If aches, pains and mobility issues have made sex too painful or cumbersome, it may be time for a naughty home makeover.
These days, sex furniture isn’t just for being kinky — it can actually help with health concerns.
“Many people have found that sex furniture changes the way they can experience pleasure — and we all need that right now,” said Jane Fleishman, PhD-trained sexuality educator.
“Sex furniture can also be extremely helpful for anyone who has chronic pain, sore joints or any body parts that are no longer as limber as they once were.”
What is sex furniture?
Forget your run-of-the-mill IKEA couch — sex furniture is designed to handle a lot more than just your nightly Netflix binge.
“Sex furniture is built to hold more weight since more than one person is usually on it,” Javay Frye-Nekrasova, a sex educator and content creator, told The Post. “It also generally is sturdier in the sense that it won’t give out like a regular pillow would but will hold its shape.”
But it’s not just about durability; sex furniture is all about helping you get creative in the bedroom.
“Sex furniture is thought to help with exploring different positions and reaching parts of the body that laying on a flat surface like a bed or couch wouldn’t do,” said Dr. Debra Laino, a board-certified clinical sexologist and relationship therapist. “They help with positioning, penetration and comfort.”
And let’s face it, messes happen. But there’s no need to panic. “Sex furniture is typically made of material that is either removable and washable or resistant to fluids so that it can survive playtime without being stained or damaged,” Frye-Nekrasova said.
“[Sex furniture] can help with things like a disproportion in body sizes [or for] smaller penises to penetrate more deeply.”
Dr. Debra Laino
What are the benefits of sex furniture?
Sex furniture may seem like a modern invention, but it’s far from new. The idea of spicing up bedroom furnishings dates back centuries. Even King Edward VII of England had a “seat of love” specially designed for his royal rendezvous in the 1800s.
“Sex furniture can provide support during sexual play with a partner or solo,” said Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, an expert in pelvic floor therapy and the author of Sex Without Pain: A Self Treatment Guide to the Sex Life.
“The gentle curves of some sex furniture can be a great option for folks with hip or back pain, providing full support during penetrative or non-penetrative intercourse,” she added.
It can also help prevent injuries by supporting areas of the body that might need a little extra TLC. Frye-Nekrasova notes that this is especially helpful for people with accessibility needs or mobility challenges.
“Most furniture is not designed to be adjusted for sexual activities so you can’t make it work for what you and your partner’s bodies need, but sex furniture does,” she said.
It’s not just about comfort — this ergonomic approach also caters to different physical forms. “It can help with things like a disproportion in body sizes [or for] smaller penises to penetrate more deeply,” Laino said.
Examples of sex furniture
Just like human bodies, sex furniture come in all different shapes and sizes.
“You may have visited a home where this is in a public area, and did not realize as many are designed to look like mainstream furniture,” Jeffcoat said.
From subtle to more eye-catching designs, the range of sex furniture is vast. “I like sex chairs, chaises and sofas for couples as they can provide good body positioning for different positions such as reverse cowgirl,” Laino said.
Next up: The sex stool. With its sturdy metal frame and elastic straps, this piece can be a game-changer for people who want to be on top without the discomfort. It relieves pressure on joints and provides crucial support so you can focus on pleasure instead of sore knees.
Then there are sex swings. Frye-Nekrasova said these are perfect for people who want to elevate their love lives but can’t physically lift themselves or their partner. She noted that sex swings can be particularly helpful for those with limited mobility, offering a smooth, gliding motion that enhances the experience.
“There is this assumption that because folks are disabled, they aren’t sexual or having sex or wanting it, and that’s the furthest thing from the truth.”
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Also on the list are sex pillows, which primarily come in wedge and ramp shapes.
“Sex pillows can be really good for folks with chronic pain because they have sturdy options to make it so that you aren’t having to hold yourself up,” Frye-Nekrasova said. “They also have softer options that will allow you to be more comfortable in positions for extended amounts of time.”
Some even have a built-in space to hold sex toys for hands-free or solo pleasure.
“The Liberator wedge is a great choice if you want to experience deeper penetration on your own or if you want to be more comfortable in new or different masturbation positions, because, spoiler alert: you don’t just have to lay on your back to masturbate,” Frye-Nekrasova said.
Considerations when shopping for sex furniture
The first decision: Is this an experiment, or something you want to keep around?
“Some pieces of sex furniture are beautiful and expensive while others are blown up,” Laino said. “It may be a good idea to start with a blow-up chaise or chair and then start looking for something a bit more permanent if it is enjoyed.”
As with most sexual health products, you can purchase sex furniture online at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart and even Etsy. However, Fleishman recommended seeing how it looks in person before putting your card down.
“I’d suggest you go to a sex toy boutique in your area,” she said. “Their staff are well-trained and can really make the difference in making sure the products you buy are comfortable for you.”
When shopping, Jeffcoat said to always make sure that the sex furniture is made of durable and easy to clean materials. Leather and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are good options.
“If there is a cover, make sure it is easy to remove and fit back on and is machine washable,” she said.
Overcoming sex challenges
Physical intimacy is essential to our overall well-being — including for people living with physical disabilities, chronic illness or the effects of aging. But for many, the topic is still taboo.
“There is this assumption that because folks are disabled, they aren’t sexual or having sex or wanting it, and that’s the furthest thing from the truth,” Frye-Nekrasova said. “The only difference around sex between disabled folks and folks without disabilities is having to adapt and adjust.”
Research shows that many healthcare providers lack the knowledge — and the confidence — to discuss sex with people who have disabilities or chronic illnesses. Studies also indicate that doctors aren’t bringing up the topic with their older patients.
Experts argue that this silence adds to the barriers these people face when it comes to physical intimacy. It could also be preventing them from accessing the health benefits of a fulfilling sex life.
Working with a sex therapist can help people explore new avenues of pleasure and learn about adaptive techniques and tools, while also addressing the psychological and emotional hurdles that can impact sexual satisfaction.
And remember: Sex isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Physical intimacy comes in many forms, not just penetrative intercourse. Ultimately, it’s about finding joy in connecting with your partner — and with yourself.
