TPE vs Silicone
Many men, women and married couples buy sex dolls to get rid of loneliness or add more piquant notes to their intimate life. But what are the selection criteria? Only looks and design? The first selection criterion is the cover material, it should be as realistic as possible, so that you want to touch your beauty. The market of rubber products does not stand still, it is developing day by day.
Now you can find awesome silicone models with cover that feels like real human skin. But this hydrophobic substance also comes in several varieties, for example, TPE. Thus, many, who buy intimate toys, look at the material and price.
Thermoplastic elastomer differs from silicone, its price may be higher. What is the difference between these materials? Can one be called better than the other? To find out, you need to do a detailed analysis and find all the useful information about both materials, consider the appearance of such toys and identify the advantages and disadvantages of TPE and special-treated rubber.
TPE
TPE is short for ThermoPlastic Elastomer. This is a special new material: a combination of polymers (synthetic rubbers and plastic) with elastic and heat-resistant properties. This material does not deform when exposed to high temperatures (to a certain extent, of course).
TPE is very gentle and pleasant to touch, it is realistic and elastic. Sex dolls are not the only products on the market today that are made of ThermoPlastic Elastomer. Many manufacturers saw the benefits and quality the material, so they began to use it to manufacture shoe soles, purses, gloves, pens and other things.
Pros and Cons of TPE
| TPE Pros | TPE Cons |
|---|---|
| TPE is softer and more elastic. The dolls look more realistic, and their body bends better despite the metal skeleton. | Thermoplastic Elastomer is very susceptible to soiling by body liquids during intercourse. |
| This material is resistant to heat, it also retains heat well. | The material may become sticky, but you can easily wash it with soap and use baby powder to remove greasy stains. |
| Some models can cost less than silicone. | It is a porous material, so you always have to wash the holes of the toy after use (otherwise, mold and bacteria may grow there). |
| It does not cause allergic reactions, even in people with very sensitive skin. | |
| It lets to assume more positions. |
Silicone
Silicone is a simple artificial polymer that resembles rubber. This material is heat resistant; it is used in lubricants, insulation, sealants, glue and other products.
There are several forms of special treated rubber, which is the most common material for manufacturing sex dolls. This material is very soft and smooth; it can be made elastic or stiff. The exact properties depend on the treatment methods used when making the material.
Not all types of hydrophobic substances are resistant to heat, some of them deform easily. When choosing a silicone product you need to consider the exact type of silicone. Some models can be made from excellent special treated rubber and come at affordable prices.
Pros and Cons of Silicone
| Silicone Pros | Silicone Cons |
|---|---|
| Silicone sex dolls have very realistic holes, their anus and vagina are very pleasant to use. | Sometimes, the hydrophobic coating may become sticky. |
| Some models may cost more than thermoplastic elastomer items. | More resilient than TPE. |
| It is easier to clean. | The chest and buttocks do not “bounce” as naturally as in TPE toys. |
| This material does not require thorough care, unlike TPE. | |
| Silicone is also hypoallergic, even for sensitive skin. | |
| This material is resistant to high temperatures, does not deform in water and does not take stains from clothes. |
Conclusion
You can’t say that one material is better than another. Each manufacturer will be happy to help you to make the right choice.
TPE or silicone – it depends on the price you are ready to pay for the purchase. If the realism of the doll and its natural appearance are of utter importance, choose thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
Special treated rubber items can also be quite expensive, but their breasts and buttocks are not so soft and elastic. However, there are some models made of either material, that look very realistic, even the holes of the toys.
The choice actually depends on your personal tastes and preferences. TPE can be called more realistic, but some silicone models can be very impressive as well. If you want to take your doll to a warm bath, choose silicone. If you want the intercourse to be more realistic – and breasts and buttocks move more naturally – choose TPE.