How to Use a Vibrator: Tips From Sex and Wellness Experts
Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? “There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices,” he adds. The vibe is touted as whisper-quiet so moaning should be the only sound you hear. The wind tip simulates oral sex and the water tip throbs like the ocean. Its small size makes it travel-friendly and it’s so discreet that no one will know what it is, even if the TSA inspects your bag.
It features the same remote control capabilities through the brand’s mobile application, with 11 vibration settings that can be turned off and on remotely. The smooth silicone base stretches a bit for those with girth and provides stimulating vibration even when used alone. A gift that will make anyone with a vulva very happy, this standalone G-spot vibrator is highly interactive despite its streamlined design.
Searah Deysach, sex educator and owner of pleasure shop Early to Bed, points out that hands-free vibrators can upgrade your pleasure during partnered play, too. “With a partner, toys that you don’t have to hold onto allow you touch and feel your partner and stimulate them simultaneously,” she says. Plus, since many vulva-owners can’t orgasm from penetration alone vibrator, consider hands-free vibrators a strategy for taking the elevator rather than the stairs to climax. This sex toy is designed to be worn beneath your panties, so you can enjoy discreet fun wherever you go. Plus, the wireless range is 30ft, so your partner can control the vibration settings from across the room with the hand-held remote. While many vibrators and sex toys are designed for use on just one part of the body, palm vibrators can be used basically anywhere.
It comes with a one-year warranty, plus a 10-year guarantee that allows you to purchase a replacement model for 50% of the original price should your toy break in the decade following the initial year of coverage. With eight vibration settings, this stimulation can range from gentle to extremely intense, and a little goes a long way. It’s also a good toy to use in tandem with penetrative intercourse—it is small and easy for either partner to hold and position. We found that it lasted three and a half hours at maximum speed, spread out over a series of 20-minute intervals; it may last longer at lower speeds. If it runs out of power, you can connect it to the removable AC cord and continue using it. Dealbreakers included poor-quality materials, a short battery life, a tendency to break easily, a lack of power, and a design that was awkward, inconvenient, or painful to use.
If you like vibing and rubbing, this one is ideal for external play,” says O’Reilly. “They enable you to experience textures and sensations you wouldn’t be able to with something shaped like a penis,” says Wright. Plus, they put penetration on the table for those who either aren’t turned on by penis-shaped parts or have a history of trauma, she adds. Check out more of our Tried and Tested sex toys, including the best rabbit vibrators , the best clitoral suction toys, and the best vibrators for couples. Feel extra connected to your partner with this unique toy from Ricky’s, which can be controlled by them (or you) for the ultimate hands-free experience. The wireless remote can be used to flit through nine different modes, with up to an hour of battery life.
“The shape of the toy allows you to keep it in place, and with the We-Connect app, your lover can control it while you enjoy the ride,” says Stewart. With three times the battery life of Lovense’s previous model, Domi 2 is ready when you are. And because it’s cordless, you can take it anywhere for extended sessions.
Beyond the pre-set modes, the app allows you to create your own vibration patterns. This feature is particularly helpful if you have specific needs, such as targeting muscle pain or managing anxiety. You can determine the duration and intensity of each vibration and save your custom routines for easy access later. The app’s core function is to simulate a body massage through vibrations. You can adjust the intensity and power of each vibration mode, tailoring the experience to your preference.
Most vibrators can be lightly immersed in water, but read the instructions to find out if your silicone toy can be cleaned in the dishwasher. When browsing less expensive sex toys, your best bet is to shop at reputable retailers, says Wright. Alternatively, you can watch for sales—some of which we cover here at SELF.
You can soak waterproof toys of all stripes in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes to disinfect them, then thoroughly wash them with soap and water afterward. If you’re using a toy with a condom, make sure that the condom covers the entire surface that comes in contact with your genitals. The condom should be thin enough for you to see, feel, and press the buttons through the barrier. Do not use oil-based lubricants with condoms, and make sure to remove and dispose of the condom directly after use. Do not reuse condoms with toys, as that practice is unsanitary and a sure way to encourage the condom to break. Since 2014 we’ve tested a handful of sub-$100 vibrators, finding many of them severely lacking in some respect.