Ball gags and mouth gags: choosing, fitting and using a gag safely

For a first gag, choose a breathable silicone ball gag with a 4 centimetre ball: the holes let air through, silicone is gentle on the teeth and the small ball keeps your jaw close to rest. If you want to wear a gag for longer, a bit gag or a padded gag sits between the teeth instead of filling the mouth. Ring gags hold the mouth open, and penis gags are for people who already know how their gag reflex reacts.

Every gag below comes from our ball gags and mouth restraints section. A gag takes away speech, so read the safety part as carefully as the rest.

The main types of gags

• Ball gag. A ball on a strap, held between the teeth. The classic, and the easiest to put on.
• Breathable ball gag. Holes in the ball let some air and saliva through.
• Bit gag. A bar or bone across the mouth, like a horse's bit. The jaw opens less, so you can wear it longer.
• Padded gag. A soft pad between the teeth, gentle on the jaw.
• Ring gag or open mouth gag. A ring that holds the mouth open instead of filling it.
• Penis gag. A dildo shape on the inside that goes further into the mouth. A double penis gag also has a shaft on the outside for a partner; the ones we stock right now are single.

The best gags by situation

Best for beginners: LateToBed Breathable Silicone Ball Gag S

The LateToBed Breathable Silicone Ball Gag S has a hollow silicone ball of 4 centimetres, one size below standard, so your jaw tires later. The strap adjusts from 35 to 51 centimetres and the whole gag weighs 84 grams.

Best standard size: LateToBed Breathable Silicone Ball Gag M

The LateToBed Breathable Silicone Ball Gag M has the standard ball of 4.5 centimetres: only half a centimetre more, but you feel it in the jaw. It is also hollow and on the same strap. Choose it once the small size feels easy.

Best for low light: IntoYou Glow in the Dark Breathable Ball Gag

The IntoYou Glow in the Dark Breathable Ball Gag has a breathable ball that glows in the dark, an adjustable vegan leather strap and nickel-free metal parts. Handy in a dim room. The ball size is not stated.

Best classic hard ball: Chisa Red Ball Gag

The Chisa Red Ball Gag has a solid ABS ball of 4.5 centimetres on adjustable straps. Hard plastic gives less than silicone but absorbs nothing. The ball is not breathable, so keep sessions short.

Best lockable gag: LateToBed Silicone Ball Gag with Padlock

The LateToBed Silicone Ball Gag with Padlock has a 4 centimetre silicone ball on a 60 centimetre strap that closes with a padlock. A buckle opens in a second, a padlock needs the key. Decide who holds the key before anything is locked.

Best for long wear: Chisa Doggle Bone Bit

The Chisa Gag Ball Doggle Bone Bit is a bone-shaped silicone bit on a PU strap of 65.5 centimetres with a buckle at the back. It sits between the teeth rather than filling the mouth, so your jaw stays at a natural angle.

Gentlest on the jaw: LateToBed Padded Gag

The LateToBed Gag Padded Pillow has a padded bite zone of 12 by 4 centimetres on an adjustable strap. Choose it if ten minutes with a ball gag is your limit.

Best open mouth gag: LateToBed Metal O-Ring Gag

The LateToBed Metal O-Ring Gag holds the mouth open with a 5 centimetre steel ring on a 63 centimetre strap. Swallowing is harder with the mouth open, so keep sessions short.

Best first penis gag: LateToBed Silicone Dildo Gag

The LateToBed Silicone Dildo Gag has a silicone shaft of 9.5 by 2.4 centimetres on a strap from 36 to 52 centimetres. It is smaller and softer than the version below, so try this one first.

Best for experienced players: LateToBed Dildo Gag 10 cm

The LateToBed Dildo Gag has a firmer shaft of 10 by 3.5 centimetres on a strap from 46 to 58 centimetres. It goes further back than a ball gag, so your gag reflex decides whether it works for you, not your jaw.

Comparison table

How to choose and fit a gag

Ball diameter. A 4 centimetre ball is the right first size for most people. 4.5 centimetres is standard; larger balls tire the jaw within minutes. With the mouth relaxed, the ball should rest behind the front teeth without forcing the jaw wide open.

Strap length. Measure around your head over the mouth and just below the ears, then compare with the strap range in the table. The strap should be snug enough that the ball cannot slide back, but loose enough that it does not press into the corners of the mouth.

Material. Silicone gives a little against the teeth, is non-porous and easy to clean. Hard plastics such as ABS or PVC feel firmer and absorb nothing, but they bite harder.

Breathable or solid. Holes let some air and saliva through, but breathing still happens mainly through the nose, so a breathable ball adds comfort, not safety.

Buckle or lock. A buckle either of you can open with one hand is the safest start; keep padlocks for later.

How to use a gag safely

A gag is a form of restraint, so the same rules apply as in our guide to bondage for beginners.

• Agree first. Talk about what you both want, how long and what is off limits.
• Use a signal without words. A safeword does not work with a full mouth. Agree on three taps on your partner's arm, dropping an object held in the hand, or a hummed pattern, and practise it once.
• Never alone. Never wear a gag on your own, and never leave a gagged person alone, not even for a minute.
• Keep the nose free. Breathing through the nose must be easy. No gag with a blocked nose, a cold or nausea, and nothing that covers the nose at the same time.
• Watch the time. Start with five to ten minutes and take it out in between. Remove it at once at jaw ache, coughing, retching or panic.
• No alcohol or drugs. Both of you need to be clear-headed.
• Combine with care. If the hands are tied, use a hummed pattern as the signal. Keep the head free to turn and avoid lying face down. Our bondage kits are a gentle start.
• Penis gags slowly. Insert a penis gag bit by bit and take it out at the first sign of retching.

Drool is normal with every gag. If the wearer has jaw problems, loose teeth or recent dental work, choose a bit or padded gag, or skip gags.

Cleaning and care

Wash the ball, bit or shaft after every use with warm water and a mild soap, or use a toy cleaner. Rinse breathable balls through the holes and let them dry fully. Wipe the strap with a damp cloth and let it air dry; do not soak leather or PU. Check buckles before each use and store the gag dry. Our guide on cleaning and storing your toys has more tips.

Frequently asked questions