Soul Source vs Intimate Rose Silicone Vaginal Dilators

Vaginal dilators are a safe and gentle way to reduce anxiety or pain caused by sexual penetration. But with so many choices on the market, it can be challenging to know which dilator will work best for you.

In this article, we’ve compared the top two vaginal dilators on the market according to consumers and women’s health experts. 

Soul Source vs Intimate Rose Silicone Vaginal Dilators: how they compare, and how they differ.   

What Are Vaginal Dilators Used For? 

The primary purpose of a vaginal dilator is to minimize pain during vaginal penetration, whether for more pleasurable sex, more comfortable tampon insertion, or less anxiety during gynecological exams.

Also known as vaginal trainers, dilators are often recommended for women recovering from pelvic injuries, sexual trauma, vaginal surgery, or cervical cancer to improve the elasticity of vaginal muscles and reduce the development of scar tissue.

Women coping with conditions like vulvodynia, vaginismus, vaginal dryness, menopause, interstitial cystitis, dyspareunia, and endometriosis also benefit from regular vaginal dilator therapy. 

By slowly stretching the vaginal tissues and muscles with the regular use of vaginal dilators, tight vaginal & pelvic muscles are relaxed, blood flow is increased, natural lubrication is improved, and vaginal penetration becomes not only more comfortable but also more pleasurable. 

Are There Different Types of Vaginal Dilators?

There are various types, shapes, and brands of vaginal dilators on the market, the majority of which are made from either plastic or silicone. While plastic dilators are typically described as hard and unbending, silicone dilators are generally labeled as soft, comfortable, and flexible within the vagina. 

Other factors that differentiate one dilator brand from another are:

• The range of sizes included in vaginal dilator sets
• The quality of the material from which the dilators are made 
• How comfortably they are held in place once inserted 
• The price/value for money

Soul Source vs Intimate Rose Vaginal Dilators

Voted as the two best dilators in today’s market, Soul Source dilators and Intimate Rose dilators have much in common. For instance, they are both produced from medical-grade silicone, come in a selection of playful colors, and are designed by women who also happen to be female health experts. Amanda Olson from Intimate Rose is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health and Jillian Romm from Soul Source, is a sex therapist. 

That said, considering the four most important factors when choosing vaginal dilators – size, material, comfort & price - there are also some noteworthy differences between the two that might influence choosing one over the other.  

Size 

Both brands sell sets of 8 dilators in progressively increasing sizes, however, the measurements vary slightly. Even though the size differences might seem minimal, when it comes to gently and gradually stretching tight vaginal muscles, each tiny increase in measurement can feel hugely significant when the patient is experiencing pain & discomfort upon penetration. 

Below, the differences in measurements are outlined between Intimate Rose dilators and Soul Source dilators, with the diameter mentioned first, followed by the length. 

Intimate Rose Dilator Sizes Soul Source Dilator Sizes

• 0.45 inches D x 2.8 L 0.5 inches D x 2.5 L
• 0.7 inches D x 3.5 L 0.75 inches D x 3.0 L
• 0.83 inches D x 3.7 L 0.875 inches D x 3.5 L
• 0.95 inches D x 4.45 L 1.00 inches D x 4.0 L
• 1.00 inches D x 5.0 L 1.125 inches D x 4.5 L
• 1.07 inches D x 5.6 L 1.25 inches D x 5.0 L
• 1.30 inches D x 6.1 L 1.44 inches D x 5.5 L
• 1.5 inches D x 6.5 L 1.625 inches D x 6.0 L

Material 

Intimate Rose dilators and Soul Source dilators are both made from medical-grade silicone, which according to customers feels softer and more akin to human skin than the rigidity and unnatural sensation of plastic dilators. That said, Intimate Rose dilators are the only FDA compliant & registered dilators available for purchase in today’s market.   

Intimate Rose dilators also provide an added layer of protection for the delicate skin and sensitive scar tissue inside the vagina via the matte finish on their silicone.

According to customers, this matte finish also means Intimate Rose dilators are less sticky than their competitors when lubrication is applied for easier insertion.  This is extremely important especially for people who have undergone surgery or radiation treatment. The soft finish of Intimate Rose dilators are more gentle on delicate skin. 

Comfort

Comfort is of the utmost importance when inserting anything into the vagina, but probably even more so when it is a medical tool designed to relieve pain and discomfort.

When it comes to comfort, Intimate Rose dilators receive positive feedback from consumers and female health experts. Soul Source dilators are often defined as “a little rubbery” if adequate lubrication was not applied, Intimate Rose silicone dilators are repeatedly described as “velvety soft”. 

Price

Given the added benefits, it may come as a surprise that Intimate Rose dilators are cheaper, costing just $179.99 for a full set of 8 dilators compared to $209.99 for a set of 8 dilators from Soul Source. Value for money is also evident in the price of their smaller sets of 4 dilators and the option to purchase individual dilators for those who are on a budget. 

A set of 4 dilators from Intimate Rose, for instance, ranges from $79.99 to $119.99 (depending on whether it is a set of small or large dilators). Whereas a set of 4 dilators from Soul Source is priced between $98.99 and $139.99.

Purchasing individual dilators is also cheaper at Intimate Rose where the price ranges from $16.99 for the smallest and $44.99 for the largest. In contrast, the cost of purchasing individual dilators from Soul Source ranges from $17.99 for the smallest to $54.99 for the largest.  

Taking each extra benefit into account makes it easy to understand why Intimate Rose dilators are regularly used for training purposes during the Academy of Pelvic Health educational courses.   

Conclusion

Used to stretch and relax tight vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscles, vaginal dilators help to relieve vaginal tightness, discomfort during penetration, and pain during sex. Although there are several types of vaginal dilators on the market, feedback from female health experts and customers reflects that Intimate Rose dilators and Soul Source dilators are the top two on the list. 

That being said, although both dilators receive excellent reviews regarding the range in dilator sizes, playful colors, and level of comfort once inserted, there are some distinguishing differences between the two that clearly place Intimate Rose dilators as number one on the list. 

References

Very Well Health – Vaginal Dilators: What You Need to Know - https://www.verywellhealth.com/vaginal-dilators-5220401

The Pelvic Hub – Silicone Dilators vs Plastic Dilators - https://www.thepelvichub.com/post/silicone-dilators-vs-plastic-dilators

Mayo Clinic – Dysapeurnia - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967

Cleveland Clinic – Vaginismus - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15723-vaginismus

Intimate Rose – Sexual Function After Pelvic Floor Surgery - https://www.intimaterose.com/blogs/pelvic-pain/sex-after-pelvic-floor-surgery

My Health Alberta – Female Sexuality & Cancer – Vaginal Dilators After Radiation Therapy - https://myhealth.alberta.ca/cancer-and-sexuality/female-sexuality-and-cancer/vaginal-tightness/vaginal-dilators