Getting a new piercing is exciting, but sleeping with it can be tricky—especially in the early healing stages. The wrong sleeping position or pressure on your piercing can cause irritation, swelling, or even slow down healing. But don’t worry! With a few simple adjustments, you can rest easy while keeping your new piercing safe. Here’s everything you need to know about how to sleep with a new piercing comfortably and protect it during the healing process.
Best Sleeping Positions for Different Piercings
💤 Lobe & Helix Piercings
- Avoid sleeping on the pierced side to prevent unnecessary pressure.
- Use a travel pillow (donut-shaped) to keep your ear elevated and free from contact.
💤 Nose & Septum Piercings
- Sleeping on your back is the best option to avoid bumping your piercing while you move.
- If you tend to sleep on your stomach, consider using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
💤 Cartilage & Tragus Piercings
- These piercings take longer to heal and are more prone to irritation from pressure.
- Try propping up your head with extra pillows to prevent rolling onto the piercing.
💤 Belly Button Piercing
- Sleep on your back to avoid any unnecessary movement or clothing irritation.
- Avoid tight waistbands or belly-down sleeping positions.
How to Protect Your Piercing While Sleeping
✔️ Use a Travel Pillow
A donut-shaped travel pillow can be a game changer for ear piercings. Simply place your ear in the open space, and it will prevent direct pressure on the piercing.
✔️ Change Your Pillowcase Regularly
Bacteria from dirty pillowcases can lead to infections. Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and keep your piercing clean.
✔️ Tie Back Your Hair
If you have long hair, make sure to tie it back before sleeping to prevent it from getting tangled in your jewelry.
✔️ Stick to Hypoallergenic Jewelry
Jewelry made of 14K Gold, titanium, or surgical steel is less likely to cause irritation while you sleep. Avoid cheap metals that can cause reactions.
✔️ Try Sleeping on Your Back
If your usual sleeping position puts pressure on your piercing, train yourself to sleep on your back for the first few weeks to avoid complications.
What to Avoid While Sleeping with a New Piercing
❌ Don’t Sleep on the Pierced Side – This can cause irritation, swelling, or even misalignment of the jewelry.
❌ Avoid Cotton Pillowcases – They create too much friction, which can irritate the piercing. Opt for silk or satin instead.
❌ Don’t Twist or Move the Jewelry – Even if it feels uncomfortable, resist the urge to twist or adjust your piercing while in bed.
❌ Avoid Sleeping Without Cleaning the Piercing – Clean your piercing before bed to remove bacteria and sweat buildup.
Sleeping with a new piercing doesn’t have to be uncomfortable! By choosing the right sleeping position, using a travel pillow, and keeping your bedding clean, you can ensure a smooth healing process without unnecessary irritation.
💬 Have you struggled with sleeping after getting a piercing? What worked best for you? Let us know in the comments!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/uyuyan-kadin-yakin-cekim-fotografciligi-914910/
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