Clitoral stimulators are sex toys made to provide powerful sensations to the clitoris without the direct buzzing intensity from conventional vibrators.
Suction enhances arousal and pleasure by engorging the clitoris and making your nerve endings more sensitive.
This type of toy might be newer, but clitoral pumps have been around for some time.
Although older style suction pumps have been more of a fetish toy, these modern suction vibrators bring along the basic idea with a lot of technology.
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What are clitoral stimulators?
Depending on which site you’re on, these toys go by different names. In addition to being clitoral stimulators, they’re known as pressure wave vibrators.
You might also see them categorized as suction vibrators, air sex toys, oral sex toys, or sonic clitoral massagers. Whatever they’re called, the idea is the same.
Instead of having a hard vibrating shaft that you move around your clit, g-spot, or vagina, this device is placed explicitly on your clit. The various names all describe what they do, gently stimulate your clit with light suction and waves of pressurized air.
Rather than moving the toy around, you leave it in place and let the toy do its thing. Turn it up or push in harder when you’re ready for more intensity.
How do clitoral stimulators work?
Clitoral stimulators all have a little cup that goes around but doesn’t necessarily touch your clit.
This keeps any of the sensations from being too overwhelming. If you’re someone who isn’t really a fan of vibrators, this might be your favorite feature.

The silicone cup surrounding your clit spreads gentle sensations and gently (or powerfully) sucks without ever feeling overpowering.
Instead of a constant buzz or thrum, internal motors provide pulses in a varying range of intensities.
The popular models out today typically offer at least 7 different modes. Higher-end and more expensive models come equipped with more. I have the older Lelo Sona 2 but the popular Lovehoney Womanizer X has really taken over as a top choice.
How loud are clitoral stimulators?
Clitoral stimulators can be some of the quietest sex toys available today.
If privacy is your goal, these little devices are going to be a favorite.
One feature available in a lot of brands allows you to be even more discreet.
When the device is on, it doesn’t actually make any noise until it’s close to your skin.
How to use a clitoral stimulator
- Apply plenty of water-based lubricant to your clitoris and surrounding area. It must be water-based since these are silicone, and silicone-based lube will damage the material. If you’re in a bind, find out what you might have at home that is silicone-safe here.
- Use your fingers to slowly pull back your labia and expose your clit.
- Turn on your device. If this is your first time, start with a lower intensity so you can get to know the sensations.
- Line up the head of your clitoral stimulator and completely cover your clit with the head of the toy. You might need to reposition the head of the toy to ensure it’s centered. If the sensations don’t feel quite right, it might be the positioning.
- Push down only hard enough to keep the seal. As you grow accustomed to using it, you can push down harder at just the right moments.
- Turn up or down the intensity depending on how slowly or quickly you’re looking to come.
- Sit back and wait for your orgasm to hit you. Depending on the setting, it might be close to instant.
What do clitoral stimulators feel like?
Clitoral stimulators are known for feeling like oral sex. When the cup-shaped tip of the surrounds your clitoris, it forms a seal, and you feel a sucking sensation, similar to oral sex.
The strength and intensity of the setting you use will change the feel. Lower settings will allow a slow build-up and will let you play awhile.
Turn it up all the way, and this toy is notorious for bringing near-instantaneous orgasms.
Clitoral stimulators are basically a guaranteed orgasm. If you’ve consistently had a hard time achieving orgasm, these toys are for you. It will help you be as consistent as can be.
It should come as no surprise that these deliver clitoral orgasms only.
So powerful, in fact, you feel them down to your feet.
If vaginal orgasms are your favorite and you want the best of both worlds, the Womanizer Duo is a combination clitoral stimulator and g-spot vibrator in one.
Does clit size matter?
This is one of those situations where one size might not fit all. If you have a smaller (or larger) clit, you’re going to want to pick a clitoral stimulator with a removable head so you can swap it out.
I have the Womanizer Premium Pleasure Air Clitoral Stimulator in black and gold and you can see how the attachment can be changed out:

The fit and seal around your clit can make or break your experience, so don’t underestimate the importance of fit. The Womanizer Premium comes with two attachment sizes in the box, small and medium, so you can customize your experience.
The Premium Pleasure Air Clitoral Stimulator is expensive but I appreciate the customizability.
Are clitoral stimulators waterproof?
I always recommend that you review the product manual for your device to see if it’s waterproof.
That said, nearly every single one will be waterproof. Feel free to take your toy into the shower or bath and enjoy it.
When confirming if your clitoral stimulator is waterproof, look out for the rating IPX7. This means that your toy is safe for submersion up to 30 minutes.
Waterproofing also means you can use as much lube as you need without fear that it will damage your suction vibrator.
When you are using the toy in the shower or bath, remember that water is not lube and does not replace your need for lubricant. In fact, water tends to dry out your skin and make it worse instead of better.
How do you clean clitoral stimulators?
Since most clitoral stimulators are made from silicone or ABS and silicone, they are all non-porous.
This means that they are less likely to harbor bacteria or anything else like yeast. Although a positive, it is still necessary to keep your toy clean.
Assuming you have confirmed that your clitoral stimulator is waterproof, the best way to clean your toy is to give it a good wash. There is nothing better than just keeping it simple with soap and water.
Plenty of stores out there sell sex toy cleaners that they tout as the best cleaner for your device. However, the truth is that sex toy cleaners are like using hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands. It might be better than nothing, but absolutely nothing beats soap and water.
It is best to wash your clitoral stimulator before and after you use it. When you’re getting ready to put it away, make sure that it’s completely dry to avoid mold or mildew.
If orgasms are what you’re after, clitoral stimulators are a solid choice. Enjoy!