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How long is safe?

Posted: 17 Apr 2016, 22:05
by Mummifieddaz
Hey there, I'm new here, just a quick question, how long is it safe to keep someone mummified?

Re: How long is safe?

Posted: 18 Apr 2016, 08:14
by ruru67
Mummifieddaz wrote:Hey there, I'm new here, just a quick question, how long is it safe to keep someone mummified?
That rather depends on what lengths you're prepared to go to deal with limitations. Things you need to think about include:
  • Air. Obviously, if you cover their face they need air. And if you gag them (or use a breathing tube that goes in the mouth) you'll compromise their ability to swallow, risking inhalation of saliva (which will build up if there's something in the mouth). Inability to get enough air through breathing arrangements can lead to panic, and that can be a downward spiral.
  • Water. People need to keep hydrated; being thirsty gets uncomfortable within hours and life threatening in days.
  • Food. Mild to moderate discomfort in hours. Life threatening in weeks.
  • Piss. When you gotta go, you gotta go. And if you're keeping hydrated, at some point you gotta go.
  • Shit. Ditto, on slightly longer time frames.
  • Heat. Overheating can actually be a killer. It's unlikely in most scenarios, especially if the person is breathing directly to the outside. Don't let the person sweat - it's a sign that the person is overheating, and if mummified, the sweat won't be able to evaporate easily from the skin, so won't be buying them as much cooling as it should. Sweating also wastes water.
  • Movement. Possible problems range from cramps to bed sores. Bed sores can occur from pressure or friction; pressure sures can start to form within hours. You need to allow for some movement or relief of pressure. Cramping and soreness due to lack of movement can make itself known surprisingly quickly.
  • Circulation and other pressure injuries. Be sure that none of the wraps are forming tight ligatures; these can quickly become sore or event restrict blood vessels.
  • Panic. Be ready for the person to need out now. Possibly quite suddenly if they start getting anxious about building discomfort. After you've been immobile for a couple of hours, things can start to hurt, and the combination of sensory deprivation and building pain can become overwhelming quite suddenly.
I'm sure there are more.

In short, most mummifications will be fine for a small number of hours. After that, bodily needs start needing to be addressed. They can be managed over longer times, but you'll need to make allowances such as dealing with potential for pressure sores or cramping. Excreta needs to be dealt with for longer scenes, unless you're actually torturing the person....

Re: How long is safe?

Posted: 18 Apr 2016, 16:32
by Mummifieddaz
Thank you for the reply, all are very valid reasons, thank you for taking the time to write all those and I will take those into consideration :)