Vibrators come in many shapes, styles, sizes and colors. In this beginner's guide, you will learn the basics of how to use the different types of vibrating sex toys.
What is a Vibrator?
A vibrator is any motor-powered device that can be used for sexual stimulation. The word itself has traditionally been used to indicate an insertable vaginally stimulating device, but is commonly also used to refer to g-spot, clitoral, dual, and triple stimulators.
Vibrators come in a plethora of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They are available in abs plastic, PVC, jelly, silicone, glass, and more. Jelly, PVC, plastic, and rubber toys unsafe for long term use as these materials tend to be porous, fostering bacteria growth. Most modern toys are made with silicon due to its hygienic properties and its soft, luxurious quality.
Silicone toys must be used with water-based lubricants only. Glass vibrators often have removable bullets or motors that can be removed so the glass part can be heated or chilled for sensation play. The heavier weight of the glass also provides additional pressure on the g-spot, which can make an internal orgasm more achievable.
Clitoral vibrators include bullet or egg-shaped vibrators that may or may not be attached to or wirelessly controlled by a remote control. Wands and smaller palm-shaped vibrators also fit into the external vibrator category. Internal vibrators, also known as g-spot, vaginal, or slimline vibrators, vibrate or pulsate to stimulate the vagina or g-spot. G-spot toys are usually curved in order to hit the stimulate the internal portion of the clitoris, located two inches towards the back of the vaginal wall. Learn more about How to Use a Clit Vibrator.
Rabbit vibrators, or dual stimulators, consist of a longer shaft that stimulates the vagina or g-spot, while a softer attachment in front stimulates the clitoris. Some allow each portion of the toy to be controlled independently.
There are also triple penetrators, which have an attachment for anal stimulation as well. There are also newer vibrating devices coming out for men, such as the Cobra Libre, which vibrates and massages the glans of the penis; as well as vibrating suction toys that simulate oral sex. These are collectively referred to as “male vibrators.” Learn more about How to Use a Rabbit Vibrator.
How does a vibrator work?
Vibrators are motor-powered devices that are powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries. A few types such as the classic Hitachi Magic Wand must be plugged into a wall outlet, which makes them that much more powerful. The functional controls of a vibrator can range from very simple on/off buttons to more complicated dials that control different movements, speeds, and patterns.
Where to Buy Vibrators?
The best place to purchase dildos is at HUSTLER Hollywood, of course! If you know exact specifications you’re looking for, our website is user friendly and allows you to shop vibrators by size, girth, and brand. If you’re a beginner, it may be better to start small and soft; or it’s best to come by your nearest HUSTLER Hollywood retail location to check them out in person! Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will happily give you a demo at our toy table where you can touch and feel different materials and find out which one suits you best.
How Much are Vibrators?
Small, inexpensive clitoral bullets can be as low as $10. However, more inexpensive toys may not be made of body safe materials and the batteries are more likely to wear down quickly. Top tier vibrators may cost up to $200 – however, they should be considered investments, as they often have up to 10 year quality guarantees and are made of materials that can be completely sanitized.
How to Clean a Vibrator?
Cleaning your vibrator is simple. Toy cleaners are proprietary blends of body-safe cleaning agents that you can basically spray onto your toy and wipe off with a microfiber towel. All toys can be cleaned with toy cleaner. Many may also be cleaned with soap and water, and certain materials like glass and metal can be boiled to sanitize, or even ran through the dishwasher (if the rest of your household is okay with it!).
You should clean your toy after every use and before as well – if not properly stored in an anti-microbial toy box, it may attract dust and lint. Avoid sharing toys with multiple partners (unless it is stainless steel or glass, then it can be boiled.) If sharing is unavoidable, put a condom on the toy and change out when you switch partners. Similarly, don’t switch orifices without a proper cleaning or protection in between.
Who invented Vibrators?
An American doctor named George Taylor invented the first vibrator in 1869. It was a large table with a cut out for a steam-powered vibrating sphere. In 1880, another doctor named Joseph Mortimer Granville invented the first handheld electric vibrator. It used a 40 pound battery and looked like a small power tool with a spherical end tip. He created it as a massaging device to soothe men’s sore muscles but after patenting, the American medical community began using the device in order to treat and cure “hysteria,” an outdated catchall term used to describe “female ailments,” such as fainting, “emotional excitability,” or any strong-willed traits that didn’t fall within the traditional view of desirable femininity.
In the early 20th century, smaller devices for at-home use were advertised for sale in home good catalogs. These weren’t viewed as objects of sexual pleasure as in that time period, Freudian thought led the belief that female sexual pleasure wasn’t possible without penetration. In the early 20th century, the vibrator began to appear in pornography and the medical community’s understanding of female sexual pleasure expanded, causing vibrators to disappear from the Sears catalog and hidden away in lurid and seedy sex shops.
Later in the 1980s and 1990s, as more progressive attitudes developed regarding female sexuality and pleasure, the vibrator re-emerged into mainstream consciousness, especially after its mentions on Sex and the City and the Oprah Winfrey Show. As the public becomes more educated regarding sexuality and more aware of its personal and political complications, buying and using vibrators is becoming regarded as a positive step for one in taking control of one’s bodily autonomy and sexual pleasure.
