleeve or artificial vagina is great for male masturbation to give often more powerful sensations and some are very lifelike so can simulate intercourse for the man. Sex dolls are another option for solo male play and again there is a huge variety on the market to suit every budget.

There are also penis rings that in their simple form can be used as erection enhancers to more couple friendly vibrating versions that aim to stimulate their partner during sex.

Many men also enjoy anal stimulation; the massaging of their prostate gland can be very pleasurable. There are many toys on the market that are angled to help easily find the best, most pleasurable spot. Toys like the Euphoria Male Stimulator has such a curve to it making it a great addition to male anal play, with or without a partner.