Typically, the main downsides of being a furry are dealing with public shaming and ridicule. Nobody would ever think that it comes with serious hazards or risks to your health. Unfortunately, that’s turned out to not be the case after a furry with a particular interest in inflatable suits died during solo play.


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In a video posted to their YouTube channel, Candy Coated Squeaks, a company that specializes in latex and inflatable PVC costumes primarily used by furries, a representative for the company shared the news that one of the company’s crafters passed away while wearing a suit that zipped up past his head, “greatly restrict[ing] the amount of fresh air that he could get.” In addition, he was stressed and not in full health, and had recently done poppers and also possibly nitrous oxide, resulting in a less-than-ideal situation that led to his suffocation.



In the video, the representative runs through the risk factors, like combining solo play with substance use, or not being aware of how your health might increase your risk of injury. In terms of mitigating the risks, he suggests asking a trusted friend to call several times to check in and eventually try and help if the person doesn’t pick up after the third call (a “spotter”), as well as not engaging in this kind of play when tired; the risks of falling asleep while zipped inside an inflatable suit that restricts your breathing are just too great.


It’s definitely one of the less desirable ways to go — the guy in the video touches on this, describing it as a “big mess” and adding that dying this way means your loved ones have to now try and explain to people what happened. He concludes, “It’s just my hope that I can try to help prevent this happening with some people. This stuff is a lot of fun, but it needs to be done safely, so please, please make good decisions and stay safe.”