While there are plenty of different types of sex dolls out there, most of them either use silicone or TPE.
Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses which might benefit some people more than others.
Take a look at how the two differ to determine which type of sex doll material is best for you.
Should You Buy a Silicone Sex Doll or a TPE Sex Doll?
TPE tends to be the best material for realism.
Silicone tends to be the best material for maintenance and longevity.
To determine which is best for you, you need to know which feature makes the most to you.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each material and see where their strengths and weaknesses rest.
Silicone Sex Dolls are Easier to Maintain and Last a Long Time
Sex dolls tend to be expensive.
If you want your doll to last for decades, then you might want to consider a silicone doll.
Silicone is non-porous which means it doesn’t absorb anything into it.
This is an important feature when it comes to sex toys.
It’s why so many toys use silicone.
You can actually sanitize the toy since nothing ever ends up absorbing into the material.
When you wipe the toy off with antibacterial soap, for example, you can feel pretty confident that you removed all the germs.
The germs haven’t seeped into the material.
This makes silicone last a long time because it means there isn’t anything slowly eating away at it from the inside.
Silicone is also tough.
It has good flexibility and rigidity to it.
It flexes where you need it and remains rigid where you need it, too.
This means that it’s more difficult for the doll’s skeleton to poke through the material.
You won’t accidentally stretch the material so thin that the skeleton’s wires protrude.
It can also take a good amount of abuse.
Whether you want to spank the doll or accidentally drop it, you don’t have to worry about damage as much.
Silicone lasts a long time.
Since it’s a lot easier to maintain, it’s an ideal choice for people who don’t want to put a lot of effort into taking care of their toys.
However, where silicone falls short is in its realism.
Silicone dolls will look lifelike, but they won’t feel lifelike.
Silicone is a very smooth material.
When you touch a doll made of silicone, it’s very obvious that it’s made from the material.
That might break the immersion for some people.
It can be harder to sink into your fantasy because you become aware that you’re using a doll.
It’s a trade-off you’re going to have to consider if you want a silicone sex doll.
TPE Dolls Provide Realism and Immersive Experiences
The other main type of material for dolls, TPE, is better at providing realistic experiences than silicone.
That’s because TPE, which stands for thermoplastic elastomer, is porous.
It’s like skin in that way.
All the little pores in the material feel more like the pores in your skin.
The problem with pores is that germs and dirt can get into them.
When germs, dirt, and bacteria get into the pores of your skin, it can cause acne or a rash.
When it happens to TPE, it tends to lead to mold growth.
There’s very little you can do once mold starts to grow on your doll.
Because of its porous nature, the germs end up sinking into the material.
You can never fully sanitize a TPE doll.
That’s why using a condom is often suggested with these types of sex toys.
TPE also tends to leak oil with time.
You might notice that it feels a bit sticky or collects lint easily.
The best way to keep it from becoming sticky is to powder it.
The powder holds the moisture in and also prevents dust from sticking to the material.
TPE clearly requires a bit more involvement in maintaining it.
This also means that TPE dolls don’t last quite as long as silicone dolls.
A mold outbreak can cut its lifespan down even further.
Now, where TPE does shine is in its realism.
When you touch a TPE doll, you’ll notice that the material has pliancy to it.
If you were to pinch it, then you’d notice it has some give, too.
This makes it very similar to human flesh.
It gets even better from there.
It’s very good at absorbing heat.
Whether you use a heating wand or your own body heat, you can warm up a TPE doll easily.
This can make your doll feel more alive as a result.
Jiggle physics is also more satisfying with a TPE doll than a silicone doll.
TPE dolls are best for those looking for realistic sex.
Is a Silicone Doll or TPE Doll Better for Your Budget?
Silicone dolls are better for your budget overall.
While they can sometimes be on the more expensive side, they’re ultimately worth the price.
They can last for several decades provided you maintain them correctly.
Because they last so long, you don’t have to buy a replacement as often.
It may be a bigger upfront cost, but you end up saving money in the long run.
TPE dolls, on the other hand, don’t last as long.
Whether it’s due to a mold infestation, staining from clothes, or just wearing out, the material will not last long.
You may find that you need to buy replacements more often.
TPE dolls tend to be slightly cheaper than silicone dolls, but if you’re buying a new one every few years, then you’re going to end up paying more than what you would have paid if you had bought a silicone doll.
For the best budget choice, you should save up for a silicone doll, then enjoy your savings through the years.
Is a Silicone Doll or TPE Doll Better for Beginners?
TPE dolls may provide a better solution for beginners in the sex doll market.
Because they tend to be a little cheaper, they don’t require as much of an investment.
Beginners are able to try out a doll and see if they enjoy it.
If they find they enjoy using sex dolls, then they can make a bigger investment with a silicone doll later.
Because TPE dolls also offer more realism, beginners might find them more comfortable to use.
It’s a lot easier to imagine the doll is real when it feels real.
It can help train your imagination which will make using silicone dolls later more satisfying.
TPE dolls also require more care.
It’s a good test to see if you have what it takes to responsibly care for your doll.
While silicone dolls are easier to maintain, it’s not a bad idea to develop your discipline skills beforehand.
You can start out on the right foot with a sex doll by making it a TPE one.
Begin Your Journey With a Silicone or TPE Doll
Whether it’s silicone or TPE, sex dolls look more gorgeous than ever.
Once you’ve settled on a material, it’s time to find the perfect doll.
That process can become a lot easier by checking out our sex doll buyer’s guide to find the perfect silicone or TPE doll.
