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1)
Jelly Rubber Toys -- What is it?
A
soft, translucent, and pretty-looking material that is usually inexpensive.
Jelly rubber is PVC that has softeners added to it. The softening agent - which
contains
phthalates - has, in other situations, been linked to heath problems,
meaning that
these toys should be used with condoms. (Editor's Note: We have
found no studies that
indicate that phthalates are dangerous to humans, and
there have been no studies done on
what effect, if any, phthalates have in
the vagina or rectum.) How do you take care of it? It is porous,
so there
are places for bacteria to hide, so washing is very important. Very mild handsoap
to clean
(not even dish soap, no alcohol, no bleach) Special note:
It's a good material for people to explore
what they might want to try. Only
water-based lubricants should be used.
2) Cyberskin,
Softskin, Ultraskin -- What is it?
A very supple, almost life-like material that is not very durable and
tends to be more expensive.
Here you are paying for the feel not the durability.
This is a mix. They usually contain some latex,
some silicone, and they also
have the phthalates that are a health concern. Condoms are always recommended.
How do you take care of it? It is porous, so there are places for bacteria
to hide. So washing is very important.
Use very mild handsoap to clean (not
even dish soap) No alcohol and no bleach. Be careful because it tears so easily.
You need to powder it with cornstarch (NEVER talc). Special note:
People should know that this toy is not very
durable, but there isn't anything
quite like the feel. Use only water-based lubricants.
3)
Silicone -- What is it:
It is a soft material that is chemically inert and hypoallergenic. It is
available in a variety of densities
and an unbelievable range of shapes and
colors. This is the best material currently available for toys
for penetration.
This material does not contain pthalates. How do you take care of it? You can
use soap, rubbing alcohol,
or bleach. You can boil them in water or put them
on the top shelf of your dishwasher. If you are using a toy on your own,
not sharing and not using it vaginally and anally, you don't need to use condoms
with silicone toys.
Special note: You should never use a silicone
lubricant on a silicone toy as it can bond to it and
destroy it. Water and
oil-based lubes are safe and won't damage the toy.
4)
Silicone/Rubber Mixes
Because of the popularity of silicone
rubber, and because of its durability, manufacturers are now making toys with
small amounts of silicone in them. This does make the toy more durable, but
it may still contain phthalates and
should still be treated like a jelly
rubber toy.
5) Hard Materials (Hard Plastic, Glass,
Acrylic) -- What are they?
These are hard, non-porous materials. This means they are easier to keep
clean, and people are less likely to react to them.
These materials do not
contain phthalates. How do you take care of it? You can use soap, rubbing alcohol,
or bleach.
You can boil them in water or put them on the top shelf of your
dishwasher. If you are using a toy on your own,
not sharing and not using
it vaginally and anally, you don't need to use condoms with hard toys.
Special
note: Glass toys should not be boiled, microwaved, or put in the freezer.
As with all hard toys,
care should be taken not to drop them on hard surfaces.
Also, because they are hard,
internal use should be gentle, not rough. All
lubricants are safe with these hard materials.