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When Can I Sleep on My Lobe Piercing?

If you’re looking to get your lobe pierced, or have just gotten it done, you may be wondering when can you sleep on your shiny lobe piercing?

Lobe piercings are one of the most popular types of piercings, and for good reason! They are relatively low-pain (compared to other areas), quick to heal – not every time.

I also got my lobes pierced a few years back and I had issues because I kept rolling onto my side during sleep for months.

OK, TBH it took 5 months for me to heal…

Sleeping with new piercings can be tough, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.

Is it ok to sleep on newly pierced ears?

Yes, it is ok to sleep on a new piercing, although it is important to take certain precautions. Sleep can be quite uncomfortable right after you get your piercing, and sleeping on newly pierced ears can cause the bar to migrate or change the angles of your earrings. To help with this

it is better to use a travel pillow when catching Zzz
always leave the hypoallergenic earrings on while sleeping, as taking them out can cause the hole to close up which lead to infections or allergies.
tie your hair up or wear a microfiber towel to prevent it from getting caught up in the piercing,
clean your piercing daily before going to bed.
change your bedding frequently after a new piercing to keep the environment clean and bacteria-free.

How soon can you sleep with a new piercing on your lobe?

Having a new piercing on the lobe can be an exciting and fun experience, but it is important to know how long one can sleep with it. Generally, a lobe piercing can be taken out to sleep after four months or when it has healed completely. However, it is best to wait a bit longer to make sure that the piercing is well healed before taking it out. Taking it out too soon can make it difficult to reinsert.

Proper care for the new piercing is essential for a safe and quick healing process.
Make sure to buy quality earrings that do not tarnish easily or cause skin irritation.
Clean the piercing daily with a saline solution, and avoid sleeping on it directly.
Before sleeping, make sure to tighten the stopper to prevent the earring from coming off.

Can i sleep on my side after earlobe piercing?

It is not recommended to sleep on the side of the piercing until the healing process is complete, as it can lead to discomfort and pain, and more importantly, it can cause the piercing hole to tear and the piercing to fall through. To avoid this, you should use a travel pillow, practice sleeping on the opposite side before getting pierced, and use small hoops or ring earrings rather than studs.

With proper care and caution, you should be able to sleep on your side after the piercing has healed.

How to sleep with new piercings on both ears?

Sleeping with new ear piercings on both ears doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tips and tricks, you can ensure that your piercings heal properly and that you can get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t sleep on your side. Doing so would put pressure on the piercings and cause discomfort or pain (just like when you sleep with your Airpods in). Sleep on your back instead.
If you find it difficult to stleep on your back, try propping pillows around you to keep you in place.
Use a “U” shaped pillow. These travel pillows are designed to provide extra support for your head and neck and help keep you from rolling over onto your piercings.
Clean your new piercings before bed. Make sure to tighten the stopper on your earrings so they don’t come off while you sleep. Also, use small hoops or ring earrings instead of studs, as they may be more comfortable.

My example:

To ensure that my new ear piercings heal properly (and that I can get a good night’s sleep) I’ve followed these steps:

Before going to bed, I cleaned my earrings with a sterile saline solution.
I used a “U” shaped pillow to provide support for my head and neck, and to prevent me from rolling over from my back onto my piercing.
I also used a pillow protector
I used a piercing care product

Tips for sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe

1. Wear a support for your lobe while sleeping

Sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe can be tricky, but it can be done with the right support.

Sleep on your back. This is the best way to avoid infection and ensure that your piercing doesn’t get caught on anything.
Use a pillow protector. Pillow protectors are made out of cool and hypoallergenic materials that will cool down the area around your piercing wound until it heals up.
Use a neck pillow while sleeping. This will not only provide extra support, but it will also help keep your piercing elevated.

2. Sleep on a cotton pillowcase

Cotton is a breathable and hypoallergenic material which helps to keep the area around your piercing cool and clean. It prevents moisture buildup, and the pillowcase helps to cushion the piercing, reducing any discomfort or pressure.

In general, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can help make the healing process more comfortable and successful – especially if you sleep with your clip in hair extension.

3. Use a salt water solution to cleanse the piercing

To use a salt water solution to cleanse your new piercing, you will need to mix one teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of boiled or distilled water. Make sure to let the solution cool before use.

Once the solution is ready, soak a cotton pad or swab with the saline solution, and gently wipe the front and back of the pierced area. Let the area air dry for a few minutes and then pat it dry using a clean paper towel.

Repeat this routine 2-3 times a day for a month after getting your piercing. It is important to not rotate or twist your jewelry and to always wash your hands with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercing.

4. Apply ointment to the piercing

To apply ointment to a new piercing on your lobe, you will need to follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Use a cotton swab or pad to apply the ointment on the area surrounding the piercing.
Gently pat the ointment into the skin, making sure not to put too much pressure on the ear.
Allow the ointment to set for a few minutes before wiping off any excess.
Clean the piercing with a sterile saline solution twice a day with a cotton pad or swab.
Pat it dry with a clean towel afterwards.
Use a piercing care product to keep the piercing clean and disinfected.

5. Wear a jewelry piece that is comfortable

For a new piercing, the best option is to use a hypoallergenic material such as stainless steel, sterling silver, or 18 karat gold. Additionally, it is best to use a small earring such as a stud or a horseshoe.

If your ear is swollen and the golden or steel plugs feel too firm, you can also use silicone plugs. Some examples of earrings suitable for sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe are a small hoop, a stud, a tiny gemstone, or a tiny charm (Sleeping with large hoops is problematic). Read more about when can you sleep without earrings.

6. Change the pillowcase frequently

To prevent skin irritation from a new piercing on the lobe, it is important to change pillowcases often. Here are some step-by-step instructions for doing so:

Purchase several pillow protectors that are made out of cool and hypoallergenic materials.
Change them every few days, or when necessary.
Place a soft piece of cloth made out of cotton, silk, sateen, or some other material under your head or the pillow sham.
Consider purchasing a pillow with a hole, a travel pillow, or investing in a waterproof and hypoallergenic pillow protector.
Research sleeping positions that are best for healing a new piercing.

7. Take advantage of a good sleep hygiene

Taking advantage of a good sleep hygiene can help a lot. Our circadian rhythm controls our sleep time and we should support it especially when we need fast healing.

This routine can include things like avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, especially late in the day, establishing a bedtime routine that includes relaxing deep pressure activities like reading or listening to calming music, and setting a regular sleep and wake schedule.

Avoid too long napping as it may decrease your sleep time at night.

A comfortable sleeping environment can contribute to falling asleep quicker, such as avoiding bright lights, turning off electronics, and opting for a supportive mattress or pillow that can reduce pressure on the piercing.

How to avoid sleeping on ear piercing?

Here are some steps and tips to help you sleep comfortably without putting too much pressure on your piercing:

Sleep on your back if possible. If you must sleep on your side, use a pillow to elevate your pierced ear off the pillow.
Use small hoop earrings or ring earrings instead of studs. This can help make sleeping more comfortable since the earrings won’t be pressing into your skin.
Avoid sleeping with headphones or any headgear that can put pressure on your ears.
Consider using a neck pillow while sleeping. It can help keep your piercing in place and prevent any uncomfortable movement.

What to consider when sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe

1. Healing Time

When getting a new lobe piercing, it’s important to sleep with your earrings on for at least the first few months of the healing period. The standard lobe piercing generally ranks at a relatively low pain level on the pain scale and should take around 4-6 months to fully heal.

During this time, it’s likely your piercing will go through various stages of discharge, swelling, redness, flaking, and soreness, which will eventually dissipate. When these symptoms disappear, your piercing has fully healed. After this, you can switch over to hoop or fashion jewelry if desired.

2. Soft Pillow

A soft pillow is a type of pillow that is designed to provide maximum comfort to a person’s head and neck. It is important to consider when sleeping with a new piercing on the lobe because it can help reduce swelling and provide support to the area. Soft pillows are made from materials such as cotton, silk, sateen, or memory foam, which are all gentle on sensitive skin and provide a cushion for the area.

Using a U-shaped travel pillow or a donut pillow will keep the piercing away from the pillow and reduce the amount of contact with the pillow. It is useful if you have piercing on both sides.

3. Pillow Protector

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use a pillow, you can also place a pillow protector or a soft piece of cloth underneath your head and the pillow sham to add extra protection. This helps to keep the area cool and prevents the pillow from irritating the fresh wound.

4. Use a travel pillow when sleeping with a new lobe piercing

When it comes to sleeping with a new lobe piercing, the best thing to do is to use a U-shaped travel pillow or a handmade piercing pillow shaped like a donut. These both provide a good support for the ear while preventing the swelling from getting worse.

They provide a comfortable fit, and their U-shape allows your hair to fall neutrally on the pillow while the ear is exposed to the hole in the middle.

5. Sleep Position

When it comes to sleeping with new piercings on your lobe, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, sleeping on your back is the best way to avoid infection, especially if you have both ears pierced. This is because any slight movements can put pressure on your piercings, making it difficult to sleep properly.

It’s important to avoid touching or moving the piercing as much as possible before bed.

6. Types of Jewelry Pieces

When sleeping with a new piercing on your lobe, certain types of jewelry pieces are more suitable than others. Earrings, studs, and hoop earrings are ideal options – they are small, lightweight and comfortable to wear as you sleep.

Earrings are the most common type of jewelry to wear during healing of a new piercing on your lobe, as they will not irritate the healing wound.
Studs are similar to earrings, but are flat and less noticeable,
Hoop earrings provide a bit more support and stability.
Some people prefer to use silk or other soft fabric-covered jewelry, as they are more gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation while sleeping.

7. Earring material matters

It is important to keep in mind that different materials can affect the healing process – silver, gold and silicone earrings are best for healing piercings.

8. Bedding

Choosing the right bedding when sleeping with a new piercing on the lobe is an important factor to consider. This is because the pillow and sheets can rub against the jewelry, causing pain and irritation. To ensure that you get a comfortable and restful sleep, look for bedding that is hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable.

Cotton and bamboo are ideal materials because they are lightweight, breathable, and keep moisture away from the skin. Look for bedding with a cool and silky feel to it, as this will help reduce any discomfort and itchiness.

Make sure to wash your bedding regularly to prevent any possible infections due to bacteria. When shopping for bedding, consider speciality sleep aids such as anti-allergy pillows and mattress protectors to ensure your new piercing doesn’t experience any discomfort.

FAQ

How long does it take for a lobe piercing to heal?

It typically takes 4-6 months for a lobe piercing to heal. You’ll know your ear is healed once any discharge, swelling, redness, flaking, or soreness stops. It is recommended to wait 2-3 months before downsizing your jewelry, and 4-6+ months for a full healing.

For contrast, cartilage ear piercings are more prone to infection due to the longer healing process and side effects such as irritation, infection, and swelling. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and drainage.

What are the risks of sleeping with a new lobe piercing?

Sleeping with a new lobe piercing can be risky, as the pressure and friction of sleeping can cause pain, irritation, and even infection in the newly pierced area. The skin is now soft which means you can easily spread the piercing hole by moving your earring. As a result, the risks of sleeping with a new lobe piercing can include:

inflammation,
infection,
pain,
irritation,
skin tearing,
spread of the piercing hole.

It’s best to practice sleeping in the opposite position for a few days before getting your piercing, and to use a travel pillow to protect the area if you still feel the need to sleep on the affected side.

How do I know if my lobe piercing has healed properly?

Knowing when your lobe piercing has healed properly is important in order to make sure it stays healthy. Here are some simple tips to help you determine if your lobe piercing has healed properly. Look for signs of healing such as

the absence of redness, swelling,
no tenderness around the piercing site
the piercing should move freely in the lobe without any tugging or pulling

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lezt

Lez Taylor, Founder and CEO of Corala Blanket.
She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.

When Can I Sleep on My Lobe Piercing? – Ear Piercings on Both Ears?