Balloon Fetish FAQ

New to the world of balloons? Here are some questions that you might have, and answers to the best of my "common" knowledge. They may not be satisfying enough for a psychologist, but they should be a good first step.

For definitions of terms, some phrases below are linked to the Balloon Fetish Dictionary.

Why balloons?
Why feet? Why leather? Why women's breasts? Why is anything sexy? Where does any fetish come from? Ask any of us and we'd be hard pressed to explain "why" our fetish developed. A balloon fetish isn't something we choose to acquire - most of us just noticed at some point during sexual development that balloons were a powerful sexual symbol for us either in themselves, in conjunction with members of the opposite sex, or both. The rest is history.
How common is a balloon fetish?
More common than any of us thought before we found kindred spirits on the internet! Some estimates place the size of our community in the couple of thousands range. Hundreds of us are active participants in e-mail distribution lists, online message boards, and internet relay chat (#balloons on the Undernet). Our fetish is prevalent enough that the adult website industry has caught on, and there are now dozens of adult-themed sites on the internet that produce balloon erotica pictures and videos, some from already-established pornographers, and others from enterprising members from our own ranks.
So, what do you do with balloons?
The most common question we get, and the answer is as varied as the people who make up our community. The most obvious distinction is between poppers and non-poppers, depending on whether a person most enjoys popping balloons, or not. Poppers tend to explore different methods of popping balloons to provide excitement and release. Among the most popular methods are B2P, sitpopping, riding, squeezing, and stomping. Some poppers with crossover fetishes especially love foot stomping, or popping balloons with cigarettes or long fingernails.

Nonpoppers, on the other hand, typically enjoy their balloons without popping them. What can you do with a balloon besides pop it, you say? Well, inflating balloons to their biggest and generally having them around, nonpoppers usually enjoy many of the tactile and sensual sides of their balloons by riding them, squeezing them or stuffing them. Among nonpoppers there are two schools of thought: some nonpoppers oppose popping on principle, as a waste of a good balloon; others are unable to pop balloons because of a phobia of popping.

Is there rivalry or animosity between poppers and nonpoppers?
Practically never. All of us being fetishists ourselves, we don't feel the need to quibble among ourselves about what other people "should" do with their balloons. To each their own, and newcomers are often surprised at how welcoming and cohesive our whole community is, despite our varied interests in balloons.
When did you find out you had this fetish?
Most of us realized it during early sexual maturation, typically in our mid- to late-teens, but earlier and later onsets have been reported. Like any other fetish, the strongest balloon fetishes are usually the ones that are "discovered" very early in sexual development.
What do you enjoy most about balloons?
The list is long for most fetishists, but usually includes one or more of the following on this partial list:
What kind of balloons do you like?
The preponderance of balloon fetishists express a preference for larger round balloons, with 16" to 36" varieties being especially popular. For poppers, larger balloons provide louder, more imposing bangs; for nonpoppers they provide more surface area and color to enjoy, as well as the threat of louder, more imposing bangs. Next to round balloons the most popular shapes are large zeppelin or airship shapes. Some makes, such as the GL700 and the Tilly Worker, are prized for the ergonomic possibilities of their large size as it pertains to riding, and many a looner fantasize about sex on top of a huge airship balloon. Which leads me to the next question:
Do you use balloons during sex?
Absolutely, with a willing partner. Many of us are married or otherwise involved and incorporate balloons into our sexual activities. For the vast majority of us, however, balloons are not a necessary element in sexual arousal, and perfectly pleasurable and amazing sex is possible without balloons. For this reason many have objected to the use of the term "fetish" as it applies to balloons, preferring instead the weaker term "paraphilia."
What about beach balls / vinyl inflatables / bubble gum / foil balloons / soap bubbles / plastic bags / hot air balloons?
Many balloon fetishists also share an interest in the above to a certain extent, especially as it pertains to vinyl inflatables and beach balls. Some in our community are interested primarily in vinyl inflatables, and balloons for them are secondary. Bubble gum and foil balloons have also been passing interests, though many latex balloon fans have expressed disdain for the foil variety. Some poppers also find crossover interest in other things that make sudden loud noises, such as fireworks. Hot air balloons are usually not sexually interesting to balloon fetishists.
How do you inflate your balloons?
By far the preferred method is to inflate using lung power only, this being the most intimate inflation method. However, especially for larger balloons, electric inflators or pumps can give your lungs a rest and are used by more than a few looners.
What about helium balloons?
With the relative expense and unavailability of helium to plain old air, most balloon fetishists are "raised" on air-filled balloons. But helium balloons are especially interesting for some looners, perhaps because of their relative scarcity and their unique physical properties. A few of the more devoted own helium tanks, regulators, and other helium-related paraphrenalia.
Is this just a guy thing?
Not at all! We count quite a few ladies among our ranks, though as with any fetish, balloon fetishism tends to be over-represented in males, or under-reported by females, or some combination of both.
Does this have anything to do with children?
No, no, no, and an emphatic no. This misconception comes from the natural association of balloons with childhood activities; but this does not translate into balloon fetishists having any sexual interest in children. Our interest is that balloons be used for adult purposes, by consenting adults only. Our online community is ever-vigilant in its self-policing to ensure that no association with pedophilia, or any appearance thereof, implied or otherwise, is tolerated.