Mummification DOs and DON'Ts
Copyright 1997 by Speerhead. All Rights Reserved.

Some Comments on Pallet Wrap

I sold packaging supplies for eight years, so I had free access to as much pallet wrap as I desired. As a result I learned a bunch about using it from others and through trial and error.

You can go to a paper company to get it. "Paper" encompasses a wide array of products. Chemical and janitorial supply houses will also carry it, as will food distributors. Movers use it frequently and will often have small stub rolls to spare.

Pallet wrap is available in many different sizes and gauges and colors. Pallet wrap is distinct from shrink wrap, the latter being ideal for usage with a heat seal/shrink wrap machine, and not mummification. You hardly need anything thicker than 20 gauge to have a good mummy. The ideal size is probably 18 inches wide for mummification. It is available with a dispenser that makes the whole project much simpler. You can get it in a case of four or two rolls far more cheaply per roll than if you buy individual rolls. The difference between Saran Wrap^TM and pallet wrap is night and day.

Buy clear, unless you specifically want to have the mummy be colored, for what reason I can only imagine. Duct tape on top is my favorite icing on the cake.

Mummification DOs and DON'Ts

I'm sure there are a hundred DOs and DON'Ts to mummification. I'm no expert, but I have been mummified and done the mummifying hundreds of times, so I do know a little bit about it.

• DO powder the subject down before you wrap him/her. This will make the scene last longer, and will allow a great deal more comfort for the mummy.
   
  
• DO pull away from the subject's body and then close to the bottom to wrap. Loose on the inside and tight on the outside is better than vice versa.
   
  
• DO leave excess slack at the chest/abdominal area sufficient to allow for the full expansion of the lungs and diaphragm. If you choose to make it so tight that the bottom cannot expand his or her chest and abdomen enough to bring air in, you may have an unconscious bottom and a lot of explaining to do. If you are going to play like this take a CPR course.
   
  
• DO keep several pairs of good shears/scissors within grabbing distance. If your bottom needs out for any reason you will want to make it happen as quickly as possible. When cutting someone out of a cocoon, pull the wrap out away from the bottom. Place your own hand under the wrap. Cut between the wrap and your hand, so that you will not catch the bottom's skin. Use maximally sterile, rust-free scissors, so that if skin does meet with metal a tetanus shot will not be needed.
   
  
• DO regularly massage the bottom through the wrap. This will help to lengthen the scene. Massaged bottoms will be less likely to freak, as well as the obvious benefits. Ask the bottom if pain is occurring at any of the joints. If it is unwrap the subject and redo the wrap with some cushioning
   
  
• DO place a piece of fabric or foam between the feet, the knees, the thighs, and the arms/sides
   
  
• DO leave access to the asshole, genitals, and nipples---for obvious reasons.
   
  
• DO remember that the bottom cannot maintain balance or protect him/herself from others when wrapped. Supporting the neck is of the utmost concern.
   
  
• DO allow for ample space for the bottom to breathe through both the nostrils and mouth.
   
  
• DO properly hydrate the bottom before wrapping. S/he will sweat profusely and may dehydrate. Bathroom trips beforehand or an adult diaper are a good idea.
   
  
• DO have the bottom remove contact lenses before you wrap the eye area.
   
  
• DO place clean fabric over the eyes and other mucous membranes before wrapping them. This will help safety greatly and lessen allergic reactions. Pallet wrap is not sterile, and in fact is often impure and dirty, as are many items you would think were clean (like toilet tissue, for example).
   
  
• DO wrap all open wounds, lesions, etc. with a band aid or bandage before pallet wrapping.
   
  
• DO find out about a bottom's medication needs, previous injuries, etc. before you wrap him or her.
   
  
• DO pay attention to the neck. Don't wrap it tightly. Don't support the bottom by his or her neck, but do make sure the neck is supported. Don't attach any gadgets to the head for support. The risks are too great, unless you are a heavy player and really know what you are doing.
   
  
• DO know what you're working with. Pallet wrap may contain chemicals which may harm someone, like arsenic. Find out what exactly is in the pallet wrap by requesting a material safety data sheet. Then play knowing what the risks are.
   
  
• DO leave one area uncovered. You absolutely must leave a small area of skin unwrapped for the skin to breathe. I am not an expert, but was informed that someone can suffocate if you do NOT do this. The pores of the skin MUST breathe. NOTE: This is a belief held by many, but it has been debunked -- James.
   
  
• DON'T gag the bottom. The "out" time is too long for gagging, and you need to be able to communicate with your subject. Some heavy practitioners may say "BOO-HISS!" here, but at the very least start off slow. I like to give a bottom a Halls lozenge before wrapping so the nose will run and throat will clear before I get him or her wrapped. The bottom's mouth should be empty of gum and lozenges before you wrap.
   
  
• DON'T cut corners on safety. I had one incident where, when mummified, I fell backwards and hit my head. Luckily I have a hard head (as many have told me on numerous occasions) and was uninjured. If the bottom is significantly heavier than the top, the top needs an assistant. Simply leaning someone is not sufficient. Hands-on control is required. Don't ever leave a mummified bottom alone.
   
  
• DON'T smoke anything or use candles, electricity, or anything that sparks near the bottom. Pallet wrap is made from flammable petroleum-based resins. The potential for a human inferno is great. The damage done to the bottom's skin will be total and complete if he catches fire.
   
  
• DON'T allow any other compound to come in contact with the pallet wrap. The wrap is a chemical, and when mixed with any other chemical can have combustible effects. Especially avoid acids of any sort. I can't imagine why anyone would spray or place anything on top, but....

About the Author

Speerhead is a regular contributor to the GL-ASB mailing list, where he posted the original version of this article in 1997. He can be reached at speerhead@aol.com.