In essence, kink is fucking with the body’s bio chemistry. Through controlled and somewhat between safe and risk managing actions the top triggers the release of adrenaline, endorphins and other happy makes. This can be achieved either physically through for example denying it the flight reflex in bondage or mentally through degradation and other mind fuck. Sadly, there are forms of play that are so inherently dangerous that they cannot be done safely regardless what precautions are taken. A couple of years ago, I already wrote about the dangers of shock collars on the neck. Now, there is a new trend toy emerging which is probably more dangerous than most kinksters assume: pump-up collars.
Instead of padding or soft lining inside the belt, these collars feature an air cushion which can be pumped up. For liability reason this is marketed as a feature for perfect fit. The users are urged not pump the collar so much that it restricts breathing or the blood flow to the brain. But of course, this is what these collars are being used for. Since the start of this year I have been getting over two dozens of messages asking my opinion on these toys and where to get them.
In the breath play scene, these collars have quickly gotten the reputation of being mild and safe to use because the cushion pressure is not strong enough to seriously restrict the windpipe. But, it can seriously restrict the two main blood vessels supplying the brain with oxygen. Pumped up these collars subject the sub to a constant, intense choke hold. The body reacts to this with the release of adrenaline and endorphins. Depending on the severeness of the lack of oxygen in the brain, consciousness disturbance and unconsciousness appear sooner than later. To counter this, the body increases both the breathing and the heart rate along with the blood pressure. If the top starts to gradually deflate the collar or worse in an emergency has to take the collar of, the blood shoots into the brain. This sudden increase of blood pressure can lead to ruptures of the fine veins inside the brain, leading to internal bleeding or a stroke. While a stroke happens instantly, internal bleeding develop over times. So the adverse effects which at best is a headache and at worse can be anything between the loss of brain functions up to death can appear hours or even days after the play. The same goes for increases in blood pressure or heart rate from doing physical activities in the following days. The freshly healed wounds can open again, leading to the same symptoms.
Having sent these pieces of information as replies to the reader questions, I have gotten the follow-up question if it would not be possible to slowly deflate the collar. Doing so, the regulatory system of the body would gradually notice to increasing oxygen levels in the brain and reduce the pressure inside the cardiovascular system. So I first talked in engineers what the minimum deflation rate of the vales on these collars are and then talked to doctors. Their consensus is that it is impossible to deflate the collar slowly enough to prevent dangerous injuries to the brain. They strongly recommend not using these collars or better do not do any breath play at all!
So, these collars are like every breath play toy: Especially on social media it looks like everyone is using them without problems – until we sadly have to mourn yet another breath play related death or serious injury in the community. While the look and the dynamic of gradually increasing pressure might be hot and appealing, I strongly recommend to never let a top put them around your neck!
