Glossary

The small, widely available cylindrical battery that powers many classic mini vibrators. Easy to swap, easy to find in any supermarket, and a simple choice if you would rather not think about charging.

A smooth, hard, non-porous plastic used for the handles, buttons and charging bases of many toys. It is easy to clean and holds its shape well. On our products it is usually paired with a soft silicone outer layer.

A toy that connects to a free companion app on your phone, usually over Bluetooth. Apps can unlock custom patterns, music sync and long-distance play. See app and remote control explained.

A material that is non-porous, free from phthalates and can be cleaned thoroughly, so it does not hold on to bacteria. Platinum-cure silicone, ABS, glass and stainless steel are all considered body-safe. Read more in body-safe materials.

A shortcut button that jumps straight to the highest intensity, then back again. Handy when you want a little more without clicking through every setting.

A small, smooth, usually cylindrical vibrator, roughly the size of a lipstick or a little larger. Bullets are simple, quiet, easy to travel with and often a first choice. See what is a bullet vibrator.

The neutral name you will see on your bank or card statement when you shop with vibrator.toys: BH Commerce Ltd. Your parcel label shows the same neutral name as its sender, and nothing about the products appears anywhere. See discreet by default.

A flat, round battery (such as an LR44) used in the very smallest toys. It keeps the toy tiny and light, with a shorter runtime than a AAA or rechargeable model.

The unit used to measure sound. The lower the number, the quieter the toy. Where our suppliers rate the noise, our toys come in at under 50 dB, quieter than a normal conversation. See noise levels explained.

Plain, unbranded outer packaging with no product names, pictures or hints on the label. Every vibrator.toys order is sent this way as standard, at no extra cost.

The factory seal on an intimate product. For hygiene reasons, intimate products can only be returned under the right to cancel if the seal is unbroken. Faulty items are always covered. See our returns policy.

How strong a vibration feels. Toys with more speeds let you adjust intensity in smaller steps, which can make it easier to find a level that feels right.

An international code (from the IEC 60529 standard) for how well a device resists water. The number after "IPX" goes up with protection: IPX4 resists splashes, IPX7 can be submerged to about one metre and IPX8 goes beyond that. See waterproof ratings explained.

The rechargeable battery inside most USB and magnetic-charging toys. Light and long-lasting, it is happiest stored part-charged, kept away from heat and charged with a suitable USB plug. See charging and battery safety.

Using an app-controlled toy with a trusted partner who is somewhere else, with the app sending your chosen settings over the internet.

Short for lubricant: a gel or liquid that adds glide and comfort. Many people find a little lube makes any toy feel better. See lube and compatibility.

Whether a lube is safe to use with a particular material. Water-based lube suits every toy we sell. Silicone-based lube can damage the surface of some silicone toys, so patch-test first or stick to water-based.

A charger that clicks onto small metal contacts on the toy with a magnet. There is no open port, which helps keep a toy sealed.

The point when periods have stopped for 12 months, usually between 45 and 55 in the UK. Our menopause guide covers comfort and confidence, with links to NHS information.

The small part inside a vibrator that creates the vibration. Larger motors tend to feel deeper and more "rumbly"; smaller, faster motors tend to feel more "buzzy".

A surface without tiny holes or pores, so it cannot trap moisture or bacteria. Non-porous materials can be cleaned thoroughly, which is why they are considered body-safe.

Pre-set rhythms such as pulses, waves and escalations, in addition to steady speeds. Patterns add variety; many people end up with one or two favourites.

The layer of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel and womb. The NHS recommends pelvic floor exercises for many people. Our pelvic floor awareness guide links to NHS advice.

The years before the menopause when hormone levels begin to change and symptoms can start. It can begin in your early 40s, or sooner for some people.

Chemicals sometimes added to cheap plastics to make them soft and flexible. Body-safe toys are phthalate-free. Every product we sell is.

A high-grade silicone made using a platinum catalyst rather than cheaper alternatives. It is smooth, stable, non-porous and widely used in medical and food-grade products. It is the main outer material on our toys.

A material with tiny holes that can hold on to moisture and bacteria even after washing, such as jelly rubber or some cheap TPE. We do not sell porous toys.

A small wireless controller that changes speeds and patterns without touching the toy. Usually works within a few metres.

Your legal right, under the UK Consumer Contracts Regulations, to change your mind about most online purchases within 14 days. Sealed intimate products are an exception once unsealed. See our returns policy.

How long a toy runs on a full charge or a fresh battery, usually measured at a medium setting. It is listed on every product page.

A soft, flexible, non-porous material that feels smooth and warms to the touch. Body-safe silicone is the gold standard for toys. See materials and cleaning.

A velvety, matte coating on silicone that feels silky rather than slippery. Purely a matter of feel; it cleans the same way as standard silicone.

The number of steady vibration levels a toy offers, from low to high. More speeds means finer control.

Protected against splashes and rinsing, but not designed to be submerged. Usually IPX4 to IPX6. Rinse under the tap, but keep it out of the bath.

A tip that narrows to a gentle point, for more focused sensation. Our Bijou Classic Bullet has one.

A gentle, fragrance-free spray or foam made for cleaning intimate toys. Mild, unscented soap and warm water work well too. See how to clean your vibrator.

A setting (usually holding the power button for a few seconds) that stops a toy switching on by accident in a bag. Essential for travel. See travel and airport tips.

Charging through a USB cable, either with a standard port or a magnetic connector. No batteries to buy, and most toys charge fully in about 90 to 120 minutes.

A promise that a product will work as it should for a set time. Whatever a manufacturer offers, faulty items are always covered under your Consumer Rights Act 2015 rights, which a warranty adds to but never replaces.

The most versatile lube: safe with every toy material and easy to wash off. If you are unsure which lube to choose, choose water-based.

Fully sealed for submersion, so suitable for the bath or shower. That means IPX7 or IPX8. Our Lune Rechargeable Mini Bullet and Duet Dual Massage Wand are both rated IPX7.