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For reasons too complex to get into here, most of us are not taught from a young age about the thrills of masturbation—even though it’s likely we’re quite interested in that area well before puberty and may have even discovered how good it can feel on our own. Whether you’re an experienced giver of self-pleasure or want to try it out for the first time, I have some seriously steamy masturbation tips for your next playdate with yourself. While I, personally, and many women I know are well-acquainted with just how fantastic a good solo session can be, I also have a handful of lady friends who say they’ve never learned to pleasure themselves.

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In fact, I was so blown away when I learned that one of my close friends had gotten off with male partners, but had never given herself an orgasm that I decided to give her the gift of a personal vibrator. As useful as our hands can be, the assistance of a high-powered, well-designed vibrator can definitely help you cross the finish line without the assistance of anyone else in your bed.

In celebration of the magical gift that is masturbation—thank you, nature, for not making sex exclusively about reproducing—we’re highlighting five very hot, very effective solo sex positions that will give you plenty of pleasure when done right. Read on for tips and inspiration (along with a few helpful sex toys), and then go ahead and clear your morning, afternoon, and/or evening for some well-deserved self-loving.

1. Sexy Bathtime

For the uninitiated, here’s an important fact: Your clitoris is almost always the key to coming. So light some candles, fill up the tub, lie back, and let the faucet run straight onto your clit. (Don’t have a tub? If you have a removable shower head, point the nozzle there instead.)

Lovability Water Slyde Aquatic Stimulator

This innovative aquatic simulator allows you to get even more stimulation from your faucet’s stream by channeling the water pressure and adding more pressure and buildup to heighten the experience.

2. Facedown and Frisky

The floor. Your bed. A couch. All you need for this position is a flat surface and your vibrator. Lying face down, use one hand to tuck the vibe between your legs and position it underneath you at a 45-degree angle (depending on the design and size of the device). Let gravity do the work for you as your weight against the vibrator builds up enough friction to make you climax.

Lelo Sona Cruise Clitoral Stimulator

This premium (and super chic) clitoral vibrator pleasures the entire clitoral arena (many similar sex toys only offer targeted stimulation) with gentle wave motions that allow for multiple orgasms without causing irritation to the area. Plus, it’s super quiet and discreet, so you’ll never have to worry about practicing some self-love when the roommates are home.

3. Happy Humping

If you’re a fan of girl-on-top sex, you’ll love this solo version of the position. Grab a pillow with a clean case that you can wash later, roll or scrunch it up so that it’s not too soft underneath you, and hold it there by straddling it. While this position can take a little longer because it’s a soft surface you’re grinding against, it can result in a heavenly drawn-out orgasm that’s just as good (or better) like the kind you’d get if that was a human under you.

Dame Pillo

You can use any pillow you have laying around to suit your fancy, but Dame’s Pillo is a bit more firm and you can also use it for heightened pleasure during intercourse with a partner.

4. Solo Spoon

Lying on one side, use both hands—au natural or using a dildo or vibrator—to stimulate your clit. This position is particularly conducive to watching porn while you get off (no neck strains here), and the weight of your top leg pressing down on your hands or toy can help add extra friction that can be key to reaching orgasm.

LELO Soraya Wave

This double-the-pleasure rabbit vibrator is designed with gentle yet powerful pulsating and vibrations to stimulate both the clitoral area as well as the G-spot. It’s a win-win. Plus, it’s currently on sale.

5. One-Handed Wonder

Lie back, cross your legs, reach down and touch yourself to see what feels good. This position is great for beginners who are exploring what works best for their bodies—it’s not too intense, complicated, or intimidating. The crossed legs can help your hands or vibrator stay in place once you’ve found the spot that feels good and having one arm thrown over your head can help you arch your back to put your pelvis at a more orgasm-friendly angle.

Luna Personal Massager Vibrator

This affordable, multipurpose vibrator is the perfect accessory for the One-Hand-Wonder. Plus, you can also use it to soothe muscle tension in other parts of your body. Grab it while it’s 33 percent off at Amazon.

A version of this story was originally published in November 2018.