Breath Control

The ability of our body to function is directly linked to our ability to breathe. In the world of BDSM, breath control is considered 'Edge Play', a practice where the bottom literally puts his life in the top's hands. Giving up control plays a big role in the pleasure gained from this experience.

Trust is the big factor in this practice, as the bottom can become extremely vulnerable. This exchange of vulnerability and control is the gateway to deriving pleasure out of risk for the bottom and top.

If not done properly, this practice could result in serious consequences such as paralysis, heart damage, irreparable brain damage and death. Keep in mind that oxygen deprivation can cause permanent brain damage.

It’s hard to say what is safe and for how long, but this practice is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory disease. The most important piece of advice we can give, if you are planning to practice breath control by yourself is: DO NOT DO IT!

Breath restriction

Using hands, pegs, tape, gags, etc. to shut the nostrils and block the mouth. It is usually practiced while the bottom is restrained. It is vitally important that the top is able to respond immediately if the bottom needs air, so all gagging and breath-restricting pegs or clamps needs to be able to be released immediately if needed.

Airtight masks and hoods

In masks, the air inlet can be manipulated easily to restrict the airflow. There is a great variety of masks and hoods made with many different materials on the market, but before getting one and playing around with it, think about how user friendly your selection is. Get familiar with your choice, ask the staff members of your local adult shops about how user-friendly any given mask might be and keep in mind that you might need to take it off in a hurry.

Some people use a cotton ball with poppers in gas masks, be very careful as a little goes a long way. Never do this while someone is standing as they can pass out and fall to the ground injuring themselves. Make sure you only keep the cotton ball there for a short time as long exposure can result in headaches, nausea or loss of consciousness.

Re-breathing

Re-breathing is a practice whereby the amount of oxygen in the air is progressively decreased by breathing into an airtight reservoir; the result is an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. The uses of a plastic bag over the head or a re-breath bladder as used for anesthesia are commonly used within this practice. Great care needs to be taken when engaging in this practice as it could result in suffocation. Breath control can make the bottom light heading so make sure the bottom is lying down as falling can cause injury. If the bottom is unable to speak make sure they are able to signal if they need to stop. The top may not be aware if the bottom is having trouble breathing though his nose if air to mouth is cut off or restricted.

In an emergency

 WHAT IF SHIT GOES WRONG?

  • If you or your partner get onto trouble during breath play go directly to the emergency department of your nearest hospital without delay or call an ambulance.
  • In an emergency dial 000 and remember paramedics and emergency workers have seen it all! No matter what you’ve done there’s no need to be embarrassed.
  • Not quite an emergency? Not sure if you need to go to the hospital? Give Nurse On Call 24 hours a day for advice on 1300 60 60 24

Not an emergency but got a question about breath play? Give us a holler and we’ll happily answer your questions about keeping your session safe and hot!

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