Four Types of Lube and How to Use Them

At a Glance

• The four types: Water-based, silicone-based, hybrid, and oil-based each work differently and suit different situations. Knowing which is which saves you from ruining a toy or a condom.
• Water-based is the most versatile: It works with all toys and condoms, feels natural, and cleans up easily. The downside is that it absorbs faster, so reapplication during longer sessions is common.
• Silicone and hybrid last longer — but not with silicone toys: Both stay slick without reapplication and work well in water, but they can break down silicone toy surfaces over time, creating bacteria traps.
• Oil-based is for specific uses only: Good for massages and penetrative sex without condoms, but it degrades latex condoms and can stain. Baby oil and petroleum jelly fall into this category — use them with caution.
• Always lube both yourself and your toy: Apply to any area involved in the activity and to the device itself. Pair lube with a quality toy cleaner afterward to protect both your toy and your body.

Like most things in life, when it comes to sex, it's not like it is in the movies. We've all seen the hasty lovemaking scene…two people start passionately kissing and then within seconds they are engaged in raucous fucking and quickly achieved orgasms. There is little to no foreplay and definitely no lubricant.

This is a farce and our GIDDI experts call bullshit. Everyone needs some warm up and a little lube to really get going. We bring you the highest quality prostate pleasure devices and want to make sure you are using the highest quality lube alongside our best prostate massager. So this month, our blog post is all about lube: what to use, how to use it, and why it works.

WHAT TO USE

There are lots of different lubes out there and it's hard to know what to choose. So let's break it down. Here are the four basic types:

1. Water-based
The most common type of lubricant, water-based lubes are good for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. They generally have no taste or smell and this is the lube to use with most pleasure devices and other sex products, including our prostate massager, TOMO by GIDDI. Most toys are made with silicone, so water-based lubes won't damage them. We recommend trying Hydrogel Water Based Anal Lube, made with natural seaweed extracts so it won't become sticky or dry up quickly like many other competing water-based lubricants.

This lube is designed not to dry out as quickly as other types, so it lasts longer and can leave your skin feeling silky smooth. However, you should not use silicone-based lube with your pleasure device, prostate massager or other sex products made with silicone (and most are). It can damage the pleasure device and irritate your skin.

3. Hybrid
This lube is marketed as "the best of both worlds", and in many ways, it is. It has the natural feel of water-based lube and also lasts longer (due to its silicone content). However, since it is made with silicone, you should never use hybrid lubes with your prostate massager or other sex products that are made of silicone (for reasons described above).

4. Oil-based
There are some oil-based lubes that work well for massages, but they have also been known to trap bacteria, stain bed sheets, and deteriorate latex condoms to the point of breakage. This type of lube includes baby oil, petroleum jelly, and other household lotions and creams. Use with caution.

HOW TO USE IT

The best way to use lube is to apply it to any area where you're going to be engaging in sexual activity. You should apply it to your prostate massager or other pleasure device and to yourself. You can also apply it to your partner as part of foreplay. That part is especially fun, in our opinion.

Remember to clean your pleasure device, prostate massager or other sex products after use. We recommend using the FoamFresh Sex Toy Cleaner, enhanced with Olive leaf, Thyme and Lavender extracts, making it safe for all toy materials.

WHY IT WORKS
Whether you are having intercourse or using a pleasure device, lube makes the experience more enjoyable. If engaging in anal penetration with a partner and/or a pleasure device, prostate massager, or other sex product, lube is always recommended. Using a high quality lube like Giddi Hydrogel can make the experience more pleasurable and last longer. So lube it up and get going!