Sex Dolls – Types, What to Expect, and How to Choose
Sex Dolls – Types, What to Expect, and How to Choose
Sex dolls are used by a broader range of people than the cultural stereotype suggests – couples as well as solo users, and for practical sexual purposes rather than as a novelty. The market spans a wide range from basic inflatable models to high-end full-silicone dolls that cost thousands of pounds. Understanding what each type offers makes choosing significantly more straightforward.
Inflatable Sex Dolls
Inflatable dolls are the entry-level of the category. They inflate for use and deflate for storage, which makes them easy to store discreetly. Most have two to three penetrable openings. The cheaper models (£12 to £30) have printed faces and basic interiors; mid-range inflatables in the £30 to £80 range have more realistic proportioning and better quality materials.
The experience of penetrating an inflatable doll is improved significantly by inserting a masturbator sleeve into the relevant opening rather than using the plain interior of the doll. This is a straightforward and inexpensive upgrade that most users in this category use.
Clean after every use with warm water and antibacterial soap. Store deflated and dry.
Silicone and TPE Dolls
Non-inflatable dolls made from silicone or TPE are heavier, more realistic in feel, and considerably more expensive – starting at several hundred pounds and running to several thousand for high-end manufacturers. They have weighted bodies, realistic proportioning, and often interchangeable components.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is the most common material at mid-price points – softer and less expensive than full silicone, but porous and harder to clean thoroughly. Full silicone is the premium option: non-porous, more durable, and easier to sterilise, but at a higher price point and with a firmer feel than TPE.
Storage is a consideration at this level – a full-size doll requires dedicated space and is not discreet in the way an inflatable is. Many high-end manufacturers offer torso-only versions that provide the realistic material and feel of a full doll in a smaller, easier-to-store format.
Torso Masturbators
Torso models represent a middle ground between a masturbator sleeve and a full doll – typically including the pelvis, thighs, and lower torso in realistic silicone or TPE, without the weight and storage requirements of a full doll. These provide the realistic material feel and multiple penetration options of higher-end products at a more accessible price (typically £80 to £300).
Using Sex Dolls in Relationships
Some couples use dolls as an additional element to their sex life – allowing positions and dynamics not possible with two people, or as a prop in specific role-play scenarios. This is a legitimate and not uncommon use, though it requires honest conversation between partners before introducing any new element to a shared sex life. What one partner finds interesting, another might find confronting; the same applies here as with any toy.
Upgrading an Inflatable Doll
If you have an inflatable doll with a plain, uninspiring interior, you can improve the experience significantly by fitting a masturbator sleeve. Before doing this, measure the depth and width of the opening, then choose a sleeve that fits those dimensions. Insert the sleeve while the doll is half-inflated, pushing it into position carefully, then finish inflating. The sleeve sits securely once the doll is fully inflated.
You can also dress the doll in lingerie to improve realism, add a wig, or insert a bullet vibrator into a spare opening to create vibration throughout the doll during use. These are inexpensive modifications that make a noticeable difference to a budget inflatable.
Cleaning and Care
Clean all penetrable surfaces thoroughly after every use. TPE dolls require gentle antibacterial soap and careful drying – moisture trapped inside can lead to bacterial growth. Full silicone can be cleaned more thoroughly and sterilised. Any internal masturbator inserts should be removed and cleaned separately. Allow everything to dry completely before storage.
For inflatable dolls, the trickiest areas are the internal love holes. If possible, turn these inside out when the doll is deflated to access the harder-to-reach folds. Use a soft cloth or soft brush, and allow the doll to dry completely before deflating for storage.
Don’t over-inflate. The technique that works best: inflate to nearly full, let it rest for five to ten minutes while the air distributes evenly, then finish inflating to capacity. Too much air puts excessive strain on the seams during use; too little and the doll won’t feel firm. Keep a puncture repair kit to hand – any basic bike puncture kit works – and repair rips or tears as soon as you notice them to prevent them spreading.
For high-end dolls made from real-feel TPE materials, use a renewing powder (or basic cornflour) after cleaning and drying to prevent the surface becoming sticky or tacky. This also extends the lifespan of the material significantly. If the doll has detachable genitals, clean the insert exactly as you would a masturbator sleeve – spray with antibacterial toy cleaner, dry thoroughly, apply renewing powder if applicable.
