As far as I can see there is a few different aspects to gas mask kinks, each of these aspects can be completely removed from each other but they can also run alongside each other depending on the dynamics or the scene.
I think one of the main uses gas masks seem to have is that of objectifying or dehumanising the wearer. In a similar way to hoods but taking it a step further than that. Personally I have no feeling towards hoods, if my partner wanted me to wear one I would to please them. Although, at risk of contradicting myself, I quite like the idea of becoming just an object, a toy for him to use, purely for his pleasure and not mine. Sir has no interest in hoods at all, he likes to see my face, to see and judge my reactions.
I’d also guess that alongside the dehumanising factor is the additional element of humiliation, in the same way there is a humiliation aspect to dog masks for example. It goes beyond taking away someone’s face and turns it into something else.
Then you get those that use gas masks in post apocalyptic role play scenes, it has a certain steam punk feel about it. This, I have to say, does absolutely nothing for me whatsoever. I’m slightly surprised that Sir doesn’t go for this more as he has a love for comic books and all things geeky.
Finally there is the breath play aspect. Now this does have more an appeal to me, I love feeling his hand around my throat or his hand over my mouth, maybe it’s the ultimate control and the ultimate trust, I’m not really sure. I’m fairly certain there is also an element of sensory deprivation, which is incredibly hot, I just don’t think I could combine that with the feeling of claustrophobia though.
I’m a big fan of the phrase ‘never say never’ but I’m fairly certain gas masks are something that won’t be featuring in our play and I will remain unmasked.
Jade
I hadn’t thought of the dehumanizing aspect of gas masks until I read your and Molly’s posts…no idea what not! You’re right, though, just as hoods take the human face away, so do gas masks. As for myself, I’m curious about breath play of that sort – love having a hand on m throat – but a gas mask to do it might be a bit much for me.
Curvaceous Dee
It’s really interesting reading this as a take on “being asked to wear one” – as opposed to where I came from, which was my partner saying “I love these and really want to wear one when we play”. That said, they’re a challenging step to take, when even masks can be difficult to parse (not being able to see the face). But I’ve grown to really appreciate them and all they offer 🙂
xx Dee
Mia Sinclair
We have a similar outlook here. Well written post!
~Mia~ xx
Molly
I think we share similar views on this kink… I too ‘never say never’ but currently I can’t any interest in this kink but life can be surprising at times so only time will tell
Mollyxxx
Malflic
Great take on the topic. I have been struggling with it not because i don’t like them but rather to me outside of the “all things geeky” appeal the tied into some imagery from bands i like rather than sex.
steffie
Wow .. that was interesting .. I had never considered masks in that way, but must agree with your sentiments … They don’t feature in any of my lists of must try’s.