Thread by @ninjasexology

Time for #SFSmyths with @dangerouslilly and @FunkitToys

Is "toxic" a misnomer for jelly, PVC and TPR toys?

They might not cause cancer or use phthalates, but they can burn, cause infections. #sfsmyths

They are essentially impossible to clean/sanitize. They will absorb fluids, grow bacteria/mold.

Silicone is hydrophobic. Without moisture, things don't grow.

And now, LIVE SILICONE POURING! Yay, science! #sfsmyths

Silicone can be MANY different firmnesses. Sleeves/strokers do not need to be made of TPR!

Silicone can be stretchy...to 800% of its length without snapping! #sfsmyths

The definition of body safe needs to include "non-porous". #sfsmyths

The flame test: what do we know about it now?

Depending upon the softness/type of silicone, toys can behave differently.

Silicone won't catch fire. TPR/PVC will burn like an oil lamp or melt.

Gray ash/black smudging is OK.

Different flame colors can be from mold release or other treatments on the surface of the toy. Wash new toys before using.

#sfsmyths

Non-silicone toys will react to flame in 5 seconds or less.

Thin edges/ridges of silicone may smolder but won't burn. #sfsmyths

Reminder: a sex toy can say "silicone" on the box and not be silicone. There is no regulation. #sfsmyths

Bigger companies may put toys in a detergent bath tumbler which can leave residue/scent. Input from @duckydoolittle ...wash your new toys!!!

"Platinum grade" silicone is not a thing. Platinum is a curing method. It is not superior to "gold" or "silver".

Basically, dildos are not credit cards. 🤣 #sfsmyths

Does silicone need to be medical grade?

Food grade is body safe, but it's about your comfort level. If you want medical grade, it will be much more expensive. #sfsmyths

Would FDA regulation help?

Maybe not. After all, KY Jelly (aka "vagina poison") is FDA approved despite being high osmolality and incompatible pH.

And it would vastly increase cost. #sfsmyths

Small companies could not make sex toys if FDA approval was required. We'd lose our dildo artisans.

Also, FDA approval requires animal testing. #sfsmyths

"More cool people making more cool things is good." - @FunkitToys #sfsmyths

SILICONE TOYS CAN TOUCH EACH OTHER.

The myth came from improperly labeled TPR/PVC reacting with silicone. #sfsmyths

Silicone toys can absorb silicone lubes and swell/get slimy/lose tensile strength. #sfsmyths

Silicone toys absorbing silicone lube can cause difficulty removing butt plugs. Water based lube is preferable! #sfsmyths

What about putting condoms on toys?

For silicone toys that are being shared, it's a good idea to keep things sanitary.

On a PVC/TPR toy, oils from the toy can destroy a latex condom. If you must try this approach, use polyurethane condoms. #sfsmyths

"But silicone is expensive, right?"

Not always! 480 body safe toys under $35 on @SheVibe .

And @BlushNovelties is making lots of affordable silicone.

Also @tantus grab bags and @NoFrillDo .

You can find affordable silicone from reputable makers. Don't accept toxic toys. #sfsmyths

Sometimed the issue is customers wanting toys they are familiar with.

@Makeupandsin talked about a customer trying to rebuy a toy that landed her in the hospital with a cervical infection. #sfsmyths

Talk to customers about what aspects they love and steer them to a safer option.

If they're buying for single use, maybe then porous is OK. #sfsmyths

Silicone toys ARE compatible with coconut oil and other oil-based lube. #sfsmyths

And the icing on the cake, @FunkitToys has explained why bologna probably can't be mixed in silicone toys. #sfsmyths 🤣

(Sulfur inhibits the curing of platinum cure silicone.)

You don't need special cleaners or UV light to clean your silicone sex toys. You can use a 10% bleach solution, rubbing alcohol, soap and water. #sfsmyths

Silicone has low abrasive strength. Excessive rubbing with cloth or scrubbing may dull a glossy finish. #sfsmyths