Sensory deprivation is like no other form of bondage. By removing all that is familiar, all that is known, the Dominant can truly take control out of the hands of the submissive. If a submissive is not blindfolded, he or she can still see in a limited way. If a gag is not used, a submissive can theoretically still use the power of speech. If a submissive has access to sound, he or she can hear what may be about to happen next. And if a submissive can feel, any stray breath of air can distract from the work the Dominant is doing. Removing each sense one by one allows the submissive to let go and fly, free of all the mundane sensations the world has to offer. The sensations that are left-the heartbeat, the breathing and what is being done by the Dominant-are intensified exponentially. The combination of sensory deprivation and SM combine to create an experience that is more than just the sum of its parts.

Sensory deprivation can also be a form of fear play. The sense of helplessness is heightened because the submissive cannot see, hear or feel what is coming. If One binds a submissive in a standing position and then moves around, intentionally making the submissive lose his or her balance, it heightens the helplessness and intensifies the fear of not knowing what is to come.

And finally, it is a deep form of trust. The senses are our primary mechanism for sensing danger. If one allows those senses to be muted or muffled in some way, it is placing a deep level of trust in the hands of the Dominant. Safe words cannot be used in the conventional sense. The submissive has to trust the Dominant's power of perception to look for and actually see any pre-arranged gesture indicating distress. That level of trust is a deeply heartfelt gift and should never be taken lightly.
The Five Senses and How to Control Them

Sight
The easiest and probably most common form of sensory deprivation play is the removal of the sense of sight. Taking away the sense of sight allows other bodily sensations to intensify because any visual input cannot distract the brain from the other more interesting things happening to the body. The usual tools used for removing sight are blindfolds, scarves, hoods and even hands.

Hearing
The next level of sensory deprivation is removing or controlling the sounds the submissive hears. By removing sounds, the Dominant controls the submissives' ability to guess at what is happening next. he or she cannot hear any movements the Dominant makes while setting up, getting into position or picking up an implement. By being careful, the Dominant can easily move around the submissive and place random caresses or slaps and the submissive will never know what direction the sensation will come from next. Using foam earplugs can backfire as the form has a tendency to crinkle once in place. This can produce a "white noise" which may be distracting. Using cotton balls in conjunction with a head wrap or a hood is a better method of totally removing sound from the environment. However, if One wishes to control the noise rather than eliminate it, headphones will do the trick. If One is playing in a public space, the natural noise factor of music, talking, etc. creates an adequate barrier to the submissive's sense of sound.

Taste/speech/ breathing
Technically, speech and breathing are not senses but they can go hand in hand with removing or, more specifically, controlling the sense of taste. Having no control over what one tastes places one more aspect of control in the hands of the Dominant. It is inescapable. The tools for controlling the sense of taste range from food products to leather products. Food should never go fully into the mouth and should be checked so that the chance of choking is reduced. Lollipops and peppermint sticks can work well for short-term scenes. However, wedges of orange, grapefruit or lemon make excellent long term taste controllers and gags. Of course, there are many types of gags available for removing speech and controlling taste. The natural taste of a rubber horse bit or ball gag has its own charm. A few drops of edible essential oil on a gag can change the taste for better or for worse. Soft rope can also be used as a gag that can be easily cleaned. And of course, a small dildo is always a wonderful way to fill someone's mouth. One of the easiest ways to control breathing is by using a gas mask. By simply placing a hand over the intake on a gas mask, One can safely and effectively cut off oxygen intake.

Smell
The sense of smell has the strongest memory recall power of all the senses. Removing the sense of smell is impossible if One is using a gag as the submissive has to breathe from somewhere! However, the ways to control smell are limitless. As mentioned above, using a wedge of citrus is an effective way to control the sense of taste and speech. It can also work to control the sense of smell. Mentholated creams such as Vicks Vapo-rub can work wonders for clearing the sinuses and removing any other smells. The Dominants perfume or cologne can also be used to reinforce the submissive's acquiescence to the Dominant. It will also allow the submissive to recall the experience each time that particular scent is used by the Dominant in everyday life. Another item I like to use is a rich smelling piece of suede or leather draped over the submissive's head, just touching but not obscuring the nostrils. If the leather has been left in a warm area such as a car so much the better, as the wonderful scent is intensified.