Latex Free

condones Latex Free exist for two different reasons, and only one of them is allergies. The other is that alternative materials transmit body heat much better than latex, something that many people without any allergies prefer once they try it.

Condoms | Sensitive & Thin | Extra Safe | Lubes & Essentials

The three alternative materials

• Poliisopreno. Synthetic rubber with the same elastic properties of latex but without the natural proteins that cause the allergic reaction. It's soft, fits like latex and is the most direct replacement. Does not accept oil lubricants.
• Poliuretano. Thin plastic and very conductive of heat. It is the thinnest of the three, is odorless, and is compatible with oil-based lubricants in addition to water and silicone. In exchange, it has less elasticity, so the size must be more precise.
• Nitrilo. Present especially in internal condoms, with very good thermal conductivity and great resistance.

What protects and what does not

This point deserves precision. Polyisoprene and polyurethane are effective barriers against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, with effectiveness equivalent to latex when used correctly.

Those that do not protect against infections are those with a natural membrane, made from lamb intestine. Its structure has microscopic pores that block sperm but not necessarily viruses. If protection against STIs is part of what you are looking for, that option is ruled out.

Latex allergy: how to recognize it

The reaction is not always obvious or immediate. It can appear between minutes and several hours later, in the form of itching, redness, burning or localized irritation in the contact area, and it is easy to confuse it with dryness or a reaction to the lubricant.

A useful hint: if discomfort occurs with different latex condoms and different brands, but does not occur without them, latex is the main suspect. The polyisoprene condones hipoalergénicos are the first alternative to try, because they are the most similar in feel and fit. If the reaction persists, the origin may be in the lubricant or spermicides, and in that case the option is an unlubricated condom plus a lubricant of known Water-Based composition.

Size matters more here

Latex stretches a lot and forgives sizing errors. Not polyurethane, so it's a good idea to look at the nominal width, which is the measurement of the flattened condom and appears on the box.

For reference, 49 to 52 mm corresponds to a narrow size, 52 to 56 mm to a standard size, and 56 mm or more to a wide size. To know which one is right for you, measure your erect circumference and divide by two: a circumference of 11 cm is equivalent to about 55 mm of nominal width. The higher resistance versions are in Condoms Extra Strong and the full range in Condoms.

Correct use

Check the expiration date and open the envelope with your fingers, never with your teeth or scissors. Leave free space at the tip by squeezing it to expel air, because most breaks start there. Unroll to the base before any contact.

With polyisoprene, water-based or silicone-based lubricant, never oil or Vaseline, which degrade it in seconds. With polyurethane, any lubricant will do. And never two condoms at the same time: the friction between them increases the risk of breakage instead of reducing it.

The materials, compared

Not all latex alternatives are equivalent, and the important difference is in the last column.

The natural membrane is porous and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, only against pregnancy. If that point matters, the choice is between the three synthetics.

How to recognize a latex allergy

The typical reaction appears between a few minutes and a few hours after contact: itching, redness or small welts in the exposed area. It is not always an allergy, because the same symptoms can come from a spermicide, an aroma or a lack of lubricant.

The way to resolve doubts is to change one variable at a time, starting with an unscented condom without spermicide, and consult with a health professional if the reaction repeats or if breathing difficulty appears.

Discreet shipping from Lace & Luna

Plain packaging without brand or reference to the content, discreet bank charge, preparation in 1 or 2 working days and delivery in the UK between 3 and 7 working days, with free shipping over €100. Exclusive sale for people over 18 years of age.

Frequently asked questions

Do they protect the same as latex ones?

Those made of polyisoprene, polyurethane and nitrile, yes, against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Those with a natural membrane are porous and do not protect against infections.

Can lubricant be used with oil?

Only with polyurethane. Polyisoprene behaves like latex and degrades with oily products, so in that case the lubricant must be water-based or silicone-based.

Why is the heat more noticeable?

Because these materials conduct body temperature better than latex. It is the reason why many people without allergies prefer them once they try them.

Why does size matter more here?

Because polyurethane and nitrile are less elastic and do not adapt like latex. A size that is too big slides and one that is too small is uncomfortable from the beginning.

How are they preserved?

Far from the heat, the sun and the constant pressure. The wallet and the glove compartment of the car are the two worst places, even if the packaging does not show any visible damage.