BDSM sensory deprivation for beginners: How to guide - tools, techniques, tips

When I first heard about sensory deprivation, I couldn’t quite get my head around it. When it comes to sex and play, I relish a full-on experience, so why would I want to remove or reduce one of my key senses?

I figured doing that would decrease pleasure levels rather than enhance them, but it turns out I was wrong.

If you would like to give this kink a go for yourself, you won’t be disappointed, but before you do, take a look at my BDSM sensory deprivation for beginners: how to guide…

Sensory deprivation in BDSM involves limiting one or more of the senses.

You can use props to reduce your lover’s ability to see, hear, taste, touch, or smell, providing an intoxicating sense of disorientation that’s likely to leave them begging for more.

This type of play can be very intense, as limiting one sense can lead to a heightening of the other senses.

I love the feeling of vulnerability and helplessness when I engage in sensory deprivation.

My lover enjoys taking the lead and gets a kick out of controlling my sensory experience, while I can submit and fully submerge myself in being tied, teased, tormented, and pleased (or whatever else he has in store for me).

How to get started with sensory deprivation

As with all kink and play, you need to start things off in the right way with a forthright discussion about your ideas.

During this, you should share your expectations, discuss what you would like to happen during play, and identify the things you don’t feel comfortable with (this is known as setting boundaries).

You’ll also need to identify safe words and signals to slow down or cease play if needed.

Once you’ve agreed consent and negotiations are complete you can turn your mind to making sure your first sensory deprivation session is tons of fun.

You don’t need to go crazy and try to curb every sense at once, as with most kinky acts it’s best to start with something easy. Short, sweet, and simple is the way to go – this will give you both a taste of sensory play and allow you to build trust and confidence.

It's also important to check in with each other during the session.

If you’re both new to sensory deprivation you may encounter some unexpected emotions, so go in with an open mind and don’t be afraid to use your safe word or signal if it all gets a bit too much.

Choosing the right tools for sensory deprivation

When it comes to tools for your sensory deprivation scene you’re spoiled for choice.

Restrict sight with a bondage blindfold or bondage masks and hoods, limit hearing with headphones or earplugs, and stop your submissive from touching by binding the hands with handcuffs or using BDSM mitts.

Read: How to use sex restraints: list, how-to, scenarios

You don’t have to invest heavily in BDSM equipment when you’re starting out, use what you have and get creative with your ideas.

Exploring different sensations

Sensory deprivation lends itself well to sensation play. A lack of sight or sound can intensify an experience and heighten other senses.

I like to be restrained, with leather wrist & ankle restraints. With a hood over my head, I am left without sight and at the mercy of my Dom.

I flinch a little as the cool cube of ice snakes its way across my naked flesh, and I giggle slightly as the fluffy feather ticklers tease me.

Read: 17 sensation play ideas (and 2 scenarios to try)

My lover enjoys using a range of different textures and temperatures to enhance our sensory session and the anticipation builds as I wait and see what will come next.

He sometimes drips chilled wine on my bare breasts and torments me by licking it off, and we’ve recently tried soy wax play candles – which heat me up in more ways than one.

Combining sensory deprivation with other BDSM elements

I’ve touched briefly on my love of bondage restraints, and I strongly believe sensory deprivation works wonderfully well when paired with bondage.

Enhance an interrogation scene by tying up your lover and blindfolding them, while you question your captive about their dirtiest sexual fantasies.

Impact play is another great element you can use alongside sensory deprivation.

There’s something immensely hot about being immobilized with my hands covered by BDSM mitts, my eyes covered by a blindfold, and headphones covering my ears.

I can shut out the world and as my partner carefully secures me over the spanking bench, and I can turn my full attention to the beating I’m about to receive.

As the spanking paddle comes down across my buttocks, I feel the unmistakable heat scorch my skin. The tingle automatically travels to my pussy and I begin to moisten almost immediately. I feel exposed, I feel helpless and all I can do is submit to my lover as he delivers each thuddy strike.

Read: How to use a spanking paddle? Scenarios and how to (techniques)

I’ve not mentioned our other two key senses much, but you can bring taste and smell into the mix.

I find food play interesting, especially if I’m blindfolded and unable to see what’s in store for me.

My lover is a fan of creating a culinary masterpiece, and occasionally brings the buffet to the bedroom. He likes to feed me tasty morsels, wafting chocolate waffles beneath my nose before allowing me to take a bite.

With my hands bound I cannot help myself and must rely on him to deliver sweet treats.

Occasionally he misses my mouth (I’m pretty sure that’s on purpose) and a wayward strawberry lands in my crotch, or a drizzle of cream dribbles down my tits and onto my thighs. I don’t see it coming, so the stickiness always makes me smile slightly, and that smile turns to groans of pleasure as my guy sets about licking up the oozy mess.

Are you ready to deprive your senses?

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to talk everything through in advance to address any concerns and eliminate confusion.

Choose your sensory tools and get ready to experiment.

Are you ready to escape into your private sensory retreat and enjoy the experience of sensory deprivation?