What is a Nipple Clamp?
A nipple clamp is a type of clamp that is used to apply different amounts of pressure to the nipples in order to stimulate them. Restriction of blood flow to the erect nipple is the fundamental tenet of the method. In some BDSM activities, both men and women are subjected to their use. Media portrayals of nipple clamp use as kinky or deviant behavior are frequent.
How to Use Nipple Clamps
Start with the lightest pressure possible when it comes to nipple clamp safety, and then gradually build it up. Consider how you feel with them on and when you take them off as you increase the time as you become more accustomed to the sensation, advises Finn. Her general rule was to wear looser clamps for no more than 30 minutes and tighter clamps for no more than 15 minutes. If you are using them with a partner, Howard advises that you talk about a safe word or other safety precaution for when the clamps start to feel uncomfortable.
Make sure the nipples are firm before applying, advises Finn, and then place them at the base of the nipple at the areola. Always pay attention to your body while using, and make adjustments as needed. It’s okay to stop using the nipple clamps if they still feel uncomfortable after being adjusted, according to Howard. Never tug or rip at clamps when removing them. Simply release the pressure after doing so.
Do they hurt, I wonder?
The sensation of wearing clamps isn’t uniform, so don’t freak out about the pain. According to Carmel Jones, a sex and relationships expert and founder of The Big Fling, clamps typically attach directly to the nipple and increase sensation by forcing blood flow out of the nipple, which is similar to the sensation of being pinched. The result of the pinch feels flat and nearly numb.
But! You can play around with the clamp’s tensile force and, if present, the slack in the nipple chain, depending on the type. Dr. Grover always advises novices to choose adjustable clamps so they can gradually increase the intensity and be in control of the sensation. This is because some people prefer more pain than others.
Even so, is that safe?
Congrats! You can show your commitment to the RACK (risk-aware consensual kink) philosophy, which according to Finn should guide all sexual activity, by asking this question.
In short, yes! assuming you apply them properly.
That means correctly putting them on and taking them off (we’ll explain how to do that below), in addition to what we’ll cover below:
understanding the difference between pain and enjoyable pain
In the partnered play, if you use a partner, keep the lines of communication open.
The 1 to 10 pain scale is handy for using the clamps with a partner. Think:
I’d like to improve these from a 6/10 to an 8/10.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you feel about these? what grade?
The different types of nipple clamps?
You may have noticed there are many different types of nipple clamps available as you look for the ideal pair. There are a few factors you should consider before just picking the prettiest pair. To prevent a possible reaction to the metal, Sparks advises those with sensitive skin to consider nickel-free options. Furthermore, for those who have never used clamps before, silicone-covered tips on clamps are usually less painful than those made of raw metal.
1. Alligator Nipple Clamps
Alligator clamps are made of metal as well, but you can change the pressure by adjusting the screws at the tips. The majority of these have rubber tips, but some of them (like these!) may have “teeth” beneath the rubber to increase intensity. The doctor says these are a good next step up for those just starting out since the intensity can be change, despite Jones’ claim that they are typically harder to use for beginners when it comes to adjusting.
2. Vibrating Nipple Clamps
These tiny vibrating clamps, another Cobb favorite, are easily the most sophisticated option on the list and offer a tonne of sensation. With variable speeds, you can alter the intensity and frequency of the vibrations according to the location of the clamp and your preferred ratio of pain to pleasure. Just be aware that they are tight, so test them out on a less delicate area first before attaching them to your nipples to make sure they won’t be too painful.
3. Nipple Clamps in the Tweezers Style
Tweezer nipple clamps, one of the best types of nipple clamps for beginners, are designed exactly like tweezers! You can adjust the pressure by moving a small circle on this clamp style up and down the tweezers’ length.
4. Clamps made of clover
For someone with more nipple clamp experience, clover clips or clamps work best. For a quick history lesson, let me say that these clamps originally came from Japan and were use as sail clips and to keep fabric rigid while hand sewing. They are definitely intense, then.
5. Nipple Clamps with Magnets
The magnets are a little more sophisticated now, constantly attempting to touch and pinch the nipple in the process. Since you have much less control over the intensity, these can be quite intense. After experimenting with a tweezer, alligator, and clover-style clamps, I advise people to try these.
Nipple Clamp Aftercare
You might feel great while playing and in that post-O glow but then discover that a few hours later you’re still sore, warns Finn. “When we’re aroused, our threshold for pain tolerance can increase,” he explains. They advise using a cold compress and avoiding wearing clothing that might irritate your delicate skin if you are sore.
both during and after using a nipple clamp. Don’t forget to consider the experience as well. Find out what you liked and didn’t like about them if you tried them while masturbating. If you used them with a partner, talk about how it went and whether you want to give it another shot. Until the next time, cuddle up, drink some water, and lubricate those sensitive nips.
The final word
Nipple clamps are the love of some nip owners’ lives. Less so for others.
If your first attempt at using them results in a shrug, don’t be discouraged—sometimes simply turn. The dial a little tighter or looser can make all the difference.
If you’re not yet a member of Team Nipple Clamps? No big. You might prefer nipple suckers toys.
