Self bondage exactly that - it is the practice of bondage without a partner. The idea of self bondage is normally using timed or indeed random release mechanisms to restrain yourself for a period which cannot be entirely controlled.

As self-bondage is normally performed alone, it has several distinctive features not present in conventional bondage, including:

  • an increased element of risk;
  • a need for reliable release mechanisms;
  • special techniques for applying complex bondage to oneself at a time when movement is increasingly restricted;
  • potential danger to life.


Risks of self-bondage

Self-bondage is considered a higher risk activity than many other BDSM practices - particularly when combined with autoerotic asphyxia and has led to many recorded deaths. The death in 1994 of Stephen Milligan, a British MP for Eastleigh, was a case of where autoerotic asphyxiation combined with self-bondage had gone wrong and it may also have been the cause of death of singer Michael Hutchence.

Self-bondage carries all the risks of physical restraint and sexual bondage found in normal bondage play but with the added factor that, should anything go wrong, there will be nobody to rescue you.

Despite all the potential risks involved, many practitioners insist that self-bondage can be performed relatively safely if it is conducted with a bit of common sense and safety measures are given some thought. Common safety advice includes measures such as:

  • Abstaining from "strict" self-bondage entirely (see below).
  • Avoiding anything that might restrict breathing, such as restraints around the chest or neck or using gags.
  • Using multiple release mechanisms as a backup in case one fails.
  • Providing a method to call for assistance for if needed or arranging for someone to check at a specified time.
  • Avoiding postures or restaints that can  cust off circulation and cause limbs to go numb such as overly tight ropes.
  • Building up the complexity of the bondage slowly over several sessions, and only adding elements one at a time.
  • Keeping a clear mind by avoiding such things as alcohol/drugs/poppers.


Strict vs sensual

Sensual self-bondage can be defined as being able to escape from restraints simply and relatively easily. As such, keys would normally be within reach or the knots loosely tied - the main aim here is the sensation of immobility and of constrained movement.

Strict self-bondage requires that a means of escape is not available for a period of time and the person must remain in bondage until the release mechanism is activated, regardless of whether or not they would voluntarily continue the scene further if they had the choice.

A sort of middle ground exists which achieves a compromise between safety and strictness that can also add an unusal additional element of temptation . The method is to use a backup release mechanism that is available immediately but carries with it a penalty for its use. One favoured method is to place  keys in to a bucket of paint - the person in self-bondage can then escape quickly if an emergency arrises although it is very likely to be a messy escape. It is the potential discontent of having to clean up the mess afterwards that should keep the person waiting for the main release mechanism to come into effect if the only reason for wanting release is bordom or being uncomfortable.


Release mechanisms

Many release mechanisms are used in self-bondage to allow the escape from the restraints after a period of time. There are various trade-offs to be made between ease of use, reliability, precision of timing, cost, and so forth. Often, several mechanisms are used concurrently.

  • Ice cubes: Ice cubes are commonly used in release mechanisms. There are many variants to the ice cube trick but the principle is the same - waiting for the ices to melt.  One of the more popular variations is to place ice in a sock and slide a key ring over it. The sock is then attached to an out-of-reach place. When the ice melts, the keys fall, allowing escape. An alternative to this is to simply freeze the keys into a block of ice.  The main advantages of using ice like this is the simplicity and reliability - ice is easily obtained and inevitably melts. The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to guage precisely how long a scenario will last, although many enjoy the uncertainty.
     
  • Ice Lock: The ice lock is a more functional variation of the ice cube method. These utilize a cylinder and plunger.  The cylinder is filled with water and the pluger inserted, this is then frozen together to make the 'lock'. Once the ice melts the plunger will be released and the lock opened.  Using an ice lock allows direct attachment to other fittings like a wall plate etc.
  • Combination lock: Combination locks may be used as release mechanisms. There are two approaches:
    • Unknown combination: The idea is that the lock is reset to an unknown combination and then used to lock the bondage in place. The person must find the correct combination by trial and error. With a three digit combination lock this would likey take upto about 10 minutes, 15 at the most. For a four-digit lock it would likely be around two hours, 3 hours at most. Cracking the lock is however somewhat distracting to the scene..
    • In darkness: Even if the number is known, if the right type of lock is used then it won't be possible to enter the combination without being able to see the faces of the dials. This release mechanism relies on complete darkness - the light can be provided either by the morning sunlight or by using a light on a timer switch. The advantages of this method include a large amount of control over how long the bondage lasts and a backup with the onset of daylight. Another approach is to remain permanently blinded with a blindfold on until the combination is correctly guessed.
       
  • Electromagnets: Electromagnets can be used to release keys after a delay either by using a timer switch, dedicated electronics or a computer. The main disadvantages to this method are the complexity and cost. Electromagnets used in door locks can also be adapted for use directly as restraints; in this case, an additional fail-safe is possible by running the eletromagnets from a battery. In the event of a control failure, the battery will inevitably run flat aloowing release.  One ouf our customers has utilized an electromagent on their cage.
    .
  • Mail: The use of a delivery/messenger service or regular mail in order to obtain the object (usually key/keys) needed in order to become released. This relies on the delivery service being 100% reliable and the person in bondage being able to answer the door to them.  However, not mail service is 100% reliable so only do this with a backup plan in place.


Techniques

Apart from release mechanisms, the main problem that presents itself with self-bondage is just how awkward it can be getting "into" bondage in the first place, especially if using rope. What might be a relatively simple matter for couples can be considerably more difficult when alone.

With rope, the main issue is being able to tie the hands in such a way that is not easy to untie. One common solution is to use a "cinch knot" - essentially a kind of slip knot made with a coil of rope. The wrists are placed through the coil with the cinch knot between the wrists. To achieve a basic hogtie position, the cinch knot is tied to the ankles and with a bit of pulling, the noose tightens the wrist coil securing the hands. This can be very difficult to escape from and will usually require a knife or scissors to cut the rope.

Equipment that can be tightened only, and not loosened, often finds an application in self-bondage. Such tightening items include handcuffs, zip ties and ratcheting pulleys.