The New Intimacy

Questions about gas masks

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Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Hi all, I've seen gas masks advertised and featured in photos on the web, but have never learned why people like them, want them, or wear them. I'm a bit afraid of most types of masks, and even the sight of a gas mask makes me scared. (I'm not sure why I'm afraid of an inanimate object; I just am)

Anyway, I'd like to learn about them, if anyone has experience with them. Why do you like gas masks? What appeal do they have? What role do they play in a bdsm context? I'd guess they can be used for sensory deprivation, but I'm not sure why someone would want one instead of some other opaque hood or head covering. I'd love to learn about these things that frighten me, so maybe I'll be a little less uneasy around them in the future.
07/25/2010
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Contributor: Envy Envy
I'm not sure so much but I think it was a cool appeal to it. (I'm goth tho, go figure, haha.) My bf absolutely adores them and wants one, which I might get someday if I can nab a cheap one. I think it has something to do with being so foreign and 'soulless' that attracts attention. Any kind of mask, really, it's psychologically unsettling, and some people just dig that.
07/26/2010
Contributor: oliverHyde oliverHyde
I have to agree with Goth, it's VERY psychologically unsettling. The bug eves on the sides of the masks and the giant breathing thing make a person look very alien. Hoods just take away human features, but gas masks distort them.

you also have to focus to breathe in them, and that can be very grounding... and sometimes very scary

also, I love the post-apocalyptic feel of them. makes me think of old sci-fi and horror movies.
07/26/2010
Contributor: PassionQT PassionQT
It seems to be the 'artistic' thing to do nowadays. I used to know a photographer who had a whole series of gas mask pics of women in beautiful dresses and then some more disturbing ones too. They were great pics and kept the viewer focused on the picture rather than on the person behind the mask.
07/26/2010
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
I'm kind of weird-ed out by gas masks. Not my thing at all.....
07/26/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Hi all, I've seen gas masks advertised and featured in photos on the web, but have never learned why people like them, want them, or wear them. I'm a bit afraid of most types of masks, and even the sight of a gas mask makes me scared. ... more
It isn't just goth, it's called cyber goth and its a type of BDSM culture. It has to do with depriving of senses just like a hood would-that's why you normally see them paired with goggles. I think they look fucking awesome and they don't freak me out at all.
07/26/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
There's definitely a sensory deprivation thing going on there. I had a room mate who had a couple.

They really remind me more of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" more than any type of kink.
07/26/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
I was going to say, speaking of gas masks, the Pyro in Team Fortress 2 wears one, but the Pyro is hardly scary or anything at all. People suspect it's a woman since on the clothing rack in spawn the Pyro has an extra mask and a flowered purse/handbag.

Here's a cute little fan made movie on Pyro: link

It is suspected that Pyro has a child-like mind, or rather is very innocent in nature. In game the role of a pyro is to find the spies on your team, or that are cloaked.

(Note: apparently the scout (little red guy) is not spekaing English, I dunno why but yeah.)

Aaaaaand some cute taunts: link

With a character like that I guess I don't see how the gas mask is really that scary. XD
07/26/2010
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
Thanks for the input and information, y'all ^_^ I'm glad to learn a bit more about gas masks.

Goth, I watched the second of your videos (the first one said there was an error, so I'll try again later), and I see what you mean about the character not being scary, but the mask is still unsettling to me. I'm trying to get better! Thanks for the links ^_^
07/26/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Thanks for the input and information, y'all ^_^ I'm glad to learn a bit more about gas masks.

Goth, I watched the second of your videos (the first one said there was an error, so I'll try again later), and I see what you mean about ... more
Not a problem! I think knowledge is power, perhaps look up the history of them?

link
07/26/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Hi all, I've seen gas masks advertised and featured in photos on the web, but have never learned why people like them, want them, or wear them. I'm a bit afraid of most types of masks, and even the sight of a gas mask makes me scared. ... more
If people dig it, it's cool for them.

ANYTHING over my face (with the exception of, of course, a person) freaks me out. I don't even like a blindfold.
07/26/2010
Contributor: Madeira Madeira
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
Hi all, I've seen gas masks advertised and featured in photos on the web, but have never learned why people like them, want them, or wear them. I'm a bit afraid of most types of masks, and even the sight of a gas mask makes me scared. ... more
Well, they make good breath play, and frankly I aesthetically prefer them to hoods (which I always associate with the gimp in Pulp Fiction and think are a bit silly frankly) though generally I'm not one for hoods or gas masks, but I do see the appeal of the gas mask more than the hood.
07/26/2010
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
I think they're interesting, but I don't know if I'd ever try one. My husband is not a fan of them at all, stemming back to his time in the military.
07/26/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Gas masks frighten me. Just the look of them is alarming. Who gets wet thinking about gas masks?

To each their own, I suppose!
07/26/2010
Contributor: M121212 M121212
They're hot and can play into post apocalyptic fantasies.
03/04/2011
Contributor: SaucyxGirl SaucyxGirl
Old post but figured that I wouldn't hurt to add to this.

What I like about them is that their face is partly obscured. Also as the person ahead of me stated post apocalyptic fantasies..also military fantasies too.
02/25/2013
Contributor: bibeatrice bibeatrice
I love gas masks. I think they look so cool and sexy to me.
02/26/2013