This thread is quite old, but since its a sticky, here is my contribution
I am a big fan of 5 point bed restraints, especially Segufix which i use for self bondage. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Segufix, it is a set of hospital type restraints that is used to strap unruly patients to the bed. It is also completely INESCAPABLE, by that i mean it is impossible to wiggle your way loose or to physically tear open the harness. You also need a magnetic key to unlock the lock, so there are no knots that can be untied. This means that once i am strapped down and the last lock clicks in place, THERE IS NO CHANCE IN HELL WHATSOEVER TO ESCAPE.....and believe me i have tried to wiggle my way out multiple times, but to no avail. When i was inexperienced, i used to have a knife next to the bed as a backup release, however in order to truly achieve that tremendous sense of excitement i decided to ditch the knife and now i only use ice locks as a release method. I also use a diaper to relieve myself.
So how is it possible to stay (relatively) safe when doing inescapable self-bondage? Well.....here are my thoughts:
1. I always do a dry run before use
Remember to test the equipment, especially the release method to check if it works
2. Strangulation is what kills you
This means that you should avoid any type of restraints above shoulder height. Remember, its also easy to lose control during a session, i dont know about you guys, but i like to have FUN during a session, this means that i like to wiggle against the restraints and perhaps try to escape (even though i know its impossible). When doing this kind of physical activity its easy to suddenly wiggle in such a way that you have a rope or harness around your neck.
3. Keep DIY to a minimum, professional equipment is safer
I have seen a lot of setups where people have built their own equipment. Often these types of setups consists of rope, shackles, wooden planks etc. If you are a really handy person then this is not a problem by itself, however lets face it, must of us arent. A homemade setup with lots of ropes can be dangerous if you accidentally get a rope around your neck. Ropes can also cause bruises on your skin or even cut circulation. I recommend that you spend that money on professional equipment
4. I always make sure that i am completely strapped down
Wait...what? How is this gonna improve safety?!
As mentioned i only use Segufix for self-bondage. Segufix was originally designed to keep unruly patients completely tied down, this to prevent them from endangering themselves or others. In other words, when used correctly i cant do anything foolish or cause any accidents. As i said, I like to wiggle, bounce up and down and generally having fun. On one occasion i accidentally managed to bump my head into the wall and it hurted like hell, but that was because i didn't wear the shoulder restraints at the time. So now i always apply the straps correctly and tighten them to make sure i am totally strapped down. So regardless of my behaviour i know for a fact that i cant hurt myself. This also adds a little extra spice to the self-bondage, i get a feeling of safety, and that the restraints are actually protection me from everything that can go wrong
5. Use more that 1 release
This has been mentioned earlier, i use 2 different ice locks. 1 for each hand, The first lock release after 8 hours, the second after 12-14 hours
So whats the worst that can happen?
Well, if we exclude all risks that i cant control (Sudden heart attack, house hit by meteorite etc.), the worst case scenario is the ice locks fail to release, However that is highly unlikely. So far i have never had any failures what so ever. If the first lock should fail, then second lock should release after a few more hours, of course it would be a little bit scary, but i assume i will just shrug it off and think "hey, a little bit more bondage then i ordered, but no big deal". If BOTH locks should fail, well then i will be truly stuck with no way of getting out. However, that may not necessarily be a threatening situation, You see, the Segufix is designed for long term use, it does not restrict breathing and circulation, it is soft to the skin and it will not by itself cause any harm to the user. If such a scenario should occur i will simply lie there on the bed and stare at the ceiling until someone finds me. (i am fairly certain that i will be rescued within a day or so, so starving to death is not something i consider as a risk). I will be embarrased, annoyed and probably have stiff limbs and a really dirty diaper. However it will not kill me