In sexdolls-USA.com, we only sell TPE sex dolls. But in order to help you make the best decision, here we are going to explain the differences between TPE vs Silicone:
TPE
TPE stands for Thermoplastic Elastomer, sometimes known as thermoplastic rubbers. It is made from mixing polymers such as a plastic and a rubber, which consists of materials with both thermoplastic (plastic) and elastomeric (rubber) properties.
TPE is a kind of plastic that can be stretched up to 5.5 times length and it is very soft. It is fairly popular material used in everyday items because it can be used to make items that possess rubber like features but still utilize the efficiency of current injection molding techniques making it more economical.
Softness of a TPE doll
Pros
- Dolls are cheaper (from $800 to $2.000)
- Soft and elastic texture, providing a very life-like touch. It is more realistic
- Breasts and buttocks will wobble when you rock your doll back and forth
- Material is more elastic which makes the dolls more flexible and can therefor handle more sex positions.
- Compatible with both water-based and silicone-based lubricants
Cons
- It is a porous material, which means that it is more sensitive to stains from clothes. (In sexdolls-USA.com we include a stain removal cream in every order).
- As it is porous it retains humidity, so after cleaning it you must make sure that it is perfectly dry to avoid mold in the long term.
- It is more sensible to heat. TPE can start losing its consistency or melting when reaching more than 104º Fahrenheit (40ºC)
Silicone
Silicone is a polymer. It is typically heat resistant and rubber like so have a wide range of application such as in lubricants, medicine, glue, cooking utensils etc. It can come in many forms but the one that we see in silicone dolls is silicone rubber.
Silicone rubber can be very soft or very firm depending on how it is formulated and is very good at retaining its original shape even under extreme pressure. It is also very resistant to heat so can be boiled to sterilize it and is highly inert since it does not react with most chemicals (explain why it is used in medical implants).
Pros
- Non-porous, so it will not get stained from clothes. It is easier to clean
- It doesn't retain humidity. It can be sterilized using boiling water. (like a baby bottle)
- It is less sensitive to heat
Cons
- More expensive (from $2.000 to
- Not as soft as TPE, feels more dense and stiff to touch. Not very life-like
- Buttocks and breasts will not wobble when you rock your doll back and forth, as they would with TPE
- Silicone is not the most durable polymer