From the amount of websites out there selling sex swings as an aid for better sex, you would think every sexually active couple in the civilized world was in the market for one. Should they be? What do sex swings or ‘love swings,’ as they’re often referred to, do for your sex life?

The answer is completely subjective of course, but there’s no doubt that these cloth and steel inventions allow you to engage in sexual positions that gravity has previously made impossible. This alone is a huge selling point, especially for couples looking to spice things up and do things differently, or couples with extra weight on their bones, or both. The same way we use straps and blocks in yoga, props can free us of the bulky physicality of our cumbersome bodies to allow for more relaxation and pleasure.

What is it?

Most sex swings consist of a series of canvas straps with padding– generally with three loops to support your back, pelvis and knees. With the pressure alleviated on these points of stress, your groin area is free and clear for action, and your hands can hold your partner in any number of ways. Some have springs for bouncing, aiding in relaxed penetration. Swings attach to the ceiling, doorframe, or have an independent stand, and generally support weight between 200 and 400 pounds.

Plethora of Positions

Probably the most convincing reason to use a sex swing is the interesting positions you and your partner can get into. You can use it for difficult positions that are almost impossible to repeat without the swing on a regular bed, because you don’t need your hands to keep your body in position – the swing does that for you. And we all know that having a free hand is always a good thing during sex.

But you can also use it for old-fashioned positions for a “gravity-defying” experience. For example, the 69 position can get uncomfortable really fast, especially if your body sizes aren’t similar, but with the swing, there’s much more flexibility. They also boast faster, deeper penetration with less effort and gravity-free doggy style! Are you running to your computer yet?

Installation Mechanics

It used to be that the only way to install a sex swing was to drill holes in the ceiling and have it hang down, usually over your bed. While this is still a preferred method, many people aren’t crazy about having to explain to guests why there are two giant hooks in the bedroom ceiling. If that doesn’t appeal to you, now you can get the swing with a stand as well, a freestanding structure that supports you and your partner.

Human sexuality has definitely come out of the closet in the age of the Internet, where we can plainly see what other couples have been doing ‘underground’ for years. Like pole dancing, sex swings have become much more mainstream in our culture, and are no longer regarded as evidence of ‘deviant’ behavior. In short, there’s nothing to lose and potentially lots of exciting sex positions to gain!