Hypoxophilia, breath holding, or breath control

“Hypoxiphilia, breath restriction, or breath control” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Breath control is not a harmless game. It is also known by the names hypoxiphilia, breath reduction, or breath restriction. Strangulation play can be part of it, but breath control is a broader concept. However, the terms are sometimes confused. Breath control involves depriving someone of oxygen, and this can be done in all sorts of ways.

There are, however, some risks involved. These include fainting and loss of consciousness. Over time, there have been quite a few accidents involving choking play.

What effect does breath control have on the body?

During breath control, the brain receives too little oxygen, which can cause a feeling of euphoria, increasing sexual arousal, making it easier to reach an orgasm, and making it feel even more intense. One of the first signs that the brain is under stress is fainting, loss of consciousness, combined with pale skin and a slow pulse.

During fainting, a person may lose control of their bladder and sphincter, but this isn’t always the case.

Solo or with a partner

Breath control is practiced both with a partner and solo. You understand that playing these kinds of games, with no one around to watch over you, is even more dangerous than when you do it together. So things do go seriously wrong every now and then. Due to the lack of oxygen, you are no longer able to make sound decisions, and before you know it, a few crucial seconds have passed, leaving you just barely unable to free yourself. This results in a slow death by suffocation.

Safety and breath control

In the Netherlands, there are about 60 deaths annually due to breath control and/or strangulation play. This includes an average of about eight autoerotic accidents. One of the first recorded deaths from strangulation play was composer Franz Kotzwara, in 1791.

Things can always go wrong. To minimize this risk, keep the following in mind:

• Agree on a stop signal together
• Always use common sense
• Never combine this play with intoxicants
• Always account for changing circumstances
• Because there is a risk that the sub may faint, it’s best to ensure they are lying down beforehand
• Always stay within safe time limits
• Never practice breath control if you have heart and/or lung conditions
• Keep in mind that the brain sustains serious damage after 3 minutes without oxygen
• Avoid regular exposure to short periods without oxygen
• Do not practice breath control after hyperventilation
• Never walk away; never leave the other person alone
• Always keep an eye on the sub

What is the experience?

The ultimate power play

Oxygen is essential and integral to our lives. Without oxygen, our lives quickly end. Playing with someone’s oxygen, or breathing, is therefore the ultimate power play. After all, the dominant has complete control over the submissive’s breathing, meaning the submissive’s life is literally in her hands.

Restricting breathing can be done in various ways: blocking the mouth and nose with your hands, but it can also be done with masks, duct tape, facesitting, ball gags, plastic bags, or holding the sub underwater. You can also achieve the effect by pressing on the carotid arteries in the neck. Be aware that at maximum pressure, someone can lose consciousness in as little as 3 to 15 seconds! These are therefore extremely risky games.

Arousal

Another reason to engage in breath control is because someone derives pleasure from the physical sensation of suffocation. As is the case, for example, with choking play.

What is choking play?

Strangulation play is sex in which one’s own throat or that of a partner is constricted. This reduces oxygen to the brain, which can produce a euphoric sensation. It can lead to an orgasm that comes sooner and is more intense. It is therefore typically part of sex rather than BDSM.

What if your sub faints?

Never leave them alone.

If your sub faints, immediately remove all forms of bondage and other restraints, such as gags, masks, etc.

Ensure adequate ventilation.

Try to lay them on their back with their legs elevated.

If they do not regain consciousness within 30 seconds, check their pulse and breathing. Seek medical help immediately.

More information

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Source

Text & image: Mistress Moriah