sexual curiosity in teens

Is It Normal to Hump a Pillow as A Guy? Why Pillow Humping Might Work for You?

Ok, so you’ve humped a pillow and it made you feel really good. Now you’re thinking, “Wait, is this normal? Am I the only one getting off this way?”

However, your questions are just in your thoughts. Nobody talks about “normal” masturbation or Pillow Humping 101 for guys. Because you can’t tell anyone about the deed, you went on Google to search for it, only to find a Reddit post that says only 5 to 10% of men practice this kind of masturbation, and it doesn’t even specify pillow humping.

So, does that mean you are not normal?

The short answer is: IT IS NORMAL!

Why Is It Normal for Guys to Hump a Pillow?

Many men explore their bodies in different ways, especially during their teens when resources are limited and the hormones are high. This includes pillow humping. You can count it as a part of self-exploration.

But let’s be honest. While we can’t really tell if that percentage mentioned above is based on real data or not, it is true that pillow humping among guys is uncommon.

Even if this is true, that doesn’t make you abnormal or weird. No one should dictate to you how to masturbate as long as it’s done safely and you’re not bothering anyone.

Why Pillow Humping Might Work for You

If you’ve done pillow humping before, you probably know the answer to this question. But if you’re looking for new ways to masturbate because you feel that your hands are boring you to death, then you might want to try humping your pillows. And here’s why this can be right for you:

Hands-Free

Because you only have to thrust your pelvis against a pillow, you don’t have to tire out your hands doing the deed. Another reason is that humping your pillow can provide a different sensation, because unlike with your hands, pillow humping is the closest sensation to partnered sex you can get, especially if you’re a teen and still living with your parents.

More Control

Let’s make this clear: unlike with prone masturbation, you are more in control when you hump a pillow. You have more control over pressure, angle, and position, making the experience safe for you. It also allows you to discover the right pressure, angle, and movement that works for you.

No Pressure

Because it’s your own private session, you are free to explore your fantasies and ideas without having to worry about whether you’ve impressed a partner or not.

Early Confidence Builder

For some men, humping a pillow is a great starter. It provides them with a way to practice new methods, ways, or techniques they can apply when they have sex with a partner.

Safe Channeling

If you’re feeling horny, pillow humping is one of the best outlets to relieve that higher sexual tension. You’ll be free from committing assaults or contracting STDs. 

Personal Story: An Interview With My Boyfriend 

Well, I’ve told my boyfriend about this topic. And he confessed to me that he actually humped a pillow to masturbate when he was a teen. So, I decided, why not grab the opportunity to interview a real guy who had actually done it to get his perspective? My boyfriend agreed on the condition that he remain anonymous, so let’s call him Nick.

Me: Have you ever humped a pillow?

Nick: Of course I have! Who hasn't done that at least once? When I was younger, sometimes my hormones would get the best of me and I'd end up humping a pillow. 

Me: Like, when you were a teen?

Nick: Yeah exactly, when I was a teenager. I think it's totally normal for people to masturbate however makes them feel good.

Me: Why hump pillows? Why didn’t you use your hands? What difference did it make you feel? 

Nick: Well I think humping feels more realistic than using my hands. It simulates the experience of having sex with someone else. Plus, it allows me to imagine myself in different scenarios, like lying down with someone else and grinding my hips against theirs.

Me: Did you do it while watching porn or listening to something erotic? What turned you on that would lead you to hump a pillow?

Nick: Oh yeah definitely! Sometimes when I was jerking off I'd watch porn and then I'd want to simulate the feeling of having sex with someone else. So I'd grab a pillow and hump it. It was like a prop to help me act out what I saw in the videos.

Me: At what age did you stop?

Nick: I started doing it when I was a teen, and I continued doing it until I was somewhere between 18 and 20 years old. After that, I started to prefer actual sex over pillow humping. 

Me: Did you do other ways to masturbate?

Nick: Aside from pillow humping, I'd say I used my hands to jack off pretty frequently. I don't think I ever tried anything fancy like edging or delayed orgasm. I mostly just wanted to get off quickly. But yeah, I liked to mix things up. Too much repetition can make things stale. 

Me: When you did it, did you figure out something about yourself, or did it lead to some self-discovery?

Nick: I guess it made me realize that I enjoy experiencing pleasure through physical contact with others. Since I couldn't have sex with women as a teen, I found ways to create similar sensations on my own. And when I found partners, I knew what I liked and could communicate that effectively. 

Is Pillow Humping Safe?

Pillow humping is generally safe if done gently and in moderation. If done aggressively, it can lead to skin irritation or injury. You might consider that it can also be a form of prone masturbation. According to Healthline, doing it excessively can lead to desensitization. 

Here’s a video of another issue that prone masturbation can lead to:

How to Practice Safe Pillow Humping

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Even though there are risks involved, it doesn’t mean that it’s dangerous. As the popular adage says, “Too much of anything is bad.” And that includes pillow humping. So here are five ways you can do it safely:

Practice Good Hygiene

Use a clean pillow. Make sure to wash your pillow after each session. Maintaining personal hygiene helps prevent infections. Also, use your own pillow and make it your own. Don’t borrow pillows or lend your "masturbation pillow" to others.

Practice Variation

Change your routine by exploring other techniques. Note that relying solely on pillow humping to relieve yourself can injure your penis. Sometimes, use your hands, or better, try toys that allow you to get off hands-free while still simulating sex. 

Use Lubricant

Using lubricant can reduce friction, protect your skin, and enhance your masturbation experience.

Control Pressure

To prevent injuring your penis, avoid excessive friction or being too aggressive. While lube can help reduce friction, the intensity is yours to control.

Get in the Mood

Getting off is easier when you're aroused. So watch porn, listen to erotica, or let your imagination run wild.

FAQs: Common Questions Answered

Is pillow humping immature or weird?

Pillow humping is uncommon, but it’s completely normal. Don’t let society dictate how you masturbate. Masturbation is personal and should reflect your own preferences. As long as you’re not harming anyone, including yourself, it’s perfectly fine.

Can I talk to a partner about it?

Yes, and who knows? It might even become part of your foreplay. (Wink wink.)

Is it a problem if I like it more than other types of stimulation?

It’s not a problem as long as it’s not causing you distress, health issues, or a disconnect from intimacy. There’s nothing wrong with preferring it, but that doesn’t mean you should rely on it exclusively. Try mixing things up to avoid the downsides of repetitive stimulation.

Will it affect my erection?

Not if you do it moderately and gently.

Do you want to take your pillow humping to the next level? Visit BeYourLover to find the perfect toy that will match your needs. 

Special Thanks To:

Nick

Sexologist

Liz B.

Liz has always been passionate about helping people with intimacy, relationships, and personal well-being. She finds joy in creating a judgment-free space where her readers can feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their own skin. Professionally, Liz has been a writer for over 12 years. In her free time, you’ll find her in a martial arts class or swimming lesson. She is also on her way to becoming a wellness instructor. When she is not on the move, she enjoys reading or listening to self-help, romance, and sci-fi books, or learning new skills just for fun.