Ball Gag Guide: 6 Tips for Safely Using a Ball Gag

A gag is any sex toy, commonly used by those engaging in BDSM sex play, that's placed inside the wearer's mouth to prevent them from speaking normally. A ball gag is a specific type of gag with a spherical object—usually a silicone or rubber ball—that is strapped into a person’s mouth, and secured with belt-like leather straps that wrap around the back of the head.

A ball gag may cause the wearer to drool uncontrollably and will prevent them from speaking, but they can still make indiscernible noises like moans and grunts. When using a ball gag during BDSM roleplay, the gag-wearer is traditionally considered the submissive partner while the other ungagged participant is the dominant partner.

Here are some important safety tips that will set you up for success when using your ball gag.

1. 1. Set expectations. The most important 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. Have the wearer try the ball gag on, so they can tell you how tight is comfortable for them.
2. 2. Decide on a safe signal. It's common practice in a BDSM scene for partners to choose a safe word 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.
3. 3. Never leave a gagged partner alone. It may or may not be possible for the wearer to remove the gag on their own if you’re using physical restraints. That's why it's crucial that you never leave your gagged partner alone so that they always have someone nearby to remove the gag if necessary.
4. 4. Avoid using a ball gag if you have a cold. Since you cannot breathe through your mouth while wearing most ball gags, refrain from using one if you currently have a cold, sinus infection, or any other condition making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
5. 5. Incorporate other toys when you’re ready. If you're experimenting with BDSM play for the first time, 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.
6. 6. Wash your gag regularly. To prevent the growth and transmission of bacteria, be sure to wash your ball gag after each use with soap and water. Disinfect your ball gag periodically for an extra layer of defense against germs.

A ball gag is actually just one type of mouth gag commonly used in BDSM roleplay. Here's a breakdown of the main types of mouth gags to help you decide which is right for you.

1. 1. Ball gag: The standard ball gag typically consists of a rubber or silicone ball with an adjustable leather strap that wraps around the head. A ball gag causes lots of drooling and leaves the wearer unable to speak or breathe through their mouth. If you're trying a ball gag for the first time, use a small, breathable ball gag so you can still breathe while getting accustomed to how the ball gag feels.
2. 2. Bit gag: Bit gags use a horizontal bar between the teeth instead of a ball. Bit gags have more breathability than a ball gag and come in several materials, such as silicone, wood, and metal. For mouth gag newbies, try a silicone bit gag first since it will be more comfortable to bite down on.
3. 3. Lip gag: A lip gag has a plastic mouth expander to keep the wearer’s mouth open, with a hole in the middle of the mouthpiece so the wearer can breathe and make more audible noises than with a standard ball gag. Lip gags are typically made of silicone and resemble a pair of lips that completely cover the wearer's teeth, making it the ideal type of gag to wear for those looking to give blowjobs while gagged.
4. 4. O-ring gag: These are made of metal o-rings that serve as a mouthpiece for the wearer, restricting mouth movement while allowing the wearer to breathe and give blowjobs.
5. 5. Spider gag: A spider gag consists of a metal o-ring that goes in the wearer’s mouth with four metal spires that extend out of the middle ring. This makes it difficult for the wearer to flip the ring in their mouth, and renders them more submissive.
6. 6. Penis gag: A penis gag consists of leather straps that fasten around the back of the head with a small dildo serving as the wearer’s mouthpiece. This simulates the feeling of extended fellatio as the person is gagged.

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