Sex Dolls 101- Body Language

If you’ve been on social media lately you have no doubt ran across a post about sex dolls. Even mainstream media has picked up on the subject and is giving it quite a bit of attention.  But what exactly are these over-sized Barbie dolls made of? You may be surprised what this niche market has to offer. There are a variety of materials that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets, knowing the difference between silicone, TPE and other materials will help make choosing a doll that’s just right for you much easier.

TPE doll Brandy

Sex dolls have come a long way in recent times. Although the concept of such a companion for sexual gratification goes back the 17^th century with Dutch sailors, modern technology has had it’s influence on these life-size dolls. In the 1970s companies began manufacturing inflatable sex dolls using latex and vinyl. In addition to these materials tin-cured silicone also became a popular choice for making more realistic dolls. In 2009 this all changed with the introduction of Real Doll.

Real Doll (now Abyss Creations, LLC) founder Matt McMullin originally formed his company to offer retailers a more realistic version of the store mannequin. His idea never caught on with retailers and production of realistic sex dolls took over. Today his Real Doll sex doll creations are well known throughout the world.  Originally constructed with tin-cured silicone which was prone to tearing easily and compression marks Matt and his team switched production to platinum silicone in 2009. This version of silicone is more stable, provides a more realistic feel of human skin and has better longevity. To this day platinum silicone is the standard form for silicone doll production in the US, China, Japan and other parts of the world.

Around 2012 TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) came into use by Chinese sex doll manufactures.  This alternative is less expensive and preforms equally as well as platinum silicone. Although some may argue the differences between platinum silicone and TPE, TPE has quickly taken over the sex doll market by offering a less expensive option for consumers; to keep up with this demand some silicone doll manufacturers now offer TPE versions of their dolls. With two materials so similar how does one decide which one to consider when making a sex doll purchase? Here are some things to consider.

1.       Platinum silicone (P.S.) dolls are more expensive than TPE dolls of similar size. If you find a P.S. doll you like ask the vendor if it is available in TPE, this will reduce the cost of the doll if available.

2.       Both P.S. and TPE stain easily from dark clothing. The advantage of P.S. is the stain is absorbed into the doll body over time whereas TPE requires a product to remove the stain.

3.        P.S can be repaired easily with products found at a local hardware store, TPE requires a special glue typically only available through a vendor.

4.       P.S. tends to be firmer and have a uniform feel between manufacturers.

5.       TPE formulas vary between manufacturers. One brand of TPE doll may be softer than another but is generally softer than P.S.

6.       P.S. production and turnaround time is longer than TPE.

7.       Both are durable materials. TPE has more stretching capabilities than P.S.

8.       Both have memory. Creases and indentations can occur with tight clothing or sitting in one position too long, relieve the stress from the affected area and the crease or indentation will disappear.

9.       Both require the same maintenance. Powdering the dolls surface with talc or cornstarch is needed to keep the body smooth and silky. Regular washing is also necessary.

10.   The sexual experience is equally realistic with P.S. or TPE.

Some vendors offer “TPE Silicone” or “American Silicone” dolls, it is important to look for these terms when choosing a vendor. These vendors rely on the ignorance of the buyer and offer what appears to be a silicone doll but instead is made of TPE. The TPE used by the manufacturers of these dolls is untested and may contain chemicals that are harmful to humans.  

Perhaps the biggest complaint about TPE and P.S. is the weight. Heavy dolls can be a challenge to move around and get into position. Small 3’3” dolls can weigh in at around 35 lbs. whereas a 5’2” or taller dolls can weigh as much as 90 lbs. Be sure to pay attention to the weight of the doll before you make that final decision. If weight is an issue, there are other options.

Teddy Babes, a US based company, manufactures fully functional, anatomically correct plush dolls. These soft cuddly dolls can be customized, be posed in a variety of positions and weigh far less than TPE and P.S. dolls. Another unique doll is the EX-Lite.  The EX-Lite is the first foam production doll.  Weighing in at only 18 lbs. this doll comes in one configuration and disassembles for easy storage. Inflatable dolls are still popular for their low price and functionality. Pipedream Extreme carries a large selection of vinyl inflatable dolls ranging from $15-300 USD.  

Sex dolls are constructed from a variety of materials with different functionalities Deciding on which option works best for may seem confusing. The main objective is your happiness and which doll you find most attractive. Whether she vinyl, cloth, foam, P.S. or TPE may not have a bearing on your decision A purchase like this can be an investment as well as a commitment. Having knowledge of the similarities and differences between platinum silicone and TPE and other available products will better prepare you for what to expect when your dream girl finally arrives.

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