8 Best Male Masturbators, Tested & Reviewed by Sex Experts

First off: Lube is nonnegotiable. Personal lubricant is a necessity with these toys, which only feel great once they’re slick. Stick to water-based lube, though, since silicone-based options can actually start to degrade the plastic you’re thrusting into.

From there, sleeves and strokers can be used in any way you like. There’s the classic stroking motion, of course. But you can also hold your toy in place and thrust into it, and hump it, or do virtually anything else you imagine. You can even get into a bit of temperature play to make these toys feel even more like the real thing; submerge the silicone sleeve in warm water for at least 10 minutes before you get started. (Just make sure it’s a waterproof toy before plopping it in the sink.) Experts say you can absolutely use it as a sex toy for couples, whether you use it during foreplay or penetrative sex. There are no rules here—just be creative and have an open mind.

Once the warm, post-climax glow wears off, you’ll need to clean your toy. The vast majority of silicone toys are easy to wash with soap and water, so don’t worry about loading up on lube and letting bodily fluids fly because washing afterward is simple. Whichever stroker or sleeve you go for, give it a scrub after every use, rinse well, then let it air-dry completely.