The Sex Pillows People Are Using for Better, More Comfortable Sex

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There is no shortage of accessories to make sex more comfortable and fun. You can buy vibrators, flavored lubricants, and all kinds of sex toys for beginners and experts alike. But there might be one thing missing from your stash: a sex pillow.

The best sex pillows are designed to take orgasms to the next level and simply make certain positions more accessible. “Sex pillows can assist with positioning and comfort during sex,” says Celina Criss, a certified sex coach with a Ph.D. in human sexuality, who is the curriculum director of Sex Coach U and the executive director of the World Association of Sex Coaches. “They provide support, alleviate pressure on joints, or even make some positions possible that might be difficult to maintain without a pillow.”

Meet the experts: Stephanie Hack, M.D. an ob/gyn and founder of Lady Parts Doctor; Heather Jeffcoat, D.P.T., a pelvic floor physical therapist, the owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, and the president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy; and Celina Criss, a certified sex coach with a Ph.D. in human sexuality, who is the curriculum director of Sex Coach U and the executive director of the World Association of Sex Coaches.

“Sex pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and densities,” explains Heather Jeffcoat, D.P.T., a pelvic floor physical therapist, the owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, and the president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. While they’re generally safe for most people to experiment with, some styles are more suitable than others for people with specific needs.

“There are sex pillows for a variety of conditions,” says Stephanie Hack, M.D. an ob/gyn and founder of Lady Parts Doctor. “There are pregnancy sex pillows, pillows designed to support different parts of your body, pillows designed to provide varying levels of penetration, pillows for solo-play, etc.,” she continues. Some other styles include sex ramps, sex wedges, sex cushions, and mountable sex pillows.

Our top picks

The best sex pillow for you depends on you and/or your partner’s needs. Consider any existing injuries and health conditions, as well as go-to sexual positions to pick the pillow that’s right for you. There are many to choose from, and you can learn more about some of the best available below.

Wedge Sex Pillow

Liberator is a popular brand for sex pillows and accessories, and it comes recommended by Criss. This model features a wedge shape that’s ideal for propping up the hips during sex to make all kinds of positions more comfortable and even deepen penetration in some cases. It’s made with high-density foam and comes with a stain-resistant nylon and velour cover that you can unzip to remove and toss in the washing machine.

“My husband and I love the wedge,” wrote one reviewer. “It‘s just the right size for a little boost…Oh, and the included cover with a handle is especially practical—the cover keeps it clean (you could even store it under your bed) and the handle makes it much easier to manage!”

Inflatable Ramp

This inflatable sex pillow is a great option for those looking for something simple and affordable. It’s Amazon’s number one best-selling sex pillow, and reviewers appreciate how easy it is to inflate or deflate the pillow, with some comparing the durable material to that of a “heavy duty air mattress.”

Many confirm it makes a variety of sexual positions, including doggy style, more comfortable. “It’s amazing what adding this can do,” said one reviewer. “I’m able to get in angles I’ve never been able to!”

Keep in mind, it doesn’t come with a removable cover, so you’ll have to cover the pillow before use or spot clean the pillow after use.

Ramp

This dense foam pillow has a ramp shape designed to help you get into the most comfortable positions for added pleasure in a variety of positions. Ideal for those looking for deeper penetration, the pillow is 12 inches tall, allowing for easier entry. It’s also helpful for oral sex and masturbation, as the ramp makes it easier to get into certain angles and positions that you might not otherwise be able to reach.

“People raved about it and now we know why,” wrote one reviewer. “The first time we used it all our expectations were exceeded…We give it an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10.”

Pillo

Dame’s sex pillow is as sleek and understated as the brand’s popular vibrators. With a wedge-like shape, the Pillo is supportive yet soft with a 100% cotton shell and water-resistant nylon liner. Inside is polyurethane foam, which reviewers report is sturdy and helpful when it comes to relieving common aches and pains in the back and neck.

“I struggle with chronic joint and muscle pain; Pillo made a variety of positions easier to access,” said a customer. Another person with lower back pain confirmed the pillow led to more comfortable sex with less pain afterward.

Wedge Ramp Combo

“A wedge ramp combo offers the most versatility, as it is convertible between the two types,” explains Jeffcoat. This option from the popular sex pillow brand, Liberator, includes a ramp and a wedge to make just about any sex position more accessible and enjoyable. You can use the pieces separately or together as needed. Both come with machine-washable covers you can easily zip off and slip back on once they’re clean.

While this is definitely a splurge-worthy sex pillow, many reviewers are happy with their purchase. “This is the most amazing purchase that I’ve made when it comes to sex toys,” said a shopper. “It may seem expensive, but [it’s] worth every dollar.” Another claimed that it took their sex life from “fantastic to astronomical,” adding, “There was much less strain on my back and his knees, which let us go longer and harder.”

Half-Moon Sex Pillow

This half-moon-shaped inflatable pillow is incredibly versatile. First of all, it allows users to lift the hips for deeper penetration, similar to a wedge sex pillow. However, this portable option also comes with an internal channel to hold a vibrator for hands-free solo play or another element of fun with a partner. Made of PVC, the pillow is waterproof and wipes clean. It’s also inflatable, so you can tuck it away in storage or bring it with you on a trip.

Hundreds of Amazon shoppers give it a five-star rating. “Possibly the best thing I have ever bought for my sex life,” wrote one reviewer who uses the pillow for solo sex. Another said it’s ideal for partners. “It offers great support and comfort and enhances the whole experience. I love how we can try different positions and how my partner is able to reach my G-spot in new ways that he hasn’t before,” they wrote.

Humphrey Toy Mount Sex Pillow

This sex pillow was designed for mounting. It’s made of a responsive foam cushioning that can support two bodies, and the machine-washable microfiber cover includes a toy holder on one side for dildos, vibrators, and massage wands. It even has a smaller pocket for bullet vibrators and clitoral stimulators.

Reviewers appreciate its minimalist look and say its high quality makes up for the splurge-worthy cost. “I was hesitant to make this purchase because of the price tag, but I am happy I caved and treated myself,” wrote one shopper. “If you feel like your riding skills aren’t all they maybe could be (which was my part of my reasoning behind getting this mount), then this can help you get in the saddle all by yourself.”

Sex Pillows

This set of two equally sized wedge pillows is ideal for many different sex positions. You can use the pillows together to lift the hips and support the back simultaneously, or use one at a time. They’re made of supportive foam and come with washable microfiber covers you can remove as needed.

“These cushions are super sturdy and comfortable,” said one Amazon shopper. “I am plus size and they are super solid and hold up very well.”

Liberator Wanda Toy Mount

Whether you’re on your own or with a partner, this vibrator mount makes for a good time. Designed for hands-free clitoris stimulation, it includes a wand massager holder you can mount by yourself or in strategic positions, like doggy style, with someone else. While it comes in a vacuumed packed bag, the pillow will expand to its full size after you open it.

Single users and couples have left the sex toy-compatible pillow rave reviews. One shopper called it “a must have for any adventurous couple,” and another who uses it solo warned that “when that ‘O’ hits, you may fall off!”

Pulse Sex Pillow and Toy Mount

This sex pillow has a rocking, ergonomic shape for a natural feel. It has a pocket for holding larger vibrators or dildos at the same time as bullet vibrators for double the pleasure. You can use it alone or with a partner for multiple penetration options or supported oral sex. An Amazon reviewer confirms it’s “great for grinding on your favorite toys.”

Wedge Pillow

While this Helix pillow isn’t marketed as a sex pillow, you can certainly use it as one. In fact, Jeffcoat confirms “you can go with an orthopedic wedge pillow to achieve similar results.” This option is made with high-quality materials, including memory foam and a soft rayon and polyester blend. Plus, it doesn’t have the obvious look of a sex pillow like others on this list.

Pregnancy Pillow Wedge

This wedge-shaped pillow is ideal for pregnant women for a number of reasons. In general, it works to relieve tension and help you get into comfortable positions. The pillow is made of Certi-PUR-US memory foam with a plush Velboa cover you can easily pop in the washing machine as needed. It also doubles as added support under your stomach while on your side or beneath your legs during intimacy.

“Official ‘sex’ pillows are really overpriced. This one provides enough support for me and my partner without the extra price for the labeling,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “We can really get in some great intimate positions with this pillow. So far it’s proven quite durable.”

How to choose the best sex pillows

✔️ Pay attention to material. “Whatever pillow you choose, make sure the fabric is easy to wash and resilient,” suggests Jeffcoat. “While nylon covers are easy to wash, they may not hold up to repeated use during foreplay and intercourse and are typically just foam underneath—which can’t be washed.” Instead, look for pillows with covers made of soft fabrics like cotton and microfiber that can be unzipped and thrown in the wash.

✔️ Think about your favorite positions. “Many pillows are versatile and can be used in different positions for different results,” says Criss. However, some sex pillow shapes lend themselves best to specific sex positions, so keep in mind your specific needs before buying one. “For example, you might want a small wedge to prop your hips up or a larger one to lean over to make an all fours or doggy style position easier,” she says.

“Wedges come in all sizes, and even a small wedge can provide improved access for the clitoris during manual or oral sex,” adds Jeffcoat. “If someone wants to kick up their solo play a level, using a mountable pillow will add a hands-free experience.”

✔️ Stay within your budget. If you’re new to sex pillows and want to test out a few shapes to see what you like, you might be okay to buy a more affordable option. But once you know what you like, investing in a more expensive sex pillow may be beneficial in the long run. “Cheaper pillows tend to be less dense and may not have the long-term use potential as a result,” says Jeffcoat.

✔️ Consider design. Those with ample storage space may not care about the appearance of a sex pillow, but for people who may need to keep theirs out in the open, design is another element to consider. Some sex pillows have a more subtle look that could easily pass for a typical pillow. Others are designed for travel and small spaces, making them easy to tuck away when not in use.

Should you put a pillow under you during sex?

There are many reasons to consider using sex pillows, whether you’re looking to make intimacy with a partner more comfortable or solo play more exciting. “They’re universally awesome,” says Criss.

People with certain conditions may also find the props helpful, according to Jeffcoat. For instance, those who have recently had knee surgery or an injury may benefit from draping the knee over a ramp-shaped pillow for comfort, she explains. Someone with dizziness or vertigo might find resting their head at the highest angle of a ramp-style pillow minimizes these types of symptoms. A wedge-ramp pillow can also ease lower back discomfort.

Of course, sex pillows aren’t for everyone. “If you have an injury or condition that means your body should not be in a particular position, don’t try to force it,” says Criss. “Always listen to your body, too: If something is not comfortable, that’s information your body is giving you.”

Dr. Hack agrees, noting that those with limited mobility, a shortened vagina (from radiation, for instance), or who have been advised to abstain from sex, should consult their doctor before using a sex pillow. When in doubt, ask your doctor or physical therapist for individualized advice.

Can you use a regular pillow as a sex pillow?

While you can try using a regular pillow or memory foam pillow to aid in certain sexual positions, it might not provide the same support of a sex pillow.

“If you’re looking for a prop to put under your knee or to support your back, a regular pillow might work,” says Criss. “If you want greater positioning and support, a pillow designed for sex might serve you better as it will hold its shape,” she continues. That’s because pillows designed for sex should maintain their density. “You won’t have to worry about it shifting under you,” Criss notes.

The benefits of sex pillows

“A sex pillow may be used as a prop to add variety to routine positions, ease joint or muscle discomfort in certain positions, and can provide improved accessibility for your partner or during solo play,” explains Jeffcoat. Sex pillows also allow you to create different angles in a variety of sexual positions, which can boost pleasure and comfort, adds Dr. Hack.

“For example, a pillow under the hips might make penetration more accessible, deeper, adjust the angle for greater pleasure, or even relieve back pain, depending on the needs and desires of the partners,” says Criss.

Lastly, some sex pillows are designed to hold props, including vibrators and dildos, and are readily moveable during self-stimulation, Jeffcoat points out.

How we chose the best sex pillows

We consulted experts Stephanie Hack, M.D. an ob/gyn and founder of Lady Parts Doctor; Heather Jeffcoat, D.P.T., a pelvic floor physical therapist, the owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, and the president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy; and Celina Criss, a certified sex coach with a Ph.D. in human sexuality, the curriculum director of Sex Coach U, and the executive director of the World Association of Sex Coaches. We also combed through customer reviews to pick the best sex pillows.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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