Latex free

What changes once the latex is gone

Most people notice the smell first, or rather the lack of it. There's no rubbery odour when you open the wrapper, and nothing lingers on your hands afterwards. The second thing is warmth. Synthetic materials pick up body heat quickly, so the condom stops feeling like a cool layer within seconds.

Two materials dominate here, and they behave quite differently. Polyisoprene, used by SKYN and Durex Real Feel, is a lab-made cousin of natural rubber without the plant proteins that cause latex allergies. It stretches well, hugs closely and has a soft, almost silky surface. It's often a touch thicker than an ultra-thin latex condom, yet many people say it feels thinner because it moves with the skin. Polyurethane is the other option. It can be made very thin and passes on heat extremely well, but it barely stretches, so the fit is looser and you may hear a faint crinkle. The pack usually tells you which one you're holding.

Fit matters more than with latex

Latex forgives a lot. Synthetics are less tolerant of the wrong size. A polyisoprene condom that feels tight at the base is a sign to move up, and that's where the XL versions from SKINS come in. With polyurethane, a size too big is the bigger risk, because the material won't contract to grip and can slip. If you're unsure, the condoms sorted by size are a good place to compare widths.

Roll it on the right way round, pinch the tip to leave room, and hold the base when withdrawing. Simple habits, but they count for more when the material has less stretch.

Lube, toys and a few things to keep away

• Water-based and silicone-based lubes are fine with every condom in this category.
• Oil weakens polyisoprene. That includes massage oil, coconut oil and body lotion, so keep them away from SKYN and similar condoms.
• Polyurethane tolerates oil better, but check the instructions on the box before relying on it.
• Latex-free condoms are handy over shared toys too. Use a fresh one for each partner and wash the toy with soap and water between sessions, as the NHS 111 Wales advises.

Our tip if you're switching for comfort rather than allergy: try a small pack from two brands side by side. SKYN and UNIQ feel noticeably different, and personal preference decides more than any spec sheet. For irritation that isn't latex related, the condoms for sensitive skin may help, and partners without an allergy can still pick from the novelty condoms or flavoured ones, most of which are latex.