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Pumps are one of the simplest, most playful ways to explore new sensations. A little gentle suction draws blood into the genitals, leaving everything fuller, warmer and more sensitive. They're brilliant solo or with a partner, and they have a genuine medical pedigree too. In this guide we cover how penis pumps and pussy pumps work, what they can (and can't) do, how to choose one, and how to use it safely so you get all the pleasure and none of the bruises. How do pumps work? Every pump has two parts: a cylinder or cup that seals against your skin, and a pump (a hand bulb, trigger or motor) that draws the air out. Lower pressure inside the cup gently pulls blood into the tissue. That extra blood flow causes engorgement. The area swells slightly, deepens in colour and becomes much more responsive to touch. The effect is temporary and fades over minutes to an hour once you release the pressure. A fuller look and feel while the effect lasts Heightened sensitivity, which many people find makes touch and orgasm more intense A new sensation in itself: lots of people simply enjoy the feeling of the suction Penis pumps: pleasure with a medical pedigree Penis pumps aren't just toys. Doctors call them vacuum erection devices, and the NHS lists them as a treatment option for erectile dysfunction, either on their own or alongside medication. Firmer erections: a pump can create an erection on demand, and a constriction ring at the base helps you keep it. Recovery and rehab: urologists often recommend regular pumping after prostate surgery to keep tissue healthy. Sensation and confidence: plenty of people just love the fuller look and extra sensitivity. No tablets needed: a great option if you can't take, or would rather avoid, ED medication. A quick word about size. Pumping gives a temporary plumper, fuller look that lasts while the blood stays in the tissue. There's no reliable evidence that it permanently increases length or girth, so be wary of anything promising that. Think of it as a fun boost for the moment. Pussy pumps: vulva and clitoral pumps Pussy pumps bring the same magic to the vulva. Extra blood flow makes the labia and clitoris plumper, warmer and noticeably more sensitive, so arousal often comes more easily and touch feels more intense. There's a wellness side here too. A small clitoral vacuum device was cleared by the US FDA back in 2000 to help with low arousal, and some clinicians suggest gentle suction for people whose sensation has dipped after menopause or pelvic treatment. Which cup is right for you? Clitoral cup: covers the clitoris and hood only. Focused, intense, and ideal for beginners. Full vulva cup: covers the clitoris and labia for an all-over full, warm feeling. Nipple cups: often sold in pairs and lovely to combine with vulva play. Vibrating or electric cups: hands-free suction with added vibration. Expect a gentle tugging while you pump, then a full, tingly, extra-responsive feeling when the cup comes off. Many people use pumping as foreplay, then switch to fingers, a toy or a partner while sensitivity is at its peak. How to choose your first pump The best first pump isn't the most powerful one. Look for a pressure gauge or limiter and a cylinder that fits comfortably. Pump type: hand bulbs and triggers give fine manual control; electric pumps are effortless and often hands-free. Pressure control: a gauge or built-in safety limiter, plus a one-touch quick-release valve. Size: for penis pumps, choose a cylinder roughly 1.5 to 2.5 cm wider than your erect diameter. For vulva pumps, pick a cup that covers the area without pressing on bone. Materials: clear walls so you can watch, and body-safe, phthalate-free silicone wherever it touches skin. A comfy seal: a soft silicone sleeve or flange means less pumping and less pinching. Measuring tip: measure your erect girth around the thickest part and divide by 3.14 to get your diameter. Too tight pinches; too wide lets skin pull in too far. How to use a pump, step by step Prepare. Trim or shave where the cup sits so it seals well, and warm up with a shower or some touch first. Lubricate. Apply water-based lube to the rim of the cup and a little to your skin for an airtight, chafe-free seal. Position. Press the cup flat and evenly against your body. With penis pumps, keep the scrotum outside the cylinder. Pump gently. A few slow pumps, then pause. Increase pressure only while it feels good. It should never hurt. Hold and release. Keep the pressure for a few minutes, release, rest briefly, and repeat. Short cycles beat one long session. Release properly. Use the quick-release valve before removing the cup. Never pull it off under suction. Enjoy the afterglow. Sensitivity peaks right after removal, so that's the moment for touch, toys or partner play. Staying safe Pumping is safe for most adults when sessions are short, pressure is moderate and you stop at any pain. Start with 5 to 10 minutes in total and build up gradually. Around 15 to 20 minutes is plenty for most sessions. Release the pressure every few minutes to let circulation recover. Never wear a constriction ring for more than 30 minutes, and never fall asleep in one. Pain, numbness or a cold feeling means release straight away. Skip pumping over broken or irritated skin, or during an infection such as thrush. Only use pumps made for the body. Never improvise with household devices. Talk to your GP first if you: take blood thinners or have a bleeding or clotting disorder; have sickle cell disease; have Peyronie's disease or recent genital surgery or injury; are pregnant; or have reduced genital sensation. Mild redness and puffiness that settle within an hour are normal. Small red dots, bruising, blisters or swelling that lasts hours mean you've overdone it, so rest for a few days and use less pressure next time. Seek medical help for severe pain or an erection lasting more than 4 hours. Aftercare and cleaning Rinse off lube with warm water and let your skin settle. Wash cylinders and cups with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner, then air-dry. Don't boil acrylic. Keep water out of the bulb, hose and any electric unit; wipe them clean instead. Store everything dry, out of direct sunlight, with silicone parts kept apart from other toys. Quick FAQs Will a pump make me permanently bigger? No reliable evidence says so. The fuller look is temporary. How long do the effects last? Usually from a few minutes to around an hour. Can I use a pump with a partner? Absolutely. It makes great foreplay; just agree a clear word for "release now". Which lube should I use? Water-based lube is the safest all-rounder, especially with silicone sleeves. Can trans and non-binary people use pumps? Yes. Pumps work on anatomy, not identity. If you're on hormones or post-surgery, check timing with your care team. Ready to explore? Browse our pump collection and treat yourself to a little extra sensation. Happy pumping!

When you are shopping for male masturbators, the phrase "body-safe" is thrown around constantly. It sounds like an official, government-approved health stamp. But here is a reality check: "body-safe" is a marketing term, not a legally regulated medical standard. If you own or plan to buy a premium TPE toy like an official Fleshlight®, you need to understand what goes into it. The materials used dictate not just how it feels, but how safe it is for your most sensitive skin. To keep your sexual health on track, it is time to uncover the truth about TPE and what it means for your routine. Fleshlight® Bonnie Blue The Truth About TPE: What is SuperSkin™? Fleshlight sleeves are famously manufactured from a patented material called SuperSkin. Chemically speaking, SuperSkin is a high-grade TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) formulation. The upside is that it is non-toxic and manufactured entirely without phthalates—the industrial plasticisers frequently found in cheap, generic "jelly" toys that can cause skin irritation or hormonal disruptions. For immediate skin contact, it is completely non-hazardous. However, there is a catch you won't find highlighted in bold on the packaging: TPE is inherently porous. Unlike medical-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel—which have completely sealed surfaces—TPE contains microscopic pockets. If you don't clean and dry it properly, these tiny pockets become the perfect dark, damp breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew. It's only body-safe with the proper care. TPE vs. Silicone: How do they compare? While TPE dominates the realistic "stroker" market because of its unparalleled softness, elasticity, and life-like warmth, other brands in the male pleasure industry choose a different path. For instance, many electronic or tech-focused male masturbators use medical-grade silicone instead of TPE. If you are torn between the two materials, here is how they stack up directly: TPE Medical-Grade Silicone Porosity Porous (can trap bacteria if neglected) Non-Porous (completely sterile surface) Feel Soft, incredibly stretchy, mimics real skin Firmer, smoother, less lifelike elasticity Lube compatibility Water-based only (Silicone lube destroys it) Water-based only (Silicone lube dissolves silicone) Maintenance High maintenance (requires washing, drying, powder) Low maintenance (easy to clean, quick to dry) The Maintenance Checklist Because TPE is porous, maintaining its "body-safe" status depends entirely on your hygiene habits. If you want to avoid irritation, rashes, or worse, you need to follow these four strict rules: Stick to Water-Based Lube: Only use water-based lubricants. Silicone-based or oil-based lubes will chemically react with the TPE, causing the material to degrade, melt, and become permanently sticky. Wash Immediately After Use: Do not leave the sleeve sitting on your nightstand. Rinse it thoroughly inside and out with warm water and a mild, antibacterial soap or a dedicated toy cleaner. Air-Dry Completely: TPE holds onto moisture. Stand the sleeve up in a well-ventilated area and let it air-dry completely—which can take up to 12 hours—before putting it back inside its plastic case. Storing it while even slightly damp invites mould. Apply Renewal Powder: Washing TPE naturally makes it feel tacky. Once it is completely dry, dust it with cornstarch or official Fleshlight Renewal Powder to restore its smooth, lifelike texture. Never use talcum powder, which carries respiratory and health risks. The Ultimate Safety Hack If you want to completely bypass the chore of meticulous deep-cleaning, or if you are worried about bacteria building up over time, there is a simple hack: wear a condom. Using a condom creates an instant, non-porous physical barrier between your skin and the TPE material. It makes the experience hygienic, eliminates worries about microscopic cleanliness, and makes post-session cleanup incredibly fast. The Bottom Line: High-quality TPE toys are excellent for realism and comfort, but they require teamwork. Take care of the material, and your health will remain protected.

The definitive guide to which lubes to use with which sex toys Lubricant is one of those things that sounds simple until you start reading the labels and realise there’s rather a lot to know. Use the wrong type with the wrong toy, and you can permanently damage an expensive product, or worse, cause irritation or infection. Use the right one, and everything feels better, lasts longer, and is genuinely safer. This guide covers everything you need to know about which lubes to use with which sex toys. Do I actually need lube if I’m using a toy? Almost always, yes. Lube is truly non-negotiable for anal play and nearly always recommended for exploring with sex toys. It reduces friction, minimises the risk of irritation or abrasion, and makes for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Friction can also cause wear and tear on your toys, so a well-lubricated toy supports both body comfort and product longevity. Even if you produce plenty of natural lubrication, many toy materials — particularly silicone — have a slightly grippy texture that benefits from lube. And for anyone experiencing vaginal dryness due to menopause, hormonal changes, medication, or stress, lube stops being optional and becomes essential. What are the different types of lubes? There are four main categories, each with distinct properties: Water-based The most versatile and widely recommended. Safe with all toy materials and all condom types, easy to clean up, and gentle on sensitive skin. The main drawback is that it can dry out during longer sessions and require reapplying. Silicone-based Long-lasting, ultra-smooth, and waterproof, making it ideal for shower or bath use. Safe with condoms, but cannot be used with silicone toys. Oil-based The longest lasting of all, silky and luxurious. Works well with glass and metal toys, but degrades latex condoms, making them unsafe. Oil-based lubes are also harder to clean and can stain fabrics. Hybrid A blend of water and silicone, designed to be as toy-compatible and easy to clean up as water-based but with the longevity of silicone-based. Hybrid lubes are compatible with any condom, barrier, and sex toy, including silicone toys, making them a good middle ground. Is there a golden rule for lube and toys? The single most important rule is this: never use silicone-based lube with silicone toys. Silicone-based lubricants cause silicone toys to degrade, go sticky, discolour, and melt. When this happens, your toys become less sanitary because it creates abrasions in the silicone where bacteria can grow. This applies even to high-quality, expensive toys; the material reaction is chemical and unavoidable. Since most vibrators and sex toys are made from medical-grade silicone, this rule matters for most people most of the time. When in doubt, reach for water-based lube. What lube works with each toy material? Here’s a clear breakdown: Silicone toys (most vibrators, dildos, butt plugs) Water-based lubricant is the best and safest choice. It will not damage the material and is easy to clean. Hybrid lube also works. Never use silicone-based or oil-based. Glass and stainless-steel toys The most lube-friendly materials available. Compatible with all lubricant types — water-based, silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid lubes. For prolonged sessions or water play, silicone lube is particularly effective on these surfaces. ABS plastic toys (common in bullet vibrators) Water-based and silicone-based lubes both work well. Oil-based lubes are best avoided as they can be difficult to clean from small crevices and buttons, allowing bacteria to build up and cause internal infections. TPE / TPR toys (soft, realistic-feel toys and masturbators) TPE and TPR are softer, more porous materials. Both oil-based and silicone-based lubes can cause the material to break down, become sticky, or swell. Only use water-based lubricants with these toys. Latex or rubber toys Water-based only. Oil-based and silicone-based lubes both degrade latex over time. What about using lube with condoms on toys? If you’re using a condom over a toy, to make cleaning easier or for hygiene reasons when sharing, the rules mirror those for condom use generally. Water-based and silicone-based lubes are both safe to use with condoms. Oil-based lube is not compatible with latex condoms and can degrade these materials, compromising integrity and safety. If in doubt, water-based is always the safe choice. Are there ingredients in lube I should avoid? Yes, and this is worth paying attention to regardless of toy compatibility. Some common lube ingredients can cause irritation, disrupt vaginal pH, or increase the risk of infections: Glycerin is a sugar alcohol used as a moisturiser in many lubes. It can support the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to vaginal infections. Avoid if you are prone to yeast infections. Parabens are preservatives found in many mainstream lubes. They can cause painful allergic reactions on sensitive tissues, and there are concerns about links to endocrine disruption. Look for products labelled paraben-free. Fragrances and flavourings, basically anything that tingles, sparkles, or smells, should be avoided for internal use, as these ingredients can disrupt vaginal pH and contribute to UTIs or yeast infections. Propylene glycol is a synthetic, colourless, odourless, and faintly sweet syrupy liquid. It acts as a versatile solvent, preservative, and moisture-retaining humectant. Widely used across industries, it is classified as safe for consumption and topical use, but in larger amounts can cause irritation and disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to infections. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is frequently used as a makeshift lubricant, but it will permanently damage silicone toy surfaces and can block sensitive mucous membranes in the vagina and anus, potentially leading to infections. What to look for instead: Gynaecologists recommend water-based or silicone lubes that are free of irritating ingredients. In water-based lubes, ingredients like citric acid, aloe vera, potassium sorbate, and xanthan gum are well regarded. Look for organic lubes formulated to maintain natural vaginal pH (between 3.8 and 4.5), which are a good choice for sensitive skin. Can I use coconut oil or other natural oils as lube with my toys? It depends on the toy material. Coconut oil is an oil-based lube, so it is not safe for silicone toys or TPE/TPR toys. Using it with a silicone vibrator will cause the same degrading reaction as a silicone-based lube, ruining your toy. It works fine with glass or stainless-steel toys, but coconut oil can disrupt vaginal pH, potentially leading to infections, and is not compatible with latex condoms. For most people using silicone toys, a quality water-based lube is a safer and more practical choice than any DIY alternative. My lube dries out during use. What can I do? This is a common frustration with water-based lubes, which are water-soluble and do absorb into the skin over time. Before you reapply, try adding a little water to rehydrate the lube. This often works well and means you don’t need to reach for the bottle as frequently. If you find you’re constantly reapplying, it may be worth switching to a hybrid lube, which offers much better longevity while remaining safe with silicone toys. Silicone lube is the longest-lasting option, but it is only appropriate for non-silicone toys. How much lube should I use? More than you think. Most people start with far too little. Begin with about a 50p coin-sized amount on your hand, toy, or body. There’s no harm in adding more whenever you need it. For anal play specifically, lube should be applied generously and reapplied regularly, as the anus does not self-lubricate. How do I clean lube off my toys afterwards? This varies by lube type. Water-based lube washes off easily with warm water and mild soap. Silicone-based lube is more stubborn and requires proper soap and scrubbing to remove fully. Oil-based lube is the most difficult to clean, particularly from toys with textured surfaces. Whatever lube you use, always clean your toys thoroughly after every session and leave them to air dry before storing. This is especially important because porous materials like TPE and TPR can harbour bacteria even after cleaning, which is the main reason body-safe, non-porous materials are always preferred. Quick reference guide Lube type Water-based Hybrid Silicone Oil-based Glass/Steel Toys Yes Yes Yes Yes Silicone Toys Yes Yes No No TPE/TPR Toys Yes Yes No No Latex/Rubber Toys Yes Yes No No ABS Plastic Toys Yes Yes Yes Avoid The short version is, when in doubt, use water-based lube. It’s safe to use with every toy material, every condom type, and every body.