Sleeping Beauty: rear entry with the receiver flat and the partner in a plank
Sleeping Beauty is a rear-entry position in which the receiving partner lies completely flat, face down, with a cushion under the pelvis, as if asleep. The penetrating partner holds a high plank above them, arms straight and on the toes, without resting their weight on them. Only the pelvises touch. It is fully relaxing for the receiver and physically demanding for the giver, and the raised pelvis allows deep penetration.
Also known as: Sleeping Princess
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies flat face down on the bed, a firm pillow under the pelvis, head resting on folded forearms and legs stretched straight back, slightly apart. Chest, face and forearms rest on the mattress. The penetrating partner gets above them in a high plank, facing the same direction: arms straight with the hands on the mattress beside the receiver's shoulders, legs straight behind on the tips of the toes. They lower the pelvis towards the receiver's raised pelvis without resting the body on them. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is from behind and deep, and the giver controls the rhythm. Holding the plank loads the giver's wrists and lower back; the receiver carries no weight but has the abdomen on the cushion.
Why this position works
For the receiving partner it is a position of complete surrender: lying flat, without supporting any weight, they can relax and focus on the sensations. The cushion under the pelvis raises the hips and allows deep penetration, which some people enjoy. For the penetrating partner it is a physical challenge with full control of the rhythm. There is no eye contact and little body contact, so it suits moments of intensity more than tenderness. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: low plank on the forearms
The penetrating partner drops from the high plank onto the forearms, legs still straight on the toes.
The receiver stays flat on the cushion. With the forearms on the mattress, the giver's wrists are relieved and their chest comes closer to the receiver's back, without resting on it. The pelvis is lower, so the movements become shorter.
- The receiver lies flat face down with a firm cushion under the pelvis.
- The penetrating partner gets above in a plank and lowers onto the forearms, elbows beside the receiver's shoulders.
- Legs stay straight behind, on the toes.
- Use short movements of the pelvis and rest when the core gets tired.
Variation 2: the receiver's legs apart
The receiving partner opens the legs wider, and the penetrating partner places their feet between them.
The receiver stays flat on the cushion; only the legs change. With the thighs apart, the pelvis tilts slightly further and entry becomes easier, and the giver can bring the pelvis lower and closer.
- The receiver lies flat face down on the cushion and opens the legs to hip width or more.
- The penetrating partner places the feet between the receiver's legs.
- They hold the plank and lower the pelvis.
- Start slowly: the angle may allow deeper penetration.
Variation 3: the penetrating partner on the knees
The penetrating partner rests the knees on the mattress instead of holding the plank on the toes.
The receiver's position does not change. Resting on the knees takes much of the effort off the giver's core and lower back, making the position easier to sustain; the arms stay straight. The angle changes slightly because the giver's pelvis is a little higher.
- The receiver lies flat face down on the cushion.
- The penetrating partner kneels behind, knees on either side of the receiver's legs or between them.
- They lean forward on straight arms, hands beside the receiver's shoulders.
- Adjust the distance of the knees until the angle is comfortable for both.
Variation 4: the receiver's legs closed
The receiving partner keeps the legs together and the penetrating partner places their feet outside them.
The receiver stays flat on the cushion with thighs pressed together. Closed legs make penetration shallower but increase the feeling of tightness for some couples. The giver's stance is wider, which adds a little stability to the plank.
- The receiver lies flat face down on the cushion and brings the legs together.
- The penetrating partner places the feet outside the receiver's legs.
- They hold the plank and lower the pelvis gently.
- Use plenty of lubricant, since the closed thighs add friction.
✓ Tips
- Use a firm cushion: if it is too soft, the pelvis sinks and the angle is lost.
- Penetration can be deep: start slowly and let the receiver say how far.
- Use lubricant; for anal sex, use plenty of it, along with a condom, and go slowly.
- The penetrating partner should keep the core firm and rest on the knees or forearms when tired, rather than collapse on their partner.
- With the receiver's pelvis fixed on the cushion, keep thrusts controlled: if the penis slips out and you push again at an angle, it can bend and get injured.
- Stop if there is pain.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, penetrating partner in a plank
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina / Anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration from behind, with the receiver lying flat
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
For the receiver, yes: it only requires lying down. For the penetrating partner it takes arm and core strength to hold the plank. If that is hard, rest on the forearms or the knees (variations 1 and 3).
Why is the cushion important?
It raises the receiver's pelvis and gives the angle that allows penetration from behind while lying flat. Without it, entry is more difficult and shallower.
Can it be done lying on the side?
Not as such: lying on the side with the partner behind is a different position (the spoon). Sleeping Beauty is done with the receiver flat on the stomach.
How can we add stimulation?
The receiver can slide a hand between the cushion and the body to stimulate the clitoris or genitals, or use a firmer, shaped cushion that presses on that area.
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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