What is a ball gag and how is it used?
A ball gag is a specific type of gag that features a spherical object, typically made of silicone or rubber, which is strapped into a person’s mouth and secured with belt-like leather straps that wrap around the back of the head. This setup renders the wearer unable to speak and increases their feeling of submission.
Using a ball gag in BDSM roleplay often results in the wearer drooling uncontrollably and being unable to speak, though they can still make indiscernible noises such as moans and grunts. The gag-wearer is traditionally considered the submissive partner, while the ungagged participant takes on the dominant role.
To successfully incorporate a ball gag into BDSM activities, it is crucial to set expectations and agree on a maximum time limit—typically around ten to fifteen minutes at first. The wearer should try the ball gag on beforehand to determine a comfortable tightness.
Ball Gags Are Used in BDSM for Control
Ball gags are described as the “coolest BDSM toys” and symbolize the essence of domination and power play in BDSM scenarios. Utilizing a ball gag for silencing one partner creates an intense sensory deprivation experience, enhancing the feeling of control and dominance.
The ball gag carries a strong message of punishment and control, significantly enforcing the feeling of helplessness and taking away the ability to speak. This lack of speech solidifies the submissive role of the partner.
When choosing a ball gag for BDSM play, it’s recommended to consider a breathable ball gag with small holes to allow for easy breathing. The material should be soft and pliable to allow the submissive to sink their teeth into it, adding to the overall experience of control and power play.
Mouth Gags Create Helplessness in BDSM Play
Mouth gags heavily enforce the feeling of helplessness by taking away the ability to speak, creating a sense of control and power for the dominant partner. This loss of speech enforces a submissive state, making the individual feel more vulnerable.
The use of mouth gags often comes with a connotation of punishment and control. This adds a strong sense of humiliation as the person is made to drool, which can be very embarrassing and discomfiting.
A ring gag is particularly effective in taking away the ability to speak while keeping the mouth open. This type of gag renders the submissive more defenseless, and requires a high level of trust and intimacy between partners for it to be pleasurable.
Let Your Partner Drool When Using Mouth Gags
When using mouth gags for the first time, both partners should be prepared for excessive drooling, which is a normal and expected aspect of BDSM gagging scenarios. This drooling must be accepted as part of the game.
Because mouth gags force the mouth open, trying to swallow becomes counterintuitive and futile. Excess saliva will naturally collect inside the mouth and needs to be let out through slight openings designed in the gag.
Failure to accept the drooling aspect can interfere with breathing, so it’s best to relax and let the saliva flow out naturally, rather than trying to swallow it, which can be dangerous.
Six common types of mouth gags in BDSM
Mouth gags are a popular choice in BDSM play, offering a range of sensations and dynamics. Here are six common types:
Ball gag: The standard ball gag features a rubber or silicone ball with an adjustable leather strap around the head. It causes drooling and leaves the wearer unable to speak or breathe through their mouth. For beginners, a small, breathable ball gag is recommended.
Bit gag: Bit gags use a horizontal bar between the teeth instead of a ball, offering more breathability. They come in materials like silicone, wood, and metal. Newbies should try a silicone bit gag first, as it is more comfortable to bite down on.
Lip gag: This gag features a plastic mouth expander to keep the wearer’s mouth open, with a hole in the middle for breathing and making more audible noises. Typically made of silicone, lip gags resemble a pair of lips that cover the teeth, making them ideal for blowjobs while gagged.
O-ring gag: Made of metal o-rings, these gags serve as a mouthpiece restricting mouth movement but allowing the wearer to breathe and give blowjobs. The design ensures the wearer’s mouth remains open.
Spider gag: This gag has a metal o-ring that goes into the wearer’s mouth, with four metal spires extending out from the middle ring. It makes it difficult for the wearer to flip the ring in their mouth, enhancing their submission.
Penis gag: A penis gag includes leather straps that fasten around the head and features a small dildo as the mouthpiece. This design simulates the sensation of extended fellatio for the wearer.
Ball Gags
Ball gags provide a very filling sensation when worn, taking up significant space inside the mouth which can lead to intense feelings of vulnerability and helplessness. The thick ball makes it near-impossible to close the mouth or speak, resulting in muffled speech and uncontrollable drooling.
Ball gags are visually iconic in BDSM, often featured in gag-focused porn, with a classic look that many find arousing. The aesthetic appeal of a fire-engine-red ball gag paired with a helpless facial expression is particularly popular.
When buying a ball gag, the size of the ball is critical. Many “beginner” ball gags are too large, making it essential to find one with a ball between 1″ and 1.25″ in diameter for most people. The material is also important; softer materials like silicone are preferable to plastic or rubber, which can be hard on the teeth and may contain harmful chemicals.
Bit Gags
Bit gags were originally designed for pony play, resembling equestrian bits. Unlike ball gags, the gag is a long, skinny bar that the wearer bites down on, making it much more comfortable as it doesn’t need to fit behind the teeth.
Bit gags allow the mouth to stay semi-closed, which can be a relief for those with jaw pain or smaller mouths. They are also easier to breathe through since they don’t obstruct the airway as much as other gag types do, making them a good choice for mouth breathers.
Bit gags may not entirely muffle speech like other gags, allowing for garbled but somewhat understandable communication. This can be both a pro and a con depending on the desired effect. They also tend to induce minimal drooling, which might be seen as a positive or a negative.
Dildo Gags
Dildo gags feature a dildo attached to the gag, which can either protrude from the wearer’s face for someone else to use or go into the wearer’s mouth for a more phallic-feeling gagged experience. They are particularly favored for solo play by those who enjoy giving blowjobs.
If the dildo is inside the wearer’s mouth, it can cause gagging and potential choking if it goes too deep. It’s important to test the gag without fastening it to ensure it doesn’t trigger the gag reflex.
For dildos that protrude outward, the weight and pressure can harm the jaw and teeth. Avoid positions where the wearer’s face bears the weight, opting instead for positions where they control the movement to prevent injury.
Duct Tape Gags
Duct tape gags are popular for their accessibility and low cost, with many people already having duct tape at home. They also offer discretion since a roll of duct tape doesn’t look suspicious.
The visual appeal of duct tape gags is significant, giving a “”captured”” look that other gags cannot achieve. They can be easily customized with different colors of duct tape.
The major downside is the pain of removing the duct tape, which can be very unpleasant on the sensitive skin around the mouth. Additionally, duct tape gags are single-use and not environmentally friendly.
O-ring Gag / Spider BDSM Gags
O-ring gags, also known as spider gags, are metal circles attached to a strap that keep the mouth open. They are often used for oral sex, but the O-ring must be large enough to fit a penis through, which isn’t always the case.
This type of gag produces a lot of drooling and offers a feeling of extreme vulnerability and exposure. The wearer cannot close their mouth, allowing their partner to insert objects, probe with fingers, or inspect the mouth intimately.
O-ring gags can be hard to find and may cause discomfort or tooth chipping due to the metal ring. High-quality spider gags minimize these risks but still require careful handling to avoid injury.
Humiliation Mouth Gags
Humiliation mouth gags, such as ball gags and O-ring gags, often induce drooling, which many find embarrassing. This uncontrollable saliva flow can add to the layer of humiliation in the scene.
The visual aspect of these gags, especially in the case of O-ring gags, allows the dominant partner to see inside the submissive’s mouth, insert fingers or objects, and generally exploit a normally private part of the body, increasing feelings of exposure and embarrassment.
The inability to speak clearly or at all while wearing these gags can lead to a heightened sense of vulnerability and frustration, contributing to the humiliation aspect of the play.
Safety First
Never Leave a Gagged Partner Alone for Safety
It is crucial never to leave a gagged partner alone because it may or may not be possible for the wearer to remove the gag on their own, especially if physical restraints are involved. Having someone nearby ensures immediate assistance if necessary.
The presence of a partner is vital for safety because the gagged individual may face difficulties such as choking or inability to breathe properly. The supervising partner can promptly remove the gag if any issues arise, preventing potential hazards.
Continuous supervision guarantees that the gagged partner can signal for help using a pre-agreed non-verbal safe signal, such as a hand gesture, tapping, or audible cue. This precaution ensures that the BDSM play remains safe and consensual at all times.
Avoid Ball Gags When Sick to Breathe Properly
Avoid using a ball gag if you have a cold because it prevents breathing through the mouth, which is essential when nasal passages are congested. Using a ball gag under these conditions can lead to severe breathing difficulties.
Refrain from using a ball gag if suffering from a sinus infection or any condition that obstructs nasal breathing. The inability to use the mouth for breathing can exacerbate these health issues and pose serious risks.
It is essential to prioritize respiratory health over BDSM play. Waiting until you are fully recovered from any illness that impairs breathing through your nose ensures a safe and enjoyable experience with a ball gag.
Clean and Disinfect Your Ball Gag Regularly
Wash your ball gag regularly to prevent the growth and transmission of bacteria. After each use, clean it thoroughly with soap and water to maintain hygiene.
Periodically disinfect your ball gag to add an extra layer of defense against germs. This practice is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring the safety of both partners during BDSM activities.
Proper maintenance of a ball gag includes air-drying it completely after washing and disinfecting. Storing it in a clean, dry place further minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination, contributing to safer and more hygienic play sessions.
Use Mouth Gags Safely to Prevent Suffocation
Hygiene is critical when using mouth gags; never share a ball gag with others as it is a personal hygiene product, much like a toothbrush. Using someone else’s gag, regardless of how well it’s been sanitized, poses health risks.
One must avoid using methods portrayed in movies and TV shows, such as covering the mouth shut with tape. Vinyl tape is the only safe choice if one decides to cover the mouth externally, as it doesn’t stick to the skin and allows for some air passage.
Avoid putting fabric deep inside the mouth, as it can cover all airways, including nasal passages, posing a severe risk of suffocation. If you must use something inside the mouth, it should be small and not block all airways, like a rolled-up string of underwear, ensuring it’s sized appropriately to prevent fatal accidents.
Set Expectations and Signals with Your Partner
The most vital element of any BDSM play is mutual consent between partners. Before experimenting with a ball gag, discuss what sexual activities you will both be comfortable with while using it and set some expectations. Agree on a maximum time limit to use the gag for—ten to fifteen minutes is a good amount of time to start.
It’s common practice in a BDSM scene for partners to choose a safe word or signals before sex so they can communicate a desire to stop or ease up without interrupting the mood. Using a ball gag limits a partner’s ability to speak, so you’ll want to pick a non-verbal safe signal that the wearer can use to indicate that their partner should stop and remove the ball gag.
The action might be a hand signal, a tap on the back, or an audible cue like squeezing a squeaky toy. If the gagged partner is tied up and does not have use of their hands, their safe signal could be to aggressively shake their head “no” while audibly grunting.
Communicate and Get Consent Before Using a Ball Gag
Always take time to communicate. Before using sex toys such as a ball gag, discuss it with your partner first. If you’re a dominant, make sure you get proper consent with your sub. If he/she is in doubt, give him/her some time to research it.
You can also experiment with scarfs first, just to give him/her an idea of what mouth gagging is all about. Once your sub agrees to use mouth gags, discuss the non-verbal signals since your partner cannot talk during the play.
Mutual consent between partners is the most vital element of any BDSM play. Discuss what sexual activities you will both be comfortable with while using it, and set some expectations. Agree on a maximum time limit to use the ball gag for—ten to fifteen minutes is a good amount of time to start.
Keep Safety Scissors Handy for Emergency Removal
Generally, any gag that goes in and over your mouth will be quieter, but this requires caution as the time it takes to remove the gag if someone starts choking must be considered and prepared for. At the very least, safety scissors should be available to cut the gag off rapidly in an emergency.
When dealing with “deep throat” penis gags, the pressure on the back of the throat can choke the wearer if they try to make “big sounds.” It’s crucial to have a way to cut it off in an emergency, highlighting the importance of safety scissors for such scenarios.
While using a bondage hood in combination with ball gags can be very fun, it requires careful consideration since the time required to remove the gag if someone starts choking is critical. Having safety scissors ready is essential for rapid removal in such situations.
OK, You Have a Gag — Now What?
After deciding on which gag to use, whether homemade or store-bought, it’s crucial to discuss communication with your partner. As mentioned, establish a safe word or safe signal beforehand to ensure a comfortable and consensual experience. Ensure the submissive doesn’t have any sickness or illness that would cause a runny or stuffy nose, as this could further prevent proper breathing during the scene.
The submissive should hold the gag to their mouth while the dominant adjusts the straps behind their head. Getting a ball gag securely into the submissive’s mouth may take some time, especially depending on its size. Since ball gags sit right behind the teeth, the submissive will have to apply some pressure to force the ball behind their teeth, which could be a bit challenging at first.
The dominant should strap on the gag while communicating with the submissive about the tightness and secureness. For first-time use, keeping the strap a bit loose is fine, but it’s important to ensure that the gag doesn’t fall off during the scene. After the gag is securely in place, the dominant should ask their submissive questions (even though speaking is difficult), to set the scene and create a playful experience.
How Does It Work?
A gag, including the classic ball gag, is a personal use item designed to close the mouth of the person wearing it. The ball part is placed inside the mouth, keeping it open and closed simultaneously, which restricts the wearer’s ability to speak, heightening the focus on other sensations and pleasures.
It is essential to wear the gag properly to ensure comfort and safety. The gag should sit comfortably and not cause pain. To maintain safety during play, partners must agree on a stop sign that the gagged partner can use to halt the session if it becomes painful or excessively unpleasant.
Ball gags come in various shapes, such as rings or clamps, besides the classic ball design. The choice of gag depends on individual fetishes and desires. Wearing a gag correctly involves ensuring it is neither too tight to cause discomfort nor too loose to allow easy removal by the wearer’s tongue.
How to Put on and Secure a Ball Gag
To put it in, have the submissive hold the gag to their mouth as the dominant adjusts the straps behind the sub’s head. The sub must apply some pressure to force the ball behind his/her teeth. Depending on the size, it may take some time to securely put the ball gag into the sub’s mouth.
For beginners, you may go for looser straps. Just make sure the ball gag won’t fall off during the play. Ensure that the gag is comfortably tight but not so tight that it causes pain or discomfort.
Once you got your ball gag, you may start your play session. For a better experience, use your ball gag with other BDSM toys such as restrainers, paddles, whips, and eye masks.
Ask Teasing Questions and Watch for Non-verbal Signals
Once everything’s set, let the kinky fun begin. If you’re a dom, you can start asking questions, giving subtle spanks to your sub with his/her every helpless whimper. This will create a playful experience as you keep your partner gagged throughout the whole play.
During the play, keep on checking your submissive partner. Make sure you remember the non-verbal signals that you’ve discussed earlier. For reference, you can incorporate these non-verbal signs: Grunting in rhythm and other noise patterns, Patterned blinking, Squeezing or pinching the dom’s hand, Shaking your head and other head movements, Holding an object such as keys.
Post-Game Chat After Your First Time Experimenting
After a kink scene involving a gag, it’s important to engage in aftercare and a debrief. Spend time on aftercare activities like cuddles, conversation, and hydration to ensure both partners feel comfortable and cared for. This period helps reinforce the trust and intimacy built during the scene.
The debrief conversation should cover what worked and what didn’t, allowing both partners to express their thoughts and feelings about the experience. Discussing likes, dislikes, and areas for improvement is essential for refining future scenes and ensuring mutual enjoyment and safety.
Kinky encounters are an ongoing, evolving conversation. Openly talking about the experience now that you can speak freely again can help in understanding each other’s boundaries and preferences better, thus enhancing the quality of future BDSM sessions.
Explore Other BDSM Toys with a Ball Gag
If it’s your first time experimenting with BDSM play, using a ball gag on its own is definitely a good start. But once you feel comfortable with the ball gag and want to explore other elements of BDSM, consider incorporating other sex toys into your roleplay, such as a blindfold, handcuffs, spanker, or nipple clamps.
Great news! You can use the ball gags with any toy. Experiment with BDSM impact play toys such as paddles and whips. You can also accessorize yourself or your submissive with collars and nipple clamps.
Restrainers such as cuffs and bondage ropes perfectly suit this BDSM toy too. For those looking for a more intense experience, combining the ball gag with other devices can enhance the submissive’s sense of helplessness and the dom’s control.
Who Should Use Ball Gags?
Ball gags are versatile toys that can be enjoyed by anyone interested in BDSM, regardless of gender. Often advertised with female models, they are equally suitable for men. Men can derive just as much pleasure from using this toy, whether they are part of a homosexual or heterosexual couple. The sense of power dynamics and the physical sensations can be equally thrilling for both men and women.
Are Ball Gags Suitable for Men and Women?
Men typically have larger mouths compared to women, so it is crucial to choose a ball gag that is appropriately sized. A larger ball size ensures the gag stays in place and doesn’t slip out during use. Balls with a diameter of 4.0 to 4.5 centimeters might be too small for some men, depending on individual preferences.
Ball gags can be immensely pleasurable for men, involving a similar level of arousal and excitement as experienced by women. The key to satisfaction lies in selecting the appropriate size and ensuring the gag fits securely and comfortably. This focus on fit and comfort is important for everyone, irrespective of gender.
Best materials for ball gags
Choosing the right material for a ball gag is crucial for both comfort and safety. Silicone stands out as a top choice. Its gentle nature on the skin and flexibility help prevent jaw strain. This softness, combined with its resilience, ensures a comfortable experience, making silicone a favorite among many users.
For those who enjoy a firmer texture, hard rubber is an excellent alternative. It provides a different kind of sensation, allowing users to bite down harder on the ball. This material offers a distinct experience compared to the more pliable silicone.
Latex balls, though less common, are also available. They offer a unique feel that might appeal to some users. As for the collar of a ball gag, materials such as leatherette, leather, fabric, or latex can be used. The choice of material affects not only the comfort but also the appearance and overall experience of using the gag. The collar’s material can significantly enhance the aesthetic and tactile sensations, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Tips for Buying a Ball Gag
Choosing the right ball gag can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety. There are tons of options currently in the market. Cheap ball gags often use hard materials that can damage your teeth or contain harmful chemicals. Opt for high-quality materials like silicone, which is softer, odorless, and tasteless. It’s a safer and more comfortable option.
The size of the ball is crucial for comfort. Beginners should start with a ball between 1″ and 1.25″ in diameter. Larger-framed individuals or those with more experience might prefer balls up to 1.75″ in diameter. However, starting smaller is always safer to avoid discomfort or injury.
Choose single piece silicone gags over two piece
Pamela from Ohio advises that gags should be made from a single piece of silicone for a more comfortable experience. Cheap gags, often made from two pieces such as leather and a separate PVC ball, can cut into the corners of your lips. The ball can shift on the leather, causing discomfort.
Using a single piece of silicone prevents this issue by providing a consistent texture and fit. This ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. The difference in materials is often visible in pictures, making it easier to identify and avoid uncomfortable gags.
Size affects comfort and fit of the gag
Ball gags come in various sizes. Larger sizes can strain your jaw, while smaller sizes may fit more comfortably inside your mouth. You can find a size small enough to close your lips around, though the straps will keep your teeth from closing fully.
Bit gags also vary in size and can stress your jaw if too large. Since they don’t fit inside your teeth, you bite onto them, which can cause discomfort if the size isn’t right. The difference between a 1.5″ and a 2″ gag might not sound significant, but it feels much bigger in your mouth. Choosing a 1″ gag can be better for jaw comfort, emphasizing the importance of the right size for extended wear.
Novelty gags may not be comfy for long wear
Scott from Michigan advises avoiding novelty shapes like a pink heart. While it may sound cute for Valentine’s Day, the shape is not comfortable. He tried it once and never used it again. Novelty shapes may look appealing but often cause significant discomfort, making them impractical for longer sessions or frequent use.
The heart-shaped gag, for example, was uncomfortable enough to be discarded after one use. The aesthetics of novelty gags don’t compensate for their lack of comfort. Intricate designs can lead to uneven pressure and an uncomfortable fit, as experienced with the heart-shaped gag.
Different gag shapes, sizes, and styles available
There is a broad variety of styles and types to choose from in gags. Ball gags, for instance, come in different sizes, from small enough to close your lips around to larger sizes that give your jaw a workout. Bit gags have their own range of sizes and configurations. They don’t inhibit the tongue as much and make it easier to swallow, but can still put pressure on the corners of the mouth and cause drooling.
Panel, Corset, and Scolds gags come in various configurations, from penis-style to ball gags with stems. These gags add muffling qualities and come in stuffer varieties where a soft pack is placed in the mouth. As mentioned, the variety in styles available ensures that there’s something for every preference and comfort level.
Gagging can help explore new sensations
Gagging, particularly in BDSM, is often seen as a profound test of trust and devotion. The act of enduring such an experience pushes the boundaries of typical sexual encounters, offering a unique exploration of sensations. This is more than just a physical act; it’s about connecting on a deeper level, where both partners can explore their limits in a safe and consensual environment.
The power dynamics involved in gagging are significant. The exchange of control and submission can heighten the intensity of the experience. Making someone gag, even when it challenges their comfort, showcases a level of submission that can be deeply satisfying for the dominant partner. This act not only tests physical limits but also strengthens the psychological bond between partners.
People have different experiences with various gags
Different gags offer unique experiences, and preferences can vary widely. For example, some individuals might have a collection of gags, each chosen for specific scenes or moods. The comfort and challenge presented by each type can enhance the overall experience.
Using different types of gags, like ball gags, bit gags, and panel gags, provides varying sensations. A ball gag might inhibit speech and cause drooling, while a bit gag applies pressure on the teeth. Each type caters to different preferences and needs, highlighting the importance of exploring a variety of options to find what works best for each person.
Gags change how loud you can be
Gags have a significant impact on sound production and speech clarity. Ball gags, for example, inhibit the ability to speak clearly and often result in drooling. They don’t necessarily reduce volume but do affect how sounds are produced.
Bit gags, on the other hand, make speaking difficult without completely inhibiting the tongue. They can cause drooling and make it harder to close the lips around the gag. Panel or corset gags often have muffling qualities, making them effective at reducing sound volume. These variations show how different gags can change the auditory experience during play.
Talking with gags can add to power dynamics
The act of trying to speak while gagged can greatly enhance the power dynamics in a BDSM scene. Some partners find it thrilling to hear their gagged partner attempt to communicate, especially when it involves asking for permission or begging. This struggle to speak adds another layer of intensity and control.
Gags can trap a submissive in a state where they are unable to assert themselves. This loss of power and the futility of attempts to speak can be a powerful tool in certain scenes. It reinforces the dominant-submissive dynamic, adding depth to the experience.
Final words
It is important to avoid using ball gags if you or your partner have certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, asthma, epilepsy, or claustrophobia. These conditions can make the use of gags unsafe. People with acute respiratory infections or a history of jaw dislocation should also refrain from using ball gags.
Ensuring that the gag is made of high-quality materials is essential for safe and enjoyable use. Click here to check out the Ultimate Guide to Mouth Gags. For those without these conditions, ball gags can be a delightful addition to sexual play. Always prioritize safety and comfort, and follow the guidelines for proper use to maximize pleasure and minimize the risk of injury.