Sex machines get talked about in a lot of big, vague, or “porn-y” ways. Too powerful. Too complicated. Too expansive. Only for one kind of person. None of that is especially helpful when someone is just trying to figure out what they do, design options, and how you actually use it once you take it out of the box.
We’ll go over some of the easiest positions, yes. But look at other things like categories, adaptations to couples’ play, and accessibility.
Table of Contents
- Kinds of Sex Machines
- 15 Sex Machine Postitions
- Adapting Sex Machine Positions for Couples
- Accessible Sex Machine Positions
- Final Thoughts on Sex Machine Positions
- Want More Reads?
Kinds of Sex Machines
Thrusting Sex Machines
These are the classic ones. A motor pushes the toy in and out, with controls for speed and depth. Once lined up, there’s not much body movement needed. Most people use these when they want the machine to do the work instead of holding positions.
Ride-On / Saddle Sex Machines
These are built to sit on or straddle (think of a Sybian). Body weight is supported by the machine, and movement comes from riding, light thrusting/grinding, or a mix of both. Power matters just as much as stability. A solid base makes a bigger difference than speed.
Adjustable-Arm
The thrusting part sits on an arm that can move up, down, forward, or sideways. Setup takes longer, but it pays off if alignment is tricky or if positions change often – popular with people who need fine control over height and angle.
Machine Guns
These look like a powertool mounted on a base. More often than not, they’re relabeled white brands and come with a ton of attachments (sadly, most of them are poor quality). Honestly, it’s best just to skip these and find a better, more affordable option.
Tabletop / Compact
Smaller machines are designed for beds, chairs, or tables. Easier to store and carry, but usually not as strong. These often work best with straps, or something non-slip underneath to keep them steady.
Seated / Accessibility-Focused
Designed for sitting, including chair or wheelchair use. Controls are placed within easy reach, and balance isn’t a big concern. They often overlap with adjustable-arm or ride-on designs, just built with access and comfort in mind.
App-controlled or smart sex toy machines can fall as an extra feature with any of these styles. They’re already a part of international conversations about sexual wellness. ~ Source
15 Sex Machine Postitions
Most regular sex positions (we won’t count ones that need acrobatic training) can be used with sex machines, with only a few tweaks here and there when you first get it and have to learn it. But after the learning curve, you barely have to think about the setup.
Missionary
This position benefits a lot from angle control. A firm pillow under the hips changes the thrust path more effectively than raising machine speed or depth. If pressure builds in the lower back, lowering the hips slightly usually helps more than stopping entirely. Keeping feet planted or lightly braced can reduce sliding during stronger thrust cycles. This position also works well for testing new settings since alignment stays stable.
Prone (Face-Down)
Lying flat on the stomach with the machine aligned from behind. A thin pillow under the pelvis helps avoid lower-back pressure and keeps alignment steady. Once everything is lined up, very little adjustment is needed. Not ideal for machines with very strong thrust unless speed is lowered.
Doggy Style (All Fours)
Forearms often work better than hands for longer use, especially on hard floors. Knee spacing matters more than expected: wider knees usually soften the angle, while narrower knees create a straighter thrust. If the machine feels too intense, backing it up a few centimeters often helps more than reducing speed. A yoga mat or folded blanket under the knees prevents pressure points from building.
Kneeling Upright
Kneeling with the torso vertical while the machine is set at mid-height. Often paired with a wall, chair, or bed for balance. Height matters more here than in most other positions, so adjustable machines work best. Kneepads or a folded blanket can help with comfort.
Edge of the Bed
Lying back with hips near the edge of the mattress and the machine set to bed height. The bed supports most body weight, making this one of the lowest-effort options. Easy to fine-tune alignment without lifting or scooting around
What’s a Wedge?
This is a specially made support made from firm foam – often in triangular shapes, but they come in other designs too. They’re meant to give more support than a stack of pillows or a rolled-up blanket.
Standing Supported
Standing while leaning forward against a solid surface like a wall or table. The machine is positioned at standing height behind. Feels natural for some bodies, but balance support is important. Usually better for shorter sessions due to leg fatigue.
Cowgirl
Stability should be checked before starting. A non-slip base or weighted platform helps prevent wobble. Starting with thrust turned off or set very low makes positioning safer, then increasing speed once settled reduces strain. Leaning slightly forward changes the angle without needing to reposition the machine.
Reverse Cowgirl
Similar to cowgirl, but facing away from the machine. Angle changes come from posture or toy tilt rather than moving the device. A slight forward lean can make alignment easier. Stability matters here more than speed.
Side-Lying
Pillow placement makes or breaks this position. A pillow behind the back prevents rolling, while one between the knees reduces hip tension. If alignment feels slightly off, rotating the top hip forward instead of moving the machine usually fixes it. This position pairs well with slower thrust speeds and longer sessions since joint stress stays low.
Over-the-Bed / Bench
Upper body supported on a bed or padded surface, with hips free and the machine behind. This setup spreads weight comfortably and allows easy angle changes by leaning more or less forward. Useful when floor space is tight.
In several European regions, sex machines themselves are showing very rapid sales growth, outpacing many other sex toy types; in Switzerland in 2023, sales for sex machines grew by about 167 percent, and in Germany and Austria they had some of the highest growth rates among adult products that year. ~ Source
Seated (Chair or Wheelchair Accessible)
Height alignment is the biggest factor here. Even small height changes can completely change comfort, so slow adjustments matter. A chair with a firm seat works better than anything soft that sinks or tilts – or get one of those sex stools that have a slit in the center. Many people use clamps, straps, or non-slip mats to keep the machine from shifting forward.
Lateral Side-Angle
Mostly on the side, but rotated slightly forward rather than fully sideways. This helps when full side-lying doesn’t quite line up. A pillow under one hip can fix alignment issues without needing to move the machine.
Supported Spread-Eagle
Lying on the back with legs supported by pillows, wedges, or straps instead of holding position manually. Supports do the work, keeping everything steady. Useful for longer sessions or when muscle fatigue is a concern
Spooning Alignment
Side-lying with the machine positioned behind. On its own, this feels similar to standard side-lying but with rear alignment. With a partner present, closeness is possible without changing how the machine works. The device remains the active element
Face-to-Face Assisted
Back-lying position with the machine providing thrust while a partner stays near the upper body. Touch and connection happen without interfering with the device. This setup keeps roles clear and avoids awkward repositioning.
Adapting Sex Machine Positions for Couples
Any position can work as a couple’s position because a sex machine doesn’t have to mean solo or disconnected. They can stay involved in a lot of ways that have nothing to do with replacing the machine.
- One person might control speed or depth, watching reactions and adjusting in real time.
- Another might focus on touch, kissing, or added stimulation while the machine handles rhythm and consistency.
- Sometimes it’s as simple as being present, watching, talking, or sharing the moment instead of performing a specific role.
The machine takes care of one part of the experience, which frees a partner to engage in others, turning what looks like solo play into something shared without needing both people to physically use the device at the same time.
Accessible Sex Machine Positions
Accessibility with sex machines is a big topic, and there’s no one setup that fits everyone. Bodies move differently, energy levels change, pain or stiffness can come and go, and past injuries matter.
What helps most is taking pressure off the body wherever possible and letting the machine handle the work. Positions like side-lying, seated, edge-of-bed, or fully supported on the back are often easier to adapt because they don’t require holding balance or weight for long periods. Pillows, wedges, rolled towels, or firm cushions can make a bigger difference than changing positions entirely.
The machine itself matters just as much as the position.
- Stability is key. A solid, well-built machine that stays put is safer and far less frustrating than something light that shakes or slides around.
- Some cheaper machines look fine but jitter under use, which makes alignment harder and can cause strain.
- Adjustability is the other big factor. Height, angle, and reach should be easy to change in small steps, not all-or-nothing.
- Controls also need to be reachable without constant repositioning – look for longer cords.
| Position | Accessibility-focused adaptations |
|---|---|
| Seated (chair/wheelchair) | Firm seat + back support; wide base or clamp/strap anchoring; remote/app controls to avoid reaching. |
| Edge of Bed | Bed supports body weight; machine braced or strapped so it can’t slide; controls kept within easy reach. |
| Side-Lying / Spooning | Low joint load; machine held at a fixed side angle with bracing (rail/bolster/furniture edge) to prevent drift. |
| On Back (Supported Legs) | Positioning straps/spreader supports replace leg effort; quick-release + circulation checks for safety. |
| Over-Bed / Bench Support | Bench/stool replaces arm/core strain; wide base or clamps reduce wobble under load shifts. |
Final Thoughts on Sex Machine Positions
Before buying a sex machine, it’s worth slowing down and doing a bit of homework. Read real reviews, not just the star rating. Look at what people say after weeks or months of use, not just day one. Check the specs so the size, strength, noise level, and controls actually match what’s wanted. Attachments matter too. Some machines are flexible, others lock you into one setup, and that can change how useful they are long term.
That said, it’s also fine to decide the timing isn’t right yet.
Not everyone wants to jump straight to a full machine. Auto-thrusting toys, like thrusting dildos, can be a good middle ground. They offer movement and hands-free options without the space, cost, or commitment of a larger setup. Sometimes, trying something smaller first makes it easier to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and whether taking the next step even makes sense.
Want More Reads?
- Spinel vs. Sybian: How to Tell Which Machine Matches Your Style
- Lovense Mini Sex Machine Review: Little Package, Huge Sensations
- How to Build DIY Sex Machines: Step-by-Step Guides & Tips