If you’ve ever been on a camping trip, spent the night at a friend’s house, or even slept on your own back porch to enjoy a warm summer evening, you’ve probably made use of a sleeping bag before. A long bag, covering you from head to toe, filled with cozy padding to keep you warm as the nighttime temperatures dropped – what connection, you might ask, could such an item ever have to fetishes, bondage, or latex?
Quite a large connection, as it turns out!
Sleep sacks or body bags have been used as gear by the larger BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism) community for decades. Recently, latex has emerged as a popular material from which to manufacture sleep sacks, due to its high quality, elastic nature, pliable, skin-like texture and sleek, wet, sexy look.
But before we get into just why latex is the perfect material to choose when purchasing a sleep sack of your very own, let’s first explain briefly just what a “sleep sack” is and why these items are so beloved by BDSM practitioners all over the world.
What is a Sleep Sack?
As the name suggests, a sleep sack is a piece of bondage gear which is similar in appearance to the standard sleeping bag used for slumber parties or camping trips. It usually takes the form of a long, tube-like bag which covers the body from the neck to the feet, immobilizing the arms and legs while leaving the head free. However, some sleep sacks exist which cover the head as well, enveloping the individual entirely and leaving only a small breathing hole or tube exposed.
Most sleep sacks are opened by a zipper running along the front, back or sides of the item. One person enters the sleep sack and is then zipped securely into it by their partner. Once they are inside the sleep sack, the person cannot move of their own free will, effectively leaving their entire body totally bound until their partner decides to unzip them.
Fetish researchers and scholars believe that the idea of using such a garment for bondage may have initially come from an item called a sauna bag or sauna sack. Sauna bags, like sleep sacks are slick, usually elastic, full body coverings worn in saunas in order to induce even more sweating than sitting in the sauna naked or in a swimsuit would. The sauna sack caught the attention of fetishists, especially those interested in bodily fluid or temperature play. From there, the sleep sack was born and quickly gained widespread popularity which persists even today.
Why Sleep Sacks?
There are many, many types of bondage gear currently available for purchase and widely used by practitioners in all parts of the community. With everything from ropes to handcuffs to catsuits to whips and chains becoming easier than ever to obtain, why choose a sleepsack?
The primary quality for which sleep sacks are recognized is their ability to provide full-body immobilization. Even the tightest of ropes can possibly be escaped from, given enough time, effort and willpower – but when your arms and legs are trapped within a sleep sack and pressed against your body, there’s truly no chance of getting away. This appeals to many dominant and submissive individuals both, as knowing escape is entirely impossible adds an extra level of intensity to BDSM play sessions.
Submissive partners may also enjoy the thorough sense of helplessness and utter loss of control which a sleep sack provides. You will not be able to move under your own power. If your nose happens to itch, for example, you will be unable to scratch it. You cannot get a drink of water. You cannot get up and go the bathroom. You cannot even stretch or shift positions a tiny bit in order to feel slightly more comfortable. Absolutely every piece and part of the constructed scenario is under the total control of your Dominant. And isn’t that just an amazingly sexy feeling? We sure think it is!
Of course, there’s a lot in it for the dominant partner, as well. You can tease, stroke, slap, fondle or grope your partner without them being able to resist. And, unless you are using a specific type of sleep sack which covers the head, their face will be uncovered, allowing you to witness their every breath, gasp, expression and reaction as they submit to your delicious, sensual torture. Mmmm. Us Laidtex staffers think that’s downright yummy!
Not to mention, being in a latex sleep sack or playing around with a partner who’s inside one straight up feels good. Latex is a sleek, sensual material which has been described as feeling extremely similar to human skin. It also conforms tightly to every part of the enveloped individual’s body, leaving every curve, bulge and rippling muscle on perfect display at all times.
So what does this mean for the players involved? The submissive in the suit will in essence be getting a sensual, full-body massage as the sleep sack squeezes and caresses their naked form. Meanwhile, the dominant will be enjoying the unequaled feeling of touching and stroking slick, soft, warm, lubed-up latex while getting to enjoy their partner’s luscious body placed on full, dramatic display for their viewing pleasure.
Lastly, let’s not forget that sleep sacks are easy to use, even when compared to other types of popular BDSM gear. For example, tying someone up with ropes requires learning how to both tie and untie the proper kinds of knots to keep them restrained. Playing around with handcuffs involves keeping a key and storing it in a safe, impossible to forget location during any and all sexual sessions.
But putting your partner into a sleep sack is as simple as opening and closing a zipper. There’s also no risk of forgetting some key item or skill which will prevent the suit from being removed at the end of the session. Therefore, sleep sacks are often recommended as a great choice for newbie bondage fans as it can be used without any lengthy practice or training beforehand.
A World of Options
In addition to all that, sleep sacks are also among the most customizable pieces of bondage gear currently available. Sure, ropes come in different lengths, or handcuffs in different sizes, but why content yourself with just that? With a sleep sack, you can change it up in a myriad of fun little ways to create you and your partner’s perfect sexual experience!
All Zipped Up
For example, you’ll have a wide variety of options when it comes to zipper placement. You can find sleep sacks that zip up the front, up the back, or even up one or both sides. If you’re looking for something for your own use and want to be able to get in and out of it without the assistance of a partner, consider skipping the zippers entirely and going for something with a stretchy neck opening!
Creative zipper placement can also allow the dominant partner access to any of their sack-bound lover’s most sensitive parts. Why not try a sleep sack fitted with a pair of tempting nipple flaps so that your partner cannot escape endless teasing torture to those highly responsive nubs. Or if you’re up for something even more intense during a play session, try a zipper which offers genital access – with this, even fully penetrative sex with your bound partner will be possible! And if you’re still ready to keep going after all of that, flip them over and have a different kind of fun with an anal access zipper too!
Arousing Additions
Sleep sacks can also be purchased with customizable additions allowing for an even more intense and inescapable bondage experience. For example, one of the most common additions is a thick collar, which secures the neck and can be closed with a buckle, button, or even a padlock requiring a key to open. This will keep your partner fully bound even if you are using a neck-entrance sleep sack from which they would normally be able to escape.
If you are a fan of covering more up rather than leaving more open, you can also purchase a sleep sack with an attached hood, mask, or helmet, usually also made from latex. This addition will cover the head and face, leaving your partner fully embraced by slick, clinging latex. You can even find hoods which inflate into a totally round ball shape to completely turn your partner into living latex doll! All hoods, masks or helmets will include either a breathing hole or breathing tube to allow your bound partner to get enough air. Make sure to keep that tube clean and free of dirt and debris at all times to avoid a dangerous restriction of airflow.
Other options include additional sleeves inside the sack itself which can keep the arms and/or legs fully immobile. These are especially effective if you have a partner who is prone to squirming around and refusing to stay still while being teased or pleasured. These sleeves can be fixed in a variety of difference positions depending on how comfortable – or uncomfortable! – you want your bound partner to be. The most common type of sleeves are those which force the arms to cross either in front of or behind the torso, usually referred to as straightjacket style due to their similarity to the infamous “asylum wear” garment.
If you prefer a sleep sack made from a thicker latex for its increased durability, you might find at the same time that it does not stretch quite as much as you were expecting. You might despair, thinking that your dreams of seeing your partner in tons of fun, sexy, contortion poses are now impossible to achieve. But fear not! Another way of customizing a sleep sack is by adding round metal or plastic D-rings around the outside. By threading ropes or cords through these D-rings, you can tie up your partner into any sexy position imaginable!
Going Whole Hog
Lastly, if you find yourself looking for something new, unusual and extreme to spice up your bedroom life, you might consider a latex sleep sack made in the hog sack style. As the name suggests, this particular variety of sleep sack was inspired by the manner in which hogs or pigs are tied to prevent them from struggling when they are slaughtered.
Instead of being one long, smooth, unbroken latex tube, a hog sack contains distinct sleeves for both the arms and legs, making it resemble a cross between a traditional sleep sack and a full-body suit. Ropes or fastenings attach to the suit and force the trapped individual’s arms and legs behind their back. It is a highly uncomfortable position, keeping them on their stomach or knees and denying all access to their limbs. When it comes to keeping your bound partner in place and eliminating all movement options entirely, a hog-style sleep sack is unequaled in effectiveness. So if you’re into seeing your partner trussed up and squealing like they’re about to be made into some delicious ham or bacon, this is definitely the perfect sleep sack for you!
Mixing It Up
Sleep sacks even have another advantage, above and beyond all the amazing ones already discussed above! This advantage is the ability to incorporate a wide variety of additional fetishes into any play session in which a sleep sack is used.
Regardless of where your sensual interests might lie, you can almost certainly find a way to use a sleep sack to make them come true! We’ve compiled a short list featuring just a few examples of kinks and fetishes which can be successfully paired with a tight latex sleep sack:
- Touch and sensation play. Individuals who have experienced being bound within a latex sleep sack have often described the feeling of being “hyper-aware of your own body”. As discussed earlier, the latex clings tightly to each curve, line and angle of your body. If you enter the sleep sack while naked, you’ll be able to feel intense warm, tight, pleasurable sensation with practically every inch of your skin.
- Sensory deprivation. Choose a sleep sack which covers the head or add a hood, mask or helmet to completely cut off your submissive partner’s access to their senses. They will be unable to move, see or hear, and their senses of smell and touch will be completely overwhelmed by the intense feel and aroma of the latex. When they finally emerge from their cocoon of sensory deprivation, their entire body will be more sensitive than you’ve ever seen them before!
- Teasing, orgasm delay and denial. The partner inside the sleep sack will be completely unable to touch themselves or give themselves any kind of pleasure with both their arms and legs snugly secured. This puts the dominant partner in complete control of how much – or how little – pleasure they will be allowed to receive during the session. If you choose a sleep sack which features a flap or zipper that allows access to the confined partner’s genitals, you can bring them to the point of orgasm over and over again but stop just before granting them that sweet release (a type of extremely sensual play also referred to as edging). You’ll have them begging for your touch in no time!
- Cock and ball (genital) torture. Of course, that fun little access slit can be used for a lot more than just gentle strokes and teasing touches! If you’re into pain, use the time your partner spends bound to experiment with a little cock and ball torture (or vaginal torture, depending on your partner’s equipment). Slap, twist and pinch at their skin. Hang weights from their balls. Lock their cock in a sexy little cage, denying them orgasm forever. Apply heated or electrical toys or a nice cold ice cube. The options are practically endless!
- Erotic hypnosis. Fans of hypnotizing their partner have reported that their desired subject slips into a trance far more easily than ever before when totally bound and zipped up inside their favorite sleep sack. Fetish practitioners still aren’t entirely sure why, but our best guess would be that it has a lot to do with the surrendering of control allowing the bound individual to completely relax and give themselves over to their dominant partner. Alternately, being bound in a sleep sack means that they cannot move their head and eyes, meaning they cannot tear their gaze away from their partner as they induce a hypnotic trance. Whatever the reason, we’re sure of one thing – this definitely works, and it’s sexy as hell!
- Bodily fluid play. Sure, most sleep sacks come with at least a few zippers, holes or flaps which could technically be used to remove sweat, urine, semen, blood, or any other fluids from the inside of the suit. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, use the tight latex to trap those fluids inside for as long as you choose. Watch your partner squirm in their new extra-slick environment. Experience their humiliation as they’re forced to wet themselves or experience an orgasm while still bound in the suit, and sit there for hours on end covered in the slowly cooling product of their own body. Mmm, what could be more arousing?
- Most sleep sacks are fitted very tightly around the individual’s neck. They might even include an addition such as a cord or collar which keeps the neck tightly bound at all times. This setup restricts the individual’s access to air, making a sleep sack perfect for engaging in a little breathplay – also known as erotic asphyxiation. Kinksters explain the appeal of this type of play by describing the euphoric feeling of being unable to fill your lungs properly and the intense, explosive orgasm which the resulting lightheadedness provides. Don’t worry – sleep sacks are specifically designed to make sure that your partner’s ability to breathe is only being restricted, not cut off entirely. Still, if you’re going to add breathplay to your bedroom encounters, we definitely recommend establishing a safe word or gesture beforehand!
- Lastly, the complete enclosure of your partner within a latex sleep sack can be perfect for some dehumanization or objectification play. This fetish involves a partner being treated as, referred to as and visualizing themselves as a mere object or “thing” rather than a person. Being bound and completely unable to move their limbs is a great way to get a person into the right mindset for seeing themselves as a tool or toy to be used. There are so many directions to take this, but here’s a few examples to get started: treat your bound partner as a chair by sitting on them, cuddle with them in bed as a stuffed animal or doll, or hang your favorite new coat on them as a clothing rack!
Of course, that list up there is just a sexy little taste of all the wondrously sensual things which can be done with a sexy latex sleepsack. We definitely encourage you and your partner to experiment. Don’t limit yourself to the stuff we just mentioned. If anything catches your interest, try it! Add a sleep sack to any of your existing fetish scenarios. We’re pretty sure the result will be downright orgasmic!
Material Concerns
We stated at the beginning of the article that latex is far and away the best material to choose when picking out your brand new sleep sack. But wait! There’s tons of materials available! you insist. You said latex was the best material, but you didn’t say anything to prove it? And all those additions and bonus fetishes you talked about up there could still be done with other materials! So do we know that latex is better?
We get it. Just saying that latex isn’t the best isn’t enough. You want us to prove it too.
But don’t worry! We’re about to do just that!
Below, we’ve compiled a brief comparison of the four most common materials used in the manufacture of sleep sacks. By looking at the pros and cons we’ve listed, you’ll clearly be able to see just what makes latex so superior!
Leather
Ah, leather. Unfortunately for the much superior latex, it’s probably still the material that first comes to mind when most people think of “bondage gear”. And sure, we admit it – leather has its uses, and it can definitely be sexy, especially in a nice deep black with lots of shiny metal buckles.
But when it comes to sleep sacks? Horribly outclassed!
Leather is thick and retains heat – being bound in a leather sleep sack almost guarantees that you’ll wind up overheated, dehydrated or both, not to mention practically drowning in your own sweat after only a few minutes of play. You’ll find yourself having to clean out your sleep sack after even a single short session in order to prevent the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria.
Another strike against leather is the fact that it is far less comfortable than latex, being rough and abrasive rather than possessing latex’s smooth, sleek shine. Even when coated in practically an entire bottle of lube, leather will never even begin to approach the slick comfort which latex provides.
Lastly, and most damningly when it comes to sleep sacks, is that leather is inelastic, meaning that for the most part, it does not stretch. And isn’t the best part about seeing your partner in a sleep sack all the positions you can bind them into? Or seeing every curve of their body outlined by the material? Or watching them squirm and shift and stretch while knowing that their every attempt to escape is ultimately futile? Leather does not offer nearly the same level of experience.
Sure, you can purchase additions, such as straps, belts, or a set of metal D-rings and ropes to allow you to tie your partner up in sexy, interesting positions even when using a leather sleep sack. However, again, these options are far less comfortable than latex, and each piece must be cleaned after every use due to thickness and moisture retention. Purchasing all these necessary additions to create a sensual experience also makes the average leather sleep sack far greater a financial investment than its latex counterpart.
So what can we conclude from all this information? While leather still definitely has roles it can play within the wide world of BDSM and fetish gear, sadly, a sleep sack is not one of them – every comparison with latex results in leather being horribly overshadowed.
Neoprene
On the other side of the spectrum of sleep sack materials in terms of price and quality lies neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic material initially created to serve as a cheaper, more durable alternative to natural latex or rubber. Because it does share some similarities to latex, neoprene variants of latex products frequently appear. However, when it comes to sleep sacks, while a neoprene product might look similar, it certainly does not feel or behave so.
The focus of neoprene’s creation was the development of a material which could be more durable than latex, and thus less likely to tear when exposed to sharp objects or rough surfaces. This is also true of neoprene sleep sacks. They will probably last a long time without suffering any damage.
However, this durability also means that neoprene, similar to leather, is thick and not particularly stretchy when compared to latex. As discussed above, a thicker material can cause the bound individual to quickly overheat or dehydrate. Meanwhile, a less stretchy substance will limit the versatility of the product and may require many add-ons in order to create unique poses or a thorough, immobile bondage experience.
Due to its entirely synthetic nature, neoprene products are sometimes less expensive than latex. However, they are also lower quality and may contain a variety of extremely harsh, harmful chemicals used during the manufacturing and molding processes. Natural latex is a sustainable, reusable, cruelty-free substance which requires only minimal exposure to chemicals such as sulfur during vulcanization and molding. On the other hand, neoprene contains many more chemicals, some of which can be extremely dangerous to humans. We Laidtex staffers definitely think that risks presented by neoprene for a much less effective product are not worth any potential decrease in price when compared to latex!
Spandex and Alternatives
The last material commonly used in the manufacture of sleep sacks is spandex and its wide range of similar “off-brand” variants, such as Darlexx. It is typically the least expensive of the available materials, due to the aforementioned massive number of “off-brand” alternatives. The problems with spandex are typically the opposite of those which leather or neoprene provide.
What do we mean by this? Specifically, spandex tends to be thinner and more elastic than latex. This means that it is less durable and can tear more easily when exposed to even the tiniest pin, button, or other sharp or rough object. The lifespan of a spandex sleep sack has been found to be barely half that of its latex counterpart.
In addition, a more elastic or “stretchier” sleep sack means that the bondage experience provided will be less thorough, inescapable or complete. The bound individual will have a lot more leeway to squirm and move around, and may even be able to escape from the sleep sack entirely with enough effort. While additions such as collars, ropes or belts can solve some of this problem, they often significantly raise the price of the spandex sack, eliminating the sole advantage which spandex is considered to provide.
Latex Is the Clear Winner
The above comparison proves that latex is, without a doubt, the best material possible for a bondage sleep sack. It possesses all of the advantages and none of the disadvantage of leather, neoprene, or spandex. It is durable but not too thick, elastic but not too stretchy, reasonable priced, and can create a fantastic bondage experience which perfectly combines poseability and immobility.
Here at Laidtex, we firmly believe that you and your partner – or partners – deserve absolutely the best that we have to offer! That’s why we are proud supports of the latex sleep sack as a unique and arousing bondage experience. So don’t hold back – if you’re going to add a sleep sack to your bedroom play, choose latex for a long-lasting, high-quality product which is certain to bring you and all your playmates many unforgettable experiences – not to mention many explosive orgasms!
Safety Tips
Once you’ve decided to purchase a latex sleep sack to add to your collection of fabulous fetish gear, there is one more important factor to consider. Or rather, there are two important factors to consider – safety and hygiene. Making sure the bound partner stays safe and that the sleep sack itself remains clean and comfortable will help ensure that your new toy will bring you many hours of erotic fun.
First, let’s talk about safety. While latex is not as thick as leather, canvas, neoprene, or other similar materials, it is still capable of retaining heat and moisture and causing the bound individual to sweat. Therefore, it is extremely important that the partner inside the sleep sack is kept cool and given regular access to water, so that they do not become overheated or dehydrated during play. As a sleep sack binds the arms and legs and prevents movement entirely, it is typically the responsibility of the non-bound partner to keep the room cool and the air flowing, provide water and help their bound partner to take regular drinks.
It is recommended that you enter a sleep sack fully naked or as close to naked as possible, in order to experience the sensation of latex and skin most intensely and to provide your partner access to the most sensitive areas of your body. However, if you choose a sleep sack featuring zippers, this does mean that you need to avoid catching the zipper on your bare skin when getting into or out of your sleep sack. Our recommendation is to have your partner hold the zipper slightly away from your skin while slowly zipping or unzipping it. If you do end up with any cuts or bruised skin from the zipper catching, bandage them thoroughly to avoid making them any worse during your next time playtime.
In a standard sleep sack, the bound partner’s head and face are free but their neck is enclosed by the sack’s opening or zipper. If you are opting for a more extreme bondage experience, it is possible that their neck may also be bound by a rope, collar, or other attachment. Because of this, it is important to make sure that the bound partner’s air flow is not being severely restricted and that they can properly breathe at all times.
Even if you are engaging in breath play as part of your kinky fun, the bound partner should still be able to take in enough air to avoid the risk of blacking out, fainting, injury, or death. We recommend establishing both a safe word and a safe gesture which the bound partner can use at any time to signal “stop immediately”. Make sure that this word and/or gesture is something which can be expressed even with bound limbs and a restricted air supply. Common examples include blinking rapidly three times, shaking your head twice, or saying a simple, one-syllable word with “stop” connotations such as “red” or “pause”.
When purchasing a new sleep sack, it is recommended that you try it on first to test the fit before using it to engage in any sexual play. This way you can make sure that you are not experiencing any excessive pressure on the neck or other important areas of your body. A too tight sleep sack can cause your bones or joints to compress and rub together, resulting in bruising, numbness or potentially even other more serious effects, so it is very important to ensure yours fits properly. While latex is elastic, it cannot stretch infinitely, so do not be afraid to tell your partner and seek out a replacement if you feel that the sack is too tight.
Lastly, if your sleep sack comes with an attached head covering such as a hood, mask, or helmet, it will likely feature a breathing hole or breathing tube so that the bound partner can take in air even during play. Make sure to keep this hole or tube clean and free from obstructions at all time. Liquids such as sweat, blood, lubricant or semen can clog a breathing tube and severely restrict airflow. Communicate with your partner if you feel that your breathing tube is clogged or you are not getting enough air. Establish a safe gesture or sign which the bound partner can perform even with their head/face covered, such as nodding a certain number of times in a row.
Hygiene Tips
As with all latex products, it is important to keep your sleep sack clean and dry to avoid the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria on the material. A sleep sack should be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and gentle, unscented soap at least every few uses. If you find yourself sweating a lot while in the sack, using a lot of lubricant, or engaging in any sort of bodily fluid play, you may wish to clean your sleep sack after every single use.
Caring for, maintaining, and storing a latex sleep sack should be carried out using the same procedures as any other type of latex clothing or fetish gear. See here for our Maintenance Guide, here for how to keep your latex products clean, and here for how to store them.
One important special consideration for sleep sacks is that, if they are able to be unzipped down the front, back or sides, you should allow the interior of the sack to air out in a dark, dry, room-temperature environment rather than immediately zipping it up again after play.
Now that this helpful guide has thoroughly welcomed you to the fascinating world of latex sleep sacks, head over to our product catalog here to pick one out for yourself. And of course, feel f
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