ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TPE SEX DOLLS

Considering a TPE sex doll, but unsure of exactly what that entails? TPE dolls – often less expensive and a different feel from silicone — can be the perfect choice, but they require a special kind of preparation and care. Uneducated owners often make costly mistakes that lead to the early deterioration of their TPE dolls.

It’s good to have a general knowledge of love dolls before we get into the specifics. See our introduction to sex dolls here.

WHAT IS TPE?

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer. It is essentially a mix of different polymers, so there are many slight variations. TPE is made by mixing these polymers with thermoplastic properties with rubber, giving the mixture the elasticity and bounciness that we love.

TPE has become a very popular material outside of the sex doll world – it’s used for making various everyday items, including handles, cosmetic cases, and shoe soles. One of the reasons for its popularity is that injection molding techniques can be used with TPE, but with a flexible, rubber-like consistency. This manufacturing method is very cost-efficient, allowing for high-quality products at lower prices.

Many people think that TPE dolls are lower in quality just because of the low price. This is simply not true; the drawbacks come with increased maintenance, not the build itself. TPE dolls have a very pleasant feel that can at times be even softer than silicone.

The main characteristics of TPE are:

  • Soft
  • Flexible
  • Malleable
  • Slip-resistant
  • Recyclable

CARING FOR A TPE LOVE DOLL

Before you purchase a TPE doll, it’s crucial to understand all the steps that go into proper maintenance and care. For some, the extra time required is a turn-off to owning a TPE model. For others, the bathing and powdering processes only add to the intimacy.

See our thoughts on TPE vs Silicone Dolls here. (coming soon!)

SHOWERING AND BATHING YOUR DOLL

Unlike a new car, the “new TPE scent” is not particularly pleasant. When you first receive your doll, you should share a shower or bath once (and then regularly thereafter).

See our complete how-to on cleaning and maintaining sex dolls here. A few specifics for TPE:

  • Do not use hot water when bathing a TPE dolls – it will damage the skin and cause the secretion of vital oils
  • Water inside a TPE doll means rust, mold, or other damage. Make sure you unscrew the head and cover up the neck before bathing
  • Don’t submerge your TPE doll’s head, as doll hair and makeups are not designed to be soaked
  • Remember, TPE dolls can be heavy – softer skin + gravity during showering can mean damaged feet. Make sure you’ve set up a towel or other soft surface underneath your doll when bathing
  • Wash your doll gently with an unscented and mild antibacterial soap
  • Gently dry off your doll with a soft towel. See Drying Your Love Doll

It’s best to shower your doll once or twice each month, even if you are not actively having sex.

TPE SEX DOLL SKIN TREATMENTS

After you dry your doll well, it’s time to treat her skin. There are only three basic steps, each rather simple:

  1. Baby oil – TPE dolls need to be regularly massaged and oiled to maintain the integrity and quality of their skin. Otherwise, they will dry out. For TPE dolls, choose an oil contaiing liquid paraffin, sometimes called paraffinum liquidum. See Oiling Your TPE Sex Doll here for full instructions.
  2. Vaseline – Additionally, stressed areas — like elbows, armpits, inner thighs, around the breasts, and near anal and vaginal cavities – need some extra love. Apply Vaseline liberally and allow it to dry overnight.
  3. Baby powder or cornstarch – TPE skin is always a bit tacky, so it attracts wig hair and lint. To avoid this, apply baby powder all over her. Just pat and rub it in — the difference will be instantly noticeable. You can also apply it with the makeup brush. Though your doll’s skin will feel great to the touch afterward, this step isn’t just about comfort; it will also make the skin last much longer.
  4. Be patient and gentle. It doesn’t matter if the clothes are a bit tight or complicated – TPE dolls have delicate skin that can be easily damaged.
  5. Powder your doll before dressing her. Clothes go on easier and scratching is minimized.
  6. When putting on shirts and sweaters, don’t raise the arms straight above the head. You’ll eventually wear out the armpit skin and cause tears.
  7. When putting on sleeves, be gentle with her fingers. TPE dolls generally have wire “bones” in their fingertips — if you’re rough, they can break.
  8. TPE toes are floppy, so take care when you put on socks.

SILICONE VS TPE SEX DOLLS: WHICH IS BETTER?

TPE and silicone are the most common materials for making high quality, realistic sex dolls. Though the two can look and feel similar, they vary significantly in make, model, longevity, and pricing.

TPE SEX DOLLS

Around 2012, manufacturers began experimenting with a new type of material called “TPE,” or thermoplastic elastome. This began a new era of sex doll production: realistic looks and feel (like silicone), but at much lower prices.

See our full intro to TPE dolls here.

PROS AND CONS OF TPE DOLLS

PROS:

  • Valuable – With TPE, you don’t have to choose between a lower-quality blow-up or an artisanal silicone doll. TPE dolls offer a long-sought-after medium to the other options.
  • Realistic – TPE dolls can be incredibly lifelike.
  • Feels Great – The texture of TPE dolls is smooth and soft. TPE is often used for making other items with a tactile nature, like ergonomic handles.
  • Squeezable – TPE is elastic and jiggly when it needs to be.
  • Temperate – Like silicone, TPE retains warmth, giving your doll a realistic presence when heated.
  • Hypoallergenic – No need to worry about allergic reactions unless you’re specifically allergic to the rubber properties used in TPE.
  • Odorless – Some materials, like harsher rubbers or vinyl, will have a distinct (and mostly unpleasant) smell. Though TPE dolls can pick up some stink when it is first shipped, it is mostly odorless after a couple washes.
  • Compatible – You can customize your doll and use water-based lubricants.

CONS:

  • Porous – TPE has microscopic holes, just like real skin… and, also like real skin, can be dyed or damaged when left unclean. Fluids can seep into TPE skin, causing mold or harmful bacteria if not sterilized. See our instructions on proper doll cleanliness here.
  • Quality Varies – There are numerous blends of TPE, and the texture of your sex doll will highly depend on the blend used. Since every manufacturer has their own secret formula, it is entirely possible that your manufacturer opts for sub-optimal TPE fillers or imprecise mixtures.
  • New-to-market – The technologies behind TPE dolls are very recently, so the production techniques can still be imperfect.

It’s clear that TPE is a material with advantages for the budget conscious owner who still wants top-tier quality. Most issues with TPE sex dolls are caused by manufacturers brewing the wrong TPE blend. This is generally mitigated by buying through trusted manufacturers and vendors (list coming soon).

SILICONE SEX DOLLS

Silicone is a type of synthetic polymer that is used in a wide variety of products. Because of its properties, silicone is often used to make lubricants, glue, moldings, and household objects. Silicone is non-toxic and heat resistant.

Silicone was (and still is) the material behind the original “real love dolls” – that is, hyper-realistic dolls meant to provide a more intimate experience than blow-up or cloth dolls. Silicone comes in many forms — some of them are softer and more elastic than others. The material used to make sex dolls is called silicone rubber. To this day, it is the most common material used for high-end love dolls and sex robots.

PROS AND CONS OF SILICONE SEX DOLLS

PROS:

  • Realistic – The OG of sex dolls, silicone models can be sculpted to look exactly how the manufacturer envisions them.
  • Life-like – With silicone, it’s possible to create a texture almost indistinguishable from real human flesh (it is often used for breast implants). Silicone dolls usually feel perfect.
  • Tried and Tested – Silicone sex dolls have been around for a long time, allowing for the manufacturing process to be perfected. They’re a trusted choice.
  • Temperate – Just like TPE, silicone retains warmth well for that “alive” feeling.
  • Non-porous – Unlike TPE, silicone is resistant to germs and bacteria, making it much easier to clean and sterilize.
  • Hypoallergenic – Unless you are specifically allergic to silicone, no need to worry!

CONS:

  • Expensive – There’s no sugar-coating it; silicone is a pricy material, and the expensive is passed along to the consumer. Check out our pricing breakdown here.
  • Rigid – Some silicone dolls can feel too rigid to their owners, especially after trying a TPE doll. That said, the feel of the material largely depends on the quality of silicone used by the manufacturer.
  • Un-durable – Silicone dolls need to be handled very gently as parts of them can be damaged easily.
  • Incompatible – Only water-based lubricants can be used with silicone dolls.

Because of its great properties, silicone is a very popular material with a wide range of applications. Since it’s used to make breast implants, it’s easy to understand why it’s also one of the best materials for sex dolls. These dolls are safe, easy to clean, and have a real feel. The only real problem is the high price tag.

ORIFICES

Both silicone and TPE female dolls come equipped with at least one orifice – the vagina. Just like everything else, the vagina will be considerably softer on a TPE doll. A silicone vagina will feel tighter and firmer. Which one is right for you? Even though silicone is a tried-and-tested favorite, many people actually prefer the feel of TPE.

Size can be an important factor. If you are larger down there, you may find that a TPE vagina is more comfortable. Since TPE is more elastic than silicone, it leaves more room to… accommodate.

CONCLUSION

If you have a larger budget and don’t mind the price tag, you should go with silicone. This material has been around longer so the production technique has become very refined. These are the highest quality dolls you can find!

If your budget is tighter, TPE remains a great alternative to silicone, providing good quality with much lower price tags. Going TPE is also a good choice if you are buying your very first doll, especially since they are more durable – just make sure that you understand doll cleanliness before owning a TPE doll. A TPE doll requires more bathing and maintenance.

If money and time are not parts of your equation, it of course comes down to whichever texture you prefer.

HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN A SEX DOLL OR ROBOT

The most common questions new love doll or sex robot owners have are usually about proper cleaning and maintenance. Doll hygiene is incredibly important — when done well, a doll will last much longer. As love dolls can cost a great deal of money, it’s smart to treat them like you would a house or a car.

Several problems can arise quickly from inadequate sex doll maintenance. Depending on the material, skin and pigment can degrade and erode quickly if not maintained well. Dolls and robots can break, stain, or even chemically react when handled the wrong way.

If you have the right tools, caring for your doll can be pretty straightforward.

TPE VS SILICONE

To start, it’s important to note that TPE and Silicone dolls vary wildly in a lot a ways — see our thoughts on Silicone vs. TPE Dolls here.

TPE dolls, while generally less expensive, are porous by nature. That means that unless sanitized and cleaned carefully, they can harbor and retain bacteria, especially when any moisture is allowed to seep into their skin.

Silicone dolls, being more expensive and hand-crafted, do not suffer as much from these issues (and they dry more quickly). One should consider the opportunity cost of extra maintenance and susceptibility to damage when choosing between a TPE and a silicone doll — it might just turn out that silicone dolls are actually more cost effective!

BATHING AND SHOWERING YOUR SEX DOLL OR ROBOT

Most owners enjoy taking showers with their dolls to clean them after they’ve been intimate. Though even when you haven’t a reason to, it’s suggested that you give them a maintenance shower around once a month.

  • When you are showering your doll or robot, make sure that the water is at medium temperature. Hot water is not a good option, as many dolls are not resistant to high temperatures. TPE dolls especially can react poorly to too high of temperatures.
  • Don’t spray water over your doll’s head, and avoid getting water on the neck (because it may end up inside the head or frame). Don’t ever submerge your doll’s head. Water inside a doll can cause rust, mold, or other damage. The hair and makeup used in the production of sex dolls and robots is generally not designed to be soaked. If you need to wash his or her face or mouth, use a mild antibacterial soap and gentle circular or dabbing motions. We suggest a microfiber cloth for this.
  • In fact, it’s probably safes to take your doll’s head off before showering. Assuming you’re able, unscrew the head, and leave it somewhere safe and soft. When you’ve done that, wrap several layers of aluminum foil or plastic wrap around the next to seal it.
  • Make sure your doll is sitting or standing on a soft surface – dolls’ skin is tender. Never put her directly on the floor of your bathtub or shower. Fold a blanket or a towel underneath when you’re giving a shower.
  • When your doll is completely wet, soap’em up with your hands. You should use an unscented and mild antibacterial soap for this — harsher soaps can pull the natural oils out of your, especially if it is TPE. If you choose to use a sponge, make sure it is a very tender option to avoid roughing or scratching the skin. Don’t rub it too hard — you might create micro-tears and scratches that can retain unwanted moisture.

CLEANING THE ORIFICES

Sex dolls and robots can generally have between one to three orifices. While bathing most of the surface area of your doll’s body is easy, dealing with the orifices can be very tricky. Since orifices receive the most intimate contact, they are incredibly important to clean well.

Dark and damp holes are breeding grounds bacteria. Bacteria will, over time, eat away at material and produce foul smells. Leaving orifices uncleaned is also a health risk — left improperly sanitized, a doll owner puts themselves in danger of infection, especially if unprotected while having sex.

Some sex dolls have removable orifices while others have them locked in place. Removable vaginas, anuses, and mouths are generally upgrades available when purchasing your doll. Naturally, removable orifices are much easier to clean.

REMOVABLE ORIFICES

For dolls and robots with removable orifices, detach them after intercourse and flush them out thoroughly. Use a tool like a vaginal irrigator, cleaning sponge, or a douche (all covered below) to clean the inside. Wash with antibacterial soap before drying carefully with a towel. After drying with a towel, use a fan or other means to allow the piece to continue to air dry. There should be absolutely no moisture remaining before you store the orifice away. Do not store a removable orifice in the doll — rather, keep it separate until use.

IRREMOVABLE ORIFICES

If you can’t remove your doll or robot’s orifices, we suggest cleaning them out while you’re showering to avoid making a mess. The procedure here is roughly the same as with irremovable inserts — use a tool to rinse the insides of the orifice before drying it thoroughly.

Don’t let soap linger when washing your orifices as it can eat away at material (especially TPE). Similarly, don’t wait to begin drying your orifices — moisture will find its way into small crevices and ultimately lead to the growth of an unholy hole.

TOOLS FOR FLUSHING OUT ORIFICES

USING A VAGINAL IRRIGATOR

A vaginal irrigator is the best tool for washing out your sex doll or robot’s orifices. Also known as an enema and douche bulb, there are just a few steps in using an irrigator. First, fill it with cold water. Next, insert the curved tip into the orifice that needs to be cleaned. Lastly, squeeze to hit the cavity with a high-powered stream of water. For best results, use an irrigator right after you’ve finished being intimate with your doll. Begin with cold water before switching to warm water and antibacterial soap to best sanitize your doll.

Enema bulbs are not particularly expensive and can be found for as little as $10-$30 on Amazon.

USING A SHOWER HEAD

A removable shower head is a great option for owners looking to cleaning their sex dolls or robots while showering with them. Note that this option is only truly effective if your shower head has a setting for a a high-pressure, aimable, and adjustable single stream — otherwise, you may not adequately be able to adequately flush out the orifice. If you can find a shower head with an adjustable stream, that’s even better. Like a vaginal irrigator, begin with cold water before switching to warm water accompanied by antibacterial soap.

USING A SPONGE

Many doll and robot owners also insist on some friction when cleaning out their doll’s vagina, anus, or mouth. This can be accomplished by either a piece of sponge or a loofah on a stick. After rinsing thoroughly, use your sponge or loofah to gently scrub the inside of the orifice with warm, soapy water. A little bit of elbow grease can go a long way in helping you get rid of any lasting residue.

After you’ve scrubbed your doll, rinse him or her one more time!

OTHER CLEANING TOOL OPTIONS

If you are on a budget, replace your douche or shower head with a water bottle with a squirting mouthpiece. Though the lack of a curve can make it a bit harder to aim the stream of water, a water bottle can work just as well as other rinsing options. Many dolls are delivered with a squirt bottle for this purpose. Remember to start with cold water before switching to a warm water + antibacterial soap solution.

Put a soft towel under your doll, spread the legs, and insert the bottle into the cavity you want to clean. Hold one part of the towel around the part of the bottle that is still outside of the doll. Squeeze the bottle. Water will squirt out of your doll — if you don’t use towels, you’ll make a huge mess everywhere. Continue to squeeze and flush out soap residue. Do this as as many times as necessary.

DRYING YOUR LOVE DOLL

When drying a sex doll or sex robot, don’t ever use a blow dryer on high (or any other intense heat source). Any levels of heat can melt or damage your doll irreparably; this is especially true for TPE dolls.

Generally owners are advised to only use towels and soft cloths to dry off their dolls manually before positioning them to air dry. Microfiber cloths were especially well as they are the least likely to damage your doll’s skin.

Before you lift your doll or robot out of a bathtub or a shower, place a clean, white sheet on your bed or the area where you intend to lay him or her down. After cleaning a doll with irremovable orifices, some owners choose to spread their doll’s legs wide open and place a fan in front of the orifice that needs to dry. Others choose to leave a dry piece of a kitchen paper towel inside the doll’s cavity so it can soak in residual moisture (with the legs left spread).

Whenever you’re not using your love doll or sex robot, make sure that they’re exposed to room air at room temperature. Do not keep them near a humidifier, window, or other source of moisture. When a doll is allowed to accumulate moisture, mold and other dangerous bacteria can grow quickly. In order to constantly vent a small oral cavity, consider placing a hard straw or a pen casing in your doll’s mouth during storage. Just to reiterate, the most important areas are the orifices – they have to be perfectly dry. As it can be hard to reach inside them with a towel, some owners use paper towels, rolled up into oblong shapes, and inserted into her anal and vaginal holes.

OILING YOUR TPE SEX DOLL

For owners of TPE dolls. When your TPE doll is dried and bathed, it is important that you occasionally dry and bathe him or her — about once a month. TPE skin has natural oils that must be maintained and refreshed over time.

Massage your doll with baby oil all over the body. To avoid making a mess, lay your doll on a dedicated white sheet on top of a bed or table with a comforter layer. Baby oil takes some time to set — give it a few hours at least, or let it sit overnight. Once a doll’s skin is no longer sticky and tacky, you’ll know the oil has been fully absorbed.

The most stressed parts of a TPE doll or robot require some extra love. For orifices (vaginal, anal, or mouth cavities), weighted areas (breasts and butt cracks), or jointed areas (elbows, armpits, and inner thighs), setting vaseline in addition to the baby oil is advised. Vaseline will take more time to settle — give it a full night to be absorbed.

POWDERING YOUR SEX DOLL

Sex doll and robot skin is naturally sticky and will attract lint and wig hair if left un-powdered. After your doll has been oiled and the oil has completed setting, the last critically important maintenance step is to apply “renewal powder.” Renenwal powder is generally either baby powder (talcum powder) or cornstarch. Be sure that any leftover moisture from your cleaning or oiling is completely dried — if not, the renewal powder can clump up.

Most of the time, owners just shake renewal powder onto their dolls and the pat and rub it in. Others choose to apply it with a makeup brush.

While powdering your doll makes his or her skin nice and smooth, it also serves a mechanical purpose. Powder after oil improves the elasticity of your doll, preventing tears and abrasions. It is an important step in ensuring your doll lasts a long time.

Unlike bathing your doll, a doll should only really be oiled once per month. You can powder your doll as often as you like, assuming he or she is completely dry first.

SEX DOLL AND SEX ROBOT CLOTHING

While some owners prefer to keep their love dolls and sex robots naked all the time, others prefer clothing (and the thrill of dressing/undressing). For many, there exists a cosplay element to sex dolls — they can always accommodate whatever fantasy or role play you’d like. It is important to note, though, how different kinds of clothing can affect the longevity of your doll.

Certain types of clothing can damage your doll’s skin. Harsher fabrics like denim and fleece can behave like sandpaper over time, dulling the shine that he or she had at first. If too rough, clothing can also lead to a doll becoming more porous — this is especially true among TPE dolls.

Another important factor is the pigment of the clothes your doll wears. Darker pigments on dolls with light skin can wear off onto your doll (especially TPE dolls). This occurs more frequently with both cheap clothes and cheap dolls. If you spend a lot on your doll or robot, it follows that it is also worthwhile to invest in nicer clothes for him or her. Make sure you wash clothing with a darker pigment before dressing your doll or robot.

The same principle that applies to clothing applies to other things with pigment as well. Keep your doll away from inks — newspapers, books, cardboard — tanned or dyed leathers, greases, and any kind of painted surface.

If your doll gets stained by anything with a pigment, you can treat it with Odorless Mineral Spirits. Be cautious, though, that OMS can also pull out intentional pigments, like permanent makeup or manufacturer coloration. Also, a few love doll manufacturers produce sex doll stain removers.

If you end up having to reapply your doll’s makeup, make sure to use powder makeup. Water-based makeup will sink into your doll or robot’s skin, making it much more difficult to remove. To take off this kind of makeup, use a soft makeup remover.

YOUR OWN HYGIENE

Keeping your doll clean is only half of the journey; before being intimate, you have to make sure you are bathed and dried as well! Booth sweat and natural oils from your own skin tend to break down sex doll skin over time. Human oils and sweat react and eat away at both silicone and TPE. The best way to avoid this during intercourse is with a shower beforehand (and with regular renewal powdering).

KEEPING YOUR DOLL OR ROBOT SAFE

Do not let TPE come into contact with silicone. The TPE will chemically react with the silicone and eat away at it over time. If you have dolls from both TPE and silicone makes, ensure that they are stored separately and securely.

Lastly, some owners like to take their dolls outside. There are a few things to remember if you plan to do this: First, too much direct exposure to strong sunlight can ruin or even melt a doll’s skin (just like paler human skin!) Additionally, leaving your doll in an arid environment for too long can dry it out. In some cases, it can even become flaky and start to schluff off like dandruff.

Always assume that your love doll or sex robot are fragile. They can be very expensive, and nothing is more emotionally draining than seeing both an investment and a companion go to waste. Many different things can damage, stain, or corrode your doll’s skin.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BLOW-UP DOLLS

Many people buy inflatable dolls as novelty gifts, but their origins are as fully functional sex dolls. Blow-up dolls are the price-friendly alternative to otherwise more expensive silicone or TPE love dolls.

For those easing their way into doll ownership, inflatable models can be a great way to get your feet wet. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about inflatable dolls.

WHY CHOOSE AN INFLATABLE DOLL?

It is first worth noting that blow-up dolls are sometimes purchased as gag gifts. They are generally the most mainstream depiction of sex dolls and are not expensive, and as such can be found as a risque gaff at many edgier retailers.

But, are these dolls for you? Can they be used for legitimate intimate purposes?

Let’s glance at the most common reasons to purchase blow-up dolls.

AN INEXPENSIVE CHOICE

Inflatable dolls are much cheaper than TPE or silicone alternatives. If you choose to get a blow-up doll, it will cost you between $20 and $250+. On the flip side, a silicone or TPE doll will likely run you between $2,000 to $3,000 — and exclusive, customized models can reach well over $5,000! See how much sex dolls usually cost here.

LIGHT AND TRANSPORTABLE

Inflatable dolls are light enough for anyone to handle. This also means that these models are a lot easier to manage and move around during sex. When dealing with a silicone doll, an owner needs to muster a certain amount of strength, as they can way 50+ lbs.

EASY TO STORE

The fact that you can inflate and deflate your doll whenever you’d like means that you can easily and privately store your doll wherever you want. It won’t take dedicated storage space like its silicone counterparts, and it is easy to hide away in the event of guests that would not understand your hobbies and passions.

LOTS OF OPTIONS

Manufacturing inflatable dolls is not as complicated as is producing silicone or TPE dolls. Thanks to that fact, there are a wide array of different varieties of blow-ups. Some manufacturers even produce dolls that look similar to famous actors, singers, and other celebrities (though this may cause issues if the model person has not given permission to the the manufacturer in question).

The main customization option you have when purchasing an inflatable doll is its number of orifices. Most blow-up sex dolls come with only one orifice in the place of the vagina. Some manufacturers offer 2 orifices — a mouth and a vagina — while others offer dolls with heads made out of a different material so that the doll looks more realistic.

LATEX OR VINYL?

LATEX BLOW-UP DOLLS

When it comes to latex sex dolls, they can be made of synthetic or natural latex. Latex is safe for prolonged human touch in much the same way that balloons and medical gloves are not dangerous. It generally will not puncture unless met with a sharp object or handled roughly — that said, when stressed or flexed too hard, latex can tear more easily than its vinyl counterpart.

Be sure that you are not allergic to latex if you choose this material.

VINYL BLOW-UP DOLLS

Relative to latex, vinyl a strong and durable plastic material. Its strength lies in the fact that it is one of the cheapest materials available for love dolls. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and it is humidity and moisture-resistant.

Compared to latex, vinyl is more durable — but it can crease and take away from the aesthetic of your doll even when fully inflated. Both latex and vinyl cost cost very similar amounts.

SEX WITH A BLOW-UP DOLL

Sex with an inflatable doll, like any other love doll, is an intimate act. Since these dolls are rather light, it means you have a lot of freedom in motion when playing with them. But, if you’re a beginner sex doll owner, there are some difficulties you may run into.

INFLATING A BLOW-UP DOLL

Inflating an inflatable doll is rather straightforward — just follow the instructions the doll comes with, and bear in mind that you shouldn’t over-inflate. When you over-inflate, the seams on your doll (or any incisions you’ve made via modifications) will become strained first. If you like to squeeze your doll a lot, you should probably leave her a bit under-inflated on purpose.

LUBRICATING AN INFLATABLE DOLL

It doesn’t matter how well your inflatable doll is made; you should always use lube. Both vinyl and latex can cause irritation or friction burns on your genitals.

Use any water-based lubricant you’d like and be sure to clean liberally after use.

CLEANING

In order for your love doll to last long, you absolutely must keep it clean and sterilized. We recommend you clean it after every time you are intimate with your blow-up. If you leave lubricants or bodily fluids inside the doll or its detachable, they can over time cause damage, deterioration, or even infections. See how to completely clean sex dolls here.

DISADVANTAGES OF BLOW-UP DOLLS

There are several reasons why one may not choose to buy an inflatable doll as well.

REQUIRES SETUP

After they’ve been assembled and washed once, silicone and TPE sex dolls don’t require any setup for use, which is important for people who want to be able to share intimacy with their doll as soon as they’re in the mood. Inflatable dolls on the other hand need to be inflated deflated every time.

LIFELIKENESS

Silicone and TPE doll technologies are becoming increasingly lifelike. With some dolls, it’s hard to tell at a first glance if it is a real person or a doll.

Blow-up dolls, on the other hand, do not generally champion realism as a selling point.

TEXTURE

Inflatable dolls made with latex generally have a balloon-like texture, which can take away from the moment for many doll owners. Silicone and TPE dolls have a skin-like texture that is generally more pleasurable for most people.

PERSONALIZATIONS AND EXTRA FEATURES

Probably the biggest drawback to blow-up dolls vs. silicone or TPE dolls is their lack of extra features or unique personalizations. Makeup, hair, nails – for more expensive dolls, you can choose it all… but for inflatable dolls, not so much.

INFLATABLE DOLL MODIFICATIONS

STUFFING YOUR BLOW-UP DOLL

If you don’t like inflating your doll, you can choose to stuff it instead. If you decide to do this, bear in mind that your blow-up doll will actually feel more like a plush doll (you may just want to purchase a plush doll instead. Learn all about plush dolls here).

Stuffing your doll will make it more sturdy, and certainly a lot more huggable. How you might go about stuffing can differ depending on the make and model of your doll, but some general steps that should work for most owners:

  1. Locate your doll’s air fill hole, and cut a 3-inch hole around it. Start inserting filling into your doll. You can use poly-pellets, cotton polyester, fiber fill or anything else that is fluffy and huggable for filling.
  2. Reach inside of the doll to fill the legs and the entire body, until it feels full.
  3. Breasts are usually separately inflated, so you may need to cut a small slit in the side of each breast, and stuff them with your fingers until it feels right.
  4. Arms are usually inflated separately as well. Cut a small slit in the upper-back sides of your doll’s arms and fill them up.
  5. Use a clear and discrete tape to gently tape together all the slits you made. Hot glue or stitching (particularly for vinyl dolls) is also an option. After your doll is sealed up again, you’re done!

A few warnings:

  • Stuffing a doll takes a lot of time and patience. Don’t cut him or her anywhere unnecessarily — for every new cut, your dolls is more prone to tearing.
  • Don’t make incisions in areas that will move often, like near the hips or armpits. As these parts are regularly under stress via motion, they’ll be more prone to ripping.

ADDING AN INSERT

You don’t have to use the orifices that your doll comes with; you can also add an insert. By inserting a fleshlight into your doll, and you will avoid the potential discomfort or burns that may result from the roughness of latex or vinyl.

BUYING A BLOW-UP SEX DOLL

When purchasing an inflatable doll, there isn’t a wealth of reputable, well-reviewed manufacturers like with their silicone or TPE counterparts. This stems from the fact that blow-up materials and production methodology doesn’t differ that much from one manufacturer to the next.

When you’re buying any sex doll online, we’d advise to ensure that you are ordering from a reputable seller. This way, you can be certain that your product will arrive safely and that you’re actually paying for what you see in the product listing. There have been many cases where cheaper inflatable dolls arrived looking very different from what a buyer saw online during purchase.

See our complete sex doll buyer’s guide (including inflatable dolls!) here.