From realistic dildos to the infamous rabbit models, vibrators are a popular sex toy. Not all vibrators are created equal; some are designed for anal play, some are clitoral vibrators and some are made for vaginal insertion. In short, most vibrators are designed to help stimulate sexual pleasure, and come in a range of shapes and sizes, allowing you to discover exactly what tickles your fancy. If you have been wondering exactly how does a vibrator work then you have come to the right place. Read on for everything you need to know about your vibrator and discover just how you can achieve maximum sexual stimulation.
So just how does your vibrator create those toe-curling sensations? The power comes down to a motor – this is the key part of your vibrator. A motor works by transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy, and this process causes vibration. The motor of a sex toy differs from that of motors in other devices – whereas the engineers of the latter work to minimize vibrations, the creators of sex toys are looking to feature the vibrations, and emphasize them as much as possible.
How Does The Motor Work
This is achieved by turning the motor into an ERM – an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor. It places the shaft of the motor into a weight, in a hole deliberately created to be off center, causing the motor to be permanently imbalanced. This forces it to vibrate and wobble, creating the sensations. Engineers then work by playing with the size, speed and weight of the motor, as well as the way it is mounted, and its location within the external housing – all of these offer different settings, frequencies and sensations, and create different types of vibrator. Some manufacturers have been experimenting with sonic wave clitoral stimulators – these never make contact with the vulva, but use waves and frequencies to create stimulation.
In addition to the motor, vibrators also contain:
- A power source, such as batteries or AC power
- Control such as an on/off switch
- In some cases, a Bluetooth connection
It’s Not Just What’s On The Inside That Counts
In addition to the motor and internal components, vibrators also have another important aspect – the external casing and “skin”.
Internal Vs External Use
The motor and electronics are contained in “housing”, made from metal or plastic – this is not exactly pleasant on the skin, and so there is another layer, known as the outer skin. The way the motor is positioned inside the plastic housing impacts the intensity of the vibration, while the other surface determines the feeling on your body.
In vibrators designed for internal use, creations will use materials such as jelly rubber, silicone or cyberskin, to create a super realistic feel which can be inserted into the body comfortably.
If the vibrator is designed for external stimulation, the outside will typically be more solid and robust, with materials such as ABS, aluminum and even Pyrex for temperature play. Latex is another popular option, and this tends to offer a middle ground between hard thermoplastic polymers and soft, hyper-realistic materials, as well as offering high levels of comfort and “give”. It is important to note, however, that latex allergies are common, and this can cause serious problems. The material can also have strong odors, and this can make it less appealing.
The material of your vibrator is important – allergies in the genital area are not your desired outcome, and so you need to be careful to choose a material which is comfortable, safe and hygienic – medical grade silicone is a popular choice to tick all of these boxes.
Why Does It Feel So Good?
As we mentioned, it is the motor of the vibrator which helps to cause all of the incredible sensations you experience in your body during vibrator use. The location of the motor within the solid housing determines the sensations, but the impact can also be psychological. According to experts, vibrating sensations elsewhere in the body can mimic the womb – if you sit in a massage chair, you replicate the sensation of being inside your mother – as she breathed, her organs created vibrations in our body, and replicating these as an adult can help recreate this feeling, soothing your stress and alleviating anxiety.
Good Vibrations
Vibrations on the skin feel good because they apply shear stress to the blood vessels, causing them to dilate. This in turn increases the blood flow to the area, and drives excess blood to the region – this instructs the brain to release the pleasure chemicals. When we apply vibrations to the nether region, the nerves are stimulated on a number of levels, both on the surface and deep within the vulva, penis or clitoris. When certain nerves and receptors are stimulated, inputs travel through the spinal cord, and produce a feeling of sexual arousal – this is good news for you!
Different Types Of Vibrator…And Their Best Uses
Not all vibrators are created equal, and the best fit for you depends on your personal preference. There are a number of different types, each of which have their own pros and cons.
Bullet Vibrators
As the name suggests, a bullet vibrator is very small, and can be used both inside and outside the body. These are perfect if you are looking for versatility, as they can be used by both sexes, on the nipples, labia, G spot or clitoris as well as the scrotum. See our review to find out which models we liked best.
Traditional Vibrators
Also known as wand vibrators (see more here), these are the types of vibrators most inexperienced people will think of – they are typically between four and eight inches long, made from hard-shelled plastic, and used for both internal and external stimulation. Traditional vibrators will have a range of speeds and options, and the plastic increases the strength of sensations. Find out how to use a wand vibrator here and read our review of the most popular model.
Rabbit Vibrators
A rabbit vibrator is a well known option, and these act as clitoral stimulators, offering pressure on the clitoris and the walls of the vagina. A rabbit vibrator contains two shafts – an oscillating shaft lined with massage beads, to be used internally, and vibrating bunny ears to massage the clitoris. Here you can read our review of the top models on the market today and find out how to use them.
Couples Vibrators
There are also a number of toys which can be great for couples, including a vibrating cock ring (see here). This can be an amazing way to spice up your sex life, and try something new.
Type Of Vibrator
Advantages
Best For…
Bullet vibrator
- Inexpensive
- Very versatile
- Great for travel
- Can be used by men and women
- Versatility and experimentation
Traditional vibrators
- Can be used for internal and external vibrator sensations
- Range of strengths and speeds
- Strong sensation
- An increased sensation
Rabbit vibrators/clitoral vibrator
- Two shafts
- Incredible internal massage
- Clitoral stimulation
Couples vibrators
- Come in a range of styles and designs
- Great for using with a partner
G spot vibrator
- Designed especially
- Targeting the G spot
Anal vibrators
- Perfect for couples of both sexes
- Anal toys offer a new dynamic
- Anal penetration and stimulation
The Best Vibrator For You
As we mentioned, there are a range of types of vibrator – choosing the best option for you can be tricky and there are a number of considerations.
Dimensions
The size is one of the most important elements of sex toys – this will determine your comfort and satisfaction.
Material
The material is the other important option – there are a variety of materials, each with their own pros and cons.
Material
Pros
Cons
Silicone
Medical grade is one of the most popular options
- Feels soft
- Skin-safe
- Non-toxic
- Check closely – some may have toxicity
Jelly Rubber
A more affordable alternative to silicone
- More affordable than silicone
- Soft
- Slightly pliable
- Mimics the feel of skin
- Not suitable for those with a latex allergy
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
- Offers a harder feel
- Non-porous
- Sturdy and easily molded
- Not very realistic
Charging Options
You will need to decide between rechargeable batteries and single use batteries; the former will last longer, but tend to cost more, while the latter are more affordable, but you will need to replace the batteries.
Looking After Your Vibrator
Part of enjoying your vibrator includes making sure that you take proper care of it, and there are two advantages here. The first is that taking good care of your sex toy allows you to extend the lifespan of the toy. The second is that the nature of sex toys means that they are prone to the build up of bacteria and infection, and this can cause serious issues for you and any sexual partners.
To keep your vibrator safe, it is crucial that you thoroughly clean the toy after each and every use – you can do this by wiping over the surface with warm, soapy water and a cloth, or using a cleaner designed for the task (click here for a more detailed description of how to do it properly). Leave your toy to air dry completely, and then store it in a secure and suitable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Healthy To Use A Vibrator?
It is healthy to use a vibrator, and will not cause damage to your ability to orgasm from other means in the future. Using a vibrator allows you to release stress and tension, and floods your body with endorphins or “feel good” hormones, which can alleviate stress and low mood, and leave you relaxed, anxiety free and content – all of which are good for your body. You can read more about how to use it in our blog post.
How Does A Vibrator Work?
A vibrator works using a motor, which is placed into a weight at an off-center angle. This in turn causes the motor to spin, wobble and vibrate, allowing you to enjoy your sexual medicine to the maximum. Engineers and designers then manipulate this to create a series of sensations and feelings throughout your body.
How Do You Take Care Of A Vibrator?
You take care of a vibrator by making sure that you have a safe, secure and hygienic place to store your toy when not in use, and by making sure that you clean the vibrator thoroughly after each and every use. It is also a good idea not to store silicone vibrators with other toys.
How Does A Couple Vibrator Work?
A couple vibrator works by offering stimulation and vibrations to both partners, either by using dual stems, or by allowing one partner to control the sensations, speed and power using a remote control or app – this is a great way to enjoy an amazing new sensation, or put the power in someone else’s hands.
Conclusion
Now we have answered the question of how does a vibrator work, you can get experimenting with which works best for you: G spot vibrator, silicone toys, rabbit ears, external vibrators for clit stimulation, anal insertion…so much choice to try out. Get out the water based lube – and enjoy.
