The Doll Forum

I'm building quite a collection of awesome toys and I'd like to get more, but they do cost a lot of money and I'm worried that in just a few years a lot of them or all of them could end up completely useless.

I don't know about TPE but I've had silicone dolls since 2006 and the only thing that has gone hard in all that time is me.

Katie's head is March 2001 and is softer than new.
The body is 2008 and is TPE softness (experimental supersoft tin silicone - softer than shore 0010 ).
Based on my own dolls, the silicone should last 25Y or longer and still be soft.

Silicone is known to get softer after a few months but I don't think it changes much after that unless exposed to seriously nasty chemicals.

TPE I think stays the same, but tends to degrade with 'use' (tearing, micro tearing, etc) and is rather prone to compression/stretch damage.

DarkOne wrote: TPE I think stays the same, but tends to degrade with 'use' (tearing, micro tearing, etc) and is rather prone to compression/stretch damage.

I have seen comment that TPE life is no more than 5 years.

For longevity, buy silicone.

Best wishes

Harem

pygmalion2 wrote:Katie's head is March 2001 and is softer than new.
The body is 2008 and is TPE softness (experimental supersoft tin silicone - softer than shore 0010 ).
Based on my own dolls, the silicone should last 25Y or longer and still be soft.

IMG_3435.JPG

Wow that body, which brand is this?

haremlover wrote:

DarkOne wrote: TPE I think stays the same, but tends to degrade with 'use' (tearing, micro tearing, etc) and is rather prone to compression/stretch damage.

I have seen comment that TPE life is no more than 5 years.

For longevity, buy silicone.

Best wishes

Harem

Harem's advice is solid. I dunno about the 5 year part, but my WM TPE of four years just today showed tiny delamination behind one knee (so oil bath & Vaseline will be her next maintenance). I've personally yet to experience any silicone softer than TPE, but do agree it lasts longer.

Either material can take damage from using the wrong care method. The skins are different material. Never heard of platinum cure silicone hardening, when cared for in the proper peramiters, because it is inert/stable material. Wheras Thermal Plastic Elastimer is sensitive to heat in varying ways. As for longetity? Those lines are becoming rather blurred. Some dolls fall apart quick. While others last for ages. Proper repair and maintanance of your toy lady is a must

I totally concur with Samara78. The delamination I mentioned was only discovered during today's powdering in the form of many Minute lines, that may not be delamination at all. I fully expect the oil bath to rejuvenate the affected area. I still think though that silicone outlasts TPE because it's so much harder (more solid).

DS silicone is s o f t . . . so the benefits of each material are blurred nowadays.

TPE crack lines - if warm, let vaseline soak in.

Best wishes and HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Harem

TPE is the acronym for ThermoPlastic Elastomer, a mix of polymers such as plastic and synthetic rubber, with thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. It’s a successful material as it combines the elasticity of the rubber with the convenience and the value offered by the injection molding. TPE is used in the production of numerous products such as bags, handles, shoe soles etc.

The Advantages of TPE

Soft, elastic, ergonomically comfortable, slip resistant. More than regular silicone.
Excellent shock absorption.
Hypoallergenic. it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Compatible with both water-based and silicone lubricants. Silicone dolls are only compatible with water based lubricants.

The Disadvantages of TPE

Porosity. Fluids might get trapped inside the pores leading to bacteria and germs growth. This can be avoided though if the dolls is cleaned with antibacterial soap after use. Also due to porosity, TPE stains more easily than silicone. Clothes that may color transfer should be avoided.
Cannot be sterilized. Porous materials can’t be sterilized.
The quality depends on the blend used. The softness and the flexibility of the doll largely depends on the formula used. Such formulas vary across different manufacturers.
Softer blends can be more prone to cutting than silicone, especially in areas such as fingers, toes, sexual cavities.

The jury is still out on tpe but I do not see any changes! only time will tell.Silicone does not change. A very happy man! Erica and Courtney have been with me for 10 years!