How to Sleep with New Ear Piercings
Getting a new piercing is exciting, and can be a great way to express yourself, but it also comes with some discomfort and extra care that needs to be taken. One of the biggest challenges after getting a new piercing is figuring out how to sleep with it. The pressure and friction of sleeping can cause pain, irritation, and even infection in the newly pierced area. To help you get a good night's sleep while your new ear piercing heals, we’ve compiled some do's and don'ts for sleeping with a new ear piercing.
Sleeping Comfortably with New Ear Piercings
Do: Try not to sleep on the same side of the piercing
This may seem like common sense, but it's worth reiterating. Sleeping on the same side as your new piercing can put pressure on the piercing, and cause discomfort or pain. It may be challenging to train yourself to sleep on the other side, but it's important to do so to help the piercing heal properly. If you find it difficult to stay on the opposite side, try propping pillows around you to keep you in place.
Don't: Sleep without cleaning your piercing
Before going to bed, it's crucial to clean your new piercing. Not only does this help prevent infection, but it also helps keep the piercing lubricated and comfortable when sleeping. To clean your piercing, the best solution to use a sterile saline solution. You can purchase saline solution specifically made for piercings at most drugstores, or you can make your own at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. To clean your new piercing, soak a clean cotton ball or piece of gauze in the saline solution, and gently clean around the piercing. Avoid twisting or turning the jewelry, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process. It's important to clean your piercing 2-3 times a day for the first few weeks, and then once a day until the piercing is fully healed. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive pain, you should seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
Do: Use a "U" shaped pillow
A "U" shaped travel pillow is a fantastic solution for sleeping with a new ear piercing. The design of the pillow allows your ears to stick out a little more than a regular pillow, which can help relieve some of the pressure on the piercing. Try sleeping with your neck in the middle of the "U" in order to sleep comfortably through the night.
Don't: Sleep with sharp earrings
Sharp earrings can cause discomfort, pain, and even damage to the piercing. If you find that sleeping with sharp earrings is causing issues, try switching them out for a pair of silicone plugs at night. This will prevent your new piercings from closing up, while also keeping your ears comfortable throughout the night.
Do: Give your piercing time to heal
It’s essential to give your piercing time to heal. Depending on the type of piercing, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully heal. During this time, it's crucial to avoid sleeping on the piercing, and to follow the cleaning instructions provided by your piercer or doctor. Patience is key when it comes to healing a new piercing, so be sure to take it slow, and give your body the time it needs to recover.
Don't: Touch your piercing
While it may be tempting to touch your new piercing, try to resist the urge. Touching your piercing can introduce bacteria and dirt into the piercing, which can lead to infection.
Do: Follow the aftercare instructions given by your piercer
The aftercare instructions given by your piercer are crucial to the healing process of your new ear piercings. Follow them diligently to avoid any complications and promote healing.
Don't: Use harsh cleaning products
While it's important to keep your piercing clean, avoid using harsh cleaning products like hydrogen peroxide or iodine. These products can be too harsh on your skin, and delay the healing process.
Do: Use a clean pillowcase
Make sure to change your pillowcase every few days, especially if you sleep on your side. This will help prevent any dirt, bacteria or sweat from getting into your piercing, and causing an infection.
Don't: Change your jewelry too soon
It's important to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewelry. Changing it too soon can irritate your piercing, and delay the healing process.
Do: Sleep in a comfortable position
If you're someone who moves around a lot in their sleep, it may be best to sleep on your back, or in a semi-upright position to avoid putting pressure on your new piercing. This will also help reduce any discomfort you may feel while sleeping.
Don't: Sleep with wet hair
Sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of infection, as bacteria thrive in moist environments. Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly before going to bed.
Do: Keep your hair away from your piercing
If you have long hair, make sure to tie it back, or wear a headband to keep it away from your piercing while you sleep. Hair can easily get tangled in the jewelry and cause irritation, which can lead to infection.
Don't: Expose your piercing to harsh chemicals
Avoid exposing your piercing to harsh chemicals like chlorine or saltwater, as they can irritate the piercing, and delay the healing process. If you do swim, make sure to clean your piercing thoroughly afterward.
Do: Use a travel pillow while traveling
If you're someone who travels a lot, it may be a good idea to invest in a travel pillow. These pillows are designed to support your neck and keep your head upright, which can help prevent any pressure on your new piercing.
Do: Wear loose clothing to bed
When sleeping, make sure to wear loose clothing to avoid rubbing against your new piercing. Tight clothing can cause irritation and even infection.
Don't: Sleep on your stomach
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it can put pressure on your ear, and cause discomfort. Try to sleep on your back or side instead.
Do: Apply a warm compress to your ear
If your ear feels sore or uncomfortable, apply a warm compress to the area. This can help relieve pain and promote healing.
Don't: Remove your jewelry too often
Avoid removing your jewelry too often, as it can cause damage to your piercing. Only remove your jewelry when necessary, and make sure to clean it thoroughly before putting it back in.
Do: Keep your piercing dry
Make sure to keep your piercing dry, especially after showering or swimming. Moisture can cause irritation and infection, so make sure to dry your ear thoroughly after getting it wet.
Don't: Use alcohol-based products on your piercing
Avoid using alcohol-based products on your piercing, as they can be too harsh and cause dryness and irritation. Stick to mild, fragrance-free products recommended by your piercer or doctor.
Do: Use a barrier cream
If your new piercing is located in an area that comes into contact with clothing or other surfaces, use a barrier cream to protect it. This can help prevent irritation and infection.
Getting a new ear piercing is exciting, but it's important to take proper care of it to ensure it heals properly. Sleeping with a new piercing can be uncomfortable, but by following these do's and don'ts, you can make the process a little easier. Remember to follow the aftercare instructions given by your piercer, keep your piercing clean, and avoid any unnecessary irritation. With the right care and attention, your new ear piercing will heal in no time, and you'll be able to enjoy your new look without any discomfort.
Also, nothing beats sleeping on a latex mattress for the most comfort for your whole body. Between your comfortable mattress and these helpful tips on sleeping with your new ear piercing, you’ll be on your way to your best night of sleep yet! Don't miss our 4th of July Mattress Sale going on now!
Link to Us!
If you found this article useful and shareable, please copy and paste the following into the html code of your website or blog:
Learn More About Going Green at the <a href="https://www.plushbeds.com/blogs/green-sleep/sleeping-with-a-new-ear-piercing-dealing-with-the-pain">PlushBeds Green Sleep Blog</a>.
*Please note that we DO NOT accept guest blog posts. Any inquiries into this will be respectfully left unanswered.
The post How to Sleep with New Ear Piercings appeared first on PlushBeds Green Sleep Blog.