What Is A Penis Sleeve: Why & How To Use It Effectively

If you’ve ever wondered what is a penis sleeve and how to find the right one for you read on…

Penis Sleeve

Are you struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE)? Or are you insecure with the size of your package and want to increase it?

If you answered yes to either question, you must have encountered a penis sleeve in one way or another.

Plus, there’s actually more to penis sleeves than those two factors.

But what, exactly, is a penis sleeve? 

Why should you use one? 

How does it work (and does it actually work, or is it just a gimmick)?

I know you have many questions. Let’s go through them one by one.


What Is A Penis Sleeve?

Penis sleeves are sleeves worn over the penis for sexual benefit and/or pleasure. The wearer places their penis into a hollow dildo-like, condom-like sex toy.

They are also called cock sleeves, penis extenders, cock sheaths, support sleeves, and many more variations of those names.

Mainly, penis owners with ED or PE wear them as a sexual aid.

But couples also use it for pleasure by adding girth or length, decreasing sensitivity, and offering textured stimulation to the partner.


Why Use a Penis Sleeve?

Long before medications like Viagra and Cialis existed, penis sleeves were the go-to aid to help with erectile dysfunction (ED).

These days, there are several other ED treatments, but there are a few reasons you might want to try the best penis sleeves. In fact, here are…


10 Reasons To Use A Penis Sleeve

1. An Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

Erectile dysfunction or ED is when a penis owner can’t get or sustain an erection.

Typical treatments include oral medications, injectable medications, and implanted devices. But, they might not be available (or feasible) for everyone.

For example, men with high blood pressure aren’t advised to take Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors.

Penis sleeves are great options because they don’t even require a prescription

Most of them could also fit over a flaccid penis, so you can continue sex with your partner like normal.


2. If Your Partner Takes An Interest

No one can speak for everyone, but your partner will most likely take an interest in penis sleeves.

After all, what’s not to enjoy?

First of all, you can last longer. 

Women take longer than men to achieve an orgasm (13.19 minutes, to be exact). For men, it’s only 5.4 minutes.

Penis sleeves may also offer some stimulating perks like ribbed textures and vibrations.

Your penis is GREAT, but it naturally doesn’t come with those bells and whistles.


3. It Prevents Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is when the penis releases semen during an orgasm FASTER than you or your partner would like.

And it’s pretty normal, too. 

One in every three men aged 18 to 59 experiences it.

Of course, there’s no standard time WHEN a man should ejaculate. 

But sometimes, it’s. just. too. early.

Using a penis sleeve reduces sensitivity. They cover some of the most sensitive parts of your member, decreasing the stimulation you feel so you don’t climax quickly. 


4. Adding More Length and Girth

Let me start by saying you’re wonderful the way you are.

But if you really insist on adding length and girth to your peen, a penis sleeve is the way to go.

It’s what it’s designed for, after all!

The extra measurements allow you and your partner to reach deeper penetrations and more intense sensitivities. Especially as some sleeves stimulate erogenous spots that bring you (and your boo) to a Big O.


5. Adding Variety and Sensations To Sex

Penis sleeves come in a spectrum of shapes, sizes, and textures.

Some are vibrating or have built-in rings that help trap blood in the penis, prolonging erection. Others have textures and depths you won’t be able to explore without penis extenders.


6. As A Masturbation Sleeve

Penis sleeves aren’t just for partnered play. It could also be for solo masturbation.

Yes, you can use it as a masturbation sleeve.

Some penis sleeves have sheaths with motorized options, which send sensory vibrations that feel very stimulating to the peen.

You’ll level up your solo session and come as hard as you want.


7. To Upgrade Your Favorite Dildo or Vibrator

Vulva owners could also borrow penis sleeves to level up their sex devices.

These sleeves are dildo-shaped with a hollow shaft, which means they could insert their favorite vibrators and add immaculate vibes.

She could use it alone or for partnered play, of course.


8. More Sex Positions

Your manhood’s size could affect the sex positions you’re having.

Just like there are certain positions best explored with a small peen, some poses are excellent for men with larger dongs (or when you’re wearing a penis sleeve).

For example, cowgirl positions could be tricky for a shorter penis as it would occasionally slip out as the rider thrusts. This won’t be a problem anymore with a penis sleeve.

Another position you should try is the standing doggy position. It’s like doggy, but upright. Pretty self-explanatory.

Similar to cowgirl, standing doggy could cause the penis to slip out if it lacks in length.


9. Lovemaking After Ejaculation

There were many times I lasted long, but my partner could still go on for Round 2. Or 3.

And I’m spent.

Men’s refractory period is around 12-24 hours, especially for older ones.

Going for another round isn’t always possible. Even when YOU WANT TO.

With a penis sleeve, you can go on and on. You just have to use a ball loop or belt in your penis sleeve to keep it in place if your dong has softened.

The loop goes around the testicles as the sleeve slides into the penis. Meanwhile, those with belts are worn, well, around the waist.


10. A Visual Turn-On

Humans are visual creatures, and wearing a penis sleeve actually looks sexy.

We’ve said it a million times.

Bigger isn’t always better.

Still, it’s a factor that could turn us on.

A total of 78.6% of women somehow put importance on penis size. Having a long length in a penis (that you can achieve with a penis sleeve visually) will melt most women’s insides.

Meanwhile, almost 9 out of 10 women find width as important as length for sexual satisfaction.

Sources: ZAVA, BadGirlsBible


Do Penis Sleeves Work? And What Does Sex With a Sheath Feel Like?

We found honest answers from users on Reddit:

Hell yes they do! I surprised my wife with it one night.

She didn’t know the difference, but I could tell as I pushed deeper into her where I couldn’t reach before.

She made some sounds that I had never heard before.

Kind of a guttural, primal sound. It was intoxicating.

Also, you can feel everything through the sleeve, so very realistic.

notdeadanymore73

Reddit user

Turns out, it’s hard to argue with those who like using them very much indeed.

“It obviously lessens my sensations, so I usually last longer,” AKbearmagnet adds “however there are times when she really gets going and just hearing and seeing her pleasure sends me sailing over the edge no matter how hard I fight it!”

As with so many things, though. They’re not for everyone.

“It did nothing for me and only slightly prolonged his ejaculation. A condom would be cheaper for the same effect,” fullmoon132 says.

So there you have it.

Keep in mind… The thicker the sleeve’s walls and the harder the material – the less sensation a man might feel. And don’t start too big! You don’t want to hurt your partner.

If you are still doubtful, why not check out Pornhub for free videos (NSFW, obviously) of penis sleeves in action?


How Does A Penis Sleeve Attach To Your Body?

Some sleeves make use of a vacuum compartment in the tip to keep you sucked in. Others add a ball strap around your testicles.

Lastly, there are sleeves that add straps around the waist. Those sleeves are even usable with a flaccid penis as they’re substantially more secure.

“About 5 percent of men that are 40 years old have complete erectile dysfunction,” and that number increases to about 15 percent of men at age 70.

Source: UW Health


How To Use A Penis Sleeve?

We recommend to use as little lube as possible on the inside, so it doesn’t slide off during intercourse.

Use a drop or two on your fingertip and spread it on the inside.

Enough to be able to slide it over your penis. And you are ready to go.

Do use plenty of lube on the outside if needed.

A favorite lube among many seems to be Sliquid Sassy. It’s water-based and glycerin and paraben-free.

This makes it safe to use with any materials and least likely to irritate your penis or your partner’s genitals or bowels.

In short… Avoid using silicone-based lubes with silicone toys or oil-based lubes with safer sex barriers. And always be sure to consult the instructions on the package.

Keep in mind that penis sleeves are no substitute for condoms.


Most Popular Penis Sleeves

The RX Sleeve

RX Sleeve is one of the most popular and realistic penis sleeves. It’s specifically designed for ED but works with those who don’t have it as well.

It has an adjustable harness to fit most sizes and comes in various rigidity levels and skin tones.

I love that it’s made of body-safe silicone and flexible enough to almost feel like a real erection.

Continue reading about this product in our RX Sleeve review.

For more options, you may also check our roundup of the best penis extensions guide in 2023.


Things To Look Out For When Buying A Penis Sleeve:

When Size Matters:

The average penis size is 5.16 inches in length when erect, according to a study among 15,521 men. And the average girth came out as 4.59 inches.

Now…

While some sleeves advertise as ‘one size fits all’ or can be trimmed to fit your desired length, more often than not, it’s important to pick the right internal size for a good and comfortable fit. 

For this, you need to know how to measure the length and girth of your penis. Your measurements help select the appropriate Internal Hole for the sleeve.

By the way… If you’re average penis size, then you are in luck. You’ll have the biggest leeway and the most choices.

Sources: Science.org, Verywell Health


Materials

Silicone remains the best material for sex toys. It’s a body-safe, non-porous material that is pleasant to touch.

And while materials like Jelly or TPR/TPE (think the Fleshlight material) might seem appealing, they are porous. And may cause disease if not cleaned well.

If at any time you see black spots appearing on the toy, cease use immediately. It could be mold, which is dangerous to your health.

Source: Dangerous Lilly


Where To Shop For A Penis Sleeve?

It’s NOT advised to buy toys from sites like Amazon. Why?

Sellers may lie or be unaware of the true composition of the materials. You might not get any warranty.

And chances are you’ll receive a counterfeit product made from toxic materials.

Thus, it’s better to purchase sex toys from trusted sex shops and manufacturers.

Source: The Guardian


Alternatives

Penis sleeves are not your only option for ED treatment.

Penile support devices are also available.

They consist of two rings connected by a stiff rod. Unlike a penis sleeve that sheaths the entire shaft, penile support devices have one ring around the base to the penis glans while its rod runs under the shaft.

Prescription medications for ED treatment are also common, like sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), avanafil (Stendra), and tadalafil (Cialis).

Other medical-grade solutions also include penis pumps and implants.

Seeking psychological counseling also helps if your health affects your physical and sexual well-being.


FAQs

What Are Penis Sleeves Made Of?

Penis sleeves are usually made of silicone, which is body-safe and nonporous.

However, they may also be made of rubber, latex, and even metal.


Are Penis Sleeves Same As Penis Pumps and Masturbation Sleeves?

No.

Penis pumps may be similar in shape to a penis sleeve, but it doesn’t have the same functionality.

You slip a penis pump into the penis to pull air from the cylinder, causing blood to draw into the penis. This, of course, causes an erection.

You can then remove the pump, and you could maintain that erection for some time.

Meanwhile, masturbation sleeves aren’t exactly like penis sleeves. They’re primarily for solo masturbation, not for partnered play.


In Conclusion

Don’t fall for the unrealistic views of ‘manhood’ in porn.

Regardless if you have an average penis size, there are many ways to please your partner and have a fulfilling sex life.

And you can still have amazing orgasms, even with complete Erectile Dysfunction.

Having said that, penis sleeves are an easy and non-surgical way to add length and girth to your penis.

Or to explore something new and exciting.

No pills. No side effects. Just slide or strap it on and you’re ready to go.

Now, if you want to know more sex toys for you, read our best sex toys for ED.

Dainis Graveris

Dainis Graveris

Over last 4 years Dainis have helped millions of people through his advice on this site (200+ guides and 1M+ visits/monthly). His work & advice has appeared on sites like: Healthline, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, WomensHealthMag, MindBodyGreen & more. Read More.

Got Questions? Ping me on Twitter.