It’s no secret that our industry’s expanding consumer base necessitates versatile designs that can guide users’ sexual journeys from beginner to advanced pleasure-seeking — and products that can accommodate a range of sizes and shapes do just that. Though the thought of a toy ballooning inside a sensitive part of the body may sound intimidating to some, inflatable insertables can be incredibly helpful for easing the body into more comfortable penetration — particularly for anal.
Inflatable toys typically start as sleek, smooth, firm shapes that are relatively manageable in size, allowing users to control what size they eventually expand to. Whether inserted vaginally or anally, an inflatable toy can be used as an introductory tool for more advanced play like fisting, graduating to using larger toys, or simply for enjoying the feeling of increased fullness that they provide.
Inflatable toys are made using flexible material and most commonly are made of latex.
These products are accessible to anyone with an orifice, yet they’re commonly relegated to fetish or “extreme” categories, which simply perpetuates the stigma surrounding kinky backdoor play. It’s time to rethink how we discuss inflatable toys with our customers, and encourage them to explore all avenues of sexual stimulation without shame. Here are some ways to discuss inflatable sex toys in a retail environment that can help inspire a sale!
How do inflatable sex toys work?
Inflatable toys are made using flexible material and most commonly are made of latex. Folks with latex allergies or sensitivities also have the option of silicone inflatables, which tend to have a higher price point due to the cost of materials. Inflatable toys’ stretchy material allows them to easily expand with the squeeze of a pump or the press of a button and fulfill users’ fantasies and desires without skipping a beat.
Similar to non-inflatable toys, lubricant is a must when inserting the item in its uninflated state. Choosing the type of lubricant will depend on the material of the toy and the user’s personal needs and preferences; however, water-based lube may be the best bet. The lube should be generously applied all over the toy, as well as to the body — especially if the toy is being used anally.
As the inflatable dildo or butt plug expands, the wearer’s internal grip of the toy becomes tighter and tighter, thus increasing the pleasurable, filling sensation.
As with any material that’s being stretched thin due to expansion, some consumers may worry over whether an inflatable toy could pop inside the body. Fortunately, it’s more likely that the wearer’s body will know when to stop inflating the toy before it’s reached the (unlikely) point where it may break. This relies on body awareness and sensation, so use of numbing, desensitizing, or “comfort” products are not recommended, as they can make it difficult to feel or notice these body signals.
To ensure safety, instruct users to examine inflatable toys for any punctures or tears prior to using them. If the toy is connected to a pump, recommend to your inflatable toy customer that they also take a look at all of its attached components prior to use to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience.
Another important part of an inflatable toy to check regularly is the valve, which is what controls the toy’s ability to deflate. This component is of the utmost importance once the item is inserted and inflated, as it’s what allows the toy to be removed easily and safely. To avoid any mishaps, recommend to your customers that they inflate the toy as much as possible prior to insertion to get familiar with the process and then completely deflate it to ensure the valve is functioning correctly. Additionally, the user may also want to test how many pumps are necessary to obtain a desired size before insertion so that they are prepared for what’s to come.
Who are inflatable sex toys for?
Everybody! Inflatable toys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes that can be comfortably worn by users of almost any experience level. Beginners should start with smaller-sized inflatable anal toys, or even fingers, and can use an inflatable toy to gradually stretch their anus before exploring larger toys.
Some inflatables will feature a realistic penile appearance with a defined head and ridgy shaft for added stimulation, which can be enjoyed vaginally or anally. Couples can enhance partnered sex with an inflatable plug with attached cock ring, which adds kinky stimulation for the wearer with an anal plug that inflates while enhancing the wearer’s erection.
Next-Level Kink
Inflatable plugs are available in large sizes that are perfect for consumers that want to get the maximum stretch by pumping their toys into even larger sizes. Thanks to inflatables’ quick-release valve, this type of anal toy is perfect for pushing one’s body to the extreme and allows the user to easily stop whenever necessary.
Inflatable sex toys offer a great deal of versatility that can benefit customers of all kinds, so remind shoppers that they can accommodate multiple experiences with one purchase. And there’s no reason to shy away from inflatables, even if they’re displayed in the BDSM section — don’t forget that vanilla shoppers enjoy big and girthy products, too!
Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.
