Things You Should Pay Attention to When Shopping for an Inflatable Dildo
When shopping for an inflatable dildo, you should pay attention to the features that are important for dildos, as well as the inflation/deflation functionalities. Here are a few of the key considerations:
Material: An inflatable dildo should be crafted from the right material. It needs to be flexible to allow for the expansion. It also has to be 100 percent non-porous, preventing the growth of bacteria and the accumulation of dirt. Some excellent materials that inflatable dildos are made of include medical-grade silicone, bodysafe PVC and ABS plastic.
Size: It’s important not to go overboard with an inflatable dildo. Because it is meant to stretch you out, the starting size has to be manageable. Don’t opt for the biggest possible length and girth – these can be very difficult to experience right off the bat. A length of about four inches is great for beginners and it also offers enough versatility. Such a dildo can be used for both anal and vaginal play, giving the right kind of stretch without being threatening.
Easy to inflate: Usually, inflatable dildos come with a pump that’s used to manually expand the size of the toy. A good pump should offer smooth and effortless inflation. It should also be fairly easy to squeeze and hold in the palm of your hand. You will need to test out the toy before actually using it inside your body. A difficult to use pump or one that inflates the dildo way too much in a single increment will be challenging to make the best of in the heat of the moment.
Tube length: The inflation tube is a vital part of the inflatable dildo. When buying, check its length. It should be long enough to allow the comfortable holding of the pump, no matter what sex position you prefer. At the same time, it shouldn’t be so long that it tangles up in your bedsheets and sexy accessories. Initially, it can be difficult to judge what’s right. That’s why you may want to use a ruler and a bit of string to visualize lengths and do a practical test before buying. Also, a tube needs to be soft and flexible rather than rigid for maximum usability.
Safety features: The most important safety feature to look for is a quick release valve. It’s a must-have for all kind of inflatable dildos and plugs. The quick release valve reduces the size of the dildo immediately and is a great thing to have for full control of the experience. If you or your partner ever feels that the stretch is too much, the quick release valve can be triggered immediately to return the dildo to its original size. Another important safety feature is a flared base if you’ll be using the dildo for anal play. A flared base (like the presence of balls – realism and safety all in one!) will keep the dildo from getting sucked up inside the rectum.
Hard core or no core: Inflatable dildos are available in two varieties. One option has a hard core that doesn’t inflate. It’s great for stimulation, whether you’re using the dildo inflated or not. The other variety has an inflatable shell and no firm core inside. This type of toy is better suited to the needs of people who enjoy a lot of stretching and would always be using the dildo for inflation purposes. The good news is that you can easily find toys of both varieties on the market.
Additional pleasure features: Some inflatable dildos can pulsate and vibrate. Adding these rhythmical motions to the inflation will send you over the edge in a matter of seconds. If you go for an inflatable dildo that vibrates, you will need to operate both the squeeze bulb and a remote control. Both of them should be intuitive and user-friendly. Also, look for a dildo that has a fairly big range of vibration patterns. This way, you’ll get to enjoy a lot of diversity and amazing sex that will never get boring.
Handheld, suction cup or harness-compatible: An inflatable dildo can be used in several ways. Many of these toys are handheld. You use the dildo with one hand and inflate with the other (or your partner helps you). Getting an inflatable dildo with a suction cup is another great idea. When you stick the dildo to a horizontal or a vertical surface, you’ll get to use it hands-free and you’ll also get to try out a range of positions. Finally, you can always get a dildo that’s compatible with standard O-ring harnesses. That toy will allow all kinds of partnered play, plus it can also be used without a harness.
Realistic (or not): Just like all other dildos, inflatable dildos can be realistic or streamlined and modernized. Realistic dildos are ideal for partnered play and for playing out fantasy scenarios. Plus, the anatomically-correct details like the protruding veins allow for extra stimulation. Streamlined inflatable dildo designs are often chosen to offer certain kinds of pleasure (G-spot stimulation, prostate massages). They also look super-awesome – something to pay attention to if the visual is important.
Lube compatibility: Let’s get one thing straight – an inflatable dildo should be used with lots and lots of quality lube. The stretch can get extreme. If you’re not properly aroused and lubed up, you risk discomfort and even injuries. Always check the compatibility of the dildo material and lube. If you’re choosing an inflatable dildo for anal play, make sure that it’s made of a material that’s compatible with silicone lube. Silicone lube is a lot more long-lived than water-based lubricants and it’s usually the product of choice for anal play.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance: Like all other dildos, an inflatable dildo should be easy to clean. When buying such a toy, make sure that the various components (pump, hose, dildo) are easy to take apart and clean. Most manufacturers make the care instructions available online. This is the one document you should definitely go through before buying.