Lying down sex positions · June 28, 2023

Prone Bone Position: Benefits, How to Do It + 4 Variations

Prone bone explained: how to set it up, 4 easy variations, pillow and comfort tips, when to skip it (pregnancy, back pain) and how to talk about it.

Prone Bone Position: Benefits, How to Do It + 4 Variations

Prone bone is a rear-entry sex position in which the receiving partner lies flat on their stomach and the penetrating partner lies or kneels over them from behind. It's basically doggy style with everyone lying down: the person on the bottom barely has to move, the angle feels snug, and there's plenty of full-body contact.

It works for vaginal or anal penetration, with a penis or a strap-on, and for any couple where the person on the bottom enjoys being held close and doing very little of the work. It's also a nice option when one of you is tired or just wants to relax into the moment.

Why People Love Prone Bone

  • A tight, close feeling. With the receiver's legs fairly close together, many people find the sensation feels snugger for both partners.
  • A helpful angle. For vaginal sex, entering from behind tends to angle toward the front wall of the vagina, the area often called the G-spot. Everyone's body is different, so treat that as a possibility rather than a promise.
  • Low effort for the bottom partner. They're fully supported by the mattress and can simply relax.
  • Lots of skin contact. Chest to back, kisses on the neck and shoulders, a hand in the hair if that's welcome. It can feel intimate even without eye contact, and some couples enjoy the gentle sense of one person leading and the other surrendering.

One honest note: the buttocks naturally limit how deep penetration can go, which many people actually prefer. And the clitoris doesn't get much attention by default, so plan for it (more on that below).

How to Do the Prone Bone Position Step by Step

  1. Warm up first. Foreplay and plenty of lubricant make everything easier, especially from this angle. For anal sex, lube isn't optional.
  2. Receiver gets comfy. Lie face down on the bed, legs straight and slightly apart, head turned to one side or resting on folded arms or a pillow so breathing is easy.
  3. Penetrating partner gets into place. Kneel or lie between or over the receiver's legs, supporting your upper body on your hands or forearms placed beside their shoulders. Your weight stays on your arms and knees, not on their back.
  4. Enter slowly. The receiver can lift their hips a little or reach back to help guide. Go gently at first; the angle is different from most positions.
  5. Find a rhythm together. Short, slow strokes and grinding usually work better here than big, fast thrusts. The receiver can push back with their hips to control depth.

4 Prone Bone Variations to Try

1. Pillow Lift

Slide a firm pillow or wedge under the receiver's hips. Raising the pelvis changes the angle, often makes entry easier, and gives the receiver something to grind against for clitoral stimulation.

2. Legs Together

Once penetration has started, the receiver brings their legs together and the penetrating partner straddles them, knees on the outside. This makes the feeling even tighter and keeps strokes shallow, which some people love and others find too intense. Go slowly.

3. Bent Knee

The receiver draws one knee up and out to the side, like a half frog. This opens the hips, eases pressure on the lower back and makes it easier to slip a hand or a small vibrator underneath.

4. Edge of the Bed

The receiver lies on their stomach with hips at the edge of the bed and feet on the floor, while the penetrating partner stands or kneels behind. This takes weight off the receiver entirely and gives the standing partner much more control and stamina. Adjust bed or cushion height so nobody is straining their knees.

Comfort Tips and Making It Easier

  • Mind the weight. Lying fully on top of someone can restrict breathing. Keep most of your weight on your arms and knees unless your partner asks for more pressure.
  • Add clitoral stimulation. A pillow to grind on, the receiver's own hand, or a small wearable or bullet vibrator tucked underneath can make a big difference.
  • Support the neck. Turning the head to one side for a long time can get stiff. Swap sides or rest the forehead on folded arms.
  • Use a firm surface. A very soft mattress lets hips sink and makes the angle awkward; a pillow or wedge fixes that.
  • Different heights and bodies. If one partner is much taller, a bigger pillow under the receiver's hips or the edge-of-bed version usually lines things up better. A larger belly or chest can make lying flat uncomfortable, so try the bent-knee version or a wedge.
  • Protection. Condoms or other barriers reduce the risk of STIs. If you switch from anal to vaginal penetration, use a fresh condom or wash first.

When Prone Bone Isn't for You

  • Pregnancy: lying flat on the stomach becomes uncomfortable as the bump grows, and pressure on the belly should be avoided. Side-lying rear entry (spooning) is a gentler alternative; check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Back or neck problems: if lying prone causes pain, try the bent-knee or edge-of-bed variation, or skip it.
  • Shoulder or wrist issues for the top partner: holding yourself up can be tiring. Rest on forearms or try the edge-of-bed version.
  • Pain during penetration: stop. Pain isn't something to push through. More lube, a slower pace or a different position usually helps; ongoing pain is worth mentioning to a doctor.
  • Anxiety about not seeing your partner: totally valid. Not everyone enjoys being face down, so pick a position where you can see each other.

Talking About It and Consent

Because the receiver can't see their partner's face and has limited movement, agree on a few things before you start: how much weight is okay, whether hair pulling or a hand on the back is welcome, and a clear word or tap signal that means "pause." The top partner should check in out loud ("More? Slower? Still good?") since the usual facial cues aren't visible. If a sense of dominance is part of the appeal, talk about it beforehand so it stays fun for both of you.

FAQ

What's the difference between prone bone and doggy style?

In doggy style, the receiver is on hands and knees. In prone bone, they lie flat on their stomach, so it's lower effort and has more body contact but usually less depth.

Can the receiving partner reach orgasm in this position?

Yes, though many people need extra clitoral stimulation to get there. A pillow, a hand or a toy underneath helps a lot.

Is prone bone good for first-time anal sex?

It can be, because the receiver stays relaxed. Still, many people find it easier to start in a position where they control the pace, like being on top, and move to prone bone once they're comfortable.

Can same-sex couples do prone bone?

Absolutely. It works with a penis, a strap-on or fingers, for any combination of bodies.