Ball & Mouth Gags in the USA

What are Ball & Mouth Gags?

A BDSM gag is a piece that sits inside or over the mouth and is held in place by a strap around the head. It limits the ability to speak and adds a visual and sensory element of submission, because the person wearing it can't answer in words and communicates with gestures and looks. It is used in dominance and submission play, on its own or alongside handcuffs and wrist cuffs or a blindfold, and it is one of the classic pieces of BDSM.

The usual materials are silicone for the part that goes in the mouth and synthetic or natural leather for the straps. All have adjustable straps and a buckle fastening, and some models add a padlock. There are gags from brands such as Fetish Fantasy, Bondage Boutique and Ouch, with simple models to start with and others for people who already have experience.

Types of BDSM gags

The shape of the part that goes in the mouth makes a big difference to the feel and to how far open the jaw is held.

• Ball: the ball gag, the best known. A ball, often silicone and around 4 or 4.5 cm, sits between the teeth; breathable versions have holes.
• Bar: the bit gag, a bar you bite down on like a horse's bit. It is the most comfortable because it puts less strain on the mouth.
• Ring: the open mouth gag keeps the mouth open with a ring, and spider-style versions hold it with hooks.
• Panel: covers the whole mouth from the outside, with nothing inside.
• Plug or dildo: instead of a ball they have a plug that goes in the mouth, and some models combine the ball with a dildo.
• Muzzles and other shapes: the muzzle with a harness around the head, the duck bill gag or the pacifier gag, for role play.
• With clamps: some gags come with nipple clamps.

What the research says

The use of gags has not been studied separately, but the practice of BDSM has. In a representative sample of 1,027 people in Belgium, 46.8% had taken part in some BDSM activity and another 22% had had fantasies about it (Holvoet et al., 2017, J Sex Med). In Australia, in a representative sample of 19,307 people, those who practised BDSM were no more likely to have experienced sexual coercion or to feel unhappy or anxious than the rest (Richters et al., 2008, J Sex Med).

Safety

Before putting it on, agree a non-verbal safety signal, for example dropping an object held in the hand, because with the gag in you can't say the safe word. Talking things through beforehand is the basis of any BDSM practice. Don't leave the person wearing it alone, don't use it if they have a blocked nose, and keep the key to hand if the model has a padlock. At first, keep sessions short, because the jaw tires, and if nausea, coughing or pain appear, take it off straight away.

Care and cleaning

Wash the silicone part in warm water with mild soap after each use and let it air dry. Leather or vegan leather straps are cleaned with a damp cloth and should not be put in water. If the ball is TPE or the part that goes in the mouth is leather, wash it more carefully, because these materials are more porous than silicone.

How to choose

• Size of the piece: the product page gives the diameter of the ball or ring; if you are starting out, choose a small one.
• Breathing: look for "breathable" or "breathing holes" if it is a ball gag.
• Material: silicone for the part that goes in the mouth (TPE is more porous); for the straps, leather, vegan leather or neoprene.
• Fit: check the strap range in centimetres so it fastens securely without being tight.
• Fastening: buckle if you want to take it off quickly; padlock if you want a more serious control game.
• Extras: some come with nipple clamps, interchangeable rings or a head harness.

Ball & Mouth Gags: frequently asked questions

Can you breathe with a gag on?

Yes, through the nose, and with breathable ball gags a little through the mouth too. That is why it shouldn't be used with a blocked nose.

How do I signal to stop if I can't speak?

With a signal agreed beforehand, such as dropping an object or tapping several times. It needs to be something the other person will always see or feel.

Which gag is best for beginners?

A bar gag or a small breathable ball with a buckle fastening. They put less strain on the mouth and come off in a moment.

Is it normal to drool with a gag?

Yes, especially with ball and ring gags, because the mouth can't close. Keep a towel to hand.

What is the difference between a gag and a muzzle?

A muzzle covers the mouth from the outside with a harness around the head, and some have a ball inside. A gag goes inside the mouth or covers it with a smaller piece.

Can I combine it with a blindfold?

Yes, it is a common combination. The safety signal stays the same, such as dropping an object, but the person wearing the blindfold can't see their partner. That means the partner needs to be more attentive and ask now and then something that can be answered with a nod or a hand.

Can a gag be shared?

Better not: it goes in the mouth and ideally each person has their own. If you do share one, wash the silicone part well in warm water with mild soap between one person and the next.

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