What are Sleeves?
Sleeves - also called masturbation sleeves, masturbators, and (our preferred term) insertion toys - are one of the most popular types of sex toys. A basic masturbation sleeve is a cylindrical sheath that can either be moved up and down the shaft or remain still while the person moves in and out of the sleeve. There are thousands of different styles of insertion toys on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most commonly known - and popular - masturbation sleeves on the market are made by Fleshlight and Tenga.
How To Choose
Size
Generally, sleeves that have a snugger fit provide more intense stimulation, while bigger sleeves provide a feeling of envelopment, which is more subtle (although more pleasurable for some people!).
We carry a range of sleeve sizes and, in addition to some of the more commonly available sleeves, we’re particularly jazzed to stock insertion toys designed specifically with trans guys, trans masculine folks, and genderqueer folks in mind. If you’ve been searching for something along these lines, look no further than the Perfect Fit Kiss-X , Perfect Fit Buck Off, and the ShotPocket
Style
Most insertion toys fall into one of two style categories: open-ended or close-ended. Open-ended toys are great for people who want something that can be used in combination with oral stimulation from a partner (check out the Doc J Helping Head). Open-ended sleeves can also accommodate folks who are a bit bigger, since there’s nothing to stop them from pushing all the way through the open end of the toy. Close-ended toys offer more in the way of suction, and are great for people who prefer the sensation of being completely enveloped.
Regardless of the style, insertion toys come with a wide variety of texturing options, from completely smooth (like the classic Fleshlight Vulva) to Wavy and Silky Tenga Eggs to enthusiastically studded (Fleshlight STU)!
Material
Jelly/silicone blends: Less expensive sleeves, like the ones made from jelly rubber/silicone mixes, can be lots of fun, but the ridges and bumps on the inside of the sleeve can wear down fast. Jelly/silicone blends are porous. Compatible with water-based lube.
Elastomer: Elastomer is another one of our more affordable materials, and has a nice soft, pliable feel. This material is also porous, and it’s compatible with water-based and silicone-based lubes.
SuperSkin: SuperSkin toys tend to have a very realistic look and feel. SuperSkin is porous. Compatible with water-based lube.
Silicone: 100% silicone toys are durable and nonporous. Compatible with water-based and oil-based lubes.
Vibration
Some sleeves offer vibration, in addition to providing a feeling of enveloping or friction. Unfortunately, some of these vibrating sleeves don't deliver on their promise because the vibration is distributed across too large of an area, or the vibrator is positioned in a way that doesn't stimulate the user’s most sensitive bits. The vibrating toys we like are the ones that are smaller and focus the vibration, like the Hot Octopuss Pulse III Solo!
And Then...There’s Fleshlight
The Fleshlight may be the best-selling sex toy of all time. Modelled on the basic masturbation sleeve, Fleshlight's patented realistic SuperSkin (a mix of silicone and mineral oil) is incredibly pliable but amazingly strong and durable at the same time. Easy to clean and store, Fleshlight's modular system lets you add specialty inserts (some models also come with a case) for versatility. When used with the case, this toy creates an enveloping sensation and subtle suction that many folks find highly pleasurable.
How to Use
Some people like to warm up their masturbation sleeve before use. In fact, the innovative folks at Fleshlight have designed a sleeve warmer for exactly this purpose! If you want to warm up your toy, but you’re not sure about investing in a sleeve warmer just yet, you can soak your sleeve in warm water before using it!
We also recommend using a good quality lube with insertion toys. Lube helps make everything slippery and a lot of people find it makes this type of play feel even better! You can start by adding a few drops of lube to the inside of your toy, and a couple of drops to your genitals. Keep an eye on how slippery things feel while you’re playing- you can always add more lube as things progress. And, if you’re not sure what type of lube is compatible with your toy, water-based lube is a safe bet, since it’s compatible with all sex toy materials.
Care and Cleaning
Most of the insertion toys we carry are easy to care for. Simply wash the sleeve with mild soap and water, and allow it to air dry. If the sleeve is reversible, you can turn it inside out to dry. 100% silicone toys can also be boiled in water for 3-5 minutes to help wash them them. Once dry, you can store your toy. Some folks dust porous elastomer toys with cornstarch before storing, to help them keep their smooth texture, but this is not required.
Read more about choosing your first sex toy or check out our insertion toys.