Ashwin Lewis
Industrial piercings, which rose to popularity in the 1990s, involve two holes at the top of the ear connected by a single earring. They usually take six months to a year to fully heal, although some people report being able to sleep comfortably on their piercings after a few months. To avoid irritation and soreness, it is recommended that you do not sleep on your industrial piercing until it is fully healed.
Can I take my industrial piercing out to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healing time | 6 months to 1 year |
| Sleep position | On your back or side |
| Pillow type | Travel pillow or pillow with a hole in the middle |
| Jewellery type | Bioplast bar |
| Cleaning | Soak in sea salt |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial piercings can take 6-12 months to heal
Industrial piercings, which first rose to popularity in the early 1990s, involve two holes, usually at the top of the ear, connected by a single earring. This type of piercing can take anywhere from six to twelve months to fully heal. During this time, it is important to be patient and allow the piercing to heal completely before attempting to sleep on it.
While the healing process may vary, most people recommend waiting at least a month before sleeping on the side of the piercing. Even after the initial healing, it is advised to be cautious and avoid putting pressure on the ear. This means that sleeping on the back or the opposite side may be more comfortable and help prevent irritation.
To make sleeping with an industrial piercing more manageable, some people suggest using a travel pillow or a neck pillow with a hole in the middle. These pillows can help reduce the pressure on the piercing and provide a more comfortable sleeping position. Additionally, it is recommended to clean the piercing daily and be mindful of hair and skincare products to avoid irritation.
It is important to note that everyone's experience with industrial piercings may vary. Some people may find that their piercings heal faster or slower than the average time frame. Consulting a professional piercer is always a good idea to ensure proper aftercare and confirm that the piercing is fully healed before changing jewelry or sleeping directly on it.
Overall, industrial piercings require patience and proper aftercare during the healing process. By following the recommended tips and allowing sufficient time for healing, individuals can ensure the best outcome for their new body adornment.
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Avoid sleeping on the piercing until it's healed
Sleeping on a new piercing can slow down the healing process, cause soreness, and lead to infection. It is recommended that you wait for your piercing to fully heal before sleeping on it. The healing time for industrial piercings can range from six months to a year, but some people report being able to sleep on their piercings after a month.
To avoid sleeping on your piercing, you can try sleeping on your back or your opposite side. If you are a side sleeper, you can purchase a travel pillow or a neck pillow to avoid putting pressure on your ear. These pillows have holes in the middle that prevent your piercing from rubbing against the pillow and getting sore. Alternatively, you can change to a bioplast bar, which seems to help many people sleep with their industrial piercings.
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Use a travel pillow to avoid sleeping directly on it
If you've recently had an industrial piercing, you may be wondering how you're going to sleep comfortably without putting pressure on your ear. A travel pillow can be a great solution to this problem.
Travel pillows, also known as piercing pillows, are U-shaped pillows that are usually worn around the neck to provide head and neck stability when sleeping upright. When used in bed, they can be placed so that the hollow space is under your ear, preventing direct pressure on your piercing. This can help you avoid pain, skin irritation, and the risk of infection.
The Original P.W.A.H.® is a popular brand of travel pillow for those with piercings. It comes in a full size and a more compact, portable version. The Doughnut PWAH® is another option that is compact, portable, and effective at creating a hollow space for your piercing.
Some people also find success with other types of travel pillows, such as the neck pillows used on airplanes. These can be placed with the ear over the centre part to prevent the piercing from rubbing against the pillow and getting sore. You can even put one of these neck pillows inside a regular pillowcase for added comfort.
Using a travel pillow can be a simple and effective way to sleep comfortably with a new industrial piercing, allowing you to protect your ear and get a good night's rest.
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Clean the piercing daily with sea salt
Cleaning your piercing daily with sea salt is an effective way to stave off infections and keep your piercing clean. To prepare your sea salt solution, mix one cup of warm water with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. It is important to use warm water, as this will be soothing on your piercing. You can also add some zinc, potassium, or magnesium to the solution. Before you begin, make sure to wash your hands and the workspace to ensure everything that comes into contact with your piercing is clean.
There are two ways to apply the sea salt solution to your piercing. The first is to dip your piercing directly into the solution, ensuring it is entirely submerged. The second is to soak a clean piece of gauze or a paper towel in the solution and apply it to your piercing. It is important to note that you should not use cotton balls or swabs, as these can leave fibres in your piercing.
You should leave your piercing to soak for around five minutes. After soaking, you may wish to gently rinse your piercing to remove any salt residue. Then, simply let it air dry. This process will help to wash away any dirt or debris that could lead to infection, and the saltwater solution will help to keep your piercing clean as it heals.
As an alternative to a sea salt soak, you can use a saline spray. These are pre-mixed saltwater solutions in spray bottles that can be easily applied to your piercing.
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Downsize the piercing after the swelling has subsided
When you first get an industrial piercing, your piercer will use a longer post to allow room for swelling. This is necessary because without accounting for swelling, your jewellery can embed into your tissue. The timing for downsizing varies depending on the type of piercing, your body, and your lifestyle. You may begin to notice swelling from one day to one week after getting pierced. Around the four-to-six-week mark, you'll find that the swelling has subsided significantly, indicating that your piercing is ready for a shorter post. This timing can vary, so it's recommended to consult your piercer for personalised guidance.
The purpose of downsizing is to prevent any snags or potential trauma, especially when sleeping. Longer posts can create irritation, leading to friction bumps if left in too long. If you're prone to developing piercing bumps, you should have your piercing downsized approximately 30 days after piercing. Additionally, longer posts can snag on clothes and hair, causing discomfort and potential damage to your piercing, leading to piercing bumps and further swelling.
Downsizing should be done by your piercer to ensure cleanliness, minimise trauma to the piercing, and guarantee that any new jewellery is properly sterilised. They will swap out the longer post for a shorter one that fits your ear anatomy more properly. Since your piercing is still healing, you will want to return to your piercer to have the post swapped out to avoid complications. Some piercings or individuals might require multiple downsizes, while others might only need one.
It's important to note that not every piercing needs to be downsized or benefits from a shorter post during the healing process. Industrial piercings, in particular, take a considerably long time to heal fully, ranging from six to twelve months. During this time, it's crucial to avoid sleeping on your fresh piercing as much as possible, as putting pressure on it will prolong the healing process. To prevent this, you can use a travel pillow or a neck pillow with a hole in the middle, allowing you to sleep comfortably without putting pressure on your piercing.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to sleep on your industrial piercing until it is fully healed, which can take anywhere from six to twelve months.
To avoid putting pressure on your piercing, try sleeping on your back or your other side. You can also buy a travel pillow with a hole in the middle or change to a bioplast bar to avoid direct contact with your piercing.
A piercing is usually considered healed when there is no more bleeding, swelling, or pain. However, it is always best to consult a professional piercer to confirm that your piercing is fully healed.
Keep your piercing clean by soaking it in sea salt or cleaning it daily. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort.
