Want To Elevate Sex With Your Partner? This Makes A Big Difference

It took me a long time to find a vibrator that truly brings orgasm without fail—but my sex toy quest didn’t end there. After much discussion (communication makes for great sex!), my boyfriend and I recently decided to test out toys for shared pleasure. 

Since no vibrator has impressed me quite as much as the Maude Vibe (the brand’s sleek hand-held vibrator), it only seemed fitting to start with the new Maude vibrating ring. This stretchy vibrating band is designed to stimulate multiple parties during sex—and the experience kind of blew our minds.

The sex toy market is not short on options, but the vast majority seem to be geared towards pleasure for those with vaginas. On the other hand, bands or cock rings are an enticing pleasure aid for penis-owners.

Psychotherapist and board-certified clinical sexologist, Joe Kort, Ph.D., LMSW, previously told mindbodygreen that they "can give you multiple orgasms by trapping blood flow in your shaft.” Maude’s band sets itself apart from a more traditional ring by adding an element of vibration, which is what makes it a homerun for shared pleasure.

I’ve tested a lot of vibrators, but this was my first real foray into using sex toys with a partner. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from interviewing sex experts, though, it’s that curiosity really enhances your sex life (that and a good lube).

Before trying the band for myself, I read almost 100 positive reviews on the brand’s site from other heterosexual couples. Men rave about how the device “changes the entire orgasm” and keeps them harder for longer, and women say it’s “so satisfying for both partners.” (Note: You do not need to be in a hetero relationship to make the most of this toy—this just reflects my own experience.)

Needless to say my partner and I were both intrigued. 

Maude recommends using the band with an organic aloe-based lubricant (like this one!), so that’s exactly what we did. You can also use water-based, but just make sure to stay away from oils, as that can damage the ultra-soft silicone.

The lube can be applied directly to the penis, or rub some on the device before sliding it on. We tried it both ways and really didn’t have a preference. We loved that it could be positioned anywhere (base, shaft, etc.) and used with a condom. From there, you can turn the device to have the vibrating portion (the thicker end) facing away or towards your partner. Position really dictated how we preferred to setup the ring, so I recommend experimenting a bit to see what’s best for you. 

Having tried Maude’s products before, I wasn’t surprised by the band’s velvety smooth material, but it was a welcome discovery for my partner.

Maude’s devices are notorious for their aesthetically pleasing designs, and the band is no exception. Honestly, I’d leave this sleek toy out on my bedside table without thinking twice (a major perk considering the bag of bulky sex toys collecting dust under my bed).

The band’s discreteness doesn’t end with its design. The device is surprisingly quiet when in use, especially compared to other vibrating toys I’ve tested.

Most importantly, the band makes great sex even better. Even without vibration, this wearable toy is a great way to make sex last longer.

The vibration, of course, brings things to a whole new level. I personally need clitoral stimulation to orgasm, and (when positioned correctly) this band hasn’t failed to get the job done. 

I’ve experienced some pretty intense pleasure from the Maude band, but what pleases me most is knowing that I’m actually doing a service for my health in the process. 

Ever wonder why sex can feel like such a stress reliever? Orgasms also release oxytocin and promote better sleep1.

Plus, orgasms boost levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an anti-aging hormone that improves muscle strength, bone density, body fat, sexual satisfaction, and overall well-being2. DHEA decreases with age—and if orgasms can mitigate that, sign me up for any toy to get me there.