[2] Filters can be removable and can be opened for cleaning, or they may be permanently fixed to the bombilla stem.
[4] In recent times, the traditional silver bombillas are being replaced by ones made from stainless steel.
[5] Silver bombillas were used by the privileged classes, while those made of straw were used by people of lesser means.
[2] Due to the high thermal conductivity of silver, bombillas and gourds made of silver can get very hot fast, requiring caution when drinking hot mate tea to avoid burns.
[2][7][8] The Spanish term is also used for electric lightbulbs, bombilla eléctrica, being a diminutive of bomba.