Soft vs. Super Soft Silicone: How to Choose the Right Firmness

Quick answer

Soft silicone (0030) offers a balance of squish and structure, making it a versatile choice for most users. Super soft silicone (0020) is noticeably more pliable and gentle, ideal for those who prefer intense squish or have sensitivity. Choose soft if you want more texture and control; choose super soft if you prioritize comfort and flexibility.

When you're shopping for a new silicone toy, firmness is one of the most important decisions you'll make. At Strange Bedfellas, you'll often see options like Soft (0030) and Super Soft (0020). These numbers refer to the silicone's Shore hardness, with lower numbers meaning softer material.

But what does that actually feel like in practice? This guide explains the real differences between soft and super soft silicone, the trade-offs of each, and clear decision rules to help you pick the right firmness for your needs.

What Does Soft Silicone Feel Like?

Soft silicone (0030) is the middle ground in many fantasy toy lines. It has a gentle give when you squeeze it, but it still holds its shape and provides more structure than softer options. This firmness is often recommended for toys with pronounced textures or shapes, because the material is firm enough to let those details be felt.

For example, a soft silicone toy like the Medium Yuri (Soft, 0030) has a head diameter of 1.2 inches and a widest shaft diameter of 2.4 inches. The soft firmness helps the toy bend slightly, but it still offers enough resistance to feel substantial during use.

• Soft silicone is a good starting point if you're unsure which firmness to choose.

What Does Super Soft Silicone Feel Like?

Super soft silicone (0020) is noticeably more squishy and pliable. It has a higher degree of flexibility, which can make it feel gentler and more comfortable, especially for longer wear or for people who are sensitive to firm pressure. The trade-off is that very soft silicone may not transmit texture as intensely, and toys with thin or long shapes can flop around more.

Take the Medium Batou in Super Soft (0020) as an example. With a total length of 6.5 inches and a head diameter of 1.7 inches, the super soft firmness makes this toy more forgiving and easier to insert, especially if you're working with a larger head. The bendiness can also make it more comfortable for positions where a rigid toy might feel too forceful.

• Super soft silicone is ideal for those who prioritize comfort over intense texture.

Key Trade-Offs: Texture, Support, and Durability

The main trade-off between soft and super soft silicone is texture versus plushness. Soft silicone (0030) provides a better balance—it's soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to let ridges, bumps, and other details shine. Super soft (0020) is more about the overall squish, which can feel amazing but may mute the finer points of a toy's design.

Support is another factor. A super soft toy with a thin shaft or a top-heavy shape may bend too much, making it harder to insert or control. Soft silicone holds its shape better, so it's often a safer bet for toys with dramatic curves or large heads. Durability is generally similar, but super soft silicone can be more prone to nicks and tears if handled roughly.

• If a toy has intricate textures you want to feel, lean toward soft silicone.

How to Choose: Decision Rules

Start by considering your experience level and sensitivity. Beginners often prefer soft silicone because it's forgiving, but not so floppy that it's difficult to use. Experienced users who enjoy intense texture may find soft silicone to be the sweet spot. If you have a history of discomfort with firmer toys, super soft silicone might be your best friend.

Also think about the toy's shape. For toys with large heads or aggressive tapers, super soft can make insertion easier. For toys with pronounced textures or features you want to feel, soft will preserve those sensations better. And if you're between sizes, going softer can make a toy feel slightly less intimidating.

• When in doubt, choose soft silicone for its versatility.

Your Firmness Decision Rules

• If you're new to silicone toys: Start with soft silicone (0030). It's forgiving and easy to use without being too floppy. Soft is the safest starting point.
• If you love intense texture: Choose soft silicone to feel every ridge and bump. Super soft will mute the details. Soft preserves texture best.
• If you have sensitivity or discomfort: Go with super soft silicone (0020) for a gentler, more cushioning feel. Super soft maximizes comfort.

Real Examples from Strange Bedfellas

• Medium Batou -- Super Soft silicone -- B-3184: Firmness: Super Soft (0020); Total length: 6.5 inches; Useable length: 5 inches; Diameter of the head: 1.7 inches; Circumference of the head: 5.25 inches. This toy's larger head benefits from super soft silicone, which allows it to compress and bend for easier insertion and a gentler feel.
• Medium Yuri -- Soft silicone -- Y-1390: Firmness: Soft (0030); Total length: 6 inches; Useable length: 5.25 inches; Diameter of the head: 1.2 inches; Widest shaft diameter: 2.4 inches. The soft firmness provides enough structure to support the toy's thicker shaft and lets you feel the shape changes, making it a good example of soft silicone's balance.

Which Firmness Fits You?

Best for

• Those who want a versatile, balanced feel that works for most shapes and uses.
• Users who want to feel detailed textures and pronounced features.

Not for

• Those who prioritize maximum squish and gentleness over texture—consider super soft instead.
• Users who need a very firm, rigid toy for targeted pressure—consider medium or firm silicone.

Choosing between soft and super soft silicone comes down to your personal preferences and the toy's design. Soft silicone offers a balanced experience that preserves texture, while super soft provides maximum plushness and comfort. Use the decision rules above to guide your choice, and don't be afraid to try both to see which you prefer.