How to 69: 6 Tips for Mutual Comfort and Satisfaction

One of the most famous positions of all time: the 69. What is the 69 position? Despite being joked about by teenagers the world over, this position can be incredibly hot and intimate.

It is, however, famously difficult to master.

Couple kissing at home

What is the 69 position?

The 69 position has two partners lying down, generally, one on top of the other or side by side, with their heads facing opposite ways and genitals lined up with each other’s mouths. From here, you can give each other oral sex simultaneously.

It gets the name 69 from the position of the bodies, which curve together to form the shape of the numbers 6 and 9, respectively.

What is the 69 position, and is it worth trying? ‘69ing’ can be intensely sexy because of the simultaneous pleasure and the close entwining of your bodies.

However, it can also be physically uncomfortable, and many people find it hard to concentrate on the sensation they’re receiving while they're busy giving. Breathing can be a problem, too…

Couple passionately kissing in the shower

How to 69: 6 Ways to Make This Position Comfortable and Sexy

1. Do it sideways

Wondering how to 69 like a pro? While the classic 69 is done with one person lying on their and the other on top, many people find it less physically straining to do it with you both lying on your sides.

Doing it sideways means no one is awkwardly straining their neck, one person isn’t holding the other person’s entire body weight, and you can even rest your head or neck on each other’s thighs.

2. Take breaks

Giving each other oral sex at the same time can be super hot but also overwhelming. There’s nothing wrong with taking breaks to rest your mouth and focus on what’s going on down there.

It will give you a chance to breathe and really enjoy the sensation of receiving oral sex. And when your partner decides to take a break, it will give you a chance to focus on your technique as you give them pleasure, too.

Smiling embracing couple at home

3. Use your hands

The 69 position can be tiring if you only use your mouth the whole time. Our mouths, throats, necks, tongues, and jaws are prone to getting worn out, especially if you’re giving head in a semi-awkward position.

How to 69 and avoid jaw ache? Take the pressure off your mouth by stopping to just use your hands at intervals. You can pleasure their genitals with fingering or a handjob or just caress their body and other erogenous zones.

4. Try a pillow or sex wedge

As we’ve said, the 69 position can be uncomfortable because of your physical positioning. You’d be surprised at how much a well-positioned pillow can change that!

How to 69 and not get cramps? Move your pillow or sex wedge around until you’re comfortable. It could be under the side of your head, under your neck, under your ass, or wherever works for you both.

Hand holding purple vibrator on colourful background

5. Experiment with toys

Sex toys are designed to make sex more pleasurable, so these wonderful inventions do, of course, make 69ing better, too.

If the thought of straining yourself puts you off the 69 position, using a toy like a vibrator, on your partner while you’re stimulating them with your mouth, or in between stimulating them with your mouth, will give them increased pleasure and give your mouth time to rest.

6. Speak up!

It goes without saying, but communication is the key to successful sex. If you’ve had bad experiences in the 69 position in the past, it’s likely because there wasn’t enough communication.

If you really want to give it a go, get into position, and then don’t be afraid to adjust your body until you’re at the exact right angle. And if you feel discomfort during the activity, don’t stay silent.

Feet of couple lying in bed together

How to 69 successfully? Follow these 6 tips and, of course, take your time. What is the 69 position? A way to multitask, yes, but also a chance to explore your bodies and experience pleasure in surprising new ways.