Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

the distant presence of an unfamiliar voice, the nearby scent of a strange
cologne, or being touched in an unfamiliar way.
There are few safety issues to be concerned with, when it comes to blindfolds.
Just be careful to apply a blindfold to your bottom while he or she is stationary
and, preferably, immobile. Attempting to move about with a blindfold on is not
only awkward and dangerous, but difficult to explain at the local emergency
room. Additionally, the use of a blindfold places the entire burden of consent
and propriety fully upon the shoulders of the Top, since the bottom cannot see
what is about to happen and, therefore, presumably does not have a chance to
voice potential concerns or safe word out before it occurs. For that reason, a
detailed discussion or scene negotiation should take place beforehand.
Gags, like blindfolds, are simple and affordable kink toys that lend themselves
easily to experimentation by vanilla and fetish folk alike. Gags can consist of
just about anything placed in or over the mouth (OTM) or even over the nose
(OTN) as well. They can include such things as an unpretentious strip of cloth, a
wide strip of duct tape, a wooden rod, a ball-gag, open-mouth bracing, or even a
pony bit. While it may be tempting to create your own gags from common
household items, some of those materials may be laced with noxious chemicals
or be unsuitable for being held in the mouth for any length of time. When in
doubt, stick with materials specifically designed to be placed in or over the
mouth. The most commonly available types of gags are ball gags, open mouth
gags, and bit gags. Less common gags include various types of medical or
dental gags, inflatable gags, muzzle gags, funnel gags, forniphilic gags (which
are used to humiliate or objectify the wearer by turning the gag into items like
toilet plungers or dildos), and novelty gags, which I sometimes refer to as gag
gags.
Ball gags are comprised of a small ball made of rubber or silicone which fits into
the mouth and attached to a securing strap. The ball may vary in size, shape,
color and materials, and may even have breathing holes or other unique
features. The strap is typically an adjustable leather one, but sometimes can be
elastic. While the superficial purpose of a ball gag is to prevent a person from
speaking, the true value of a ball gag lies in its psychological effects, creating a
palpable sense of helplessness, futility or humiliation in the bottom, and
appealing to a wide range of motivations, aesthetics or fetishes for the Top.
An open mouth gag, like the ball gag, also prevents the bottom from speaking,