What Is a Ball Gag and Why Use One?

As the word suggests, a gag is an object placed inside the wearer's mouth, hindering their ability to move their tongue freely. There are many forms of mouth gags, such as bite gags or funnel gags, but the most popular type on the market is the ball gag.

• Ball Gags Are a Form of Power Exchange - given Dom/Sub role-playing principles, you can enjoy ball gags in many ways. For example, they allow the dominant partner to exert control over the sub, humiliate them, punish them, or use the ball gag during training. Additionally, there are many benefits to using ball gags in the bedroom, even if you're not in a kinky relationship but want to explore different sex plays.
• Ball Gags Are Visually Pleasing - many people find ball gags visually appealing. The touch of leather and the notion that your mouth always stays open will drive them crazy. You don't need to chain yourself up in a sex dungeon to communicate your desire to be dominated by your partner; a simple ball gag can do the trick.
• Ball Gags Limit Speaking - for many partners, using restraints in the bedroom, including ball gags, signifies their security and trust in the relationship. Letting your partner limit your speaking ability puts you in a vulnerable position, which can further deepen the intimacy you enjoy. Moreover, many people state that using ball gags makes their climax more intensive. Because your breathing will be more restricted while wearing the ball, you'll be forced to breathe only through your nose and experience your orgasms differently.
• Ball Gags Are a Form of Restraint - if you want to see your partner drool all over, ball gags perfectly fit that purpose. Depending on the size of the ball and additional attachments, the wearer's tongue is also restricted from moving, making them drool excessively. You can remove the ball gag, and their mouth will be ready for sloppy oral sex. Last but not least, if you place the ball gag on your partner, you can enjoy their muffled sounds and moans.

How to Use a Ball Gag?

Using a ball gag is simple; after you and your partner agree on the terms of using and establish a safe signal, you need to place the ball into the mouth and place and close the straps at the back of the head. You can do this yourself or have your partner help you. It is often more intimate and more erotic for the dominant partner to place and fix the ball gag on the submissive partner.

Who Can Use a Ball Gag?

While many seem to think that ball gags are exclusively used in BDSM communities, that cannot be further from the truth. Many people enjoy the appeal of wearing ball gags, even if they don't use any other restraints. Additionally, the ball gag can add a little spice to your sex life without the need to further explore your kinkiness.

For example, ball gags are perfect for many role play games. If you want to assume the part of the Dom, you can use the ball gag with a pair of handcuffs or rope to tie your partner to the bed and pleasure or torture them as you see fit. Many couples use blindfolds simultaneously, restraining their partner's ability to speak, see and move. Then, they present their partner with different sensations. Temperature play with ice or wax candles is excellent foreplay, as is using a feather or a tickler.

In Dom/Sub relationships, ball gags are often used as punishment, even outside of the bedroom. You can also combine them with other punishment acts; for example, when the Dom collars their sub or gives them a forced orgasm and wants to keep the noise to a minimum.

Different Types of Ball Gags

As we said, ball gags are just one type of mouth gag; however, they offer much diversity. Sex toy manufacturers have come up with exciting ideas regarding this sex toy, yet a few ball gags have been rendered the most popular among the rest. We outline the best ball gag variants and showcase what makes them useful in the bedroom.

Regular Ball Gags

This is the most common ball gag you can come across: it features a simple ball and straps design. The ball can come in many different colors, sizes, and materials and is usually recommended for partners that have some experience with kinky sex. Since it isn't breathable, limiting the time you use is also essential.

Breathable Ball Gags

Breathable ball gags have small holes, allowing the wearer to breathe less restrictively while producing similar muffled sounds as regular ball gags. They can be worn for a long time or used only in foreplay, and they are great if you're worried about causing physical harm to yourself or your partner while wearing them. If you're a beginner, this is the best option for you.

Dildo Ball Gags

If you want to explore things outside your comfort zone and dive deeper into your kinkiness as a couple, we suggest dildo ball gags. They feature a dildo attached to the ball, which can be one-sided or double-sided. For double-sided dildo ball gags, the back dildo that goes into the wearer's mouth is significantly smaller, and its purpose is to make the wearer gag.

The great thing about this toy is that you can restrain your partner's mouth, make them gag and get anal or vaginal penetration from them. It leaves much room for humiliation, punishment, and other kinky sex act. Minding the time and how your partner feels while wearing them is crucial for overall enjoyment.

Choosing The Right Ball Gag for You

As we mentioned, there are multiple shapes and sizes of ball gags, but they also differ in other features. To choose the right ball gag for you or your partner, consider the experience level and the ball gag features. Here is a short list of the key things to note when selecting a ball gag, but please check out our complete guide on how to select BDSM mouth gags:

• Ball Size – ball sizes in ball gags vary from small to extra large, ranging from 1.2 inches to up to 3 inches in diameter. Beginners should get the smallest ones, while experienced users can go for larger models.
• Ball Material – the balls are usually made from plastic, rubber, or silicone, and we always recommend you get body-safe silicone if it is an option.
• Strap Material – the straps can be made from leather, faux leather, silicone, or elastic, and each one has its merits. Also, note the closing mechanism, as the models with buckles take the lead, but you can also find models with elastic straps, Velcro, or snap closures.
• Extra Features – it is also common to find ball gags with nipple clamps attached to them, as well as models with other features like a rose-shaped ball gag, heart-shaped ball gag, etc.

Safety Tips for Using Ball Gags

It is a given that both partners should willfully agree to use a ball gag during any sexual activity, the notion of consent isn't enough for safe sex. Here we list important safety tips you must know when using bal gags:

Limit The Wearing Time

Before deciding to wear the ball gag, it's best to discuss the length of time you or your partner are comfortable wearing it. It's best to try it on beforehand and see how it feels inside your mouth. As a good starting point, you can agree upon 10 to 15 minutes and see how much and how well you can handle it. Wearing it any longer than that can start to feel too uncomfortable or make your jaw hurt.

Set A Safe Word or Signal

Before engaging in any restrictive or kinky sex play, partners are urged to use a safe word. But, since ball gags limit speaking ability, you must use another way to signal to your partner when you've had enough. Depending on your sex position, you can tap your partner on your shoulder, your foot, or your toes or use other body parts to signal. You can nod or shake your head as a stop signal if your movements are entirely restricted, or even use a squeaky toy. Some partners decide to use blinking patterns; however, that can go unnoticed in a heated situation. An exciting way to signal your partner to stop is to hum the tune to a recognizable song like 'Happy Birthday.'

Be By Your Partner's Side

As mentioned above, some safety signals are harder to detect than others. Because of that, if your partner is wearing a ball gag, you'll need to watch them closely and check how they're feeling. Moreover, it is important to never leave them unattended. Sometimes, the wearer can start heaving or choking, so it is smart to have emergency scissors or something else to cut the ball gag off their head. If your partner had an upset stomach before placing the sex toy or trying the double-sided dildo ball gag, this would increase their chances of vomiting, so being prepared for any eventuality is key.

Choose The Right Position

When using a ball gag, saliva typically builds in the mouth and can cause the wearer to choke; that's why the position in which the wearer is placed is crucial. For example, an upright torso and sitting positions are recommended when using a ball gag that isn't breathable. Most ball gag enthusiasts have reported feeling most comfortable wearing the sex toy while being faced downward. However, you shouldn't lie on your stomach and face down on the bed since that will further restrict breathing.

Add Other Toys To The Mix When You're Ready

Ball gags are a great starting point, but they also mix well with other sex toys. If you're beginning your BDSM journey, you can try nipple clamps or blindfolds once you feel comfortable with the ball gag. Once you master the ability to keep your mouth open for a prolonged time, you can try dildo ball gags and even perform sexual acts with it. Additionally, you can move on to more advanced mouth gags, such as bite gags or ring gags

When Not to Use Ball Gags?

While ball gags can be fun, they're also dangerous if not used properly. For example, if your partner has a cold or sinus infection that hinders their ability to breathe properly, a ball gag will only exacerbate the condition. Using ball gags in such cases is highly unsafe and may result in the partner passing out or choking.

Additionally, people prone to asthma or allergies should be careful when using ball gags. They should be mindful of the ball's material, but they're generally not advised to use ball gags for prolonged periods. People diagnosed with or prone to panic attacks or some other condition that hinders their ability to breathe are also advised against using ball gags. The sex toy may serve as a catalyst that will kick their condition into overdrive and turn what was supposed to be a pleasant experience into a life-threatening situation.

Cleaning & Storing Ball Gags

Since the ball gag is placed in your mouth, it's essential to keep it hygienic to avoid the risk of diseases or infections. It's best to clean your bal gag before and after every use to ensure total safety. Because ball gags are usually made from silicone or plastic, washing them with warm water and antibacterial soap is safe. Dish soaps also work well for washing ball gags; however, you would still want to disinfect the ball occasionally.

Breathable balls are much more comfortable, but they're a significant challenge to keep hygienic. The small holes that allow you to breathe are place for bacteria to build up and make the sex toy unusable. To prevent any risks to your health, use pipe cleaners similar to those used for cleaning reusable straws. They're thin enough to get inside the smallest areas and thoroughly clean every inch of the ball gag.

You can treat the ball gag as any other sex toy when it comes to storing it. Silk bags are the recommended option, but you can use any lint-free material. The toy should be left to air dry after cleaning, and be sure there is no residual moisture before storing. The storage box should be dry and kept away from direct heat or sunlight.

Final Thoughts

Ball gags are the simplest form of restrictive play that allow partners to explore a side of BDSM relationships or engage in moderate roleplay. They hinder the wearer's ability to speak and come with many extra features, but at their core, they're just a fun way to explore your sexual appetites.

Keep in mind that using a ball gag comes with safety concerns. However, if both partners consent and prepare beforehand, using this sex toy can significantly deepen your trust and intimacy and increase sexual pleasure. Pick your preferred type of ball gag, add a blindfold or spanking paddle to the mix, and see where it takes you!