If you're looking to liven up your love life on this Valentine's Day, Goop has a suggestion, but I'll give you $195 back.
Gwyneth Paltrow's Lifestyle and Wellness Company features “The Prim” in this year's Valentine's Gift Guide, claiming that taboo sex pillows will make your intimate moments more comfortable and satisfying.
But do you really need to pay a lot for better sex? This post spoke to three experts to get an overview of sex pillows and told me whether Goop's recommendations are really worth splurge.
What is a sex pillow?
Sex pillows are often angled cushions, often designed to make those intimate moments a little more fun.
“Normal pillows are not designed to maintain shape or support during sex,” the doctor said. Heather Jeff Coatowner of Femina Physical Therapy Author with Los Angeles Painless Sex: A Guide to Self-Treatment for Sex Life. “You can definitely make something in time, like stacking three or four pillows to create a modified lamp, but sometimes they may or may not provide the support you need.”
Unlike the average pillow, most sex pillows are made of high density foam that can hold its shape underneath the weight. There are many different shapes and sizes, but the most popular types are wedges and lamps.
“Wedge pillows are great for raising your hips and thighs to reduce discomfort,” the doctor said. Debra RhinoBoard-certified clinical sexologist and relational therapist. “The lamp-shaped pillows still have wedge lifts, but they often help support the back.”
Laino pointed out that some sex pillows even have built-in spaces to hold sex toys for hands-free or solo pleasure. These are often referred to as sex mounts.
What are the benefits of using a sex pillow?
Experts agree: Sex pillows can make all the difference, especially if you're inside One in three women People who report experiencing pain during sex.
“These pillows help to make the position easier or more comfortable, and help deeper penetration by allowing for more relaxation in the muscles of the lower back, hip and pelvic floor,” Jeff said. Court said.
They also work incrediblely to those dealing with mobility challenges, injuries, or age-related physical changes. They can even help pregnant women find a safe and satisfying position.
“All good sex is about angles,” he said. Dr. Megan Fleminga New York-based psychologist and sex therapist. “For some people, sex pillows can bring back a position that has become uncomfortable by providing the support and angle they need.”
Jeff Court said gender pillows often come with suggested positions, but she said she should consult with a pelvic health physiotherapist about the most effective methods if she has specific needs. Recommended.
“For example, if you need to bend or push your hips during sex or intimacy to reduce discomfort in your lower back, place your pelvis on top of a thick area, bend your knees and make a big wedge. You can use it. It is pulled towards the legs of the bed or the ground, or towards the chest,” Jeffcourt said.
Meanwhile, “Lamps are great at limiting hip flexion, which is important if you have hip disorders, labral cleft, hip arthritis, or recent hip surgery,” she added.
Is “The Prim” really worth the $195 price tag?
“The Prim is a lovely pillow, but it also works because the others are so few,” says Laino. However, “If you want to splurge, 'Prim' is a good option. It is firm, wedge-shaped and has a removable cover like most, so you can wash it. ”
Fleming said that Purim's understated design is another selling point. “If you're a New Yorker and you're stuffed for space, you might like the idea that you can always have it in your bed,” she said.
The pillow design also adds convenience. “You can feel more spontaneous than going home, planning your erotic adventures and pulling out whatever you want to include,” Fleming added.
If it's not sold entirely on sex pillows yet, Fleming recommends starting with a more budget-friendly option, like this inflatable wedge from Love Honey, for $49.99.
“Try it at a lower price. And if you feel like, 'Oh, my god, I really love this,' it makes sense if you want to invest in a higher quality version,” she says. I did.
How do I take care of my sex pillow?
Let's face it: Sex can be messy. Luckily, most sex pillows are machine washable or come with removable covers for easy cleaning.
Experts recommend washing your pillow every time you use it, especially if you share it with multiple partners, to avoid bacteria buildup and spread of infection.
Fleming also suggests that people who engage in activities such as water sports and use products such as massage oils will take extra precautions to extend the life of their pillows and keep their bedding clean. It's there.
“Some people can step into their heads around sheets and pillows, so throwing a waterproof sex blanket is a great way to go to relax in the experience,” she said. . “That's important, because relaxation is the foundation of awakening.”
If no pillows are used, it is recommended that Laino be stored in a clean, dry place from the floor and away from anything that could harbor bacteria, like a damp bathroom. “It's also a good idea to keep your pillow away from children and animals, because it's not a toy or a regular pillow,” she said.
When it comes to storing wedges and lamp pillows, Jeff Court suggests placing them on the longest or thickest side. “Do not apply pressure to the thin sections of the wedge and store the wedge pillow.
Does sex have health benefits?
Research suggests that the average American has sex once a week.
“A healthy sex life is extremely important to your well-being,” Rhino said. “Many hormones that are important to the brain, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, are released between genders.
According to Jeffcoat, physical intimacy has been shown to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and even increase the decline in combat cognitive function.
When it comes to romantic relationships, physical intimacy can also play an important role in union.
“When your sex life is going well, it's just a part of the relationship. If not, it can cause pain and cover up the entire relationship,” Fleming said.
“It's not ashamed of a less-sexual person or a sexless marriage. For some, it's a lifestyle choice, but for others, sex stays connected and partners. It is an important part of experiencing the joy of being.
