When batteries work properly, we barely even notice they’re there. But when they begin to die, all rational thinking gets pushed aside, expletives fly out of our mouths and we damn the day we bought the device that’s momentarily not working. I guess it’s safe to say we have a love/hate relationship with batteries. But before you do something drastic like chuck your vibrator against the wall, we have a better solution: know your battery. Being familiar with a battery’s output capacity can put the love back into your relationship (with your toy) — and save your sanity.

Modern standard and extended-life batteries are composed of carbon-zinc, alkaline, or lithium. Rechargeable batteries utilize nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride as their force. Battery life expectancies vary depending on what type is used (standard, extended-life, rechargeable) and what the battery is made of; therefore, we cannot estimate a life expectancy. What is important here is voltage. Voltage is as important to a battery’s performance as getting the right toy is to good sex. In most cases, the lower the voltage, the longer the battery will last; the higher the voltage, the quicker it will burn out. The exceptions to this rule are lithium and A23 batteries; lithium has a higher output capacity (3 volts) — which is why they are a favorite for digital cameras and electronics — and A23′s “round multiple cell” construction gives them a super-charged output (12 volts).

It is important to understand that no battery will last forever. That is why we recommend always keeping spares on hand — or a charger along with spare rechargeable batteries (NEVER try to recharge standard, non-rechargeable batteries). Also, NEVER combine old batteries with new (it drains the power quickly) or standard with rechargeable (for the same reason). And NEVER combine lithium batteries with other types. There are, however, toys that require a combination of different types of batteries, so pay close attention to the manufacturer’s requirements. Additionally, ALWAYS recycle used batteries — they are harmful to the environment if disposed of in the trash.

The list below gives a breakdown of battery sizes commonly used in sex toys. This will help you make the correct choice to get your vibe on:

AA — The most common multipurpose battery used in a wide array of devices. A single cell battery. Available in alkaline (standard, non rechargeable, 1.5 volts), lithium (extended life, non-rechargeable, 3 volts) and rechargeable (nickel cadmium NiCd and nickel metal hydride NiMH, 1.25 volts). Toys as diverse as the Neon Luv Touch Vibe™, Waterproof Wabbit Vibe and the Pipedream Extreme Toyz™ Latino Lover use one, two and three AA batteries (not included), respectively.

AAA — A single cell battery. Available in alkaline (standard, non rechargeable, 1.5 volts), lithium (extended life, non-rechargeable, 3 volts) and rechargeable (nickel metal hydride NiMH, 1.25 volts). Toys such as Neon Love Touch Ribbed Slims™ use two AAA batteries (not included).

C — A single cell battery. Available in alkaline (standard, non rechargeable, 1.5 volts), lithium (extended life, non-rechargeable, 3 volts) and rechargeable (nickel metal hydride NiMH, 1.25 volts). Toys like the 9 Function Multi Wanachi require two C batteries, not included.

N — Also a single cell battery. Available in alkaline (standard, non rechargeable, 1.5 volts), lithium (extended life, non-rechargeable, 3 volts) and rechargeable (nickel metal hydride NiMH, 1.25 volts). The Remote Control Waterproof Butterfly™ requires three AA batteries and one N battery to function.

LR41, LR44, AG3 and AG13 — These types of batteries are commonly known as “button cells” for their button-like appearance. They are composed of silver oxide and alkaline, and have an output of 1.5 volts. Small and compact, they come in a wide range of sizes (pay close attention to the exact battery number when replacing). Their minuteness is perfect for toys like the Neon Luv Touch One Touch Egg™ (two LR41 batteries, not included), Neon Luv Touch Lipstick Vibe™ (three LR44 batteries, not included), and the Silicone Rabbit Pearl Deluxe™ (six LR41 and one AG3 battery, not included).

A23 — A multiple-cell alkaline battery. Sometimes encased in a cylindrical cardboard tube (like a standard battery) and sometimes stacked together and shrink-wrapped, the result is the same: 12 volts. Toys like the 10 Function Remote Control Bullet™ require a combination of batteries (six LR44 aka AG13 batteries, and one A23 battery for the remote (included).

Having a time finding replacements for those odd size batteries? We have them in stock.