Material Girl

It’s not just latex anymore.  For any of you dear readers out who have a discomfort of all things latex—as in actual physical sensitivity to this material—I wanted to take a moment and make sure you knew that toys have come a long way.  If you happen to already use and love latex then bravo, enjoy and many happy returns. The problem comes when a person is sensitive to this material and what should be a fun roll in the hay becomes a gut wrenching nauseating experience that leaves you wanting to stay the hell away from the barn.

But thank the lord for scientists and other inventive brains out there who discovered alternative ways to keep toys and condoms an option for the latex sensitive.  We now have for our bedtime pleasure toys made of materials such as: elastomer, silicone, jelly-rubber, stainless steel, glass, wood, phthalate-free hard plastic and chrome.

Wait--did I just say ‘wood’?  Yes I did. But please please please do not go out into your backyard creating a do-it-yourself kit.  The kind of wood toys I’m talking about are specialty items designed with great care and smooth protective coatings.

And just a note on those glass toys (which are gaining in popularity by the day)—they can be heated or cooled to your desires.  Just make sure that you don’t go popping it into the freezer or microwave.  Slow and steady is the best with this bad boy so just immerse it in warm water that you gradually heat or cool water that you add ice to.

When it comes to cleaning these toys don’t forget that some materials are more porous then others (think tiny holes that bacteria and funk get stuck in).  Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water or you can even invest in a cleaning solution specific to your toy type.  For the most porous items—such as elastomer and jelly-rubber-- it is actually recommended that you use a condom over the toy for best care. But don’t fret. Condoms are available in non-latex too. Look for options such as Polyurethane, lamb skin or the newest on the block Polyisoprene.

 

Relax. Just go to your favorite store or online site and check out the non-latex section. And don’t forget the lubrication!