fetish focus: gags

Gags come in a variety of different styles, sizes and materials. There are two basic reasons that one uses a gag, to keep the mouth open or to keep the mouth closed, other than that their function is quite limited.

The most common definition of gagging is:
a : to restrict use of the mouth of by inserting a gag b : to prevent from exercising freedom of speech or expression c : to pry or hold open with a gag – Courtesy of the Merriam ñ Webster Dictionary

Most people assume that by gagging someone you are referring to putting something in the mouth in order to keep an individual from speaking. This is however a limited definition, and not necessarily accurate.

There are three general categories in which most gags may be placed. The first category consists of Intrusive gags, these are gags in which an object is place in the mouth and secured by some means, commonly a strap of some form. The second category consists of Barrier gags, in which some form of barricade is being placed over the mouth completely, such as tape, leather or a metal barrier. The third type is a Spreader gag; this type of gag is normally put into use in an effort to maintain the mouth in an open position, this type of gag if frequently used in medical procedures where the mouth must be open and available.

Why would you use a gag?

Gags increase sensual feelings during play. If you have a partner who enjoys being the submissive one, a gag can further enhance that feeling. Since your partner won’t be able to talk, they’ve lost their most basic sense of communication – and protection. Many people tend to find that kind of feeling to be erotic. Gags also do force the body into a position that it isn’t used to being in – that feeling of helplessness and vulnerability can feel sexual as well. From a top’s point of view, many tops enjoy seeing their partner in a gag or enjoy cutting off their partner’s ability to speak. However, even with this fun, sexual object, there are some issues you should consider before purchasing and owning a BDSM gag.

Gag Types:  

Ball

A ball gag is usually made of rubber or silicone in the shape of a sphere with a strap passing through its diameter. The most common diameter is 1¾ inches, but other sizes can be found.

In use, the ball is strapped into the mouth behind the teeth, with the straps going around the head to secure it in place. If the ball is very large, it may be difficult to push it into place behind the teeth, or to remove it. A ball gag’s purpose is more of humiliation rather than silence; the wearer can still be heard, but it renders their speech completely unintelligible, distorts their facial features, and, should the wearer attempt to talk, excessive drooling will result.

A wiffle gag is a simple ball gag that replaces the standard solid rubber ball with a light plastic ball similar to the one used for the game of floorboard. This is normally seen in Japanese bondage contexts, and is generally safer because there is constant airflow. This is useful for asthmatics. Drooling can also be induced by pulling the gagged person’s lip for a minute. Once drooling starts, it is almost impossible to stop. Some people use this as a way of emphasising that they are in control of the bound person. Also, some people find the sight of a gagged person drooling very erotic.

 A lot of gags don’t mention what size the ball in the gag is. Many beginners will find that a lot of the “beginner” ball gags are way too large. Keeping in mind the size is something that a lot of people will want to consider – many males included as well. Males can tend to take larger gag sizes, but it really depends on the person – and you won’t know until you try. It’s better to find something smaller than you need than something larger though. Most people will enjoy using a 1 inch to 1.5 inch gag depending on their gender and experience. If you think they need smaller, go smaller.

Another thing to consider is the material of the gag. Many gags are made from plastic, rubber, or another firm or dangerous material. This can be a problem for a couple reasons. For one, the gags that are made from harder materials are bad for your teeth. If you end up in the throes of pleasure and bite down, it could chip a tooth or something worse. Plastic was never meant to sit in your mouth and hold your teeth open. Plus, no plastic has any sort of give to make it comfortable to keep in your mouth. Plus, many of the cheaper materials like plastic or rubber can have dangerous chemicals or a crappy smell in it. Since your mouth is pretty close to your nose, you want to avoid using anything that might have an annoying scent to it.

This means that, instead of taking the cheaper option (even just to try it out), purchase a high-quality silicone ball gag in a decent sized-ball. It won’t run you much more than a cheaper option, and you know it will be a better experience. If possible, before purchasing, read the reviews of the product to make sure it has exactly what you want from it.

 Bit

A bit gag is styled like the bit used in a bridle for a horse, and much of its sexual appeal stems from fetishistic symbolism inhuman pony play.

 It consists of a bar that is held in place in the wearer’s mouth by straps or other device. Unlike the metal bit that is most common in horse bridles, the bar of a bit gag is usually a soft rubber cylinder. It is not very effective in preventing speech, unless combined with mouth stuffing, although it will make it somewhat more difficult for the wearer to produce coherent speech. Occasionally reins are attached. Because of the possibility of injury to the lips, the bit gag is not suitable for rough play.

 There are a couple positives for a bit gag. For one, the visible appearance of the gag lends itself well to pony play. For another, the large O-rings will allow for reins to be attached to the gag itself (and used GENTLY). For third, many bit gags are actually quiet friendly on the jaw. Bit gags also tend to be the most friendly to jaws except for a scarf. If you have someone has has jaw problems, a bit gag is a way to go. Bit gags also don’t tend to leave the jaw quite as sore as a ball gag would. A bit gag doesn’t open the mouth widely – it just pushes the lips apart through the corners. Bit gags also don’t impact the breathing as roughly as a ball gag would – they tend to allow easier breathing. Many people find bit gags to include a lot less drooling as well.

On the downside, many bit gags can tend to put a lot of pressure on the inner cheeks – whether by the O-rings or the actual gag itself. Bit gags also tend to come in less variety of materials or extra features. Many couples don’t find the appearance of a bit gag to be as sexy as the appearance of wearing a ball gag either.

Something to consider when purchasing a bit gag is the material of the bit gag itself as well as the structure of the gag. You want a body-friendly material that doesn’t smell. While I can’t think of a single silicone bit gag that’s made of plastic, you still may want to avoid the rubber ones to avoid the smell. Most silicone bit gags I know of are made from rubber, silicone, or leather. Paying attention the reviews of the gag is important when it comes to a bit gag. The biggest problem with a bit gag is finding out that the O-rings or the material of the strap will cut into your skin. You want to be assured that you don’t feel pain when wearing your gag – it’s distracting and well, painful.

Forniphilic/Humiliation

Forniphilic/Humiliation gag is a term used to describe a type of gag which has the primary purpose of objectifying and/or humiliating the wearer. The gag becomes a mounting point for a tool or other device which allows a slave to perform a task or service for their master or mistress. When employing the gag, the slave’s hands are usually bound behind them so they have no other option than to control the tool with the gag. In order to provide stability and to allow the slave to control the tool, a muzzle gag with a mouthpiece is commonly used as a base for attaching the tool.

Types of tool or device can include a dildo, vibrator, ashtray, toilet brush, feather duster and floor scrubber, among other things.

Funnel

A funnel gag consists of a funnel with a tube leading from its spout into the mouth, usually with straps to hold the tube in. Such a gag is used to force the bound person to drink a fluid. It is very easy to choke during such forced drinking. Watersports fetishes may use this gag.

Inflatable

An inflatable gag is usually a rubber balloon which is inflated by a hand valve. Most inflatable gags will not hold in the gagged person’s mouth well, so the gag is usually paired with a ring gag to keep it in place.

Medical

Bondage pornography also depicts the use of medical gags such as the Whitehead gag and Jennings gag in BDSM contexts. Such gags allow unlimited access to the mouth. They stop coherent speech, but do little to silence a person.

Muzzle

Muzzle gags are usually made of leather, are fastened around the head with buckles and straps, and cover the lower part of the face. They have different shapes and colors, depending on the manufacturer. It is so called because it resembles a muzzle used on animals, with a flexible pad which straps over the mouth, and sometimes also around the cheeks and chin. Muzzle gags have a strong psychological effect on some people, because of the association of being restrained in a way generally associated with animals. Restricting movement of the jaw and covering the cheeks can both increase the efficiency of a gag. 

 Muzzle gags are probably one of the oldest gags and illustrations showing muzzle-like gag devices have been observed from early colonial times.

Pecker/Penis

A pecker/penis gag is a kind of gag consisting of a pecker (an object resembling a penis or dildo), large enough almost to fill the mouth, attached to a strap that buckles behind the head to hold it in place. It may be wide and flat, intended to depress the tongue, or it may be a large knob similar to a ball gag. This type of gag is sometimes considered a humiliating gag due to its resemblance to having a penis in the wearer’s mouth.

It is possible to have an inflatable pecker. Since inflatable gags do not easily remain in the mouth they are usually paired with a ring, muzzle or panel gag.

O-ring Gag /Spider Gag

An O-ring gag, or otherwise known as a spider gag, is a metal circle, attached to a strap of fabric, that is slipped behind the teeth to hold the mouth open. Many submissives who will be pleasing a male orally choose this type of gag – although it really depends on how large the O-ring on the gag is.

The positives to this gag are that it holds the mouth open to keep it in a position to give oral sex. This gag also will produce most drooling than the other types of gags.

On the downside, this gag is much harder to find than the other varieties. This gag also has less options to choose from  it’s mostly just a metal ring and that’s it. When it comes to oral sex, many of the rings that are tolerable to wear won’t fit a penis through it. The metal of the ring itself can also tend to lead to a sore inner mouth after wearing it for an extended period of time. This gag will hold the corners of the mouth open and may tend to harm someone who has a jaw injury or isn’t used to wearing gags.

When purchasing, make sure you purchase something of high quality. These gags weren’t meant to be cheap, so don’t purchase a cheap one. You don’t want the O-ring of the gag coming off from the straps and possibly causing a choking hazard. When putting these on, you also will want to be extremely careful. Since they are only made of metal (from what I’ve seen), a mishap with the placement could cost your subbie a tooth. If you want to be safe, I recommend having a silicone-one custom-made or at least wrapping the metal of your O-ring with a softer fabric to help decrease the chances of a problem. This isn’t really a beginner gag, so I recommend you start with the other gags before you approach this one.

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