What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane,  is a form of synthetic latex. The main difference here is that while latex is drawn from plants, polyurethane is a kind of reaction polymer. To avoid having to dig up the nearest chemistry dictionary, let’s just say that polyurethane is made up of chemicals fused together to form a material very similar (but fundamentally different) to latex.

Thickness

One of the first things you’ll notice about polyurethane condoms is that they are significantly thinner than latex condoms. Polyurethane is actually tougher than latex. Manufacturers have to pass stringent FDA safety standards for condoms. This means a polyurethane condom can stand up to the pressures of vigorous sexual activity just as effectively as latex condoms.

Price

Latex condoms are typically cheaper than polyurethane condoms, which is why the average condoms you see on a store’s shelf are typically made of latex. Tapping a tree for rubber and then using that rubber to form a condom is generally cheaper than acquiring the materials required for synthesizing polyurethane.

Forgiveness

Polyurethane condoms are not recommended if you or your partner is unfamiliar with the proper use of condoms. Polyurethane condoms tend to be damaged more easily with sharp pressure, like say from teeth or sharp fingernails. Latex condoms are more resistant to these kinds of forces, but not by much. Latex or polyurethane won’t be able to last long if the condom isn’t properly rolled on or if you accidentally bite a hole in the condom while opening the container.

Oil-Lube Resistance

Polyurethane condoms are much more resistant to oil-based lubricants (i.e. ordinary Vaseline) than latex condoms. It is still not a good idea to use these types of lubricants, so water-based and silicone-based lubricants are still the safer choice.

Allergic Properties

A lot of people – both male and female – are allergic to ordinary latex. You know you’re allergic if your privates itch, redden or generally feel lousy after using latex condoms. Good news, though: polyurethane is non-allergenic. This means that you can always use polyurethane condoms if you or your partner is allergic to ordinary latex.