Your Next Bedroom Buddy? Meet The Minna Ola

While there are those of us who relish alone time with a good smoothie vibrator and the latest collection of exhibitionist-themed erotica (me), the truth is that sex toys can—and should—be used for so much more than self-love.

Which is why you should stop being so selfish, unlock the bedroom door, and invite your man to get in on the action! That's right. We know you've been hogging the toys. But considering the large number of women who suffer from low libido, arousal issues, and dryness, it only makes sense that you get back into the practice of using those candy-colored, silicone, vibrating doo-dads as valuable tools for enhancing your already awesome (of course) bedroom moves. I Got Addicted To My Vibrator (And How I Finally Quit)

Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, it can be tough to find a toy you both click with. John Pelochino, founder and CEO of engineering/design firm Minna, ran into such a problem while trying to spice things up with his wife. First, Pelochino's wife couldn't figure out how to turn the vibrator on. Once it was up and running, the couple had a hard time figuring out the controls, which were designed to change the toy's speed, intensity, and vibration pattern.

"The experience was missing a level of connection, teasing, and involvement," says Pelochino. "And it didn't help having to fumble around for buttons in the dark to adjust the thing. A fumbling pause is like hitting the reset button."

Despite plenty of searching, Pelochino and his wife couldn't find a toy that improved upon their initial less-than-sexy experience. So he and his team of engineers and designers created Ola, a silicone, waterproof vibrator with customizable vibrations, capable of stimulating the g-spot as well. Into Foreplay? THESE Are The Secret Benefits Of Using A Vibrator

And now, being the thorough hands-on researcher that I am, I'm test driving it. 

When I first received the Ola, in my favorite shade of purple, I was impressed with its smooth, waterproof, silicone body, and its sensuous curves. But how much of a game changer can it really be? While its shape seems perfect—curvy and easy to hold, even when placed between two, writhing bodies—it doesn't look much different than other, high-end, ergonomic toys I've already seen. (How many have I seen? Take a peek at my naughy drawer. It's that large trunk at the foot of my bed.)

I decide to go for a solo flight first. And I'm glad I do, because it's a good time. As soon as I grasp the controls, I quickly understand the Ola's assets. Once I hit the "on" switch, I only have to squeeze the toy's pillowy, balloon-like head to control the intensity of the vibrations. The harder I squeeze, the harder Ola works at getting me off. And a flick of my thumb allows me to easily create a variety of vibratory rhythms. 

Because I like my vibes hard and steady, I can't help but wonder if regular use of the Ola wil put me on the fast track to carpal tunnel syndrome. But Pelochino and his team thought of that, too. The only other button on the vibe allows users to record and save their favorite, self-made, rhythmic vibrations.

An added bonus? Despite its moderately strong vibrations, Ola operates at a soft purr, making it conveniently discreet if your home has thin walls. No small feat when you consider that many vibrators sound like jet engines taking off.

My only complaint? When I introduce Ola to my husband, the toy bumps up against our bodies during foreplay and its sensitive head often interprets a soft nudge against a hip as a sign that we want to abandon the recorded rhythm we're using. Frustrating! Perhaps we should practice some grip changes?

All in all, however, I'm seriously considering cheating on my smoothie with Ola. And I get the feeling it will turn out to be much, much more than a one-night stand. 

"Our design philosophy is simple," Pelochino says. "Technology should make the world less complicated. We believe great products should be intuitive—so fluid in the way they improve the human experience that you hardly notice they're there."

For a threesome that feels like a twosome, the $165 seems worth it.