Understanding Sex Toy Plastics

UNDERSTANDING SEX TOY PLASTICS
A BASIC OVERVIEW

During the last few years, there’s been a lot of justifiable concern over potential harmful effects caused by the plastics used in the making of sex toys.  In addition, because these same materials are also used extensively in children’s toys, a considerable amount of research has been done, and it’s been determined that some plastics do indeed present health hazards, especially when in direct contact with the body’s internal chemistry.  This applies equally to sex toys such as vibrating stimulators or mouth gags, and children’s toys such as teething rings.  Legislation now restricts certain materials from being used in children’s toys, but sex toy materials continue largely unregulated. 

However, because of these growing health concerns, most sex toy manufacturers are voluntarily replacing questionable materials with existing and newly-developed alternatives, which has led to a proliferation of new acronyms, such as: PVC, TPE, TPR, PU & ABS.  The purpose of this article is to identify each of these materials, describe their characteristics, and evaluate their relative safety for body contact.

First though, a quick science lesson. My background is as an organic chemist, and without getting too technical, I think a bit of explanation is in order here.  Plastics are “polymers” - repeating chemical chains, formed by various chemical reactions, and interlocking with one another.  It’s a bit like weaving a basket; you can weave a lot of strands close together, and you’ll get a rigid basket, or you can weave the strands far apart, and your basket will be more flexible.  Plastics form that way, too, the closer the weave, the harder the plastic.  Just like in the kitchen, where, by varying the ingredients, you can make peanut brittle or taffy, caramel glaze or butterscotch, so different plastics can be formulated, combined, blended as “copolymers”, or treated with additives to produce characteristics, like: clear, flexible, strong, brittle, or hard. 

The ability to develop new plastics and copolymer blends has certainly allowed us to create new, more appropriate, more useful plastic products.  But in some cases, plastics additives continue releasing toxic compounds into the atmosphere long after products are made.  And since all plastics are manufactured by a series of complex chemical processes, sometimes toxic chemicals become part of the finished material, or remain as loosely-bonded residues.  These potentially dangerous additives and chemical components are health and safety concerns for all plastics applications, ranging from children’s toys, to car interiors, to sex toys.  OK, the chemistry lesson is over.

For sex toys, understandably, soft is good, and the first soft sex toys were made of natural latex or different types of rubber.  The development of synthetic plastics gave us new materials to choose from, but these early plastics were hard, and required chemical additives called plasticizing agents, to make them softer and squeezable.  This is how the early, very popular “jelly” sex toys were made – hard plastic was softened by plasticizing agents called phthalates.  Unfortunately, some of these plasticizers continued to release harmful chemicals, either by “out-gassing”, which is easily identified by the distinctive and familiar odor of some new plastic products, or even by direct transfer through skin contact.  Today’s health and environmental concerns focus mainly on phthalates used in these soft “jelly” plastics.

At the other end of the spectrum are the hard plastics, often used to make hard sex toys such as dildos and vibrators. Hard plastics are mostly inert, with insignificant chemical transfer, and are non-porous, so they don’t harbor bacteria.  They can be readily cleaned with disinfectant soap or alcohol. The sex toy community has largely settled on using ABS (see below) for hard plastic applications.

The next step in plastics evolution was the development of synthetic rubber materials called elastomers, which can be made soft without the use of potentially dangerous chemical additives.  Most elastomers are FDA-approved as safe for contact with food, and are generally body-safe.  The soft grip on your new kitchen utensils is an elastomer material.  Elastomers are widely used today in all sorts of consumer products, from medical devices to children’s toys, and are used widely to replace jelly rubber sex toys made with the controversial phthalate additives.

Of all the elastomers, though, the most body-friendly is silicone, and it’s used in everything from medical implants to baking pans. Silicone generally carries medical-grade ratings, and it’s the king of materials for sex toys, remaining neutral under all conditions.  It’s also the most expensive, so it’s used predominantly on high-end products.  Silicone, like the other elastomers, is also used to coat hard plastics and provide that desirable soft-touch feel.

To help everyone identify and understand the pros and cons of the various materials used in sex toys, including rubber, below I’ve decoded the acronyms, and provided brief descriptions of each material, starting with latex, the first soft sex toy material, and proceeding in order of development.  After reading through the descriptions, you’ll have a much better understanding of the materials your new vibrator is made from, and can then choose what suits you best.

THE PLASTICS

LATEX   
Natural latex, also called natural rubber, is produced by the Hevea basiliensis tree.  The sap of the tree is collected, then through complex treatments and manufacturing processes, the final material is produced, which contains both natural proteins and chemical additives.  Natural latex rubber is a durable, flexible material with a high degree of protection from micro-organisms.  Latex rubber is anti microbial, dust mite and mildew resistant, hypo-allergenic and flame retardant

Latex is used in variety of medical and health care products, including teething toys for children.  The first flexible sex toys were made from rubber, and it’s still widely used today.  Latex rubber has a characteristic scent (a bit like the odor in a tire store), and a slight taste that some people dislike.  Latex is body-safe, except for the ~10% of people who have latex allergies, with reactions that display effects similar to flu symptoms.  In the worst cases, the allergy can even cause anaphylactic shock – so if any symptoms do appear, stop contact with the product immediately (1).  Latex is porous, and cannot be completely sterilized.

PVC & JELLY RUBBER
Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC is third-most prevalent type of manufactured plastic, and depending on the formulation, can exhibit a wide range of hardness and strength.  One of the most prevalent applications of rigid PVC is for water pipes - those familiar gray plastic pipes used in the majority of new construction.  Rigid PVC foams are used in the signmaking industry.  As hard plastics, these can be formulated to be completely inert. But for other applications that require a softer, more flexible material, like cable insulation, plastic packaging, and toys, compounds known as plasticizers, called phthalates, are added to the PVC blend, and can later leach into their surroundings, either through skin direct contact or by outgassing.  These compounds have been shown to disrupt the body’s endocrine system, and can have adverse physical effects

One of these phthalates, diethylhexyl phthalate, was banned by the European Union in 2006; others such as butylbenzyl phthalate, are still in use today.  The studies and debates continue as to the environmental and health impact of phthalate compounds, but the majority opinion leans toward caution (2).

The slightly acrid odor when you first open your new vinyl shower curtain’s package is from the phthalates outgassing (you might want to open the package outside).  For thin vinyl products like shower curtains or inflatable toys, a majority of the chemicals are gone after the initial outgassing, and so they become body-safe.  But for thicker items that come into direct contact with body chemistry, such as children’s teething toys, phthalates can be absorbed directly from the plastic.  Some plastic food packaging can also contain phthalates (used to make the material stretchable), and these can leach into packaged food. 
   
For sex toys, the original soft and flexible plastics described as “jelly” were usually made from PVC with phthalate softeners.  (…the old sex toys you’ve had for a while are suspect for phthalate content…).  Since sex toys have intimate contact with body hormones - under the added friction, heat, and pressure of sex – the potential for phthalate absorption is increased even further. Plus, jelly materials are porous and cannot be sterilized.  And although using a condom on a shared jelly rubber sex toy will reduce the risk of germs being transmitted, that may not entirely eliminate the risk of phthalate exposure.  Most sex toy manufacturers are now using soft elastomers to make body-safe products with the same look-and-feel as jelly toys.


NEOPRENE   
Polychloroprene
This synthetic rubber was developed in the 1930’s, and is most often used in sheet form for a variety of applications, such as laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, membranes and seals.  A foamed version of neoprene is used for insulation, most notably in diver’s wetsuits. Neoprene is chemically inert, and safe for skin contact, but it’s not recommended for internal use (3).  Some people do exhibit allergic reactions to neoprene products.  In the adult toy world, neoprene is often used in basic bondage cuffs and restraints, because it’s a soft, flexible, strong, low-cost material.


TPE   
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Developed in the 1950’s, these are blends of hard and soft plastics, that, depending on formulation, can exhibit a wide range of elasticity and softness, eliminating any need for phthalates.  TPE materials are food-safe, and can be FDA certified.  TPE products are hypoallergenic, tasteless and odorless, and can be easily cleaned with disinfectant soap and water, or even alcohol (4). These materials are used in place of rubber and soft PVC in children’s toys and medical products, and can be made clear or in transparent colors. TPE is widely used in sex toys, and has excellent tactile qualities, able to produce a wide variety of surface textures.  However, since all elastomers (except Silicone) are slightly porous, and cannot be completely sterilized, we strongly recommend using condoms when and if you’re sharing sex toys that are used internally.


TPR   
Thermoplastic Rubber
This is a specific type of TPE, formulated using Styrene elastomers, which adds additional strength to it’s rubber-like qualities. TPR combines the formability of plastics and the flexibility and durability of rubber, all with lighter weight, and is often used to replace rubber or soft plastic (5).  TRP products are food-grade and FDA approved, however like all elastomers (except Silicone), they are slightly porous, and cannot be completely sterilized, so we strongly recommend using condoms when and if you’re sharing sex toys that are used internally.


ABS   
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
This is a blend of three plastics, designed to have the qualities of strength, rigidity, and formability.  It’s most commonly used as a hard plastic, although it can be formulated with varying degrees of flexibility by changing the components. ABS is used in many consumer goods, including electronics enclosures (i.e. Sony Playstation), kitchen appliances, and children’s toys, and it’s chemically inert, non-porous, and body-safe.  In fact, since 1963, Lego blocks have been manufactured from ABS because the material is so body-friendly, hypoallergenic, and non-porous.  It’s especially suitable for anyone concerned about allergic reactions or with chemical sensitivities, and products can be cleaned thoroughly with anti-bacterial soaps and washes. ABS is the most commonly-used hard plastic in sex toys, and often combined with TPE/TPR and silicone components or coatings.  One caution about hard plastic toys is that if dropped, they can crack, producing dangerous sharp edges, and the cracks can harbor bacteria, so don’t use damaged sex toys.


PU   
Polyurethane
This designation refers to a class of polymers used in a variety of applications, from the clear polyurethanes we’re familiar with as paint finishes, to foam seat cushions, and even SpandexTM , which is a polyurethane fiber.  PU materials are chemically inert, and body-safe (6).  Many of the familiar soft-touch coatings found on consumer products, such as cellphone covers and computer mice, and also on medical devices, are made from polyurethanes.  Like silicone rubber (see below), soft-touch PU coatings are used on sex toys, often in conjunction with harder plastics like ABS.  These coatings are hygienic, body-friendly, and easy to clean with disinfectants6.


SILICONE  
PolydimethylsiloxaneSilicones are inert, rubber-like synthetic compounds made from silicon dioxide, or silica (like beach sand), which is also the starting material for making glass.  Able to be formulated in a wide range of hardness, and typically heat-resistant, silicones are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications (e.g., breast implants), and cookware.  Also called silicone rubber, these materials have low chemical reactivity, are non-porous, and do not support microbiological growth.  Silicone can be molded into solid products with a wide range of flexibility, can form a soft-touch coating on hard plastics, and is even used as a component in some personal lubricants.

All silicones are hypoallergenic, body-safe, and rated as food grade.  Beyond this, medical grade silicones are tested for biocompatability, and FDA certified (7).  Silicone is the most desirable, body-chemistry-compatible, easily cleanable material for sex toys; all-silicone sex toys can even be boiled and sterilized, making safe sharing possible.  At this time, though, it’s also the most expensive material, so top-quality silicone products cost more, but are arguably worth the price.

CONCLUSIONS

My research on this topic left me with a much better understanding of all these plastics.  It’s apparent that soft PVC-based plastics containing phthalates, such as “jelly” rubber products, have the potential to cause health problems, and should be avoided whenever possible.  Most sex toy manufacturers have addressed these health concerns by switching to elastomers for their new soft-feel products, however, some jelly rubber products still remain on the market, so exercise caution when purchasing soft sex toys.  Always check out the materials thoroughly, and if there’s no clear information, it’s best to make another choice.  And even though it might mean replacing your favorite dildo, I recommend that you replace any squishy jelly sex toy that’s more than 5 years old.

Today, most mid-range sex toys are made from TPE and TPR, either as solid molded materials, or in conjunction with ABS as a coating, or co-molded directly with ABS.  These materials are all body-friendly, but since these elastomers are non-porous, they’re not recommended for sharing, unless used with a condom.  In the mid-range, rubber and latex also remain viable choices, except for those with latex allergies, or for those who find the taste or smell somewhat offensive. 

The higher-quality sex toys have generally migrated to silicone, again, used either as a solid molded material, or as a coating over ABS, or co-molded directly with ABS.  With food-grade and medical-grade ratings, silicone is the most highly-recommended and desirable sex toy material.   Even if that original Rabbit you have still works, it’s time to replace it with a new, safer version.

If you’re sharing sex toys with a partner, the consensus recommendation is that you use a condom to prevent the transmission of bacteria, unless the toy is silicone, and you sterilize it first by boiling.  Further, any sex toy that’s used both vaginally and anally, silicone or not, should always be sterilized first, as even a fresh condom may not afford adequate bacterial protection.

Use only water-based personal lubricants with silicone sex toys, as silicone-based lubricants will begin to dissolve and erode the sex toy, making it unusable.

A Final Recommendation

Although unrelated to the foregoing discussion of sex toy plastics, from an environmental standpoint, you might also consider switching to a rechargeable vibrator, to eliminate sending used batteries to our landfills.  Today you’ll find a large selection of these to choose from.

FOOTNOTES

1    American Latex Allergy Association http://latexallergyresources.org/symptoms)
2    http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/97/pvctoys/documents/background.html
3    "Technical information — Neoprene" (PDF). Du Pont Performance Elastomers. October 2003.
4    http://www.specialchem4polymers.com/resources/latest/displaynews.aspx?id=5473
5    http://www.thefreelibrary.com
     /Preparation+of+thermoplastic+elastomer+nanocomposites+based+on...-a0248407199
6    http://www.bayercoatings.de/bms/db-rsc/bms_rsc_cas.nsf/files/Broschueren/$file/MS00038520-E-Softtouch-
     06-08.pdf
7   http://www.makeitfrom.com/compare/?left=Natural_Rubber&right=Silicone_Rubber

Stephen Goldberg
GOLDSTORES ONLINE
www.sexybondagerestraints.com

Triple Point Theory

I just added these three-tipped teasers to the website.  Of what I've seen so far, these seem like the most fun, although I've never actually touched or used one.  I really like the perineum tip, I think that could be a perfect tease, just enough.  Treat yourself to a new toy at our website:  Sexy Bondage Restraints


No wonder I like this toy.  Stimulating a woman's three hotspots at the same time can be epic.  The right position helps, and here's how we do it.  From a missionary position, I'll kind of pivot around our uh, bearings, and slide to Bianca's right side, so I'm laying across her at an angle.  At the same I extend my right arm under her hips.  Don't use a pillow - you'll be more comfortable with your cheek on the mattress.  Now you can both get comfortable, readjust and all.  We use this position a lot, haha we both enjoy how I can tease her breasts or pussy with one hand, and squeeze/tease her ass with the other. 

Tonight we added a little extra stimulation by way of a blindfold and a thin satin sash, which are probably our most-used sex toys.  This time, after Bianca was blindfolded, I surprised her with the sash being pulled across her breasts.  I teased her with it a little first, then laid it across her nipples, and tucked it under her arms to gently hold it in place - it's great to play with later.  Tonight was monumental.  Bianca tried the new ball gag, and also tried having her arms tied behind her.  New games.  I'm surprised the neighbors didn't complain when she came.

We also tried a new lubricant, and aren't sure what to say about it yet.  It was thicker (good), and a little tingly (Bianca's not sure about that), and it cleaned up really well, I liked that.  We'll keep doing research.

Work, work, work . . . another sex toy review

But Rosie you’re all right -- you wear my ring
When you hold me tight -- Rosie that’s my thing
When you turn out the light -- I’ve got to hand it to me . . .
Looks like it’s me and you again tonight . . . Rosie
-Jackson Browne


TODAY'S REVIEW
Travel Head Honcho Kit
SE9572-10-3

I’ve never quite understood why masturbator products are so popular, having always been very content with my own, uh, hand tools.  So I was very interested to try this “tight, stretchy stroker”, as it’s billed.  Made of clear TPR elastomer, a body-safe material, this internally-ribbed, 4-1/4” long sleeve had a slightly sticky texture outside, with a smooth texture inside.  At first, it felt like some of the outside stickiness would transfer to my hand, but nothing did, and that tack definitely made the stroker easy to hold onto, as I oiled up, and began to penetrate the sleeve.  The sensation of feeling the pressure of my hand through the TPR gel, but my hand not feeling any skin, was very unique!  Being able to see through the sleeve was a big plus, too.  Bit by bit I stretched the sleeve and worked it all the way up, so I could feel the internal ribs, and enjoy the suction they helped produce as I stroked myself.  Well . . . long story short, it worked just fine, and it was kinda cool watching the action through the transparent gel!

Since there’s no removable/replaceable inner sleeve, I consider this to be a one-time use item, and so kind of wasteful.  I’ve become masterful at getting myself off, no accessories required.  And as far as the Head Honcho being billed as travel-sized, I’d just stick with Rosie when I’m on the road.   But this was a good introduction to this type of boy toy, and does leave me wondering how great one of the vibrating ones might be! 
Sean

Sex Toy Review

We've signed on as sex toy reviewers with California Exotic Novelties, one of the major manufacturers whose products our suppliers carry.  They'll be sending us a new sex toy to review each month, and I'll be posting my reviews here.  Here's the first product review:


BASIC ESSENTIALS Beaded Probe SE-1794-12-2
First off, to put things in perspective, I’m 62 and my wife is 64, and this has considerable bearing on our enjoyment of this sex toy. We’re very sexually active, and especially like bondage, whips and gags, but neither of us is into anal play, so that limited our exploration of the Beaded Probe to vaginal use.

On first receiving the package, before opening it, I was unable to determine how soft or hard the probe was, and because of the rigid plastic clamshell package, it actually appeared to be a hard plastic.  I was glad that it turned out to be flexible and resilient.  I would suggest perhaps adding a touchable spot of the same material to retail packages, so that people could get a sense of the actual toy consistency before buying.  Nonetheless, it does have an enjoyable consistency.

With great expectations, I applied plenty of lubricant and began teasing my wife’s vagina with the tip, then slowly inserting and withdrawing the probe.  After just a few minutes, though, she found the beading too extreme, and the side ridge irritating.  I then tried using it externally, by sliding up and down across her clit, which was more enjoyable for her, but she’d rather feel my fingers there instead. 

I also noticed that the very tip came to a point, which may have contributed to the discomfort – in my opinion, it would be much better if the tip was completely rounded.  Vaginal tissues, especially for those a little older, are very sensitive, and pointy things just seem out of place.  Then secondly, perhaps a smoother transition between the beads, more like an hourglass shape, would make it more comfortable.  And I would make the side ridge a flowing, smooth shape that blended with the beads. 

On the plus side, the texture is very smooth, and the TPE has a nice combination of firmness and flexibility.  And there was no odor, which is always appreciated.  The grip ring made handling the toy very easy and secure. 

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:  I received the product mentioned above free from the manufacturer.  My review of the product is based on my personal opinion.  I review, recommend, and endorse products based on what I believe is best for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's Guidelines CFR, Part 255.

Legs Wide Open

Taking your partner out of their comfort zone is one of the practices that makes bondage sex so exciting, for both parties.  When your partner surrenders to you, and for instance, is tied spread-eagle on the bed, they're unable to resist being teased, stoked and pleasured beyond their normal limits, and have no choice but to submit and enjoy the ride!  And you, the dominant, can enjoy not only the process of restraining your partner (which always gets me really hard...), but also share the thrills of their mind-blowing orgasms!  And of course, your own.  I've heard it said that sex is the only game where finishing second is winning.

Now here's the thing.  Comfort-zone stepping is an incremental process.  You might imagine using ropes, gags, blindfolds and vibrators the first time you tie her up, but in reality, you want your partner to feel safe, and be comfortable enough to really enjoy herself.  So when you do take her outside of her comfort zone, you'll find that a little bit of kink goes a long way.  But keep in mind that comfort zones expand, and what was once unthinkable will soon become the new normal.  Let me explain.


Bianca (I like to call her that . . and she calls me Sean . .) likes to be tied spread-eagle, and I'm very much in favor of that!  For quite some time though, she wouldn't let me tie her legs very far apart, because it made her anxious and a little bit scared.  She also didn't want her arms stretched too tightly to the sides for the same reasons.  Of course, I respected her wishes - this is a consensual game - and only pushed her comfort zone a little bit each time, and stopped whenever she wanted.  If she said, "too tight", I backed off.  Flash forward, and now she lets me spread her legs very far apart indeed, and secure her arms tightly to the sides, and she enjoys every minute!  You know that old saying, "patience is a virtue"?  It's true!

You want to, and need to, gain her trust.  Take your time pushing the limits, honor her wishes, and make sure she always feels safe.  When she knows you're trustworthy in that regard, she'll be more willing to try new things with you, and your bondage games can then progress to new heights, and unimagined pleasures.  Play hard, play nice!

Sean

Out of the Dark and Into The LIght

Bondage and discipline may actually make men happier, according to the first national survey of Australians' fetish habits.  The survey results, to be presented at the World Association of Sexual Health congress in Sydney this week, give the first snapshot of Australians involved in bondage behaviour.  The study has revealed that 2 percent of Australian men and 1.4 percent of women admit to enjoying dominance, submission and sadomasochism-type sex in the past year.  But researchers involved in the phone survey of 20,000 people say they expect many more Australians to be engaging in the practice but unwilling to label it BDSM .

“There will definitely be more men and women who have sexual tastes in this direction but won't call it this,” said Dr. Juliet Richters, of the University of New South Wales.  “They might not like sex magazines but they just happen to like being tied up and spanked as part of foreplay.  “But ask them if they're into BDSM they'll say 'Yuck, no'.”

In women, BDSM was most popular among under 20-year-olds and those who had a partner they didn't live with. There were no age or relationship trends in men, she said.  People who engaged in the habit were more likely to be sexually adventurous in other ways, like trying anal sex and phone sex, looking at internet pornography or using sex toys.  “These are people for whom sex is a hobby,” Dr Richters said.

In fact, says Dr. Richters, men into BDSM scored significantly better on a scale of psychological wellbeing than other men.  “This seems to imply that these men are actually happier as a result of their behaviour, though we're not sure why,” she said. “It might just be that they're more in harmony with themselves because they're into something unusual and are comfortable with that.  “There's a lot to be said for accepting who you are.”  Researchers said the study helps break down the reigning stereotype that people into bondage and discipline were damaged as children and were therefore “dysfunctional”.  “We really found that BDSM is simply a sexual interest or subculture attractive to a minority, not a pathological symptom of past abuse or difficulty with 'normal' sex,” Dr. Richters said.  “They've just got a broader and more unusual sexual repertoire than most.”

YEH BABY!

Things Change

Sexual practices seem to change over time.  Growing up in the 50's, oral sex was really "out-there", even considered a little kinky!  You know, like for beatniks and artists.  And now?  It's just a normal part of everyone's sexual universe, and you'd be a pretty stuffy partner if you don't partake !  Mmmm, just thinking about Bianca makes my tongue hard!

Well, now bondage is coming out of the dark ages, too, thank goodness.  Back in the 50's, there was only one well-known bondage model - Betty Paige.  Unabashed and wonderful..  And bondage gear seemed to be mostly rope and scarves.  It was a hush-hush topic, forbidden and taboo, only for sexual deviants!  Flash forward, and bondage is becoming mainstream.  TV housewives get tied spread-eagle with national, uh, exposure.  Both men and women are comfortable enough revealing that they have bondage fantasies (lots of them) when surveys come along. 

I'm here to do my part, and continue celebrating the exciting hotness of bondage sex!  It's a regular part of my sex life with Bianca . . sometimes it's satin and massage oil, sometimes it's leather and hot candle wax!  Sure keeps things interesting.

My parallel-universe bondage buddy, also happily married and having great bondage fun with his wife, feels the same way.  They're much younger then us, and I'm glad to see them boldly proclaiming their love of bondage sex.  As he and I know, the thrills to be had are almost unimaginable to those who've never tried it.  So . . . . try it, already!

Bedtime Stories

I just completed the next bondage story, a 3000-word mini-masterpiece IMHO . . . !  Our heroine's name is no longer Erin, it's Kayla . . . funny how things change when you're writing.  Anyway, 'Kayla' gets a unique and unexpected perspective on bondage lingerie.  From "The Interview":

“What an offer . . . !” Kayla thought, “hot bondage sex and exhibitionism, two of my favorite fantasies - combined!  An unmatched perspective for my story. How can I refuse . . . why would I want to refuse . . ?!”  “OK, I’m in”, she said. 

I teased Bianca all day telling her about the next hot bondage story.  At lunch, I told her about how my writing  process went, about knowing how Kayla's adventure started, but being stuck and having to wait a couple of days until I knew where it would go next, and how much fun that was, evolving the story as I went along.  I gave her no details though, except that it was about bondage and lingerie.  And Kayla.  Finally, tonight, I completed the story, printed a copy for her to read, and we met in the bedroom.

She was wearing her favorite floor-length, red silk chemise, and no panties.  She rested comfortably against the headboard and stated reading.  I sat next to her and watched her expression gradually turn into a nervous kind of grin, with an occasional giggle, while I stroked her arm, breasts, and pussy.  She got to one part and said, "This is kind of over the top for me . . . ", but quickly said, "OK, you have me back!".  When she didn't understand one of the positions I described, I demonstrated it for her.  "Ummm, oh, I see . . . ", and she went back to reading intently.  She kept grinning, and her breathing got faster and shorter.  "You uhhm, have another ahhh, great story here. . .!", she said, by now starting to moan and speak at the same time because my well-lubricated fingers were in her pussy.  "Where's my blindfold?", she asked.  Always happy to oblige.  Her being blindfolded really escalated our rhythm, and soon she came loudly, panting and convulsing on my fingers.  Yum.  Then she said, "you should tie me up now."  Always happy to oblige, I tied her spread-eagle, and pulled the breast rope tightly across her chest, first pulling down her chemise so the rope was directly on her nipples. Yum.  I took my time and pleasure with her, stroked us real good, and came like crazy. 

When we were again capable of speech, the first thing Bianca said to me was, "I breathe through my mouth when I'm very excited, so how would I be able to breathe with a ball gag?"  Cool!  That means she was thinking about being gagged . . . in 'The Interview', Kayla was gagged with a penis gag.   We've only played around with cleave gags, and Bianca says she's still not real keen on the whole gag thing.  For me, though, she's willing to try a ball gag, which I'll be ordering soon - and I've just found the perfect one.  I think it'll blow her mind, how much she'll enjoy cumming with a ball gag in her mouth.  This tells me she's warming to the idea.  Hot!  I do seem to be on the right track with these stories!


Sean

PS. 
I'm going to submit 'The Interview' for publication, and need to preserve, uh, it's viginity . . . so I'm not going to present the story here quite yet.  

Life Imitates Art

Well, "Janine's Story" has passed the first and most critical review.  We had a sex date on Saturday.  After doing some cleaning and household chores, we prepared for our date.  Bianca showered first, and dressed in her favorite long red silk chemise, with a pair of red high heel pumps, and no panties. Good already, right?  I had yet to shower,
and I gave her a copy of "Janine's Story", which I had printed out for her (including the hot lingerie photo that inspired the tale) to read while she waited.  When I got out of the shower, I listened at the bathroom door and could occasionally hear Bianca's sort of nervous giggle.  I took my time getting ready, making sure she had enough time to read the story all the way through. I put on a pair of silk boxers and an athletic T, an outfit I know she likes, and finally came over to her. "Well, how was that?", I asked.  She looked up, grinning big, and a little flushed, and said,"I don't want you to tie me up this time . . . but that story made me really hot!  Imagine being in the story if you want to. . . "!  "You are really good at this, honey!", she gushed.

Faster than usual, thanks to a little light reading, she came like a banshee, with my cock inside her, and my finger teasing her anus.  Afterwards, she spanked my butt a couple of times . . . "You are so naughty!  Where's my ping pong paddle . . ??". 

I've already started the next story.  It involves Erin, a young reporter sent to do a profile on a lingerie company . . .  

Janine's Story

I was inspired by one of the hottest lingerie ad photos I've ever seen, to somehow make it into a Bondage Scene package for the website, and what I came up with was the idea of writing a story, and then providing some or all of the elements depicted.  Well, that's how it started, anyway.  Herewith, "Janine's Story".  (Copyright Stephen Goldberg 2011)

JANINE'S STORY

It was the end of a long day in the studio, posing for lingerie ads, and Janine found herself unusually energized.  Some of the outfits she’d been wearing had really stimulated her, either from the tight fit of a leather thong on her pussy, or the seductive look of her nipples so easily visible through sheer fabrics.  Something about this last outfit though, thrilled her even more, and she was surprised to feel herself getting wet as she glimpsed herself in the mirror. “Hmmmm”, she thought, “I would definitely do me! And I have that new vibrator back in my dressing room . . . “, but just then, she saw the photographer clearing the set, bending over to pick up the leather cuffs and fetish outfits from earlier in the day. “Brian, could you help me out over here for a minute?”, she asked, sitting down on the plush red velvet couch.  “I think there’s something in my right shoe, would you please take a look?”  She crossed her legs as Brian came over and knelt down to take off her black pump, and sure enough, there was a small piece of gaffer tape stuck to the inside.  As he was removing it, she said, “thanks Brian . . . and now I want you to cuff my ankles.”  Brian looked up, slightly shocked, and seeing the demanding, enticing look on her face, with a wide grin, he immediately obliged by bringing over a pair of cuffs, along with the other fetish stuff from a shoot earlier in the day. 

Before he could kneel down again, though, Janine said, “but first, I want you to take off my thong.” Janine raised her hips, and without saying a word, Brian leaned over and unhooked her stockings from the garters, and then put a finger under the strings on each side of her thong. She gasped as he tugged on the strings, sliding the thong down over her hips, along her thighs, and down the length of her luscious legs.  Still kneeling before her, Brian said, “What’s next, mistress?”.  Without missing a beat, Janine said, “now I want you to cuff my wrists”, and extended her arms toward him.  Again, gladly, Brian obliged, and wrapped a black leather cuff around each wrist, buckling each cuff securely.  Janine then sat back on the couch, draped her arms provocatively across the back, and stepped her legs wide apart.  Brian, still kneeling, was transfixed, and Janine could see a growing bulge in his pants.  “Now I want you to go to my dressing room and get the vibrator out of my suitcase”, Janine said, “but first”, she said with a grin, “you should make sure I’ll be here when you get back”. 

Quickly, from the stack of fetish stuff, Brian grabbed a length of black rope and a metal clip, then went behind the couch and took hold of Janine’s outstretched arms.  She gasped a quick breath as Brian folded her arms behind her head, and linked the cuffs together with the metal clip.  But he didn’t stop there –he tied a rope to the clip, and pulled down on the rope, stretching Janine’s arms backward and down, then tied the other end to the center leg of the couch.  “Oooh, that’s really tight”, she said, with a smile, “but I can still kick you”.  “Not for long, mistress” said Brian, as he tied the end of another rope to one ankle cuff, looped the rope behind the legs of the couch, and pulled her legs even further apart as he attached the rope to the D-ring of other cuff.  “There, that should hold you until I get back”, he said with a grin.  But Janine still wasn’t satisfied.  “Take off your pants”, she said, “I want to see your hard cock before you blindfold me”.  “Yes, mistress”, and without hesitation, Brian stripped, revealing his bulging, already throbbing cock to her full view.  “Mmmm, now stroke yourself until you’re almost ready to come”, said Janine, “and then kneel in front of me.  I’ll slide forward as much as I can, so you can almost touch my wet pussy with your cock…but don’t you dare come!”  Tugging on the ropes, Janine slid forward, rocking her hips, and Brian pressed against the couch, inching his cock closer to her pussy.  “OK, that’s enough”, said Janine, “now blindfold me and go get the vibrator from my suitcase”, she demanded.  Brian found a fitted leather blindfold among the fetish stuff, and as Janine instructed, gently tightened it over her eyes.  “I’ll be right back” he said. 

Janine could barely contain herself - she was so turned on that she almost came just from rocking back and forth.  The anticipation of how that vibrator would feel against her clit and pussy was almost too much to bear!  Then she could hear footsteps returning, and began to quiver with excitement, until she also heard the sound of a pair of high heels approaching!  Who?  What?  Janine was filled with emotions, incredibly excited, a little scared, and wetter than ever, knowing there was nothing she could do to stop what was about to happen.  “Look who I found, mistress”, she heard Brian say, “a present for you - remember Denise?”  It was another one of the lingerie models who Janine had worked with earlier, and who had made it very clear she was hot for Janine!  “Ohhh, uhh, I thought we were alone”, gushed Janine.  “Me, too”, said Brian, “but Denise had stopped back for something, and remembering her from earlier, I knew she would really enjoy being part of this. And I thought you might, too.”  “Hi sweetie”, Denise whispered, “ohhh, you’re all tied up, what a predicament!  I guess you’re no longer in control . . .”

Janine could hear Brian and Denise whispering, but couldn’t quite make out what they were saying.  “Please tell me what you’re doing . . ”, Janine asked excitedly, but she got no response.  After an agonizing few minutes, she felt them sit down, their heat on either side of her, touching her thighs.  Denise was wearing an erotic musky scent that made Janine swoon, and a very short skirt, so there was lots of thigh skin to thigh skin contact.  Then, Denise leaned over and kissed her full on the mouth, while Brian simultaneously teased the inside of her thighs with a light touch of his fingers. “Mmmuuhhohhh!”, was all Janine could say, as Denise kissed her deeply, and Brian’s fingers had reached her pussy.  Then Janine felt Denise’s hands caressing her breasts, teasing her nipples bursting through the sheer bustier she was wearing. The feelings were overwhelming, and Janine was now writhing, pulling hard against the restraints, and rhythmically grunting. “Oooohhhhhhh!”  But just when she felt like she would explode any second . . . they abruptly stopped teasing her. “Oh please, don’t stop, mmmmmm, I’m so ready to come!”, Janine cried out.  “Oh, we’re not done with you yet, honey”, Denise said.

Janine felt them get up, and heard them walk away, leaving her alone for the moment, quivering and half-crazed with anticipation.  “What now??”, she thought.  Brian returned first.  “We’re almost ready to let you come”, he said, “but first, a little more teasing.”  “Ohhhh, um, OK . . . if you must!”, Janine said breathlessly.  Then she heard her vibrator turn on, and that alone almost made her come, but what came next was even more thrilling.  Suddenly, and again simultaneously, she felt Brian’s fingers applying warm oil to her pussy, while Denise, who had come behind her, placed a ball gag into her moaning, open mouth.  “Uuuhhmmfff !” was all Janine could say now.  “Oh, honey, you look so gorgeous all tied up and gagged like that!”, said Denise, “it’s almost time for you to come . . . but not quite. . .!”  Brian stopped oiling Janine’s pussy, and “uuuhhmmfff ?” was all she could say.  Denise took off her panties, and straddled one of Janine’s thighs, slowly sliding back and forth, taking her pleasured time, making Janine moan “Uuuhhmmfff !”, “Uuuhhmmfff !”, in rapid, short bursts.  As if that wasn’t enough, Denise then reached down and inserted the pulsating vibrator into Janine’s quivering pussy, and Brian, who was now standing behind the couch, placed his oiled, throbbing cock into Janine’s bound hands, and she instinctively began stroking it, as much as her restraints would allow. “MMMAAAHHHHFFFFUUHH!!”, she moaned repeatedly from behind the ball gag, “MMMAAAHHHHFFFFUUHH!!”, as everything went purple, and she came like a banshee, shaking violently side-to-side, hips flailing, pulling wildly against the restraints, and biting down on the ball gag!  Denise got herself off by grinding hard against Janine’s thigh, and Brian came hotly into Janine’s bound hands!  “MMMAAAHHHGGGUUHHH!!”, Janine cried one last time, slumping down into the couch!  Denise leaned forward and hugged her, “that was unbelievable, honey . . . you’re such glutton for pleasure!”, she said.  Brian, who was still behind the couch, reached down, removed the gag, and untied Janine’s wrists.  “Ohhhh, thank you both, that was so amazing!  I never, ever came like that before!”, said Janine with a big grin.  “Sweetie, just one more thing,” said Denise, as she removed the vibrator, “I want more, so we’re going to keep you blindfolded, and leave your legs tied apart for a little while longer”.  “Uhhh, OK, what do you want to do now…?” Janine asked warily.  In answer, without saying a word, Denise knelt down in front of the couch, put her hands behind her back, and leaned forward until her face was nearly in Janine’s still-throbbing pussy.  Brian then bound Denise’s wrists with another set of cuffs, and pushed her gently forward until she could just get her tongue on Janine’s clit.  Janine did the rest, pushing her hips forward, and stroking Denise’s hair while that eager tongue sought out another wild orgasm.  “Ohh, yeh, that’s sooo good honey!”, said Janine, “lick it good!”.  Then the vibrator buzzed again, but this time Brian was using it on Denise, taking his time teasing her clit and pussy.  “Uhhhhhhhmmmmmm”, she moaned and begged for Brian’s cock, “please fuck me, oh please fuck me!”.  When he was hard again, Brian slid his cock into her pussy, and also kept the vibrator pressed against her clit, driving her into a frenzy, while he fucked her hard and deep. Janine’s pussy got an extra-deep helping of tongue every time Brian thrusted into Denise, and pretty soon all three of them were coming wildly, a writhing, quivering mass of bodies. 

“Uhhhhhhh”, Janine was the first one to speak, “that was insane, the most intense sex I’ve e-v-e-r had!  Now will someone puhlease untie my legs!”, she laughed.  Brian was next, “Wow!  That was amazing! I can’t wait to see the video!”.  “The video??”, both Janine and Denise said simultaneously, “you taped us??”.  “Yeh”, said Brian, “I turned on the cameras when I first went over to get your ankle cuffs, Janine.”  As Brian undid her wrist cuffs, Denise said, “well, that was incredible for me, too, and the heat of such wild hot bondage sex will surely come through on the tape.  We may have a winner on our hands!”  “Haha, sure glad we could work together sweetie - and so soon after meeting! - I liked you right from the start”, Denise said as she gave Janine a big hug and a kiss.  “And thank you Brian, for thinking of including me . . . I’m so glad I had to stop back here tonight.  Got much more than I expected!”  “Me too!…”, said Janine, with that beautiful smile, “…I’d do that again anytime . . . but I think maybe next time we’ll tie you up, Denise!”

FINIS

Sex toy materials, PART 1: Phthalates

I’ve been researching the materials used in sex toys, in preparation for an article I’m writing.  So far, it’s pretty clear that phthalates, the class of chemical additives used to turn hard PVC into the popular and plentiful “jelly” sex toys, is bad stuff.  That stinky smell when you first opened your new vibrator’s package is the phthalates outgassing, similar to what happens when you paint a room; for some, these heavy, chemical-laden odors can cause nausea or headaches. 

In the case of phthalates, though, animal testing has clearly demonstrated strongly increased allergic reactions as a result of exposure to trace amounts of these compounds.  Other studies have shown adverse effects on male sexual characteristics, especially in utero, but also in children and adults. This compound has also been linked to other types of endocrine system disruption.  The problem is significant enough that Congress passed legislation in 2008 to ban six phthalates from children’s toys.  There’s no legislation banning phthalates from sex toys, however. 

Besides this chemical toxicity, jelly sex toys are porous and harbor bacteria, so they require thorough cleaning after every use, and especially between vaginal & anal use.  In order to protect yourself and your partner, we recommend, along with various health organizations, first and foremost, to stop using soft jelly sex toys.  If you must keep your favorite vibrator, then as a minimum, use a condom over any soft jelly dildos.  We also strongly suggest you not share toys made with these materials, even with using a condom. 

Dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, and prostate probes all come into contact with your most sensitive mucous membranes, which provide the greatest opportunity for unfavorable reactions.  But there’s another type of ‘insertable’ that’s rarely mentioned - ball gags.  Sucking on a jelly ball can also lead to phthalate ingestion. 

Fortunately, there’s plenty of alternatives, products made from much safer, and equally as (or more…) enjoyable materials.  I’ll go into them in more detail in future posts, but for now, here’s a quick introduction:

At the top of the list is Silicone, an inert, non-porous soft material that can even be sterilized by boiling.  There’s various grades available, and the most often used is a medical-grade, hypoallergenic material.  Silicone is especially great for ball gags, because it’s soft yet firm, tasteless, and odorless.  It’s also the most expensive material.

Next is a class of compounds known as elastomers, which you’ll see listed as TPR (thermoplastic rubber), and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer).  These materials are familiar to most of us, being used in everything from soft-grip kitchen tools to cushioned pens, and can be made in a wide range of soft-to-hard formulations.  These materials are moderately priced.

Then there’s latex, made from naturally-occurring rubber.  In unadulterated form, it's body-safe, although a significant number of people have latex allergies, and so this is not a surefire safe material.  Also, sometimes latex is mixed with other plastics, some of which could contain phthalates, so knowing the composition of the product is essential.  Latex materials have the lowest cost.

So to sum things up, it's best to stop using jelly dildos, or at least protect yourself with a condom.  And switch to safer materials, Silicone being the best.  Put more change in the piggy bank, so you can splurge on that new silicone vibrator you’re craving!

More breast rope adventures

What a wonderful invitation.  Her favorite red silk long gown already off her shoulders, her arms and legs stretched out, no panties.  "Blindfold me first", she said.  I handed her the soft padded blindfold with the extra-thick bottom edge...that really prevents peeking...she put it on, laid back down, and spread her arms out again.  Mmm.  I worked my way around her body and the bed, attached the tethered cuffs to her wrists and ankles, and pulled them tight, leaving enough rope to cross back over her body.  Mmmm.  All the while stroking her body, teasing her through the silk…except every now and then, when I’d pull back the gown and surprise her pussy with my touch.  Mmmmm. 

Once again, I pulled the remaining rope back across her breasts, and tied it from wrist to wrist, just tight enough that she could feel it pressing against her nipples through the silk.  Mmmmmm!  This is turning out to be an inspired little rig, as I’ll explain later. 

She’s told me that just the sound of a vibrator turns her on.  So I brought out her rabbit oldie but goodie, turned it on, and placed it between her legs, right where she could feel the undulating head press lightly against her thighs and pussy, while I continued to tease her though the silk.  Great hip response.  Then I tried something new – I used the rabbit ears on her nipples.  Wow!  Do try this at home!  It's a surprisingly good nipple teaser - she was now wriggling at my every touch.

My wife’s a lucky woman - I love to eat pussy.  And spread-eagled, she’s just so darn appetizing!  Well, while I  was uh, snacking, my hands found their way to her breasts - as they often do – and found this rope running across them - the little ‘rig’ I mentioned earlier.  Fondling and squeezing her breasts now made them press into the rope, and that made her squirm a bit more.  Then there was this one stroke I remember vividly…enough that I’m now having trouble fitting underneath my desk…where I was running my hands outwards across her breasts and nipples, and then I continued the stroke outward, and pushed down on the rope so it pulled much tighter, then released and stroked back across her breasts.  Repeatedly, and I tightened the rope a little more each time, until she came.  Mmmmm.

Before taking advantage of that stoked pussy, I quickly added one more note – I tied a rope between her ankle cuffs, so she couldn’t move her legs either way.  Then I lubed and stroked myself, and had my way with her, in what I call ‘frontal side-saddle’.  Which is when yet another benefit of this little crossover-rope rig became apparent!  Right before cumming, I could see that me lying on her side had pulled the rope very, very, very tight across her breast, an incredibly hot visual for me, and while she would have objected to such tightness before, in the heat of passion, it only stoked her more!  Boom shaka laka laka boom.  Now, whenever I tie her spread-eagle, there will always be crossover ropes!

Pretty sure we'll be doing that again soon.