Mummification Bondage
Mummification is a type of bondage in which a person is wrapped with material in such a way that their movement is restricted and/or they experience a feeling of compression from the wrappings. Materials that can be used for this include cloth or elastic (Ace) bandages, vet wrap, plastic wrap/cling film, bondage tape, duct tape, or even rope. In some cases, more than one material is used.
Mummification can be done to varying degrees, from wrapping certain parts/zones of the body to doing the full body head (or neck) to toe with the person's arms tight to their body (either along the sides of the body or crossed over their chest in front) and their legs together. In full body mummification where the head is wrapped, holes are left open for the mouth and/or nose or a breathing tube is incorporated into the bondage. Holes can also be left over erogenous zones so they can be played with while the bondage is in place.
Origins of the Term
Mummification bondage gets its name because the wrappings resemble those of Egyptian mummies.
When people started practicing it as a kink, though, isn't easy to identify. It probably developed gradually from bondage, rubber fetishism and total-body enclosure. It was clearly being practiced by the late 1970s, and likely much earlier.
Mummification Bondage Statistics
- In a 2001 study of 184 members of two Finnish BDSM clubs, 13.4% reported engaging in “mummifying” during the previous year.
- In a 2015 peer-reviewed survey of 1,580 women recruited from the kink community, 55% had personally participated in stringent or extreme bondage involving immobilization.
- There are more than 445 groups and 2,700 group posts devoted to mummification on FetLife.
Why People Are Into It
Mummification appeals to people for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Giving up control to a partner as an act of submission
- Experiencing sensory deprivation, especially when the head is wrapped.
- A sense of humiliation, especially when sex organs are exposed.
Ways to Play: Tips for Getting Started with Mummification Bondage
Want to give mummification bondage a try? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start small, wrapping just a part of the body to see how that feels for both partners.
- Remove any clothing or accessories that could be uncomfortable when pressed against the body or which could rip the material being used.
- Don't use sticky materials like duct tape directly on skin, apply over tightly fitting clothes such as leggings or pantyhose or wrap first in plastic wrap.
- Use padding in areas where bones may rub on other parts of the body, like when ankles are pressed together.
- Wrap the head last and unwrap it first.
- Be prepared to cut off the wrappings to remove them.
Mummification Bondage Materials
The mummification experience is often defined by the materials you choose. Here are some typical choices, along with their pros and cons:
Plastic Wrap or Cling Film (Saran Wrap)
Pros: Cheap, transparent, widely available, and easy to cut away. Cons: It does not breathe, traps heat and sweat, tears easily, and its narrow width can make full-body wrapping slow.
Pallet Wrap or Packaging Stretch Wrap
Pros: It comes in larger rolls, may include a handle, and is faster and easier to apply over a large area. Cons: Like cling film, it is non-breathable and can trap significant heat and moisture. Its strength also makes it easy to apply more compression than intended.
Vet Wrap or Cohesive Bandage
Vet wrap is an elastic bandage that sticks to itself rather than to the skin.
Pros: It does not normally pull body hair, comes in many colors, is softer than plastic, and allows somewhat more airflow. It also produces firm, even-looking compression without adhesive. Cons: Relatively expensive (you'll need a lot). It's also hard to control pressure as each overlapping wrap adds more intensity.
Bondage Tape
Bondage tape is usually a smooth PVC tape designed to stick only to itself.
Pros: It does not adhere directly to skin or hair, produces a smooth and shiny finish, and is easier on the body than ordinary adhesive tape. Cons: Rolls are often small and expensive, substantial overlap is required, and cheaper tape may curl or collapse into narrow plastic strands. Like other plastic materials, it can also trap heat.
Duct Tape
Pros: Strong, inexpensive, easy to obtain, and capable of producing very secure restraint. Cons: The adhesive can painfully remove hair, irritate or damage skin, and make emergency removal more difficult. (Wrapping over clothes or plastic wrap can reduce these risks.)
Cotton Fabric or Bedsheets
Pros: Fabric is softer, more breathable, washable, and reusable. Bedsheets are inexpensive and trap much less heat that plastic. Cons: Fabric does not cling to itself, so it usually needs knots, tape, rope, or another outer restraint to keep it in place. It can also loosen and may not create the same smooth, tight compression as plastic or vet wrap.
Safety and Consent
- Communicate before the mummification begins about past experiences with bondage, any medical or emotional conditions that need to be taken into account, and what safe words will be used.
- If wrapping the neck, go looser in that area (or use a mask or hood instead of wrapping the head and neck.
- The person doing the mummification should be alert for signs of overheating or panic and address them immediately. If using non-breathable material, consider leaving open areas of skin to help with cooling.
Mummification Bondage Q&A
How is mummification different from bondage?
All mummification is bondage, but most bondage is not mummification. Mummification is a specific form of bondage in which most or all of the body is wrapped or enclosed. This can be done with plastic wrap, bandages, tape, fabric, rubber or a body bag. This leaves the bound person immobilized in a mummy-like shape.
The main differences are:
- Extent of Restraint: Bondage may restrain only the wrists, ankles or another body part. Mummification usually restricts nearly the entire body.
- Method: Ordinary bondage often uses separate restraints. Mummification uses continuous wrapping or enclosure.
- Sensation: Mummification can add compression, restriction, and a stronger feeling of total helplessness.
- Movement: Someone in bondage may still be able to shift position or move parts of their body. Mummification is intended to make movement extremely limited.
Is mummification a form of heavy bondage?
Yes. Mummification is generally considered a form of heavy bondage because it restricts most or all of the body. But heavy bondage is a broader term that can also include straitjackets, chains, suspension, elaborate rope bondage, and other forms of restraint.
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