How to Choose BDSM Masks & Hoods?

What Are Bondage Masks & Hoods?

A BDSM hood is a fitted mask that goes over the head of the submissive partner to restrict their senses. There are various designs for bondage masks and hoods, each with differently restricting abilities.

Some models only cover the upper portion of the head, leaving the lower part of the head and the mouth exposed. Other models may cover the mouth and leave the eyes exposed, while other models are reminiscent of ponies, dogs, or cats and are perfect for satisfying kinky fetishes.

These are a popular choice with the BDSM community, as they are ideal for erotic humiliation, heightened sensitivity, power plays, and roleplaying sexy games.

How to Select a BDSM Mask and Hood?

Selecting a bondage mask or hood that you and your partner will enjoy can be a tricky business if you don’t know what to look for. We specifically aim our guide to help beginners in bondage play, but even if you have some experience, our guide on how to choose a BDSM mask will surely be helpful. There are critical factors to note, and the wearer’s safety and comfort are the key things. So, we share the main things to note when selecting a BDSM hood:

• Material – the main thing to note is the material from which the bondage mask is made. Because the mask is worn over the head, it needs to be made from body-safe material like leather, vegan leather, neoprene, spandex, or lace. Make sure the hood is breathable and does not stifle the skin. When it comes to selecting the material, you need to note how easy it would be to clean it, as leather requires special soap and leather conditioner, while vegan leather can be cleaned with a household disinfectant. Masks made from stretchy materials like spandex, lace, or elastic are washable and easier to maintain.
• Design – the next you need to consider is the mask’s design. Some designs are complete hoods that enclose the entire head and have tiny breathing holes, while other designs have intricate straps that give a dose of edginess to the mask. When selecting one, you need to think about the type of play you want to engage in, like whether you want access to your sub’s mouth, or you want to restrict their eyes, etc.
• Safety – the bondage mask or hood you select must be safe for the wearer and should not restrict breathing whatsoever. Also, because it is a kink item, it should be easy to remove but still deliver the look and feel as a bondage mask would. That means any beginner should stay away from heavy-duty leather masks with intricate straps and buckles; instead, they should opt for easy-to-put-on and easy-to-remove masks and hoods made from elastic materials.
• Versatility – most masks and hoods used in BDSM plays are designed for the single purpose of restricting sensations, but they don’t do anything else. However, some models have versatile uses, like having a removable blindfold or even extra attachments. There are masks designed to look like specific animals, like a cat, a dog, or a pony, and these may come with additional attachments like a ball gag, a bite gag, or a leash and collar.

The text above is a concise guide on how to select a BDSM mask or hood, but please check out our other guides on how to choose and use different BDSM tools and sex toys. We also invite you to browse our sex toy store, where we carry a fantastic selection of BDSM masks and hoods, BDSM gear, whips, canes, ticklers, sex furniture, and a lot more.

FAQs

Are BDSM masks safe to use?

BDSM masks and hoods are safe to use if you use them correctly. First thing, establish a safe word or signal when using a bondage mask. Then, make sure the mask fits the wearer’s head, is not too tight, and does not restrict breathing. Always be present, don’t do drugs or drink alcohol when playing with a bondage mask, and never leave the restricted partner alone.

Why do people like wearing BDSM face masks?

The BDSM masks and hoods are excellent for restriction plays, especially for Dom/sub plays. People find these appealing because, depending on the design, they can restrict sight, hearing, or speaking, effectively enhancing the sense of touch. This is often used in BDSM plays, as it allows more potent power play between the partners, erotic humiliation, and even enacting sexual fantasies and fetishes.

How to put on a BDSM hood?

Generally, the bondage masks are designed to easily slide over the wearer’s head. The elastic models simply stretch and fit over the head, and you can twist and tug to adjust it in place. The leather/vegan leather models may come with zippers, buckles, straps, or even lace-ups that you need to close once you fit the mask over the wearer’s head. Please keep in mind that the mask should fit the wearer’s head, it should not restrict breathing, and it must be easily removable.

How to clean and store a BDSM mask or hood?

Cleaning your bondage mask or hood will depend on the material it is made from. Leather masks can be spot-cleaned with leather cleaner or a solution of mild vinegar and warm water and need to be wiped clean immediately. Masks and hoods made from synthetic materials can be washed or cleaned with soap and water. Always store your bondage toys away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. The closet works well, but please note that the best way to store a leather mask is on a mannequin head to protect it from losing its shape.