Bedspreader! - bed spread by Leatherbeaten - review by Lara

Leatherbeaten's Bedspreader! is an under-the-bed harness system designed to keep you and/or your loved one(s) in a most delicious state of suspense. It's sturdy enough for more advanced users yet so unintimidating and easy to use that novices will find much to appreciate as well.

The design is simple and effective. Fully unpacked and spread on the bed, the Bedspreader! looks a lot like the letter H. In the middle you'll find a relatively short length of nylon framed at each end by two large metal rings. Attached to each of these large metal rings on either end of the short strap is pair of long nylon straps. These straps circle up to the top from below the mattress to hold you or your lover in place via a snaphook at each end. These snaphooks can be attached to cuffs worn by the user.

To add some visual guidance, imagine you're lying on your bed at home. Your head is at the top of the bed and your feet are at the foot. Were the Bedspreader! to be in place, your back would be lying on top of the short strap (in place between your mattress and box spring). In a spread eagle position, your outstretched arms and feet would be held in place by the long straps.

The straps are made from soft, smooth nylon similar to that which would be found on most quality backbacks or messenger bags. The length of each strap segment is adjustable by pulling on one end of the nylon strap (much like you would the shoulder straps of a backpack).

Also included in the set are a pair of ankle and wrist cuffs. Both pairs are made from a soft, thin leather and are approximately 1" in width. Despite the leather's supple texture, it's as strong as the nylon when it comes to tear resistance and ability to withstand pulling and tugging.

The hardware on each element in the set is made from a gorgeous, strong, heavy silver metal. All of the rings are welded shut. The snaphooks and the cuff fasteners are well-made and durable.

One of the Bedspreader's most appealing features is the adjustability of all elements in the set. It can accommodate a wide range of body types and sizes. Both the wrist and ankle cuffs can go from very small to very large. All nylon strap lengths can be easily adjusted as well. If you are on the more petite end of the spectrum, this set will work for you. If you are quite tall and robust, this set will work for you.

The Bedspreader's intelligent design and careful craftsmanship makes it another worthy addition to the Leatherbeaten line of products. It works and it works well.

Before using the harness set, it may be useful to spread it out on your bed and get a sense of what goes where. It's not in the least bit complicated, but using it well does require an idea of how to arrange the various straps in their appropriate positions. It's also useful to make general adjustments to length before the Bedspreader! is in place, making later adjustments merely a question of fine-tuning.

Set-up is best done with two people, but can also be alone. Each person can take one side of the letter H and pull it up to the top of the bed from under the mattress. By flipping the mattress off the bed, one person can do the same.

Once the Bedspreader! is in place and your lover/plaything is connected to the snaphooks, it is also possible to adjust the straps attached to the wrists and ankles to the desired level of tension.

Care for the wrist and ankle cuffs is much like that for any leather product. If you are in a monogamous relationship with no concerns about STD transmission, you can get by with cleaning the cuffs with a leather cleaning product when it seems necessary.

If you will be sharing the cuffs with other partners and there is a risk of bodily fluids getting on the leather, it is recommended that you disinfect the cuffs by soaking them in a 10% bleach solution for two minutes. That will most likely discolor the leather, but will also eliminate the risk of STDs. Follow the bleach bath with your regular leather cleaning routine.

The nylon straps may be washed with soap and water or in a 10% bleach solution.

You may store the set with your other toys or in the clear, plastic container it was originally packaged in. There should be no concern with the leather or nylon interacting with any other materials.

Packaging is simple and straightforward. There are no bells and whistles, but the plastic box does do a fine job of keeping the product in place and functions well as a storage container. The product does not come with any additional instructions or information.