What is a clit air toy?
A clit air toy or clitoral air toy (sometimes referred to as air pulse, air pressure, air wave or simply air sensations) is a sex toy that stimulates the clitoris using air instead of direct contact.
The circular ‘nozzle’ of the toy sits over the clitoral glans, forming a soft seal around the edge with the toy, and uses rhythmic bursts of air that stimulate your most powerful erogenous zone without actually touching it.
If you’ve ever shopped for one of these toys, you’ve probably seen them referred to as suction toys, air pressure, air pulse, air wave toys - and even clit suckers! - and wondered what the difference is between all of these things, and if they’re all actually the same.
They are in some ways: all of these names refer to the same kind of toy which stimulate the clit indirectly. They differ from a vibrator in that a vibrator is designed to touch the clitoral glans and stimulate it with vibrations or buzzing, whereas an air toy is designed to sit over the glans and stimulate it using air pressure.
It isn’t actually suction
Clitoral air toys don’t actually create suction. The toy is powered by a small motor which rapidly contracts and expands a small diaphragm (an inflatable sac a bit like a balloon). This creates rapid bursts of air pressure within the chamber, which in turn creates a pulsing sensation, so the toy doesn’t pull or suck in the same way that a vacuum would. Pulling on sensitive tissue could create discomfort or pain, so clit air toys are designed to use gentle air pressure rather than strong suction.
This is also why clit air toys are said to create a sensation that’s similar to receiving oral sex. The rhythmic and gentle pressure around the clitoral glans is said to mimic the feeling of a partner’s lips and tongue. Vibrators, on the other hand, are designed to be used directly on or around the clitoral glans. This creates an entirely different rubbing and rumbling sensation.
The name ‘suction toy’ or ‘clit sucker’ probably stuck to these toys because it reflects a misunderstanding in how they work. It’s a snappy name but it’s not completely accurate, so we prefer ‘air toys’, or ‘air pulse’, ‘air pressure’ or ‘air wave’ toys for different examples of clit toys which use air in different ways, to better describe how the toys work.
Air vs. vibration: what each one feels like
Clit Air Toys
Air toys focus on the clitoral glans even though they don’t touch it directly. The waves of air pressure they create feel like a pleasurable sensation, stimulating blood flow to the clitoris, and can be stronger or lighter depending on your preferences and the setting of the toy. Don’t expect a sucking sensation with an air toy; they’re more about rhythmic pressure and fluttering. Some people report that because they don’t touch the clitoral glans directly they’re less likely to cause feelings of over-sensitivity, although everyone responds differently. Clit air toys may be a bit trickier to use during penetrative sex because they need to be kept in one place to work, although they can certainly be used with a partner for mutual masturbation.
Clit Vibrators
Vibrators are popular for clitoral stimulation, although they can be used anywhere across the vulva and really on any erogenous zone you can think of! They can be used directly on the clitoral glans, or through the hood. They create a rumbling, buzzing sensation when used, which (similar to clit air toys) can be made stronger or lighter depending on the toy itself and your preferences. Some people find them easier to use during penetrative sex because they don’t need to be positioned as precisely as an air toy.
Which one will suit me?
Neither toy is better than the other, and what works for you depends on your own preferences. However, if you’re trying to choose between one or the other, here are some things to consider…
You might like a clit air toy if…
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You’ve used vibrators in the past and want to try something new
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You find direct stimulation a bit too intense
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You want to recreate the feeling of oral sex
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You enjoy clit stimulation
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You might like a vibrator if…
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You want a toy to use on any erogenous zone
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You want a toy to use during penetration or partnered sex
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You prefer direct stimulation
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You want more adjustable sensations
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How to use a clitoral air toy
Using a clit air toy is pretty simple. First up, make sure that your toy is properly charged and clean. Use a small amount of toy-friendly lube on the section of the toy which will make contact with your body and on the area around the clitoral glans. Place the toy over the glans, so the sides of the nozzle are surrounding it, and turn it on. It may take a few minutes to make sure it’s in the right spot, so don’t hesitate to adjust it or your position. You should feel some pleasurable fluttering or pulsing sensations; not tugging, pushing, or discomfort.
My clit air toy is too intense!
It’s not uncommon for people to find their air toy too intense at first. Here are a few common reasons why…
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The sensations are too strong
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Any good air toy will allow you to change the intensity of the sensations. If you find that your toy is too strong, make sure you have it on the lowest setting while you get comfortable with it.
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It’s in the wrong spot
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Air toys can be really enjoyable, but if the chamber is in the wrong position it can feel awkward, uncomfortable, way too intense, or way too mild. Adjust the chamber of the toy so it’s sitting directly over the clitoral glans. You might need to experiment a few times with getting the placement perfect.
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It works best with lube
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If your air toy feels intense, and not in a good way, you may need to use it with some lube. Apply a small amount to the rim of the chamber and to the clitoral glans, and try using it again. Lube can help to reduce friction during sex and solo play, and we always recommend using it with an air toy.
How to clean your air toy
All sex toys need to be cleaned before use and after use, and between uses if you’re sharing your toy with a partner. Wiping your toy down with some mild soap and water or fit-for-purpose sex toy cleaner is ideal: make sure you wipe inside the chamber too, and in the removable cap. We don’t recommend submerging your toy in water to clean it because of the motor inside the toy. Don’t put your air toy away damp or wet; leave it to dry for a few minutes before you store it.
