Breath play

Breath play refers to the practice of intentionally restricting oxygen intake for heightened sensory awareness or arousal. This can involve techniques like holding one's breath, using restraints, or applying pressure to the neck. In BDSM, this is considered a form of edgeplay that can intensify sexual experiences and arousal.

Breath play is sometimes referred to as "smothering" when it is achieved by an object or body part being placed over the mouth and / or nose. Other terms include erotic asphyxiation and sexual choking.

Breath play can have extreme consequences when it goes wrong. Even experienced practitioners can have potentially fatal accidents so it is strongly advised that you are deeply educated and aware of the risks before attempting this play.

Ways to Perform Breath Play

• hand such as using choke holds, holding a hand over their mouth or placing pressure on their neck.
• body parts pressed over the mouth and nose, such as armpits, ass, or breasts.
• using rope around the neck or chest in rope bondage forms that restrict breath (and potentially blood flow).
• using a mask to make it harder for the person to get fresh air, or restrict air completely and have them re-breathe their own breaths.
• using other materials around the neck or face to induce the feeling of choking or suffocation.
• Chokeholds can include air chokes and blood chokes and are usually practiced within martial arts. Both have their own sensations and their own risks.

Breath Play Risks and Safety Considerations

Breath play carries the following risks:

• Health Risks: Restricting oxygen can lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, or even fatal outcomes. The line between safe practice and danger is extremely thin and can be misjudged easily.
• Lack of Control: Once oxygen is restricted, a person may not be able to signal distress or inability to breathe, especially if they're already compromised.
• Unpredictable Reactions: The body's response to oxygen deprivation can vary each time, making it impossible to guarantee safety even with previous experience.
• Health Conditions: Certain underlying health conditions can make breath play even more dangerous for certain individual.

Safety Protocols for Breath Play Here are some ways to mitigate some of the risks that come with breath play. (See RACK and SSC for more information.)

1. Obtain Informed Consent: Both parties must fully understand the risks and give explicit, informed consent. This includes discussing boundaries, and safe words and signals.

   1. Get Educated: Learn about the anatomy and physiology involved. Understanding how the body reacts to oxygen deprivation can highlight the dangers and help you make informed decisions.
   2. Done Do It Alone: Never engage in breath play alone. Always have a trusted partner who can monitor the situation and intervene if necessary.
   3. Communication: Establish clear and unambiguous signals for when to stop. Since verbal communication might be compromised, non-verbal signals are crucial.
   4. Stay Sober: Avoid alcohol or drugs, as they can impair judgment and reaction times.
   5. Monitor Closely: The person restricting their breath should be closely monitored at all times. Any signs of distress, such as changes in skin color, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing, should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
   6. Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for emergencies, including knowing how to perform CPR and having access to emergency medical services.
   7. Limit Duration: Keep the duration of breath restriction short to minimize risks.
   8. Avoid Neck Pressure: Applying pressure to the neck can be particularly dangerous and should be avoided. Instead, consider less risky alternatives if you're seeking heightened sensations.

2. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're curious about enhancing experiences, consider consulting professionals who specialize in intimacy and relationships. They can offer alternatives that prioritize safety.

3. Absolute Trust and Communication: Open and honest communication with your partner is paramount. Discuss boundaries, limits, and safety signals.