TPE vs Silicone Sex Dolls: Which One to Choose for Your Preferences?

There are two primary materials sex dolls are made of - TPE and silicone. Each of them has its benefits and drawbacks. Continue reading to find out what is better for you.
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Last updatedLast updated: March 14, 2024
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Sex dolls are becoming more and more realistic. These are not the blow-up dolls of the past. With all the options surrounding your new toy, one consideration is deciding between TPE vs silicone sex dolls. We will walk you through the pros and cons if you are unfamiliar with the two materials. We’ll also offer you some suggestions for dolls that you may want to purchase. A sex doll can be quite an investment, so you want to have as much knowledge going into this decision as possible.

What is Silicone?

Silicone is used in many everyday objects, including cooking utensils and toys. It has a rubbery feel but is also heat resistant so you can have more options with silicone toys.

Pros Cons
  • Silicone can produce more realistic versions of body parts.
  • Silicone is resistant to heat, so you can sterilize it with boiling water or play with temperatures.
  • It is very easy to clean as it is non-porous.
  • Silicone is more expensive.
  • The texture is harder and not as squishy.
  • You can only use water-based lube, not silicon-based lube.

What is TPE?

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomers, which are created by mixing two materials that have both elastomeric and thermoplastic properties. TPE is very soft and flexible and can be crafted into whatever shape you want.

Pros Cons
  • TPE has a very long life span.
  • TPE is very soft.
  • TPE is a more affordable option.
  • It is harder to clean TPE.
  • The porous material is more susceptible to mold and bacteria.
  • TPE can stain rather easily.

How do Silicone and TPE Sexdolls Differ?

There are many reasons you may want a sex doll. There are numerous studies that link age to loneliness Trusted Source Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women - PubMed Both social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality, but it is uncertain whether their effects are independent or whether loneliness represents the emotional pathway through which social isolation impairs health. We therefore assessed the extent to which the association betw … pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov , and a sex doll can provide a level of companionship. You may be lacking in the sexual experience, as more men are waiting to have sex, and the age at which they lose their virginity Trusted Source Virgins at age 26: who are they? - PubMed Among young adults, 1 in 20 is a virgin. Virgins do not seem to have gone through the usual experimentations of adolescence, are less socially driven and reported more health challenges. The main reason for remaining a virgin reveals gender-stereotyped responses. Sexual inactivity among young adults … pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov is not as young as it once was.

Whatever your reasons for purchasing a sex doll, here are important considerations about the type that will suit your needs.

Price

Almost always, silicone sex dolls will be more expensive than TPE sex dolls. Any top-of-the-line dolls will be made from silicone. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. If you are on a budget, then there is an option for you, but the price is reflected in a sex doll that may not feel as great as you want it to.

If you really want a premium doll, we suggest taking a look at this list of the best silicone sex dolls. There are plenty of options that will satisfy any desire.

Feel

There are two main parts to a sex doll and they will feel different depending on what material they are made from. Silicone is a better material for internal cavities, such as the vagina, anus, or mouth. The feel will be firmer but still soft enough that you can experience maximum pleasure.

For softer areas, such as breasts and butt cheeks, TPE is the better option. It has a more mouldable texture to it and can create a more realistic feel to these areas of your doll.

You should pick a doll and the material based on what is more important to you. If you dream of feeling realistic, squishy breasts, then a TPE doll will have the advantage.

These are some of the best realistic sex dolls if you are feeling lonely and want to conjure up the woman of your dreams.

Cleaning

Hands down, silicone is an easier material to clean compared to TPE. Silicone is non-porous, so microscopic bacteria can’t find anywhere to hide. This is why silicone is so popular, especially with kitchen utensils. Bacteria can lead to potentially life-threatening infections Trusted Source Microbiological methods for surveillance of carrier status of multiresistant bacteria - PubMed The presence of colonised patients is one of the main routes for the spread of multiresistant bacteria, and its containment is a clinical and public health priority. Surveillance studies are essential for early detection of colonisation by these bacteria. This article discusses the different microbi … pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov , so proper cleaning is essential

You can still have a perfectly clean TPE sex doll. We just recommend that you take extra care when cleaning and drying it.

We usually just recommend soapy water for cleaning sex toys but with a TPE sex doll, it may be better to go with an actual sex toy cleaner. Swiss Navy Toy & Body Cleaner is a good, affordable option that is safe to use on any type of sex doll.

Skin Porosity

As mentioned above, silicone is not porous, while TPE is. These are micropores, so it won’t be as if your TPE sex doll is not silky smooth. TPE provides a nice, squishy texture which is beneficial with a sex doll. The feel of your doll’s breast and bum will feel better in your hands than that of a silicone sex doll.

It is important to note that you can’t use silicone-based lube with a silicone sex doll. We recommend the Swiss Navy Premium Water Base Lubricant as it provides a lovely, thin texture and is easy to clean up afterward.

Durability

Even though both TPE and silicone sex dolls are made to be extremely durable, those made from TPE have a slight advantage. The complexity of TPE makes it less prone to breakage, so you might find you have a longer lifespan with these types of dolls.

The good news, however, is that any premium sex doll will be built to withstand the full weight of your body. Most are made with steel skeletons so that not only can they change position but they have a solid internal structure.

If you are worried about having your new sex doll take a real pounding, you can peruse this list of the best rubber sex dolls. They are all made from premium construction and can handle what you give them.

Customization

Being able to customize your sex doll will allow you to take your fantasies to their full potential. Basic customization includes hair color and eye color and there are even some dolls that allow you to select their breast size and skin color.

Even if your sex doll doesn’t allow for customization, there are still plenty of options. Dressing your doll up in different outfits is one of the easiest ways to fulfill your fantasies. You can find many erotic outfits, such as this Garter Corset Teddy & Stockings Deep Rose O-s. Purchase an outfit in a smaller size as most sex dolls are only about 5 feet tall.

Who Should Purchase TPE Sex Dolls?

If you are on a limited budget but still want a sex doll that doesn’t seem cheap, then a TPE sex doll will meet your needs. You should also consider a TPE option if you love the idea of soft, squishy skin. Finally, if you are prepared for a bit more cleaning, then a TPE sex doll will fit in with your lifestyle.

Who Should Purchase Silicone Sex Dolls?

Anyone who has extra room in their budget should consider upgrading to a silicone sex doll. The orifices will be more life-like, although you will have to be okay with sacrificing the softness of your doll’s skin. Silicone sex dolls are also a preferred alternative if you know you won’t have the time to clean yours after use properly.

Final Thoughts

When considering what type of sex doll you want to purchase, you should think about your preferences, the time commitment to cleaning, and your budget. A TPE sex doll will have squishier skin and be less expensive. In contrast, a silicone sex doll will have a better texture for her orifices and will have more customization options, but this will come at a higher price. We hope you have a better understanding when it comes to deciding on TPE vs. silicone sex dolls.

References

1.
Social isolation, loneliness, and all-cause mortality in older men and women - PubMed
Both social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality, but it is uncertain whether their effects are independent or whether loneliness represents the emotional pathway through which social isolation impairs health. We therefore assessed the extent to which the association betw …
2.
Virgins at age 26: who are they? - PubMed
Among young adults, 1 in 20 is a virgin. Virgins do not seem to have gone through the usual experimentations of adolescence, are less socially driven and reported more health challenges. The main reason for remaining a virgin reveals gender-stereotyped responses. Sexual inactivity among young adults …
3.
Microbiological methods for surveillance of carrier status of multiresistant bacteria - PubMed
The presence of colonised patients is one of the main routes for the spread of multiresistant bacteria, and its containment is a clinical and public health priority. Surveillance studies are essential for early detection of colonisation by these bacteria. This article discusses the different microbi …
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