How to Do the Octopus Sex Position and Make It Go Swimmingly
Yes it's a challenge, yes it's worth it. (No, you don't need eight tentacles.)
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The octopus sex position might not sound super sexy, but rest assured, there’s a lot you can do with a little creativity and flexibility—and no, you don’t need eight legs. The octopus is challenging, requires teamwork (which can strengthen your bond, btw), and give you the maximum amount of internal stimulation allowed by physics, basically.
You don’t need to do it perfectly (or perfect any sex position or technique, for that matter) to reap the benefits. “When it comes to positions, consider using them as inspiration as opposed to perfect directives,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, resident sexologist at Astroglide. “The octopus is challenging from the perspective of stamina, strength and flexibility. And since comfort of all kinds—emotional, physical, relational—is often key to pleasure, make modifications based on how you feel in your body.” You’re the expert when it comes to your own body and pleasure, says O’Reilly, so do what works for you.
To maximize the octopus, one technique O’Reilly recommends is rocking back and forth, rather than thrusting in and out. If the positioning isn’t quite working, try it on a firmer surface like a rug instead of a mattress, she says. “Wrap a strap (or a bedsheet) around your waist and have your partner offer a bit of extra support so that you don’t have to hold yourself up the whole time.”
Move around until you find something that feels right to you both. “If lifting two legs onto their shoulders feels uncomfortable, you can always slide one next to your partner’s body and only prop a single leg up,” says O’Reilly. And if the leg part isn’t happening, you’re still good. “You don’t have to be upright the whole time. Feel free to lie back and take a rest in this position.”
If you think of the octopus as more of a journey than a destination, you’ll have a lot more fun. “Don’t get hung up on penetration alone. You can assume the octopus for a minute and then switch to other types of sex play,” says O’Reilly.
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s the original octopus, plus two variations for your adventure at sea.
The Octopus
Are we ready for this? Okay. *Deep breaths.* The giver sits on the floor with their legs spread and bent slightly at the knees. The receiver straddles their partner’s lap then puts their legs over their shoulders. If the receiver has a clit and this position isn’t ~quite~ doing it for them, they can keep their underwear on and slide a panty vibrator in. (One with a magnet will keep it solidly in place.)
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Get the benefits of the octopus without all the ab work. “Sitting up face-to-face can be tiring and require constant core engagement, so alternate between sitting up and leaning back against a pillow—or better yet, a wedge sex pillow which will offer more first support,” says O’Reilly.
SHOP NOW Liberator Wedge, $110, Good Vibes
Elevated Octopus
If you are different sizes or heights, you might need a little something extra to get body parts where you want them. “You may find it difficult to slide inside in this position, so make adjustments as needed. It will absolutely depend on your heights and body shapes, but you may want to have one or both partners prop themselves up with a pillow or two under the butt. Again, a sex pillow will likely be even better,” says O’Reilly.
SHOP NOW Heart Wedge Sex Pillow, $115, Babeland
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