Everything You Need to Know About Suspension Bondage

07-08-2024 - Written by Jett Oxy

WHAT IS SUSPENSION BONDAGE AND ITS RISKS?

Suspension bondage is a form of rope play in a BDSM scenario in which a rope bunny is bound and hung from overhead suspension points. The sub can be bound and held in suspension by ropes, cables or chains. It carries a higher risk than other types of BDSM play as the sub’s body weight is held by suspension ropes and could result in injury of not done properly.

WHAT IS THE STIMULATION IN PRACTICING SUSPENSION BONDAGE?

There are two types of suspension bondage: partial and full. In partial bondage, part of the subject’s body weight is held by suspension ropes, cables or chains as they balance on one leg while someone in full suspension will have no contact with the ground.

The practice of suspension bondage increases the sense of vulnerability and inescapability, as well as objectification, submissiveness and erotic helplessness which is a turn-on for some. The subject is made to feel like they could fall or hurt themselves if they try to free themselves, which is a form of mental bondage that some people derive sexual pleasure from.

Rope suspension such as shibari aka Japanese rope play is sometimes done as performance art at BDSM and fetish-themed events. If you're interested in exploring other forms of bondage, you might want tocheck out our guide on breast bondage.

Learn About The MAIN SUSPENSION POSITIONS

The three main suspension positions are vertical, horizontal and inverted.

VERTICAL SUSPENSION

Vertical suspension, the subject is lifted from the ground by their wrists with the use of rope or suspension cuffs. Suspension with rope could cause damage to the wrists and restrict blood flow, so it’s advisable to do it only for a short time.

The safest method is to use special suspension cuffs that are designed to spread weight around the wrists as much as possible. Alternatively, the rope master can also use a bondage rope harness tied around the rope bunny’s body, in particular around the upper arms close to the shoulders as well as around the upper leg and through the groin. In this position, leave the arms and legs to hang free as the rope bunny wouldn’t be able to get free without help.

HORIZONTAL SUSPENSION

In horizontal suspension, the subject is bound in a horizontal position sometimes face up, but usually face down by attaching bondage equipment to the wrists and ankles or other parts of the body. This can be done with a spreader bar that brings the ankles and wrists together or apart. Ropes or suspension cuffs can also be used.

The rope bunny can be bound in a conventional position such as a hogtie, and be lifted off the ground with ropes or chains attached to the suspension cuffs. For those interested in exploring different bondage positions,here are some bondage sex positions you might want to try.

INVERTED SUSPENSION

As for inverted suspension, the subject may be tied upside down to cause a rush of blood to the head. However, it’s not advisable to be in this position for too long as it could cause bodily harm. Using suspension cuffs in this position, the sub is lifted into the air by their ankles.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SUSPENSION RINGS AVAILABLE?

The three main types of suspension rings available are wooden rings, steel rings, and steel rings with a swivel attached.

WOODEN RINGS

For beginners, wooden rings are a good option. But they produce more friction than metal rings, making lifting more difficult. If the rope used in the suspension is too weak, it could break on a wooden ring.

VIEW WOODEN RING

STEEL RINGS

Steel rings are extremely sturdy and versatile. They come in different shapes and colours to enhance the aesthetic of the bondage. However, not all steel rings are load-rated, so keep the subject’s weight in mind when choosing a steel ring.

VIEW STEEL RINGS COLLECTION

STEEL RINGS WITH SWIVEL ATTACHED

Take your suspension bondage to the next level by incorporating spinning into it. You can add a climbing swivel or use a ring with a swivel attached. Climbing swivels are equipped with bearings that allow them to spin effortlessly even under a heavy load.

One challenge of working with a swivel is that by the time you’ve added carabiners above and below it, your top rig will have grown by almost a foot. That can be problematic if you’re short on headroom.

Working with a swivel takes practice to master since your partner will tend to spin while you’re rigging them.

VIEW STEEL RINGS COLLECTION

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE KN RATING ON THE SUSPENSION RING YOU PURCHASE?

Suspension rings can only withstand a certain force rating, which is typically referred to as a kN rating. All of Oxy-Shop’s rings are tested in a specific kN machine tester before mass production.

A kiloNewton is equal to about 225 lbs., which is a force of gravity rating, not static weight or mass. For example, the pentagram ring sold on Oxy-Shop has a rating of 12.7kN or 1300kg / almost 3000 lbs. This means that many people can be suspended just with one ring.

WHAT ROPE TO USE?

Beginners should go with hemp rope which is strong and reliable and holds knots well. Multi-fiber propylene (MFP) is also suitable for those starting out and is commonly used by riggers. Ideally, the rope should have a thickness of 1/4″ (6mm).

These are ropes NOT to be used for suspension: Nylon, cotton, bamboo, and mixed fiber ropes. These ropes are good for floor bondage, but not solid enough for suspension. Even though some people might be using jute for suspension, we do not recommend it as it is lighter and better suited for floor suspension.

Oxy-Shop recommends these ropes for suspension: POSH, HEmpX, and MFP (multi fiber propylene). Those are the strongest ropes for safe suspension. Hemp ropes of 6-8mm thickness can also be used in suspension bondage. If you're interested in learning more about rope techniques, here are some basic bondage ties everyone should know.

HOW TO TIE OFF A SUSPENSION RING

Tying off a suspension ring doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be quick and easy.

You just need to know how to tie a basic knot coupled with a handful of hitches

Watch the video below to learn how to properly tie off a suspension ring with a running Overhand knot combined with a spiral half hitching.

1) Put the ring infront of the double rope.

2) Pull it by the inside

3) Bring it up

4) Go behind the hanging rope

5) By going around in the back, bring back to front

6) Pass it in the loop

7) Tie it strongly

8) Reinforce by doing a spiral half Hitching (view in video)

You can also try this simple suspension:

1: Top rig

The top rig holds keeps all vertical lines organized and keeps the rope bunny suspended in the air.

2: Vertical lines

Each vertical line is connected to a harness that holds different parts of the body.

3: Chest harness

This is the most important of all the harnesses as it carries much of the weight and plays a critical role in the safety of the rope bunny.

4: Hip harness

The hip harness is not important but takes some load off the rope bunny’s chest, making them more comfortable.

5: Thigh harness
This is used to lift the rope bunny into the air and supports much of their weight once they’re lifted up.

6: Ankle harness

This doesn’t support much weight, but it makes the suspension position more comfortable.

THE SUSPENSION PROCESS

Suspending a rope bunny for the first time can be daunting for a beginner rigger. It’s normal to feel nervous but here are some tips to ease you into the task.

Make a plan and rehearse every detail of your suspension beforehand.
Focus all your attention on mastering one detail instead of figuring out new variations all at the same time.
Work with an experienced rigger/instructor to mentor you and answer any questions you may have. After mastering the basics, your instructor can help you move on to more complex suspension techniques and styles.

Remember, safety is paramount in any BDSM activity. If you're new to BDSM, it's important to understand why SSC and RACK are important safety concepts in BDSM.

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