An Overview of Suspension Bondage
Suspension bondage is a form of rope bondage where a person is partially or fully lifted off the ground using ropes or other restraints.
Suspension can be partial or full. As the names suggest, partial suspension only lifts a portion of a rope bottom off the ground whilst a full suspension lifts the entire weight of the rope bottom.
The bottom can be suspended horizontal, vertical, or even inverted, depending on the style and intent of the scene. Equipment for suspension can include an overhead beam, suspension ring, or professionally-rigged frame.
Safety Considerations for Suspension
Suspension is a dynamic and artistic form of play that can cause feelings of vulnerability, empowerment, or sheer physical intensity. As a form of bondage, it’s considered edge play. Suspension increases the risks for nerve damage, joint injury, and circulation issues.
In addition to our risk mitigation guide that provides general bondage considerations, here are some specific ones for suspension:
Use the right equipment. Suspension requires strong, reliable gear rated for human load-bearing. Never rig off an untested ceiling beam. Use rated suspension rings, carabiners, and climbing gear, or invest in a portable suspension frame.
Be mindful of the time a bottom is suspended. Ties can shift, ropes can tighten, and things can quickly go wrong. Beginners should keep scenes brief (under 5 minutes) until they build experience and tolerance.
Build from the ground up. Floor work and partial suspension offer a fantastic foundation. With experience, bottoms and Tops alike can learn about the body and what’s needed to create safer, consensual scenes.
Styles and Types of Suspension
There are a wide variety of approaches to suspension bondage. Depending on the goals of partners, different positions can be explored for any number of reasons.
Face-Down/Horizontal Suspension
Often used in decorative or service-based scenes, this position involves the bottom being suspended parallel to the ground, typically lying chest-down with their limbs extended or secured in various positions.
This can be a more comfortable form of suspension, as weight tends to be more equally distributed across the body. That being said, it still requires careful attention to rope placement and body responses.
Seated/Lotus-Style Suspension
In this position, the rope bottom is suspended in a cross-legged or upright seated position, often with the legs bound in front of the body. This style offers more natural weight distribution and can be more comfortable and meditative, making it ideal for longer, calmer scenes. It also allows for easier communication and breath control, which makes it a popular choice for beginners exploring full suspension.
Inverted Suspension
Inverted suspension involves suspending the bottom upside-down, with their head positioned lower than their feet. This position can create intense physical and psychological sensations, often amplifying vulnerability and disorientation, and is a high-risk activity.
Due to increased risks like blood rushing to the head, compromised breathing, and nerve compression, this position should only be attempted by experienced Riggers and rope bottoms.
Predicament Suspension
A favourite kink for many Sadists and masochists, predicament suspension puts a rope bottom in the precarious position of maintaining balance or posture to avoid discomfort. Rope bottoms might find themselves choosing between two uncomfortable positions or adjusting constantly to avoid increased strain. Predicament can be just as much of a psychological kink as a physical one, heightening power dynamics (if present). That being said, it demands constant monitoring to ensure the stress doesn't exceed safe physical limits.
Suspension bondage is a blend of art, trust, and physics. It demands rigorous attention to safety, a solid understanding of anatomy, and open communication between partners.
Bondage is considered edge play. Nerve damage, circulation issues, and even psychological triggers can occur if ties are done incorrectly. See our risk mitigation guide for more information.
