What is a grinding sex toy?
A grinding sex toy is one you ride, straddle or press against instead of holding: a soft pad, saddle or cushion for grinding and rocking. They usually target the vulva and clitoris; the VibePad and VibePad 2 also suit penis owners. Many vibrate, and some add heat, a licking tongue, a pulser, an insertable arm or thrusting. You'll also see them called grinder sex toys, grinding pads, ride-on vibrators or riding vibrators.
Grinding pad, humping pillow or sex saddle?
A grinding pad is a flat or contoured vibrating pad you set on a chair, couch or bed and climb onto. A humping pillow is a pillow or cushion you straddle and grind against; the toy versions are grinding pads, the Deluxe Wand Saddle and a wand strapped to a pillow with the Universal Wand Harness. A sex saddle is a powered ride-on machine you straddle, like our Bucking Saddle.
Types of grinding sex toys
Grinding pads
The VibePad is soft, velvety silicone that conforms to your body, with two low-noise motors (7 vibration modes each) you control independently and an included remote. The Inmi Pulse Slider pairs a ribbed mound with a dedicated clitoral pulser: 4 speeds, 7 patterns and a remote.
Grinding pads with an insertable arm
The VibePad 3 pairs two silicone arches for the clitoris and perineum with a curved G-spot arm, 4.2 inches insertable and up to 1.14 inches in diameter. The Dual Rider Thrust & Grind puts a 3-speed thrusting shaft under a textured contour you grind against. More G-spot vibrators.
Sex saddles
The Bucking Saddle is a ride-on, plug-in sex machine with four Vac-U-Lock attachments that swap on and off: a non-penetrative clitoral pad for grinding, a phallic shaft, a ribbed G-spot/P-spot shaft and a round head. Its remote runs 10 thrusting speeds, 3 vibration speeds and 7 patterns.
Wand saddles and humping pillows
Already own a wand? The Deluxe Wand Saddle is a high-density foam cushion, 20 by 11.5 by 8 inches, with a 7-inch open-ended pocket for most wands, vibrators and dildos. The Universal Wand Harness straps most massage wands to a pillow 9 to 28.5 inches wide. More wand vibrators.
Soft grinders and harness cushions
Lippi is soft, plump silicone with a faux clit and protruding lips to grind against, plus a snug slit made for those with bottom growth. It doubles as a stroker, or as a cushion at the base of a strap-on dildo in a harness. A top cavity holds a bullet vibe (not included). More strap-ons and harnesses.
How to choose a grinding toy
- Texture. A body-conforming pad (VibePad), a raised mound and a ribbed cone to grind on (Inmi Wave Slider), ribs and a cone-shaped bump (Ride N' Grind), a pulser (Pulse Slider) or plump lips (Lippi).
- Remote range. Listed ranges include 16 feet (Pulse Slider), 23 feet (Ride N' Grind), 32 feet (Bucking Saddle) and about 32.8 feet (VibePad 2).
- Water. The VibePads and both Inmi pads are waterproof; the Ride N' Grind, Lippi and Bucking Saddle list no water rating.
- Power. The VibePads and Inmi pads recharge over USB, the Bucking Saddle plugs into the wall, and the wand saddle and harness run on your wand.
- Extras. The VibePad 2 warms up to 131°F (55°C) and has a Vibro Tongue with 7 licking modes.
How to use a grinding toy
- Set it on a firm, flat seat or bed, or tuck it between your thighs in a chair, as the Ride N' Grind listing suggests.
- Add water-based lube where the listing calls for it.
- Climb on and start on the lowest setting.
- Rock and grind until the angle, pressure and pace feel right, then build up.
- Handing a partner the remote? Agree on how you'll stop, and stop the moment either of you asks.
- Afterward, clean it as described below and let it dry.
Cleaning, care and safety
- Wash silicone pads with warm water and mild soap or toy cleaner, then let them dry. Submerge only what's rated waterproof or IPX7.
- Bucking Saddle: detach the attachments and wash them with warm soapy water and toy cleaner; keep the machine dry.
- Deluxe Wand Saddle: both covers are machine-washable.
- Outside only: the nubs on the Inmi pads and Ride N' Grind are for grinding on, not inserting.
- Anus to vulva or vagina? Wash the toy first.
- Stop if anything hurts or goes numb; if it doesn't fade, talk to your doctor.
Grinding sex toy FAQ
What is a grinding pad?
A grinding pad is a vibrating pad you set on a flat surface, climb onto and grind against, hands-free. Ours come with a remote, so a partner can take over. The Inmi pads are 9.5 by 4.3 inches; the VibePads, about 11.4 inches long.
Why does grinding feel good?
Grinding feels good because it gives you steady pressure and rhythm across a wide area, with you in control of the angle, pace and pressure. Most grinding toys add vibration to that broad contact and leave your hands free to wander or hold a partner.
What is a humping pillow?
A humping pillow is a pillow or cushion you straddle and grind against. Grinding pads are the toy version, as are our Deluxe Wand Saddle, a high-density foam cushion made to take your full weight, and the Universal Wand Harness, which straps a wand to a pillow.
What is a sex saddle?
A sex saddle is a powered ride-on machine you straddle, with attachments that vibrate, thrust or both. Ours, the Bucking Saddle, is about 19.5 inches long and plugs into the wall. Grind on its clitoral pad, or swap to a shaft or the round head for internal thrusting.
Can men use grinding toys?
Yes. The VibePad and VibePad 2 listings say penis owners can use them on the perineum, testicles and anus. The Bucking Saddle has a ribbed attachment its listing calls a G-spot/P-spot shaft: use water-based lube only, as the listing says, and go slow.
Can you use a grinding pad in the bath?
Only if its listing says waterproof or IPX7. The VibePad and VibePad 2 are waterproof for the bath, the VibePad 3 even underwater, and the Inmi pads are IPX7; the Pulse Slider can be submerged for up to 30 minutes. The Ride N' Grind lists no water rating.
Do you need lube with a grinding toy?
Not always, but water-based lube can help, and some listings ask for it: the Ride N' Grind, Pulse Slider and Bucking Saddle. The VibePad 3's listing says it's safe with water-based lube. Water-based is safe with every toy material; silicone lube can damage silicone toys.
How much do grinding toys cost?
On this page today, prices run from $27.95 for the Universal Wand Harness to $1,206.00 for the Bucking Saddle. The VibePads, Inmi pads and Ride N' Grind run $70.95 to $159.95, Lippi is $41.95 and the Deluxe Wand Saddle $144.95.
Want our top picks?
See our guides to the 10 best rose toys and clit suckers and 8 best app-controlled and remote control vibrators. Every order ships discreetly from the US, free over $75.
