Ashwin Lewis
Getting a good night's sleep with a new cartilage piercing can be a challenge. It is important to let the piercing heal before sleeping on it, which can take anywhere from six to nine months, and sometimes up to a year. Even after it has healed, sleeping on a cartilage piercing can still cause discomfort and soreness. To avoid this, some people use a piercing pillow, which has a divot or hole to reduce pressure on the ear, or sleep on their back to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to heal | 6-9 months, some may take up to a year |
| Sleeping on a healed cartilage piercing | Safe, but may be uncomfortable |
| Tips for sleeping with a healed cartilage piercing | Sleep on your back or side, wear loose clothing, use a travel/donut pillow, clean the piercing and the bedroom |
| Tips for sleeping with a healing cartilage piercing | Use a hair clip, sleep on the opposite side of the piercing, use a travel/donut pillow, clean the piercing and the bedroom |
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What You'll Learn
- Cartilage piercings can take months to heal, so it's best not to sleep on them during this time
- To prevent infection and irritation, clean your piercing before bed
- Choose smooth, breathable fabrics for your pillowcase, like silk or satin
- Adjust your sleeping position to avoid putting pressure on your piercing
- Consult a professional piercer for advice and confirmation that your piercing is fully healed
Cartilage piercings can take months to heal, so it's best not to sleep on them during this time
Cartilage piercings are popular, but they take a long time to heal—usually between six to nine months, and sometimes up to a year or more. As such, it's best to avoid sleeping on them while they're healing.
One of the biggest concerns about sleeping with a cartilage piercing is the fear of putting pressure on the piercing, causing pain or disrupting the healing process. This is a valid concern, as cartilage piercings involve penetrating tougher tissue, which takes longer to heal and is more prone to complications. Sleeping on a healing cartilage piercing can cause soreness and irritation, and even disrupt the healing process.
To avoid putting pressure on your new cartilage piercing while you sleep, try sleeping on the opposite side. This will allow the pierced ear to remain untouched and free from pressure. If you find it difficult to sleep exclusively on one side, try using a travel pillow, a donut pillow, or a neck pillow. These can help reduce pressure on the piercing and provide support for your neck and head.
In addition to sleeping on the opposite side, there are a few other things you can do to ensure a comfortable sleep environment and maintain a healthy piercing while you sleep. First, make sure to clean your piercing before bed to remove any bacteria or debris that may have accumulated during the day. This will help reduce the risk of infection and irritation. Choose smooth, breathable fabrics like silk or satin for your pillowcases and bedding, as they are less likely to catch on your jewellery or irritate the piercing site. Keep your bedroom clean and slightly cooler than usual to help reduce swelling and promote better sleep.
Once your piercing is fully healed, you can sleep on it without any issues. However, make sure to downsize to a shorter post to ensure your piercing stays comfortable and doesn't get snagged while you sleep.
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To prevent infection and irritation, clean your piercing before bed
It's important to keep your cartilage piercing clean to prevent infection and irritation. This is especially important before bed, as you'll be exposing your piercing to your pillow and bedding for an extended period.
Firstly, always wash your hands with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercing. This is crucial, as unwashed hands can transfer bacteria or other pathogens to the piercing, increasing the risk of infection.
Next, you'll want to clean the piercing itself. You can do this by preparing a saltwater solution—dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in a small cup of warm water—and then soaking the piercing in it for 2 to 3 minutes. After soaking, gently dab the area with a piece of gauze or a Q-tip to wipe away any built-up discharge or crust that may have formed. Finally, pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or tissue. Avoid using cloth materials, such as towels or washcloths, as they may carry germs or catch on the jewelry.
It's important to use a sterile saline solution or a fragrance-free antimicrobial soap to clean your piercing once or twice a day. Avoid using irritating cleansers such as alcohol or peroxide, and be sure to rinse any soap away from the piercing. Additionally, be careful not to twist or play with the jewelry, as this can also increase the risk of infection.
In addition to keeping your piercing clean, there are a few other things you can do to prevent infection and irritation. Make sure your bedding, especially your pillowcases, are clean. Launder your bedding at least once a week to prevent a buildup of bacteria. Also, try to sleep on your back or side to avoid putting pressure on the piercing, and wear loose, comfortable clothing to prevent any accidental snags.
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Choose smooth, breathable fabrics for your pillowcase, like silk or satin
Sleeping with a new cartilage piercing can be uncomfortable and painful. It is recommended to wait for at least six to nine months, and in some cases, up to a year, for the piercing to fully heal before sleeping on it. Even after healing, you may still experience some soreness and discomfort if you sleep on it.
To ensure a good night's sleep, it is important to create a comfortable environment, and this includes choosing the right pillowcase. Smooth and breathable fabrics like silk or satin are excellent choices for pillowcases. Silk is a natural fabric that provides a luxurious feel. It is gentle on the skin and hair, reducing friction and helping to prevent hair breakage and skin wrinkles. Silk is also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. However, silk pillowcases can be quite expensive and require special care to maintain their softness and sheen.
Satin is a synthetic alternative to silk, offering a similar smooth and silky texture at a more affordable price. Satin pillowcases are durable, easy to maintain, and hypoallergenic. They are available in a range of colors, making them a popular choice for many. However, one potential downside of satin is that it can become clammy for some people, which may result in discomfort while sleeping.
Cotton is another popular choice for pillowcases due to its softness, breathability, and ease of care. It is hypoallergenic and comes in different thread counts, with higher thread counts offering increased softness and durability. Organic cotton is an eco-friendly option. However, cotton tends to wrinkle and shrink with washing, requiring regular maintenance to keep it cool and smooth.
Ultimately, the choice of pillowcase fabric depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you are a hot sleeper, breathable fabrics like silk, satin, or cotton may be best. If you have sensitive skin, silk, satin, or microfiber could be good options due to their gentle and hypoallergenic properties. For those seeking an eco-friendly choice, organic cotton and bamboo pillowcases are worth considering.
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Adjust your sleeping position to avoid putting pressure on your piercing
Adjusting your sleeping position is crucial to alleviate pressure on your cartilage piercing. While cartilage piercings are known to be particularly painful and have a long healing time, you can still sleep comfortably by adopting specific positions and using appropriate pillows.
One recommended sleeping position is to sleep on your back. This way, you can avoid putting pressure on your ears and reduce the risk of irritating your cartilage piercing. Alternatively, you can sleep on your side, but it's important to be mindful of how you position your head and arms. Try to create a gap for your ear by holding your arm in a V shape, ensuring your ear stays free from pressure. This technique is especially useful if you have multiple piercings on both ears, as it helps distribute weight evenly and prevents discomfort.
To enhance your comfort, consider investing in a piercing pillow or a pillow with ear nooks or indentations. These pillows are designed with divots or holes to accommodate your ears, alleviating pressure and friction on your piercings. Even after your piercing has healed, you may find continued comfort in using these pillows, as they prevent ear pain and provide support for your ears and spine.
It's worth noting that cartilage piercings can take a considerable amount of time to heal completely. It may take up to a year or more for the piercing to stop hurting when pressure is applied. During the initial healing phase, which can last for a few weeks, you might experience significant discomfort when sleeping. Be patient and give your piercing ample time to heal before attempting to sleep directly on it.
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Consult a professional piercer for advice and confirmation that your piercing is fully healed
It is important to consult a professional piercer to confirm that your cartilage piercing is fully healed before you attempt to sleep on it. While most piercings heal within six to nine months, some can take up to a year or even longer, depending on your body's natural healing process.
A trained professional piercer will be able to assess the state of your cartilage piercing and provide advice on when it is safe to sleep on it. They will also guide you on how to properly care for your piercing to ensure it heals neatly and without complications. This includes advice on cleaning routines and instructions to prevent infection.
By seeking the advice of a professional piercer, you can be confident that your piercing is fully healed and that you are taking the necessary steps to maintain its health and comfort. They can advise on the right type of jewellery to wear, such as a comfortable backing like a labret post or one with a ball backing, which can make sleeping with a cartilage piercing less painful.
Additionally, a professional piercer can provide guidance on the proper length of the post for your cartilage piercing. Initially, a longer post is used to accommodate swelling, but once the swelling subsides, it is important to downsize to a shorter post. This ensures that your piercing remains comfortable and secure while you sleep, reducing the risk of snagging or putting pressure on the piercing.
Remember, each person's healing process is unique, so it is always best to consult a professional piercer for personalised advice and confirmation that your cartilage piercing is fully healed before sleeping on it.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to sleep on fresh cartilage piercings as it can cause pain and soreness. It usually takes around six to nine months for cartilage piercings to heal, and even after healing, sleeping on them can cause discomfort and irritation bumps.
If your piercing is fully healed, you can sleep with a cartilage piercing. To ensure your piercing stays healthy and comfortable, make sure to follow these steps:
- Sleep on your back or side to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to prevent snagging.
- Keep your piercing clean by washing it with mild soap and warm water before bed.
- Use a piercing pillow with a divot or hole in the centre to relieve pressure and prevent pain.
The healing time for cartilage piercings varies, but it usually takes around six to nine months for most piercings to heal fully. Some may take up to a year or longer. It is important to consult a professional piercer to confirm that your piercing is fully healed before sleeping on it.
