What the Encore Deluxe is
The Encore Deluxe is a vacuum erection device (VED): a clear cylinder that fits over the penis, a pump that draws air out to pull blood in, and constriction rings that hold the erection once the cylinder is removed. This kit includes both a manual pump and a battery pump.
FDA groups vacuum pumps and constriction rings under external penile rigidity devices: Class II, and exempt from premarket notification (FDA product classification LKY). So this review does not describe it as "FDA-cleared".
What the evidence shows
A PubMed search (October 3, 2026) found no trials of the Encore brand itself; the evidence is for vacuum devices as a class. A 2025 meta-analysis of 18 studies (1,065 men) with refractory ED, which often had not responded to PDE5 tablets, found a pooled success rate of about 80% for successful intercourse or satisfaction. Penile bruising was the most common side effect, at about 24% PMID: 40542251. The authors called for large randomized trials to confirm the results.
After prostate cancer surgery, a network meta-analysis ranked tadalafil plus a vacuum device among the most effective combinations for recovering erectile function, though the certainty of evidence was low to very low PMID: 42557727.
Practical points
- Encore's FAQ says: "The Retaining Ring should be worn for no more than 30 minutes. After the ring is removed, please wait 1 hour before creating another erection." (Encore FAQ, viewed October 3, 2026). FDA's labeling guidance for these devices sets the same 30-minute limit (FDA special controls guidance, external penile rigidity devices).
- Expect a learning curve. Encore's FAQ notes that practice sessions may be needed.
- FDA's labeling guidance says not to use a vacuum pump if you have sickle cell disease, a history of prolonged erections, or take large quantities of aspirin or other blood thinners. Timm Medical's safety information for its own vacuum devices adds that men who have a bleeding disorder or bruise easily should not use one (Timm Medical Important Safety Information, viewed October 3, 2026). If you take any blood thinner or have a bleeding disorder, talk to a clinician before considering a vacuum device. FDA's labeling guidance also advises against using these devices if you have reduced hand strength, which can make removal difficult, or decreased pain sensation in the penis.
- A vacuum device treats the symptom. It does not replace a checkup: ED can be an early sign of heart disease, as our erectile dysfunction guide explains.
Who should buy it
Consider the Encore Deluxe if you cannot take or did not respond to PDE5 tablets, or if a urologist has suggested a vacuum device during recovery from prostate surgery.
Consider the Timm Medical PTV 3000 only if you specifically want a different one-button battery system; it costs about three times as much, and the Encore kit already includes a battery pump. Consider Eroxon if you would rather use a drug-free gel than a device.