A Guide to Sensory Deprivation

Sensory deprivation is a kink where one of the partners or sometimes all of them have one or several of their senses restricted. Those are, for example, sight, sound, and movement. 

When you try meditation, massages, or different spiritual practices, you’re often restricted in some sense. The lights are dimmed or completely turned off, so you can’t really see, or you’re in a sound-proof space so there are no noises from the outside world coming through. 

That is usually done to help you stay laser-focused on what you’re doing and to increase the mental impact of it.

There is a similar practice for your intimate life, – it’s called sensory deprivation. 

What Is Sensory Deprivation?

The idea is that by limiting one of the senses, you are more receptive to the rest, and the deprivation that you get creates a stronger sensual and sexual reaction to whatever else is going on. 

There’s less noise around, so you’re more focused on your partner and the pleasure that you two are experiencing at the moment. 

Sensory Deprivation Tools

Sensory deprivation requires extra tools to execute it properly. Surely, you can close your eyes and ears and pretend that you’re totally deprived, but it’s not the same. First, you can always open your eyes and remove your hands from your ears, so you hear better. Second, it’s not a complete blackout if you just use your eyelids and fingers. 

For best results, try some of the tools below. 

• Blindfolds 
• Earplugs 
• Bondage
• Hoods 
• Restraints

You can always get creative with the things you already have at home. For example, if you don’t have earplugs, your noise-canceling headphones will do. No blindfolds? Try a face mask for sleeping or a silk scarf. 

Also, use accessories to add some heat, such as feathers, and other textured items, or something to play with temperatures, like ice cubes and warm wax. 

Note: There is no rule to how many senses one can be deprived of at a time. Follow your gut, your intuition, and watch your partners’ body language. 

Why Do People Enjoy Sensory Deprivation?

What is it about sensory deprivation that lures so many people? Well, there are a number of reasons. 

Any beginner’s guide to sensory deprivation will tell you that depriving oneself of something heightens sensory awareness for everything else. For example, if your partner puts blindfolds on you, you’ll be more reactive to touch and sounds. You can really play with the intensity of your reactions by mixing and matching different deprivation tools. Not only is it sexually thrilling and a novel thing to do with your partner, but you also get to have quite unique experiences. 

Sharing these experiences with your lovers creates a special bond as well. You’d think that it’s not that deep as it’s merely a sexual play, but it’s more than that. When you’re doing sensory deprivation, you are being vulnerable in front of someone else. It takes courage to do it, and trust between the partners to enjoy it with comfort. 

This means that partners who go through different kinks together and put themselves in vulnerable positions have higher chances of establishing strong emotional bonds and staying together for longer. 

Safety and Consent Tips for Sensory Deprivation

Exploring sensory deprivation ethically is the only acceptable way of doing it. 

You’d think that this kink is rather innocent, but it can be very triggering to someone who’s had negative past experiences with restriction in and outside of the bedroom. Plus, even if there’s no past trauma, you can’t really predict how your body will react to something before you try it. 

That’s why we want to share a few sensory deprivation safety tips and consent rules to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. 

Have a talk about it first

Discuss the boundaries, talk about each other’s preferences and big no-nos, and exchange consent. Make sure the consent everyone is giving is verbal and enthusiastic. The last thing you want is to have someone agree to the kink when they don’t really want it but are too afraid, shy, or embarrassed to say No. 

Think through logistics

Have all the tools at hand, agree on a private space to give it a go, establish a safe word. 

You can experiment of course, but make sure you have a few things readily at your disposal for when the inspiration strikes you. You don’t want to run around like a headless chicken when you get a sudden urge to blindfold your partner but nothing in the apartment is fit for the job. 

Safe words, symbols, or gestures are very important too. Depending on the deprivation you’re practicing, you’ll need a different format of an exit plan. Don’t skip this step, as when someone is uncomfortable and is no longer feeling it, saying a short word or making a quick gesture is much simpler than having to explain elaborately why you want to stop and what is wrong. Instead, they show or voice the pre-agreed safety measure, and the kink exploration stops immediately.  

Stay safe

When someone is deprived of senses, they’re not only vulnerable to their partner but to potential accidents and emergencies too. If you’ve blindfolded someone, make sure there are no sharp objects or candles nearby. If the person doesn’t hear you because of the earplugs, stay by their side to prevent any possible injuries as well. 

Once you get more comfortable with the kink and feel more adventurous, you can move on to more intense strategies and scenarios. 

Getting Started with Sensory Deprivation

Wondering how to explore sensory deprivation if you’ve never tried it? Easy! 

1. Start slow and start simple. Whenever you discover something new, especially in the bedroom, it’s natural to want to explore it all right here and right now. However, it’s best if you pace yourself. You won’t get as much pleasure if you rush through it, plus you’ll have a better chance of understanding what you actually like if you choose the slower path. 
2. Don’t buy expensive or elaborate tools before you understand what you like. Start with simple tools, such as blindfolds and ice cubes. 
3. Less is more. If you’re only trying sensory deprivation out, don’t set unrealistic plans and durations. Play with sensors for a bit and stop before it becomes awkward. Next time, make it a bit longer and more intense, and so on. 
4. Watch out for each other. Make sure you’re both comfortable and fully enjoying the process. If you get weird vibes or your partner’s body language changes, gently make sure they’re okay before continuing. Also, expect the same treatment on your end, and don’t agree to anything less. 

If you feel curious about sensory deprivation, Flure has something for you. Download the Flure app below or sign up to experience intimacy and explore more. 

FAQ