How many solo sex toys do you have in your goodie drawer? Chances are you have at least one. And if you’re a seasoned sex toy user, then you probably have at least a couple.
Many people indulge in solo pleasure – one of the largest studies on the subject that surveyed over 10,000 people from 12 countries found that even 84% of people masturbate. People are getting handsy for a good reason.
Solo intimate pleasure is so important for self-exploration and understanding your body better. For those who struggle with achieving an orgasm with a partner, solo pleasure can be the way to learn how to have an orgasm.
Let’s not forget other health benefits, like better sleep, improved mood, and decreased stress levels (more about that later).
Using sex toys can greatly enhance your masturbation routine because solo sex toys give you a chance to play with different and new sensations each time you play.
If you’re curious to find out what are the best solo sex toys, which ones are right for you, and how to use them to enhance your current self-pleasure routine, read on.
Choosing the Right Sex Toy for Solo Pleasure
With so many different sex toys available at your fingertips, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing a new sex toy for you, even if you consider yourself to be a seasoned solo sex toy user.
Here are some useful factors to consider when selecting a new sex toy:
- Experience level: How experienced are you at using sex toys? Some toys (like bullet vibes or G-spot toys) may be better for new sex toy users because they’re super easy to use, while some toys (like anal hooks or strap-ons) might require a little more research beforehand and understanding the mechanics to use.
- Type of stimulation preferred: Everyone has different pleasure preferences, and knowing what you like is essential when choosing a new sex toy. Are you more of a clitoris-focused gal? Then, a bullet vibe is your go-to. Maybe you enjoy full-body stimulation plus the clitoris? Well, then a big wand massager might be the right choice for you.
- Material & safety: When choosing a new sex toy, pay attention to what sort of material the toy is made from. You have many body-safe options available: stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and medical-grade silicone. Each material offers a slightly different sensation, so consider what type of feel you enjoy most.
- Budget & features: Budget is also a consideration, and different budgets will have different feature options available for you. More expensive toys might have more high-tech features like heating functions and dual motors while still being quiet. While cheaper sex toys may be battery-operated. Also, if you intend to use your sex toys in the shower, make sure to check if they’re waterproof or only water-resistant.
Considering these factors beforehand can save you tons of time and effort when choosing a new solo sex toy. When you know exactly what you like, what type of stimulation you’re looking for, and what your budget is, you can make confident shopping decisions.
Overview of Popular Toys for Solo Play
Alright, to help you choose the best solo sex toy for you, we have to talk about what sex toys are available to you. The good news is there’s a huge variety for you to choose from:
Vibrators
Vibrators are sex toys that vibrate. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be made from different materials like silicone or stainless steel.
There are also different types of vibrators that have different functions and offer slightly different stimulation:
- Bullet vibrators: Discreet and often small vibrators that fit in the palm of your hand, designed to be easy to travel with, quiet, and suited for clitoral stimulation like MIA 3.
- Wand vibrators: Often large, handheld massagers with a long handle and a vibrating bulb designed for full-body or clitoral stimulation like SMART Wand 2. These massagers are often super powerful.
- Rabbit vibrators: The classic vibrator with two sleeves that vibrate – one for vaginal penetration and one for external clitoral stimulation like SORAYA. Sometimes, the internal sleeve might rotate or have other motion features to enhance the pleasure.
- G-spot massagers: Internal-pleasure vibrator that’s often curved with a slightly larger head at the end designed for targeted G-spot stimulation like GIGI 3.
- Dual stimulators: These vibrators are similar to rabbit vibrators but are slightly different. They offer dual stimulation of the clitoris and the G-spot, like ENIGMA.
- Suction toys: One of the newest types of vibrators on the market, suction vibes are designed for clitoral pleasure and intend to mimic the sensation of oral sex like SILA Cruise.
- Pinpoint vibrators: Another new type of vibrator, designed for precise internal or external pleasure like DOT. It’s often handheld, with a very narrow and thin vibrating end that offers powerful targeted stimulation.
Dildos
Dildos are another popular solo sex toy choice. They’re designed to mimic the real-life penises and offer different ways to explore penetration solo.
Just like there are many different types of vibrators, you can find a huge variety of dildos:
- Realistic dildos: These dildos come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors and are designed to look exactly like a penis for that real-life experience.
- Dual-ended: A type of dildo that can be used both ways because it has two identical ends. Sometimes, the ends might be different shapes and textures for added variety. It can be used solo or with a partner.
- Fantasy dildos: If the real-life penis is not your thing, you can find fantasy dildos that are shaped like tentacles, dragon penises, and much more. They’re often very colorful, have different ridges and shapes, and come in many different sizes.
- Suction-based: A type of dildo that has a suction cup that can be fitted on a wall or floor so you can enjoy hands-free pleasure.
- Vibrating dildos: A type of dildo that has a vibrating motor inside for blended pleasure.
- Thrusting dildos: These types of dildos are essentially mini versions of fuck machines. Some might come with a suction cup or might have a sturdy base that allows you to enjoy the thrusting penetration hands-free.
Most often dildos are either made from silicone or glass. Both materials can be great, but keep in mind that they might feel different.
Masturbation Sleeves & Penis Toys
We’ve got plenty of different toys available for penis pleasure, too:
- Masturbation sleeves: These are masturbators designed to mimic the sensation of a vagina, your hand, or anus. They’re often handheld and can be either manual or vibrating, where you don’t have to do anything. Just relax and enjoy yourself, like F1S V3.
- C-rings: The type of silicone or stainless steel ring that’s designed to be fitted at the base of the penis to enhance erections. Some C-rings are vibrating like TOR 3, which adds extra sensations.
- Stroker sleeves: These are half-sleeves, most often made from silicone, that have ridges and different types of texture on the inner side. They can be used to enhance solo masturbation sessions or blowjobs.
Anal Toys
If you’re a fan of anal play, then you’ll be glad to hear that you’ve got plenty of options to choose from when it comes to anal sex toys:
- Prostate massagers: A vibrating sex toy that’s often curved and textured designed to stimulate the prostate internally like HUGO. It is most often made from silicone and can come with a remote control for hands-free pleasure.
- Butt plugs: A stainless steel, glass, or silicone plug with a flared base that’s designed to be fitted inside the anus for pleasure. Some vibrate, which adds extra sensations.
- Anal hooks: A popular BDSM play tool that’s used mostly for posture training that’s often made from stainless steel and shaped as, you guessed it, a hook.
Couples’ Toys Adapted for Solo Use
Many couples’ sex toys can be used for solo play, too!
Dual couples’ massagers like TIANI Duo can be used solo with ease. You are the one who controls the remote to set the intensity and the vibe while you insert the toy and enjoy clitoral and G-spot stimulation or use a dildo for penetration to explore deeper dual pleasure.
A remote-controlled vibe like IDA can also be used with a partner or solo. Fit the toy inside and enjoy hands-free pleasure as you explore different intensities and patterns of the vibrations.
The same goes for egg vibrators that have remote controls that are supposed to be controlled by a partner. Insert the egg, and have fun exploring solo – if you’re bold, you may even leave the house and see how much stimulation you can take without losing control.
How To Use Sex Toys for Maximum Pleasure
Below, you’ll find an expert and beginner’s guide to sex toys with tips and tricks on how to use your sex toys you haven’t properly considered.
Experiment with Speed & Intensity
Let us guess – whenever you use your vibrator, you turn it on, set it on your favorite vibration setting, and get it over within a couple of minutes, right?
If that’s the way you mostly use your sex toys, you’re definitely not alone. However, you’re leaving a lot of pleasure unexplored on the table. So, let’s change that.
Most high-tech vibrators have multiple settings for speed and vibration patterns. Those that are app-controlled might even allow you to create your own speed and patterns.
This function allows you to create a symphony of your own, so don’t shy away from experimenting with speeds and patterns different from those you’re used to.
Try this:
Turn on the vibrator on the lowest setting. When you’re getting more into it, turn it up by one. After awhile, turn it up even more.
Once you feel your orgasm approaching, turn the vibrations all the way down and change the pattern. As your orgasm starts to build, up the speed of the vibrations until once more you turn it all the way down and then start again with another pattern.
You might be surprised by what you discover through this intentional exploration.
Explore Different Sensations
Even the way you hold the vibe can impact how it feels. The same goes for what part of your genitals you angle the vibe at. The pressure and how hard or lightly you press the toy against or into you can make a huge difference, too.
Vulva Pleasure
When you stimulate the clitoris, try holding the pinpoint vibe or a bullet on different parts of the clitoris – the left, the right, and the middle. You might find that you prefer one side over the other.
You can also play around with internal vibes or dildos by switching which wall you choose to stimulate. There are many internal pleasure spots, so don’t only focus on the G-spot. Turn the G-spot around so you massage the wall and the back wall and see how that feels.
Penis Pleasure
You have more pleasure spots than you know! Try holding your hand or a stroker sleeve with open ends harder at the base of the penis while you stimulate the very head.
Or, place the vibrating C-ring so it rests against the scrotum or might even reach the area behind for added sensations while you stroke the penis with a hand.
When you use an open-ended stroker sleeve, try applying more pressure and then less, twisting your wrist and massaging different parts of the shaft to switch up the sensations.
Incorporate Lubrication
The wetter, the better – there’s no way around it!
Sure, you might have plenty of natural lubrication, and that’s wonderful. But when it comes to lube and sex, there can never be too much.
Lube enhances all the sensations and allows the toys to glide smoothly against your skin. Try it for yourself if you don’t believe us – use your favorite vibe on the clit when it’s dry, and then apply some lube. You’ll notice the difference in sensations immediately.
Avoid using silicone-based lube with silicone toys. It might make the toys tacky after continued use. Instead, opt for a nice water-based lube, which is safe to use with all the sex toys, or oil-based lube if you prefer longer-lasting sensations.
When it comes to anal play, you might want to opt for silicone-based lube if you’re using glass or stainless steel toys. And for silicone toys, oil-based should work just fine.
Water-based lube is great, but it might require re-application because it tends to dry out after a while. Because anal play requires tons of lube and there is no natural lubrication, using an oil-based or silicone-based lube might be easier.
Build Anticipation & Sensory Play
Who said you can’t engage in foreplay and sensory play by yourself?
You definitely can, and you should!
Incorporate blindfolds and other sensation items to build tension and arousal before you dive into using your favorite G-spot massager.
When you wear blindfolds or noise-canceling headphones, other senses will be heightened.
You can also freely use low-temperature candles on yourself to push boundaries and see whether you enjoy painful pleasure.
Also, consider pinwheels and feather ticklers to explore your erogenous zones by yourself. Map it out so you know exactly what turns you on.
Combine Toys for Enhanced Pleasure
You know what they say – the more, the merrier.
If you have a collection of sex toys, however small or big it might be, utilize that and use multiple sex toys at the same time to give yourself an even better, well-rounded experience.
When using a bullet vibe on the clit, incorporate nipple clamps or use a clitoral suction toy like Sila to add nipple stimulation at the same time.
Or, when using your favorite dildo or a G-spot massager, use a bullet vibe or a massage wand to add clitoral stimulation for blended orgasms.
And how about triple pleasure? Use an anal toy like a plug to add a sense of fullness while you play with a dildo and a clitoral toy, too. Toe-curling orgasms are guaranteed.
The same goes for penis pleasure!
If you have a C-ring (vibrating or not), use it together with your favorite stroker. Or, incorporate internal prostate massage while you enjoy a masturbator sleeve for powerful, full-body orgasms.
The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Solo Play
There are plenty of solo play benefits to your sexuality and overall health:
Increased Body Awareness
Exploring solo allows you to get to know your personal pleasure spots and get to know your erogenous zones. You can do it without pressure or the desire to perform, which allows you to be fully present.
After a while, you’ll notice that you’re much more aware of your body’s reaction to certain stimuli, and you may even feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
Improved Sexual Confidence
Recent research on masturbation shows that it has a positive impact on our self-esteem and confidence (amongst other things). Solo pleasure is a way to empower yourself and feel confident about your pleasure and your body.
Stress Relief & Better Sleep
Research shows that masturbation has been found to be a reliable self-care and relaxation method for women. All the feel-good hormones released during climax make you feel good and reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.
Another study found that there is a positive correlation between orgasms and better sleep. Participants admitted that masturbation helps them to fall asleep faster and improves their sleep quality.
Enhanced Orgasm Quality
Exploring slow solo pleasure and sexual activities like edging can help you greatly improve your orgasms.
As you get to know your body better and know what turns you on and what type of stimulation works for you, it’s only natural that orgasms improve, too.
Plus, orgasms regulate our nervous system and hormones, which may help promote sexual desire and overall sexual satisfaction.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Let’s quickly cover some of the most common solo sex toy mistakes people make:
Mistake #1: Skipping Foreplay & Rushing the Process
When using sex toys solo, it’s normal to approach it mindlessly as a quick way to blow off some steam.
However, a lack of foreplay might make the process less pleasurable. And in some cases even a little bit uncomfortable and painful.
So, just like you take the time to warm up before partnered play, do the same when playing solo.
Mistake #2: Not Using Lubrication Properly
Again, many people skip the lube because they think natural lubrication is enough.
While natural lubrication is great, adding your favorite personal lube is even better!
More wetness means a more pleasurable process and heightened sensations. Why wouldn’t you want that?
Mistake #3: Overusing High-Intensity Settings Too Quickly
It’s very tempting to turn on the vibe on the highest setting and be done with it in a couple of minutes. We get it.
While quickies are great, and there is always time and place for one, why not give your body enough time to prepare?
It takes time for the blood to start flowing to the genitals and for them to swell and supply natural lubrication. Once all the natural processes happen, you’ll be much more sensitive and receptive to stimulation, which will make your orgasms stronger and may even lead to multiple orgasms.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Hygiene & Maintenance of Toys
It’s very easy to forget to clean your toys, or simply stash them in the drawer of your nightstand together with the book you’re reading and your melatonin gummies.
Don’t do that!
Ignoring the proper sex toy maintenance rules not only puts your sexual well-being at risk because it allows harmful bacteria to grow and for lint and dust to collect, but it also may ruin your sex toys quicker – the silicone might not feel as good as before.
So clean them properly and make sure you store them correctly to ensure they last you as long as possible.
Safety & Hygiene Tips
Now that you know how to use a vibrator and the best masturbation with sex toy practices, let’s discuss safety and hygiene because it’s extremely important for your sexual well-being.
How To Clean Your Sex Toys Properly
Always clean your sex toys before you use them, and right after you’re done using them to prevent any bacteria growth.
You can use a special sex toy cleaner or simply wash your toys with warm water and soap. Let them air dry and keep away from direct heat or sunlight.
Most non-vibrating silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel sex toys can be boiled in hot water to disinfect them, but it’s not a must.
Storage Solutions To Keep Toys Hygienic
Storing your sex toys correctly is a must for longevity. You want to keep them in a dark and cool place, ideally individually wrapped in a cloth or stored in individual satin pouches so they don’t touch or collect dust.
If you have a huge selection of toys, you may want to invest in one of those big sex toy chests to have a safe space nobody can access where you store your goodies.
Battery vs. Rechargeable Options
If you have battery-operated sex toys, make sure you remove the batteries after each use. This will help prevent any battery leaks and ensure that your toys work well for many years to come.
When it comes to rechargeable sex toys, always charge the new sex toy before you use it according to individual instructions. For most toys, it will be around 2 hours, but check the sex toy manual to be sure.
This will ensure your sex toy battery remains healthy for longer.
Choose Body-Safe Materials
We already touched on the different sex toy materials, but it’s extremely important that you choose body-safe materials only. Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are non-porous materials that are easy to clean and won’t harbor harmful bacteria.
Plastic and other jelly-like materials might have toxic chemicals that can be harmful, and most often are porous which means that there are extremely small holes in the material where bacteria can get into and grow, which increases your risks of infections.
Explore New Ways To Enhance Solo Play
Solo pleasure doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. Learning how to self-pleasure is a skill, one you can master if you allow yourself to explore and immerse yourself in this experience.
We have a few easy tips to help you elevate your self-pleasure sessions and turn them into self-love rituals you want to return to time and time again:
Incorporate Fantasy & Erotica
Our brain is the biggest sex organ. Stimulating it is as important as our intimate areas. In fact, some might even experience full-body pleasure just from this type of erotic stimulation.
When you’re with your partner, their words can be a great way to stimulate the erotic side of the brain.
But when you’re solo, you can also do it by reading or listening to erotica. It can be a sensual experience of closing your eyes and immersing yourself into your fantasy world while your hands explore your body.
Use Remote-Control or App-Connected Toys for an Interactive Experience
Using remote-controlled sex toys can greatly elevate your solo pleasure sessions. It allows you to enjoy hands-free pleasure and use your hands for other things like stimulating different erogenous zones.
So, while you wear a remote-controlled vibe, touch your neck, chest, breasts, and nipples. You might even give yourself a little massage or use a different toy to stimulate those areas more intensely.
Alternatively, you can utilize the apps to make switching between the different vibration settings easier while masturbating.
Try Edging or Orgasm Control for Prolonged Pleasure
Edging is a sexual practice of intentionally delaying orgasms, and it has plenty of benefits. One of them being stronger orgasms and potentially even multiple orgasms.
And who doesn’t like that?
So, why not take your time and enjoy an edging session next time you masturbate instead of rushing to the finish line?
Here’s how to do it: bring yourself to the very edge of your orgasm, and then pause any stimulation until your body calms down. Then, repeat it again and stop right before you’re about to come.
Repeat this cycle for as long as you like – see what feels good for your body.
Set the Mood With Lighting, Scents, and Music
You deserve to treat your self-pleasure sessions with equal attention to detail as you do with partnered sex. Setting the mood for solo play can make all the difference!
Dim the lights, turn off the sound on your phone, and light your favorite scented candle to create a full sensory experience. You might even want to play some music in the background and take a bubble bath or warm shower beforehand.
And don’t shy away from dressing up either – if it makes you feel sexy, wear your favorite lingerie or undies for yourself.
The Bottom Line
There are so many great benefits to using sex toys for solo pleasure: improved mood and better sleep, more intense and pleasurable orgasms, an easy way to switch up the routine, and making every solo pleasure session feel new and different.
Just like you invest time and effort into enhancing partnered play, you should do the same with your solo pleasure. After all, it’s just as important as partnered sex because it allows you to be in tune with your own body and understand it better (which also improves partnered play!).
So, be curious about different self-pleasure techniques and sexual wellness products. Give yourself time to indulge in slow pleasure and learn how to have better orgasms by playing around with new techniques and types of solo sex toys.
When you’re ready to take your self-pleasure routine to the next level, discover top-rated sex toys for solo play here.
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