It has always been my understanding that sub space is acheived through the endorphine release from pain responses.

Where I go during a good teasing session followed by a strong orgasm is a different place then where I go during a flogging. Both are quite nice. But they are different.

In "orgasmic space", if we are going to call it that, I am still capable of rational thought for the most part, and can speak and communicate. Even if it just all comes out as "please please please please!" Sub space pretty much clears my mind of all thought and speech doesn't really happen. If he asks me a question he will be lucky to get a grunt or a moan in response.

From my experience, the lack of speech during subspace is quite common. This makes over-reliance on safewords very dangerous as the sub just doesn't have the ability to say the words.

Things like bondage and blindfolds can cause me to focus quite a bit, but don't put me into subspace.

And I am far from a painslut.