One option may be the Bound to You Spreader Bar. Two of the bondage points can be used to hang the spreader bar while the final two bondage points can be used to restrain the wrists. Other options are the Sportsheets Adjustable Spreader bar or the Sportsheets Expandable Spreader Bar and Cuff Set, which offers a center D-ring for hanging the spreader bar from your mounting point and two clips on the ends for wrist restraints.
In a pinch, if you have suspension-safe bondage cuffs, the bound partner's wrists can be directly attached to your ceiling mount by chains or straps. While this won't provide the same level of restraint (the arms will be free to move independently of each other), it can still hold the bound partner's wrists above the head for a scene if a spreader bar is nowhere to be found.
To further customize your experience, the Vertical X Bondage sex position can be enjoyed while standing or on the knees. Some bound people will enjoy the added security of being on their knees; they're much less likely to wobble around. However, even if you place something soft underneath the knees, this still may not be an accessible bondage position to all. Those with knee pain or tight hamstrings may prefer the standing variation.
Fun Options for This Sex Position
Once the bound person is securely restrained, there are lots of options to explore. The Vertical X Bondage Sex Position lends itself well to impact play or sensation play. The bound person's knees can be pushed apart for easy sexual stimulation (if that's been negotiated!) with hands or sex toys. With the chest pushed forward, nipple clamps and breast play are also an easy go-to with this position. Depending on your level of sadism, the Vertical X position also leaves your partner's armpits open for tickle torture.
If penetration is something you'd both like, some standing sex positions may be accessible to you, but we'd recommend waiting until the bound person is unclipped from the spreader bar to explore intercourse. Consider it some delicious teasing! Feel free to add a different form of bondage to the bound partner after they're unclipped from the Vertical X position to continue the sensations of restraint.
For a unique take on the position, the bound partner could be simultaneously straddling the Liberator Bon Bon while in the Vertical X position. This would allow them to easily ride a dildo or vibrator while also being on display. As a secondary bonus, the BonBon provides a supportive, soft surface for the thighs to reduce leg fatigue.
Safety and Accessibility in the Vertical X Bondage Position
A word of caution: It's vitally important that your overhead hanging point be weight-bearing. The bound partner will likely sag into the restraint as time goes on, and a lot of their body weight will be held on this ceiling mount. If the ceiling mount unexpectedly pops out of the ceiling, this will lead to a dangerous (and possibly deadly) whack to the head with the spreader bar and parts of the ceiling. Ensure your ceiling mount is properly installed to bear the restrained partner's entire bodyweight. If that's not an option for you, consider a sex swing stand or aerial fitness frame to offer a transportable, apartment-friendly option for your bondage scene.
To make the Vertical X Bondage Sex Position more accessible, you can also experiment with the height of the spreader bar. Holding the arms above the head, like in the illustration, can place the shoulders in a compromised and uncomfortable position for some. Instead, experiment with lowering the spreader bar until it's around shoulder height or lower. This will reduce some of the compression on the shoulders and it may be more friendly to some bodies.
Even with these variations, the Vertical X Bondage sex position may not be a comfortable sex position for you or your partner - and that's OK! There are lots of other spreader bar sex positions (or bondage sex positions!) you can enjoy to explore the delicious feeling of restraint. Don't try to put yourself in a position that's painful or uncomfortable.
No matter how you choose to explore the Vertical X position, be cognizant of the invisible timer that's counting down. Holding the hands above the head for extended periods of time will make circulation difficult, and there will come a time where the bound person's hands are uncomfortably (and distractingly!) tingly (like when your foot falls asleep). For most people, this will hit within 15 to 30 minutes. It isn't dangerous as long as it's dealt with promptly.
When it's time to move on from this position, the bound person's wrists should be slowly unclipped from the spreader bar. Use one hand to support the bound person's wrist while unclipping the restraint. Once the wrist is free, slowly lower the wrist to their side and repeat with their other wrist. Remember: the bound partner's wrists may have "fallen asleep" at this point, so any quick releases and drops will be painful and jarring.
We do not recommend exploring the Vertical X position, as shown, when solo. If you want to explore this while solo, we recommend hanging the spreader bar vertically (instead of the shown horizontal) and cuffing a single wrist to the lowest end of the spreader bar. This will provide a feeling of restraint while still leaving a hand available to easily leave the bondage position without needing to call paramedics. Do not attempt to use only one wrist while the spreader bar is hung horizontally. This will off-weight the spreader bar and make it swing around more unpredictably (and nobody wants to be hit in the face with a metal bar).
We also recommend having a conversation around comfort levels, chronic pain and accessibility before attempting this position. Those with sensory disabilities and physical disabilities may find this position uncomfortable or unattainable.
