What’s a Sex Blanket? Plus 14 Comfortable, Discreet Options to Consider From Amazon, Etsy, Wayfair, and More

By Sarah Madaus

When it comes to sex, generally, the wetter it is, the better it is. The humble, underrated sex blanket exists for good, wet sex, and removes the stress of having to clean up a mess worthy of a janitorial crew. Whether you’ve heard of using a blanket for sex or it’s your first time learning about the concept, we spoke to sex experts for a crash course in all things sex blankets, from why they’re helpful to what to look for when shopping for one. The good news? Everyone can benefit from one.

“No matter who you are, what your sexual orientation is, or what kind of sex you engage in, there is no way around experiencing some sort of fluid,” sex and relationship therapist Malika O’Neill, LPC, and founder and CEO of the Pleasure Collective, LLC tells SELF. “With fluids may come a big mess, some of which a washing machine cannot remove. This is where waterproof blankets come in handy.”

Here’s everything you need to know about sex blankets before your next wet and wild sex session.

A sex blanket is a blanket you use during self-pleasure or partner play to keep your sheets and other surfaces clean and dry, because, well, nobody wants to lay in a wet spot. “Waterproof blankets for sex are a great thing to have in your sexual toolkit because they can take the stress off of making a mess during sex,” Gigi Engle, certified sex educator and author of All The F*cking Mistakes tells SELF.

Lovehoney sex expert Dr. Megan Fleming mentions that using one of these blankets is also a more hygienic option, especially if you don’t usually wash your bedding immediately after sex. There could be semen, lube, oil, sweat, or fecal matter on the sheets that can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Throwing a blanket or towel down can nix the need for the post-sex dash to the washing machine. “Really great sex, where you can stay in the moment and embrace pleasure, relies on a feeling secure and grounded,” says Engle. “If you’re panicking about having to wash the sheets afterward, it can be a buzzkill. So, having a blanket that is made for sex can be helpful to bridge that mental gap.”

You can use a sex blanket any time you have sex if you’d like. There’s no wrong time to use one, but they’re especially helpful during especially wet, messy sex. “If you’re a squirter, or you’re experimenting with food kinks, or using oil, lube, or massage candles, a waterproof blanket is going to be helpful,” says Dr. Fleming. What’s more, Engle notes that they’re excellent for anal and period sex, which often comes with post-coital clean-up. “They can make sex feel more accessible for people who would want to have sex, but choose not to because of the hassle in the aftermath,” she says.

“To me, beyond just being a practical addition, the whole idea of a sex blanket is that when you put it down, it’s kind of like your play space—it’s almost symbolic,” says Dr. Fleming. “It could be sort of like a ritual, where you and your partner decide what kind of intimate experience you want to have together.”

Before buying, O'Neill advises measuring your mattress and cross-checking the measurements of the blanket. “These blankets usually are in throw form and may not cover the entire bed or the surface you are using, so you may want to purchase two,” she says. She also says to be aware of any fabric or skin allergies, since you’ll be getting very intimate with the blanket.

Above all else you want a waterproof sex blanket so that moisture doesn’t seep through to your sheets or other porous surfaces. The best sex blankets usually have multiple layers, so look for well-constructed stitching or folded hems for durability. You should also ensure that your blanket is machine washable. There are other features to look for that are less imperative, but still nice, like color and pattern options that match your decor and don't look like obvious sex blankets. Pet blankets do the job too—and often come with a lower price tag than made-for-sex blankets—as long as they’re waterproof, and not just water-resistant.

Ahead, we found 13 absorbent, discreet sex blankets to try that are supremely waterproof and stain-resistant, so that you can get messy without the worry. To shape our picks, we used guidance from the pros, scoured reviews, and took note of the guidelines above, so that you can feel confident about your purchase.

All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Layer Soft Sex Blanket

Etsy

“This is the sex blanket I use,” says Dr. Fleming. That’s an endorsement in and of itself. One side is a soft cotton (keep this side up during sex for comfort), while the other is a waterproof shield to create a moisture barrier between you and your bedding.

Liberator Decor Fascinator Throw

Amazon

If you’re looking for a blanket made explicitly for sex, this one from Liberator is one of the most popular, luxe options out there. “One of my favorites is the Liberator Fascinator,” Dr. Fleming tells SELF. “It’s made out of a satiny velvet material that feels really great and sensual against the skin.” It has a moisture-proof inner layer—similar to period or bladder leak underwear—and is thin enough that it can be folded up and stored when not in use. But it comes in enough neutral colors that you won’t even want to hide it.

By Ashia Aubourg

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

By Jenna Ryu

Sheets of San Francisco Fluidproof Fitted Sheet (Queen Size)

Sheets of San Francisco

If you’re not interested in a throw blanket, a set of waterproof sheets may feel more useful, while still protecting your mattress. “Sheets of San Francisco Fluidproof fitted sheets are thin and water-repellant—similar to a waterproof mattress protector,” Rae Chen, freelance writer and sex and beauty editor at theNotice, tells SELF. “They work really well to contain fluids and look innocuous to the untrained eye, but they can feel a little sexier and more dignified to use than plain, white, waterproof furniture protectors.”

Chee Ray Premium Waterproof Reversible Polyester Blanket

Wayfair

This reversible waterproof blanket has three layers of protection. The internal breathable layer has waterproof functionality without any annoying crinkle sound that’s present in some waterproof blankets. Reviewers note that even after multiple washes, the soft fabric continues to look and feel like new. One side is micro-fleece and the other is a warm, cozy sherpa, so if you’re into texture play, a reversible blanket like this one is a solid addition.

NoMoreWetSpot Waterproof Fleece Blanket (Mini Size)

Nomorewetspot

Perhaps you already know that you don’t create a lot of, erm, moisture during sex, and you’re just fine with that. Or maybe you need an easily packable blanket for your travels. Either way, this mini sex blanket, which comes recommended by Dr. Fleming, is just the right size. It’s made with a thin, cool-dry fleece, and it’s waterproof on both sides.

By Ashia Aubourg

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

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Liquidnymph Waterproof Soaker Sheet

Etsy

“If you or your partner(s) want to try a messy activity like sploshing, squirting, or piss play, then waterproof blankets are awesome. However, I also really like them for vanilla sex!” says Chen. After all, any kind of ejaculation needs a trustworthy, waterproof place to land. This made-for-sex bed pad is an Etsy bestseller for a reason; it’s quiet, ultra-absorbent, and suitable for any kind of sexual activity. It has no crinkly plastic layer inside, instead, it has a dimpled fabric on one side, a two-millimeter waterproof polyurethane film in the middle, and lightweight moisture-wicking polyester on the other side.

Liberator Fascinator Throw (King Size)

Amazon

Here’s a larger size version of Liberator’s Fascinator throw blanket. This one is big enough to cover a King bed, but many reviewers bought it even though they had smaller beds, just so all of their bases were (literally) covered for when sex gets messy. It’s made out of noiseless velvety polyester, and it’s heavy enough that it won’t bunch up a whole lot during sex.

Catalonia Waterproof Blanket

Amazon

Here’s a top-rated cozy sherpa that works for pet accidents, toddler drool, and squirting alike. It’s a good size for the couch or car. While the liquid will soak through the sherpa, it won’t make its way through the other side, thanks to the thick waterproofing layer sewed inside the blanket. Reviewers who used it as a sex blanket note that it brought them peace of mind. Dr. Fleming backs this up, saying, “In some ways, like the foundation of arousal is relaxation. So if you’re relaxed, not worried about making a mess or using too much product, it helps you be more in the moment.”

By Ashia Aubourg

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

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Blue Zoca 100% Waterproof Premium Blanket (Travel Size)

Amazon

If you’re bringing your partner (or sex toys—or both!) while traveling, consider toting a travel-size sex blanket too. That way you have a portable bed cover and won’t have to worry about soiling hotel linens or sleeping bags. This one has a folded hem to keep all the waterproof layers intact after many washes, and it comes with a hygienic, washable bag in case you aren’t able to wash the blanket during your travels.

YPPCrystals Moon Blood Waterproof Splash Blanket

Etsy

One thing about waterproof blankets: They should be versatile enough that you want to use them for sex and for lounging around (when they’re clean, of course). This ultra-plush blanket is a good option whether you’re breaking out your vibrators and dildos, indulging in some period sex, or simply taking a nap. It’s double-sided (sherpa and micro-fleece) and reviewers note that it’s supremely absorbent.

Top 100% Waterproof Blanket

Amazon

“In my opinion, this blanket from TOP is the best overall, and leaves you with the best results, which makes the price very affordable for what you get,” O’Neill tells SELF. The waterproof layer is sewn in, so it won’t shift around during playtime. What’s more, everything absorbs quickly, so you won’t be laying in a wet spot. More than 1,000 five-star reviewers gave their filter-free thoughts about this sex blanket, just in case you need more convincing.

By Ashia Aubourg

By Hannah Dylan Pasternak

By Jenna Ryu

Passionmate 100% Waterproof Sensual Blanket

Amazon

This blanket-slash-bed cover has side panels that you tuck underneath your mattress so that it doesn’t shift or bunch up—even when you’re in the deepest throes of passion. Note: This one covers the width of full- and queen-size beds, but only covers the length of a full.

Petami Brown Waterproof Polyester Blanket

Wayfair

“Honestly, you can just get some puppy wee pads or blankets for sex; you don’t need to break the bank to avoid a messy sexual situation,” Engle tells SELF. This plush blanket is waterproof and resistant to biting and scratching, which we know doesn’t just apply to pets…wink.

Amazer Clear Shower Curtain Liner with Magnets

Amazon

Now if a sex blanket feels like too much of an investment (valid!), there are always other homemade options to get creative with. “If you want to have a ‘messy’ sexual experience that may include bodily fluids and don’t want to ruin your bedsheets, a shower curtain may be the thing you need,” O’Neill previously told SELF. Throw it on top of your bed, and get down to business—or add a towel on top for a softer situation.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.