Breath play involves the consensual restriction or control of breathing to create altered states of arousal, vulnerability, or psychological intensity. Clinically, it is considered an edge play activity due to its inherent risks and requires a high level of trust, communication, and safety awareness between partners.
Variations include light breath control using hands, masks, or gags, as well as more advanced forms such as timed deprivation or pressure play. Some scenes incorporate dominance and submission dynamics, while others explore the meditative or euphoric states caused by oxygen restriction.
Psychologically, breath play can evoke surrender, heightened sensory focus, or emotional intensity. Some individuals experience a ‘floaty’ or trance-like state, while others find the control and surrender dynamic deeply erotic.
Safety is paramount. Breath play carries serious risk, including unconsciousness, brain injury, or death if done improperly. Scenes must be short, well-planned, and involve continuous monitoring. Safewords are not reliable in this context, so physical signals and immediate release mechanisms must be agreed upon.
Related terms include choking fetish, control play, edge play, and dominance and submission, all of which may appear in or around breath control scenarios.
