How to use a clitoral stimulator (air pulse toy)

A clitoral stimulator with air pressure—often called an air pressure vibrator or suction vibrator—works differently than a regular vibrator. Instead of shaking against the skin, it creates pulsing pressure waves in a small chamber. That’s why the use is less about moving the toy and more about placing it correctly and letting it stay there.

Here’s what you do: make sure it’s charged and clean, get into a comfortable position, and if you want, gently lift the labia with your other hand, then place the opening of the nozzle over the clitoris. The edge should sit against the skin all around so that the chamber seals tightly, but you shouldn’t press. Start at the lowest level, wait for a moment, and then increase it one step at a time. Change the angle or move it slightly if the sensation disappears—that usually means the seal has loosened.

The most common mistake is starting too strong. Air pressure against the clitoral hood can be very intense, and the lower levels are enough for many.

Inside the toy, there’s a small pump or a membrane that alternately increases and decreases the pressure in the stimulation head’s chamber. Womanizer, which calls the technology Pleasure Air, describes it as touch-free stimulation with pressure waves: the clitoral hood itself doesn’t touch anything—it’s the air in the chamber that’s set in motion.

Two things follow from that. The first is that the seal determines everything—if the chamber leaks, the pressure difference disappears and with it the sensation. The second is that the sensation is often described as suction-like, pulsing, or as if it’s coming from inside, rather than buzzing. Many people who find that regular vibrators become numbing or too superficial prefer air pressure, but that’s personal. A review of the differences is available in "clitoral stimulator or air pressure vibrator.

Some models combine air pressure with vibration.Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3For example, it has two motors that are controlled separately, with eleven pressure wave programs and twelve vibration programs. That way, you can use the air pressure by itself or add vibration.

1. Charge and clean. Charge fully before first use and wash the stimulation head. If the head can be removed, wash it separately.

2. Get in the mood. Air pressure can feel very intense if you’re not aroused. Start with your hands or with the toy at a low level against the area around the clitoris.

3. Find the right placement. Place the opening over the clitoral hood. Hold the toy so that the rim sits evenly against the skin all around—you should feel that it seals, but not that it presses hard.

4. Start at the lowest level. Wait a few seconds before changing anything. Pressure waves often feel stronger after a while than right away.

5. Adjust in small steps. Increase the level one step at a time, and try tilting the toy slightly or moving it a few millimeters if the sensation fades. Many people keep it completely still once it’s in the right spot.

6. Take a break if needed. If it gets too intense, lift the toy briefly or lower the level. It’s common for the clitoris to become overly sensitive after orgasm—some Womanizer models have a feature called Afterglow that lowers the intensity in that mode.

The clitoris looks different from person to person, and that’s why the same nozzle doesn’t work for everyone. If the opening is too large, the seal will come loose easily; if it’s too small, the rim can sit directly on the sensitive clitoral glans and feel uncomfortable. That’s why several manufacturers include multiple sizes. Womanizer provides both Premium 2 and Next with two stimulation tips in sizes S and M. Try both.

If it feels like the stimulator is doing nothing at all, it’s almost always the seal. Try pulling up the foreskin, changing the angle, moving the nozzle slightly up or down, or switching to a different tip size. Thick hair can also prevent the rim from sealing properly.

A small amount of water-based lubricant on the skin around the clitoris can make the rim glide more softly and seal better. Keep it, however, away from the chamber itself. For OG, Womanizer states that Smart Silence—the feature that starts the toy on skin contact—can stop working when the stimulation head is wet.

The number of levels varies between the models. Womanizer Pro has eleven intensity levels, Premium 2 and Next fourteen, and Liberty 2 eight. More steps do not mean stronger stimulation, but finer gradation, which makes it easier to find a level that doesn’t become too much.

Autopilot is an automatic program that varies the intensity for you. On Premium 2 there are three programs with different intensity ranges – 1–5, 5–11 and 6–14 – so you can choose a calmer or a more intense program. It’s a good way to discover which levels you like without having to keep pressing buttons.

Next also has a second control, Climax Control, which lets you control how deep the pressure waves are with three levels, independently of the intensity. It gives 42 combinations. Try a low intensity with more depth if the high intensity feels too sharp.

Smart Silence, available on, among others, Premium 2 and Next, makes the toy start only when it almost touches the skin and pause when it’s lifted away. It’s handy if you want to move it or put it aside for a moment.

Yes, if it’s waterproof. Most modern air pulse vibrators are rated IPX7, which according to the IEC 60529 standard means they can be submerged to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. All models in this guide have that rating according to their respective manufacturers, and We-Vibe, for example, states that Melt 2 can be used in the bath and shower.

A few things to keep in mind: never charge the toy while it’s wet, and don’t let the charging cable come into contact with water. The cable isn’t waterproof even if the toy is – for example, We-Vibe states for Melt 2 that the charging cable must never be submerged in water and that the product must not be used or cleaned while it’s charging. Also note that water washes away water-based lubricants, so you may need to top up more often.

More about the ratings and what they mean in practice is in the guide to waterproof sex toys.

A clitoral stimulator works well with a partner, both as foreplay and during intercourse. The simplest option is for your partner to hold it while you show them where it should sit, or for you to hold it yourself in a position where you lie on your back and your partner is on top of you or next to you.

Some models are designed specifically for that.We-Vibe Melt 2It is, according to the manufacturer, made to stay in place between two bodies during intercourse and can be controlled via an app, so that the partner can take over control. Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3 can also be app-controlled, both via Bluetooth and via the internet. More couple sex toys can be found in which sex toy is best for couples.

If you want air pressure against the clitoris along with penetration in the same toy, there are double stimulators and rabbit models with air pressure instead of vibration in the outer arm. They are described in the guide to rabbit vibrators and so you find the G-spot.

The nozzle is the part that needs the most care. Body fluids and lubricant can collect in the chamber, and because it is small and partly hidden, it’s easy to miss.

If the head or the lid can be removed, as with Premium 2, Next, and Pro 2 Generation 3, remove it after every use. Wash it separately in lukewarm water with mild soap or a sex toy cleaner, rinse the toy’s chamber under the faucet if it is waterproof, and let everything air-dry before you put it back together. Do not press hard on the membrane inside the chamber.

On models with a fixed nozzle, such as Liberty 2, the entire toy is cleaned at once. Rinse the chamber thoroughly and let the toy dry with the opening facing downward. Avoid alcohol and strong cleaning agents, and never boil a toy with a motor and battery—several manufacturers state a temperature limit of 45 degrees. More in How to clean sex toys.

The stimulation tips are a wear part. Womanizer expressly excludes them from the warranty, but sells replacement tips for several models. Satisfyer states that Pro 2 Generation 3 may only be used with the original lid.

Too high a level. Air pressure applied directly to the clitoral cup can become too much very quickly. Start low, even if it feels like nothing is happening.

Too much pressure. Pressing the toy against the body does not improve the seal—it often does the opposite and can feel uncomfortable. Let the edge rest against the skin.

Too much movement. A regular vibrator is often used while moving it around; an air-pressure vibrator works best when it stays still once it’s positioned correctly.

Lubricant in the chamber. It can interfere with functions like Smart Silence and make cleaning harder. Put it on the skin, not in the nozzle.

The wrong lubricant. A silicone-based lubricant can break down the silicone surface. Choose a water-based one—see Which lubricant should you choose.

If you want an easy first purchase, a model with a few buttons and a long run time is the easiest to get started with, like Womanizer Pro. If you want to be able to adjust the fit, two tip sizes, as with Premium 2 and Next, are the feature that makes the biggest difference. If it’s meant to be used with a partner, Melt 2 is built for that, and if you want to take it on a trip, Liberty 2 with a travel lock and lid is the practical, easy-to-pack option.

The entire category is compared in the guide to clitoral stimulators. If you prefer vibration over air pressure, then mini vibrators and how to use a vibratorbetter starting points.