Things to know about breath control

It's been said that the more people know about breath control, the less likely they are to do it. As breath control has killed many people, including the very experienced, some say you can never do it safely. Here's why.

'I'll stop before I faint"

Unconsciousness can come without the warning signs you might expect (in yourself and in others).

"I just do 'light' breath control - passing out isn't my aim"

Any drop in oxygen to the brain could potentially trigger a heart attack; the more severe and long-lasting the drop, the higher the risk of this. As the brain gets short of oxygen the body sends signals to kick start the heart in an attempt to get more blood to the brain. This can trigger a heart attack. These signals keep firing long after oxygen supply returns to normal, so cardiac arrest is possible hours after breath control ends.

Others say a player with imagination can use breath control in moderation with a strong verbal and visual element to get a sense of danger and vulnerability that's a turn-on but with limited risk. That said, the body's reaction to being starved of oxygen is unpredictable and injury or death is always a possibility.

Safety

One thing is certain: safe words and/or gestures are vital during breath control. As the mouth may be obstructed non-verbal signs need agreeing, such as a number of taps of the hand, holding a hand up or placing it on the mouth of the person controlling the other's breath.

It goes without saying: never leave someone unattended during a breath control scene and make sure they can get air immediately on any sign of distress.

Another obvious risk is breath control under the influence of drink or drugs.

Fainting

Someone feeling faint should either lie down (or be lied on the floor) with their head low and their legs raised or sit on a chair, taking deep breaths with their head between their legs.

If someone does faint:

• Remove any obstructions (such as gags, masks).
• Place in the 'recovery position': this means on their side with head on its side (to stop choking on tongue or vomit) and tilted back so they can breathe more easily. Have one leg and elbow bent to prop up the weight of the body.
• If he hasn't come round within one or two minutes call an ambulance. Don't leave an unconscious person alone.
• Don't slap his face or give him anything to drink until fully conscious.

When anyone becomes unconscious there's always a risk of death. Also, it can be hard to tell if someone's fainted or gone into cardiac arrest.

Want to know more?

For more information about breath control, see these websites:

• www.bdsm-peergroup.com/resources_breath_control.htm
• public.diversity.org.uk/deviant/bfbreath.htm