5 Mistakes Women Make When Buying A Vibrator (Some Are Actually DANGEROUS!)
You need to know what you're doing.
weheartit With over 80% of women owning a vibrator in the United States, there are many happy women who are enjoying the advantages that technology affords them. But could they do better?
Buying a vibrator is like buying a bra. There is a lot more to it than just a cup and bust size to consider. Just as there are different features to bras such as cut, material, underwire, etc., there are also many variations with regard to vibrators to consider. Learning how to buy a vibrator you're going to love, or how to find sex toys that are high-quality, can be difficult.
Keeping that in mind, I think it's time we explore the 5 most common mistakes women make when buying a vibrator:
1. You assumed the power level is the most important feature.
While power level is important, the most important thing you should know about a vibrator is if it contains toxins. Your health is the most important factor so make sure you get a vibrator that is non-toxic which means it needs to be free of phthalates, BPA, lead and other harmful chemicals that are unfortunately sometimes used in sex toy production especially with cheap or knock-off adult toys. Make sure to look for body-safe materials such as silicone, phthalate free ABS plastic and food-grade elastomers.
Also, buy your products from a retailer that informs consumers about the product materials so that you can be sure that what you are buying is safe. For a helpful sex toy material guide, check out Holistic Wisdom, Inc.’s Sex Toy Guide.
Related: This Is Why Your Vibrator Makes You Go Numb
2. You assumed your vibrator was never previously sold.
This may surprise you to learn, but did you know sex toy companies who take returns will often restock those products to resell them?
With many sex toys coming in packaging that does not have security and safety seals on them there may be no way to know if your sex toy had been previously sold, used, and then sent back and resold to you. Make sure to look for retailers that have strict return policies and outline what they do with defective products.
Not only is getting a used sex toy gross it can also introduce you to harmful bacteria and possibly a sexually transmitted disease.
3. You thought Rabbit vibrators were the best available.
For those of you who were introduced to the famous Rabbit vibrator on HBO’s Sex and the City, you may be quite fond of the dual stimulating features that stimulate both the clitoris and G-spot at the same time. But vibrators have evolved quite a bit since that time. Some even now have features such as Bluetooth remote control, which will allow a long-distance lover to operate it for you. Others feature apps that allow you to custom create your own vibration settings!
There is even a new form of sexual stimulation called “air pulse” technology that creates unique stimulation more intense than most vibrators. With so many new bells and whistles, it may be time for an upgrade!
4. You thought you could use any lubricant with your vibrator
Believe it or not, some lubricants can melt the materials that sex toys are made out of, so it is important to know what you can and cannot use when it comes to your vibrator. For example, if a sex toy is made with rubber, you cannot use oil with it. If it is made with silicone, you will want to avoid silicone lubricants.
If unsure, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and use a paraben-free, water-based lubricant. To quickly identify if your lubricant has parabens in it, you can check the ingredients for commonly used parabens.
This includes: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
It is also worth mentioning you should store your sex toys separately from one another as having them stored next to one another (if they are made out of certain materials) can cause them to chemically react and melt.
5. You got a good "deal."
Getting a sex toy on sale through a special promotion or using a coupon is always a great way to save. However, keep in mind there is a shady side to deals and there's a fine line between getting a great bargain and being a victim of a scam. There are a variety of seedy ploys out there that are even being done through third-party sellers on large retail sites that normally would be considered quite trustworthy.
From selling you knock-offs with cheaper parts that break easily (and are possibly toxic), to using your information to sell to other companies, you may find that bargain you got is not what you bargained for. When you find a price too good to be true, it most likely is. You may find the vibrator is refurbished, defective, a knock-off, or even being sold at a price that voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
Make sure you look for an authorized or certified sex toy retailer who abides by manufacturer legal agreements and clearly states who they are, what their mission is, their policies, and are very upfront about what to expect when purchasing from them.
Companies that have been around a long time who have good ratings from the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and get good customer feedback are typically a safe and good way to go when making a purchase.
Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D. is the founder and C.E.O. of Holistic Wisdom, Inc. which provides sexual health and wellness education, resources and products. To learn more about what are the latest developments in nontoxic sex toys and even vibrator myths visit – HolisticWisdom.com.