Hefner's Near-death Sex Experience Revealed In Tell-all

Hefner sat for a series of lengthy interviews with author Steven Watts for what will become Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream.

The tome details the Playboy boss' history of shocking sexual escapades.

And Watts reveals not all the aging publishing mogul's romps were as steamy as admirers might imagine - Hefner once almost choked on a sex toy.

A source tells the National Enquirer, "Hefner divulges he almost died doing what he loves best while he was dating Playboy Playmate Sondra Theodore."

The incident is said to have occurred in 1977 when the pair were using a small sex toy that fell into Hefner's mouth.

The insider adds, "Hef began choking and was about to pass out. Sondra quickly started pumping his chest until the toy was dislodged."

The book is scheduled for release in October (08).