Are BDSM hoods actually fun to use?
Whilst you might think you look a bit like a wrestler, I promise I’ve done my best to find a variety of masks that I confirm provide all of the BDSM-focused pleasure you could ever look to have.
Using a mask is incredible for several reasons. Personally I find them to be:
- Sensory Deprivation – Some of the more extreme masks have blindfolds and even mouth holes for breath play. It’s something I love but if you’re a beginner you may want to start with the standard mask.
- Algins with a latex fetish – The material latex is synonymous with bondage and BDSM. If you want a piece to finish-off your latex outfit, then a latex mask is a logical final step! You can even partner your mask with a submissive collar.
- Illusion of mystery – Chances are you’ll know who is under the hood or mask… but it’s still fun to add that extra sense of intrigue!
Whether you want to start with a smaller blindfold and mask, or want to go right into full-face hoods and bondage gear, I’ve got you covered with the following guide.
My Ten Favourite Bondage Hoods & Masks
Three hole balaclava style masks are an absolute classic. Look at any BDSM film, and there’s a high chance that one will make an appearance – they’re iconic, look great, and really contribute to the mood.
This mask is made from lycra, the same material that a lot of sports clothing is made from, and unlike a lot of masks, it’s super comfortable. It should stretch over any size of head with ease, and the lightweight fabric breathes and doesn’t feel clammy. The wearer will still be able to see, and use their mouth!
This hood offers a little more sensory deprivation, for those who are looking for that sort of thing! It still has a mouth hole, for ease of access and to facilitate breathing, but the eye area has extra padding to ensure that the wearer is in complete and utter darkness.
It’s super stretchy and should fit over any head, the high-quality polyester offering lots of comfort for those long BDSM sessions. It really is that comfortable, so if you’re looking for something you don’t enjoy wearing, I’m afraid you’ll have to look elsewhere!
Another mouth only hood, but this time made from spandex, this hood is a great addition to any BDSM arsenal. It only has a mouth hole, so you can breathe and do what you will with your mouth, but the eyes are covered.
There’s no extra padding in the eye area though, so you can still see a little, just far more impaired than it would be otherwise. The spandex material is super stretchy, and very comfortable for sessions of practically any duration!
Sometimes, a blindfold is all you really need. You don’t fancy the full immersive experience of wearing a hood, but you want that little extra something to spice up the mood. If that sounds familiar to you, then you really need this satin blindfold.
The soft fabric is incredibly comfortable over the eyes, and you can keep it as loose or tight as you like with the two elastic straps. It’s an essential piece of kit really, and when you’re done with getting intimate, you can just leave it on for a wonderful night’s sleep!
BDSM gear can often be a bit monochrome; don’t get me wrong, I love black, but sometimes you just feel like you could do with a little more colour in the bedroom! This lovely eye mask comes in five different wonderful colours, with white and black as well if you fancy going the traditional route.
It has an adjustable headband, so you can make it fit comfortably and securely no matter the size of your head, and the soft material feels great on your eyelids. For the price, you really can’t go wrong.
There are hoods, and then there are hoods. This is in the latter category. Made from leather, this really takes things to the next level.
It has three different straps to secure it in place, one over the eyes, one like a collar, and one which fits under the chin, it really won’t be going anywhere by accident, especially if you choose to lock it in place with a padlock!
It’s padded for extra comfort, and your senses will become incredibly heightened after a few minutes with it on. It still has a hole to breathe through at the front, but that’s about the only opening it has!
Authentic to a T, this gas mask will add a completely new dimension to your sex life. It feels weirdly restrictive in all the best ways, and you can add the filtration canister it comes with to make breathing a little harder, while remaining completely safe.
It’s made from rubber, and the four straps will keep it secure for long, long sessions – after all, it was designed for war, where you can’t take these things off if you just feel like it! It comes with a nice storage bag, and would make a wonderful gift for your BDSM partner.
There’s something wonderful about latex, something you just can’t quite put into words. This latex mask is no different – it has cut-outs for your eyes, nostrils, and mouth, so you can still breathe and see while wearing it. If you’re struggling to get it on, remember that you can use baby powder or a lubricant to aid with the process!
Latex can tear reasonably easily, so make sure that you cut your nails before putting it on, and keep it clear of any sharp buckles or edges.
Leather is the ultimate BDSM material, and for good reason. While it may not be as easy to clean as latex, or quite as comfortable as spandex, it oozes quality, and only gets softer and more comfortable with time.
This wonderful leather blindfold is ergonomically shaped to fit your head well, with a horizontal strap and two vertical straps for complete vision restriction. The metal studding really completes the look, without compromising on comfort!
To cap things off, we have something a little different – this wonderful faux leather dog hood! It’s highly adjustable due to the lacing system at the back, meaning it can be extra comfortable even for long sessions.
The faux leather is easier to clean than the real thing, so you don’t have to be quite so precious about it. The muzzle can be undone via a zip, allowing your sub to speak should you allow it! At the neck level, there’s a classic studded dog collar, with an O ring to attach leads to if you so desire.
How to use hoods and masks – Beginners BDSM Guide
Masks and hoods are super versatile additions to your BDSM toy collection, and can be used in a number of ways. They’re great for sensory deprivation; if you can’t hear, see, or smell, sensations like touch suddenly become many times more powerful, the simplest caress of the skin becomes infinitely more exciting.
Just like with your other BDSM play, it’s important to maintain an open dialogue between the dom and the sub, to make sure that you’re both comfortable with what’s going on at all times. Beyond that, get creative, and have fun!
Prices
There’s quite a lot of variation in terms of price, with options suitable for both budget conscious beginners and seasoned pros alike. Simple eye masks start at around the $10 mark, but you can also easily spend over $100 should you desire!
Things like the authentic Polish gas mask are obviously more expensive, you’re getting a lot more for your money. Real leather hoods with more features are also priced at a premium, both as a result of the material costs and the added features and design.
Cleaning
Keeping your hoods and masks clean is important, both for your health and for the longevity of the equipment. While it’s not as risky using a dirty mask as it is some other sex toys, you still want them to be clean for your skin health, especially if you like getting dirty in your sessions.
Leather equipment needs extra care, with special leather cleaning products, or it can rapidly deteriorate and become horrid and smelly. Latex and other synthetic masks and hoods are much easier to clean, you might even be able to pop spandex in the washing machine, but check with the manufacturer’s instructions first so you don’t spoil them inadvertently.
Storage
Storing your hoods and masks appropriately is the best way to ensure that they last a long time, and stay clean between uses. Some of the masks, such as the gas mask, come with handy storage cases, but you can also store most of them in a clean drawer.
You might want to invest in a storage chest for all your BDSM gear, so that none of it gets lost in your clothing drawers. If you get a nice chest, it can really add to the décor of your room, if you’re into that kind of thing!
Recommended for
Masks and hoods are a great way to get into BDSM, and are suitable for everyone really! They’re great introductory BDSM toys, and are often quite accessible in terms of price as well. A mask and some cuffs or other restraints are all you really need to get started, other than that, you just need a bit of imagination and a willingness to explore!
If you’re unsure, go with one of the cheaper options, and you can always expand your collection as you progress.
