It’s rare to get a peek into the sex lives of celebrities, but that’s just what Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson accidentally/on-purpose gave the world last June. The then-rumored couple was spotted carrying a sex bench into their home, and it sent the internet into a frenzy. Between furiously Googling for clues confirming Cara and Ashley were indeed an item and mining the internet for the definition of a sex bench, the photos kept fans well occupied. Since then, Cara and Ashley have gone public, but one question remains: What on earth is sex bench?
A sex bench is a BDSM tool for anyone interested in kinky sex play, anyone who’s physically impaired and struggles with comfort during sex in bed, or people who need a little extra help getting into the positions that optimize their pleasure, says Shawntres Parks, a licensed ily therapist.
Someone might purchase a sex bench with various add-ons including restraints “that allow for varying degrees of leg spreading, or oral sex.” For others, the benefit is the slope of certain benches that allows for deeper or shallower penetration, the padding that supports the joints during doggy style, or the mechanical dildo attachment that promises hands-free pleasure. But the bells and whistles aren’t for everyone, Parks adds. Someone might just buy a bench without the frills because “for some couples, [figuring out how everything works] is going to be a deterrent.”
For that reason, Parks has recommended a collection of benches (including Cara and Ashley’s) that are guaranteed to meet your every need.
This one is Parks’ favorite bench to recommend because it’ll blend right in with the rest of your furniture by day, and by night, it’s, well, a damn good sex bench. I’m talking 24 connector points for restraints and curves that offer tons of hip support while you’re getting it on.
Picture this: You position your pelvis on the elevated ends of the bench so you’re in a prime stance for oral sex.
If you’d prefer to store your bench in your closet when it’s not in use, Parks is all about this compact spanking bench. The four cuffs at each each corner are ideal for X-position spreading in bondage play. And on days when you don’t feel like being tied down, use the bench as a cushion for your knees during doggy style.
When you’re done, just remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine so it’s ready for round two.
“The Ramp Wedge Combo is also really Religiöse Dating-Sites good for couples who have any sort of medical of physical impairment,” says Parks. It’s not too steep and it’s soft to the touch. She recommends using it when you’re in the missionary position and you want to lift the hips-an ideal move for someone with back pain. And if you’re not dealing with any mobility issues and deeper penetration is your goal, lie back on the ramp while your partner mounts you from a higher angle.
If you want to get on Cara and Ashley’s level, this is the bench to add to your cart. It’s got all the options for strapping in, including knee supports and a padded face rest for when you’re bent over.
Since there are so many uses for them, not all sex benches are created equal
What makes it stand out, says Parks, is the fact that “it can hold up to 400 pounds.” It’s ideal for her clients who need more body support as they experiment with BDSM. And for anyone who wants to take things up a notch, the Master Series, says Parks, is fit for add-ons like a leg spreader bar to keep legs apart and a sex machine with a dildo attachment.
“This one is comfortable for a longer period of time,” says Parks. So, if you’re going for some extended role play or you and your partner want to switch off using the bench, this is the one for you. This pick gives you the option to purchase your bench with or without the add-ons. So if you’re new to the BDSM scene and they’d be lost on you, save some coin and go for the bench sans attachments.
Whatever your preference, if you want a sex bench, you should have one
Complete with a dildo rod, this bench, meant for dominant and submissive play, has got it all, including a steel neck collar you can add to your order. “It gives people an opportunity to not have to look around and piecemeal to create a full set,” says Parks. By all means, give this one a go if you’re into it, but Parks recommends starting slowly if you’re new to BDSM since this bench is one she considers advanced.
If you’re a newbie and “want to experiment without the money investment,” says Parks, this pick is a great choice. Granted, it still has a hefty price tag, but it’s certainly cheaper than the other options. With 14 attachment points on its padded base, you can bind your partner in various positions, get some, and fold it up when you’re done.
