LifeStyles Skyn - male condom discontinued by Ansell - review by tim1724

Many people can't use latex condoms due to allergies, but there are few other choices on the market. Polyurethane condoms are unpleasant to use; they feel like plastic bags and don't stretch like latex. So-called "lambskin" condoms (actually made from sheep intestines) fail to provide adequate protection against HIV and other viruses.

But now there's another choice: synthetic polyisoprene. Unlike polyurethane, polyisoprene has the same stretchiness and feel as latex. This shouldn't be surprising, as polyisoprene is the main component of natural latex. So it feels the same, but it's lacking the proteins which cause latex allergies. Not only does this prevent allergic reactions, it also means they don't smell like latex.

Skyn condoms are among the first polyisoprene condoms on the market, and as such they're made in a pretty average size/shape. I was unable to find the dimensions on the manufacturer's website or here on this site, but one source I found online said that they're 53mm wide, 190mm long, and 0.07mm thick. That's pretty average.

Compared to my previous standby, the Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive, they're about the same size except that they don't flare out at the end. I'd like to see them come in more shapes/sizes, but the current Skyn dimensions are fine for me. The size is just right, and the lack of a pouch at the end is actually good because my girlfriend hates the extra friction that she feels when I use a condom that flare out at the head.

The synthetic polyisoprene seems to transmit heat and sensation much better than natural latex. I'm not sure why; I'd have expected it to be the same given the similarity in chemical makeup, but it really does work better for me. My girlfriend and I really enjoy these.

These condoms are slightly lubricated, like most condoms, but I like to add some additional lubricant when I use them for intercourse.

I'm still using these as my main condom. They feel great and I like knowing that they're unlikely to trigger any allergies. I've tried similar condoms from another manufacturer (Durex's Avanti Bare) but I prefer the lubricant on these.