Why Are Squishy Sex Toys So Popular Right Now?

Why is everyone raving about squishy sex toys? From sensory bliss to emotional healing, here’s what makes them the new must-have.

Let’s get one thing straight—squishy sex toys aren’t just a passing trend. They’ve quietly elbowed their way onto shelves, into bedrooms, and yes, into the hands of even the most skeptical testers I’ve worked with.

I’m Dr. Rachel Sommer, a clinical sexologist with over a decade of experience helping people build confidence, explore pleasure, and reconnect with their bodies—sometimes for the first time in years.

I’ve seen fads come and go. But this one? It’s sticking. Or maybe I should say… squishing.

The Squish Factor: Why It Feels So Damn Good

Let’s start with the obvious: they feel amazing. Not in a sterile, synthetic way, but in a soft, body-hugging, sink-into-it kind of way that makes your brain whisper, “Is this what heaven feels like?”

Silicone has long been the gold standard for safety and softness. But squishy sex toys take it up a notch by using low-density or dual-layer silicone that mimics the give of real flesh. I’m talking about the kind of texture that molds to your body and moves with you, whether you’re riding it, stroking it, grinding against it, or letting it rest gently against your thighs while catching your breath.

One reader, Jamie, told me something that stuck with me: “I don’t know how to explain it. It feels like it’s hugging me back.”

That’s it. That’s the draw. These toys aren’t just about friction and power. They’re about presence. Connection. Warmth.

From Stiff to Supple: The Sensory Shift

Back in the 2000s, most toys were stiff. Not firm. Stiff. Like “I’m afraid I’ll bruise something” stiff. And if it vibrated, it buzzed like a lawnmower. But over the years, users have started craving more natural sensations—something with a bit of give, a little flex, a little… squish.

There’s something deeply soothing about that tactile feedback. It’s a bit like those slow-motion videos of people squeezing slime or memory foam. You can’t look away. And your brain can’t help but release a little hit of dopamine every time it bounces back.

Now imagine that happening during orgasm. Yeah. That soft rebound against your skin, the gentle resistance as you press in just a little deeper—that’s not just stimulation. That’s surrender.

Why Now?

You might wonder, “Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with squish?” My theory? We’re collectively touch-starved. After the pandemic, so many of us found ourselves craving gentle, intentional contact. Not just sex—but softness, care, even playfulness.

Pleasure culture is shifting. Less about porn-level performance, more about presence, sensation, and slow exploration.

And squishy toys give us that. They feel kind. Inviting. Reassuring in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it.

My friend Ava put it like this: “It’s like my vibrator isn’t just something I use. It’s something I interact with.”

There’s an emotional component here that’s often overlooked. We think of sex toys as mechanical or purely physical, but our minds don’t work that way. They associate texture and sensation with memories, feelings, and needs. And soft toys hit that emotional sweet spot.

I’ve seen this shift in my clients, too. Over the past few years, people have become more intentional—not about chasing the most intense orgasm, but about enjoying the whole journey. And sometimes that starts with something that feels like a gentle yes.

The Toys Everyone’s Talking About

Alright, let’s name names. Some of the best squishy toys right now? I’m seeing a ton of love for:

• Tantus Super Soft C-Rings: These are stretchy but still snug, making them comfortable for longer sessions.
• Blush Novelties Aria Vibrating Dildos: Dual-density silicone with soft exteriors and firmer cores—so you get both squish and structure.
• Kiiroo’s interactive strokers: Their sleeves feel more forgiving than most and combine tech with texture for a next-level experience.
• Fantasy creatures from indie makers: I’m not naming favorites (you’ll have to explore a bit), but if you haven’t tried a squishy tentacle dildo, are you even living?

And here’s the thing—these products don’t just feel soft. They’re designed for it. The density, the flexibility, the way they respond to pressure—it all adds up to something that feels responsive and even a little bit sentient.

If you’re just getting started, look for products labeled “dual-density” or “soft-core.” These typically have a firmer inner core with a luscious outer squish—ideal for folks who want structure without rigidity.

Worried about price? You’re not alone. Some squishy toys can be a bit more expensive due to their materials, but don’t panic. There are solid options under $30, especially smaller dildos or strokers. And yes, they still deliver the melt-in effect.

Reader Experiences That Surprised Me

Reader comments are one of my favorite parts of my job. They keep me grounded. They remind me that sex is never one-size-fits-all.

Take Drew, for example, who emailed me after trying a squishy stroker for the first time: “I never realized how much tension I held during solo play. The softness lets me relax more. I had the strongest orgasm I’ve had in months.”

And Sierra, a long-time reader who tried a dual-density dildo after years of using rigid glass and metal toys: “I cried a little. I know that sounds dramatic, but it reminded me of what my body used to feel like before trauma made everything tense. It was the first time I didn’t flinch.”

Those are the stories that matter. This isn’t just about materials. It’s about how those materials make us feel—safe, welcomed, present in our bodies again.

First-Time Squish? Here’s What to Know

If you’re new to this category, here are a few tips from someone who’s guided plenty of first-time users:

1. Warm it up. Run it under warm water for 30 seconds. It softens even more and feels downright luxurious.
2. Lube is your friend. A water-based lubricant brings out the texture beautifully, especially for models with soft ridges or dimples.
3. Start with something mid-sized. A squishy toy gives you permission to take your time, so choose a size you’re excited about—not intimidated by.
4. Most of all, let your body respond without rushing. Squish invites slowness, and sometimes that’s where the real pleasure lives.

They’re Not Just for Vaginas and Penises

Another misconception I keep bumping into? That squishy toys are only for vaginal penetration or stroking. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

A growing number of users are using squishy toys for:

• Anal play, where a softer toy helps reduce anxiety and relaxes the body.
• Gender-affirming play, especially for trans and non-binary users who want a gentler experience that feels affirming instead of clinical.
• Non-penetrative use, like humping or grinding, which feels far better with a plush surface.

As someone who’s worked with a lot of folks exploring their identities or recovering from painful experiences, I can’t overstate how game-changing these textures can be.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Don’t Overthink It

Now, some folks get nervous. “If it’s soft, is it hard to clean?”

Nope. As long as you’re sticking to non-porous materials like silicone, squishy toys are just as easy to clean as firmer ones. Warm water, gentle soap, and air dry. Done.

Just be sure to store them properly—some models can pick up lint or warp if squashed under heavy items. Think of it like your favorite cozy sweater. You wouldn’t toss it in a drawer full of knives, would you?

Is It Just a Fad?

I don’t think so. If anything, I think we’re just scratching the surface.

Softness, squishiness—these are qualities that invite people in. And as more of us talk about sex toys as tools for healing, exploration, and comfort (not just pleasure), the demand for kind, responsive textures is only going to grow.

And frankly, I’m here for it.

Final Thoughts

Sex doesn’t need to be aggressive to be powerful. An adult toy doesn’t have to thump like a jackhammer to earn a place in your drawer. Sometimes, the most transformative experiences come from something gentle pressing back. Something forgiving. Something that feels… human.

As one reader named Theo wrote to me last week: “It’s not the biggest, loudest, or fanciest masturbation sleeve I own. But it’s the one I reach for when I really need to feel something.”

And isn’t that the whole point?

Rachel

Rachel is a clinical sexologist with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues. Originally from Texas, she loves sushi, white wine, and spending time with her partner Jessica. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Yahoo.com, Women’s Health, Healthline, Glamour, and MindBodyGreen.
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