Gagging For It: Everything You Need to Know about Ball Gag Bondage

The ball gag: one of the most easily identifiable pieces of bondage kit. Worn by a submissive during fetish play, the rubber ball or silicone ball gag is placed in the mouth and removes the ability to speak. At best, the wearer can get away with a muffled moan.

For those new to kinky play, the thought of using a ball gag might be a little off-putting. Visually, they create quite an extreme and potentially intimidating aesthetic and the feel of wearing one can take some getting used to. But in truth, when used correctly they’re no scarier than a pair of fluffy handcuffs! Ball gag bondage is simply another form of restraint. But for your mouth.

Why is Ball Gag Bondage Sexy?

As you can imagine, using a ball gag massively emphasises the dominant and submissive roles. A gagged submissive may feel more vulnerable because they can’t communicate using speech. As a result, they have to rely on and trust that the dominant partner will read the signs and signals put out by their body. Alternatively, the submissive may be forced to find other ways to display their wants which could be part of humiliation play. In both cases, a gagged sub further accentuates the Dom’s position of power in the most deliciously muffled way.

Drooling is another reason some revel in the pleasure of ball gag bondage. When the mouth is forced open, it becomes difficult to swallow. Saliva builds up and eventually the gag-wearer needs to get rid of it. While they might be able to swallow some drool, it’s easier to dribble it out. This drooling can, for some, be a turn-on.

Trying to indulge in BDSM play in a room with paper-thin walls? A ball gag could be the practical solution both you and your neighbours will be grateful for.

Yes, some folks use gags during spanking sessions to help keep things a bit more discreet, reducing the screams, gasps and yelps that follow a good thwack. Others like to incorporate various bondage restraints into the mix too. We talk about safety later on in this article and if you are going to be tying up your partner or exploring an impact play kink, then safety is paramount.

Different Types of Gags

Variety is the spice of life, and this applies to ball gags too. Bondage ball gags come in different materials, styles and sizes so you can find one that suits your needs best. Do bear in mind that the larger the ball, the wider the mouth is forced open, so first-timers should begin with a smaller-sized ball gag. This will allow you to get used to the sensation, as well as minimising the risk of overstretching the mouth. Jaw lock hurts and not in a sexy way! Start small and comfortable, then work up to larger-sized ball gags if you find you enjoy how it feels.

Breathable and Solid Ball Gags

Breathable ball gags are a popular choice amongst bondage beginners and experienced BDSM players alike. You might be wondering what the alternative to a breathable ball is ... because a non-breathable ball gag sounds quite risky, if not entirely deadly. Enter the solid ball gag. These ones are not for the fainthearted. Solid ball gags are more suitable for seasoned gag wearers and are a perfect piece of kit for exploring breath play. With the mouth filled, naturally, it becomes harder to breathe and take in oxygen, leaving breathing through the nose the only option. Understandably, not everyone loves this feeling. If the idea of being restricted to breathing solely through your nose fills you with horror but you still like the idea of having the bit between your teeth, the breathable ball gag is your friend. Dotted with holes so the wearer can continue taking in some air through the mouth, a breathable gag is the friendlier, less extreme sister of the solid ball gag.

Dildo Gag

For those who want their moans muffled by something a little more extreme, although not technically a ball gag, there’s always the dildo gag or penis gag. As you might imagine, the ‘ball’ element of the gag, in this case, is, you guessed it, penis-shaped and fits deeper in your partner’s mouth enhancing the vulnerable and helpless feeling of your sub.

Harness Gag

Another divergence from the classic ball gag is the harness gag which is essentially a gag worn via a head harness that may also feature a blindfold for a spot of sensory play. A more extreme version of this would be a bondage hood with a gag incorporated, a style probably best reserved for the kinkiest and most extreme BDSM players amongst you.

Leather Gag

If you’re in the market and gagging for something that exudes luxury and style then a high-quality leather ball gag might be just the thing for you. Typically featuring a leather strap, these bad boys are sturdy and designed to last, hence the heftier price tag. Having said that, there is an alternative cheaper version - faux leather ball gags - which are equally effective at silencing your sub during your steamy escapades.

Whichever style of ball gag you use, they should all be fitted in the same way: place the ball behind the lips and between the teeth, then fasten it in place using the adjustable band.

Enjoying Ball Gag Bondage Safely

As always, with any form of BDSM play, we advise using a safe word to keep everyone well... safe and comfortable. But with your mouth full, a safe word would be about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike. So instead, having a safe action or code in place is paramount. Make it something you wouldn’t do reflexively whilst in the throes and something that can’t be missed or mistaken.

To complement that, remember:

• Never leave a gagged and restrained person unsupervised when in roleplay.
• Wearing a gag shouldn’t hurt so remove the gag if your jaw starts to ache.
• Make sure the submissive partner is able to breathe comfortably through their nose — don’t block this airway at any point.
• Use a safe action. When gagged, a person cannot always speak so use a different method, such as three short grunts in quick succession like a form of BDSM morse code or three quick taps to the thigh. Always ensure your safe word, code or action is established before any BDSM play begins.

Other Styles of Bondage Gag

If the allure of ball gags has drawn you in and you fancy getting your lips around one then take a look at our full range of bondage ball gags now.

If that’s a bit too much of a mouthful, then ball gags may not be the right choice for you. That’s totally ok! There are so many other styles of bondage gags, like stainless steel O-ring or bit gags, open-mouth gags or ring gags. These may be a better fit, so get experimenting!

Shop for gags or read more about the basics of buying a gag for bondage play.

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