How Do I Use a Queening Stool / Smother Box

A queening stool (or facesitting stool) is a specialized piece of furniture designed to enhance the comfort, safety, and enjoyment of facesitting for both partners. It allows the top to sit in a stable, supported position while the bottom has access to air through an opening in the seat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively use a queening stool:

1. Setup and Preparation

Choose the Right Stool: Ensure that the stool you are using is sturdy, well-constructed, and specifically designed for facesitting. The seat should have a large enough opening for the bottom’s face and be comfortable for the top to sit on for extended periods.
Clear the Space: Place the stool in an area with enough space for both partners to move comfortably around it. Ensure the stool is on a stable, non-slip surface to avoid tipping or sliding during use.
Positioning the Stool: Place the stool over a comfortable surface, like a bed, padded floor, or rug, to give the bottom a soft place to lie down.

2. Communication Before Starting

Discuss Preferences and Limits: Before beginning, have an open conversation with your partner about comfort, boundaries, and preferences. Establish signals for when to apply more or less pressure, and decide on a safe word or signal in case verbal communication becomes difficult for the bottom.
Breathing and Airflow: Make sure the bottom understands the importance of airflow. The queening stool is designed to allow the bottom to breathe, but the top should be mindful of how much pressure they apply. Ensure the bottom knows they can signal if they need more air.
Smothering Is Possible: If the top desires, they may position the bottom’s face high enough within the stool to assure breathing is not possible while the top is seated. If this is the desired type of play, communication must be established and breaks given just like any other session.

3. Positioning the Bottom

Lie Down Comfortably: The bottom should lie down on their back underneath the stool, positioning their head so that their face is directly under the opening in the seat.
Neck Support: It’s important that the bottom’s neck is comfortable and properly supported. They may want to use a small pillow or folded towel to ensure that their neck is not strained while looking up through the opening.
Check Alignment: The bottom should align their face in the center of the stool’s opening. It’s crucial that their nose, mouth, and chin are properly placed so they have room to breathe while receiving pressure.

4. Positioning the Top

Sit Slowly and Gently: The top should carefully sit on the stool, positioning their body over the opening so the bottom’s face fits through comfortably. Start by gently lowering yourself down, making sure not to apply too much weight initially.
Comfortable Seating: Once in position, the top should sit comfortably, making sure that they are stable and balanced on the stool. Adjust if necessary to ensure comfort for both the top and bottom.
Adjust Pressure: Depending on the desired intensity, the top can apply more or less pressure by adjusting how much they relax and rest their weight on the stool. If less pressure is desired, the top can keep some of their weight on their feet or lean back slightly.

5. Monitoring and Maintaining Comfort

Regular Check-ins: Throughout the session, the top should regularly check in with the bottom to ensure they are comfortable and can breathe easily. Even though the stool’s design allows for airflow, it’s still important to monitor the bottom’s breathing and general well-being.
Watch for Signals: Keep an eye out for any signals the bottom gives, whether that’s through a safe word, tapping, or another agreed-upon method. If the bottom feels any discomfort, especially difficulty breathing, the top should immediately adjust or get off the stool.

6. Adjusting During the Session

Shifting Positions: The top can shift their weight slightly to change the pressure on different parts of the bottom’s face. For instance, leaning forward or backward can change the sensation and give the bottom different experiences.
Standing Up: If the top wants to change positions or increase intensity, they can stand up for a short break or transition to other types of play without needing to completely remove the stool.
Hands for Control: The top can use their hands on the stool’s sides or the bottom’s body for balance and to control how much pressure is applied. This is especially useful for keeping control of intensity throughout the session.

7. Ending the Session

Gradual Lift-off: When ending the session, the top should slowly and carefully rise from the stool, avoiding any sudden movements that could cause discomfort for the bottom.
Offer Aftercare: Once the session is finished, it’s important to provide aftercare. Check in with your partner to ensure they are comfortable, hydrated, and feeling good. This can involve physical touch like gentle cuddling, verbal reassurance, and debriefing about how the experience went.

Safety Considerations

Airway Protection: One of the key advantages of the queening stool is that it provides a constant passage for airflow, but it’s still vital to monitor breathing regularly. The top should always be aware of how much pressure is being applied and adjust accordingly.
Neck and Spine Alignment: To prevent strain, the bottom should make sure their neck is well-supported throughout the session. A pillow or neck roll can help with this, ensuring they remain comfortable even during extended sessions.
Time Limits: While queening stools make it easier for longer sessions, it’s still important to take regular breaks. Give the bottom time to stretch, hydrate, and communicate how they are feeling.

Conclusion

Using a queening stool provides a safe, comfortable, and stable way to enjoy facesitting. The stool supports both partners by giving the top a firm seat and the bottom proper airflow and comfort. As with any form of play, clear communication and safety protocols are key to ensuring a fun, pleasurable, and consensual experience for both partners.