What Types of Gags Are Used in Bondage?
Gags are often a part of BDSM play. There is something incredibly sexy about them. It creates a sense of helplessness and vulnerability in the sub. For the Dom, it's a way to exercise control. They can be used as a form of restraint, humiliation, and as a part of role play. There are three basic categories of gags, with many types of gags within each category.
Over the Mouth Gags
Over the mouth gags, also known as OTM gags, range from sensual to extreme. The most gentle and beginner friendly type of gag is a scarf placed over the mouth and tied behind the sub's head.
This method is easily removed by the sub and often comes off during play. A scarf can also be pulled between the teeth and tied in the back. This restricts speech. A tape gag is another type of OTM. Tape has the advantage of staying in place. It restricts speech and can somewhat muffle the sub's voice.
Scarf or tape gags are popular during damsel in distress type role play. It's found in many movies where the girl is kidnapped by the bad guys and bound. In the movies, the hero comes to rescue the girl, but in BDSM fantasies its just as likely that the damsel is taken by the villain.
Panel gags are another type of OTM gag. These have a panel of material, usually leather, that completely covers the mouth, and a strap that fastens around the back of the head.
If you enjoy your BDSM a little more hardcore, a muzzle gag might be your thing. A muzzle gag is similar to a panel gag. However, they also have head harnesses that prevents the sub from opening their mouth. This muffles the sub more than most gags, because the mouth remains closed.
They are a popular choice for humiliation play because muzzles are associated with animals. They can also have a strong psychological impact due to the amount of restriction they give.
Some muzzle gags have attachment points. The Dom can then attach a wide range of toys and objects. The appeal of this is humiliation and objectification. The Dom attaches an object to the sub, and then uses the sub as if they are nothing more than the object. Dildos, feather dusters, and ashtrays are a few common attachments.
Open Mouth Gags
Open mouth gags can be used for many purposes. They leave the sub's mouth open and restrict speech. Ring gags are the most common type of open mouth gag. An O-ring is attached to a strap that goes around the head. The ring goes in the sub's mouth, leaving the mouth open and unobstructed.
A more advanced version of the ring gag is the spider gag. A spider gag has a ring gag with four prongs attached. These legs hold the sub's lips open and away from the mouth while the ring itself holds their mouth open.
Open mouth gags can be used to give the Dom full control during oral sex. Sex toys can be placed in the sub's mouth as a form of humiliation play. This type of gag can cause the sub to drool, which can also be a part of humiliation play.
In the Mouth Gags
In the mouth gags can be used to muffle the sub and restrict speech. It creates a different sensation than other types of gags, because they often fill the mouth. On the mild side of the spectrum, you can stuff a scarf in the sub's mouth and then hold it in place with a scarf or tape OTM gag.
Bit gags have a bar that goes into the sub's mouth and a strap that holds it in place. This keeps them from closing their mouth and restricts speech, but doesn't allow open access to the sub's mouth. They can be used for pet play, since they are similar to the bits used by horses, or simply for humiliation or speech restriction.
A ball gag is similar to a bit gag. It is a ball that goes inside the sub's mouth. This type will fill the sub's mouth, but it shouldn't' trigger their gag reflex. It's the most popular type of gag, because it is easy to use and effective.
A penis gag is designed to fill the mouth. They have a penis shaped insert that goes into the mouth and a head strap or harness. They can be used for humiliation or to simulate oral sex. Larger penis gags can also cause trigger the sub's gag reflex.
Gag Safety
Before you use any type of gag, you should know how to do so safely. Risks vary based on the type of gag used, so it's important to research the style of gag you are using before playing with your sub.
First, a sub cannot speak a safe word when they are gagged. You should establish a safe signal to stay within the lines of Safe, Sane, and Consensual (SSC).
The most recommended signal is for the sub to hold an object in their hand and drop it if they need to safe word. This can be done even if the sub is tied. Since gags can restrict breathing or cause choking, loss of consciousness is a risk. If the sub loses consciousness, they will drop the object they are holding. Another method is a hand signal. This can be a hand sign, or a certain number of taps to the Dom's body.
There are a few ways a gag can interfere with the sub's breathing. For some, this is part of the appeal. It increases the feeling of vulnerability in the sub, and can be a type of breath or fear play. However, it's important to use caution.
The Dom should monitor the sub closely for signs of oxygen deprivation including pale skin, lips turning blue, and loss of awareness. It's a good idea to do frequent check ins. Ask how the sub is doing, and let them respond with a nod or ok sign if they are ok to continue.
If the sub is gagging or drooling profusely, they need to be in an upright or facedown position to keep vomit or drool from entering the lungs.
Last, do not place items that are not created to go in the mouth in the sub's mouth. The biggest concern is that a piece could come off and cause choking. Other hazards include the material being toxic or broken teeth.
