The World's #1 Pillow for Sleeping with Ear Piercings - The Original PWAH® (2024)

What is an ear piercing pillow?

An ear piercing pillow is a specially designed pillow which provides comfort and support for individuals who have recently had ear piercings, especially those with daith and industrial piercings. Ear pillows are designed to minimise pressure and contact with the newly pierced area, reducing the risk of irritation, discomfort, and complications during the healing process.

The primary purpose of an ear piercing pillow is to prevent unnecessary pressure, friction, and movement on the freshly pierced ear, especially during sleep. This can help reduce the risk of pain, swelling, and complications while promoting a more comfortable healing experience. However, it’s essential to follow all aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and consult with them or a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or issues during the healing process.

How long does an ear piercing take to heal?

The healing time for an ear piercing can vary depending on several factors, including the type of piercing (e.g., earlobe, cartilage), your age and individual healing process, and how well you take care of the piercing.

Here are some general guidelines for healing times for common ear piercings:

1. Earlobe Piercings:

1. • Standard earlobe piercings typically take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal fully.
   • You should be able to change earrings after this period without causing irritation or complications.

1. Cartilage Piercings:

1. • Cartilage piercings (e.g., helix, tragus, conch) often take longer to heal compared to earlobe piercings.
   • On average, cartilage piercings can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to fully heal.
   • It’s important to be patient and follow strict aftercare routines for cartilage piercings to prevent complications.

During the healing process, it’s essential to follow these general aftercare guidelines:

1. Use an ear piercing pillow 😊
2. Cleanliness: Clean the piercing site daily with a saline solution (a mixture of salt and warm water) to keep it free from bacteria and debris.
3. Avoid touching: This is difficult to do, but avoid touching the piercing, and refrain from twisting or turning the jewellery. If you can’t avoid touching, keep your hands sanitised!
4. Avoid swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water during the initial healing period to prevent exposure to bacteria.
5. Choose hypoallergenic jewellery: Use jewellery made from materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as surgical steel, titanium, or gold.
6. Avoid changing jewellery too soon: Wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the earrings to avoid irritation or complications.

Remember that everyone’s body heals at a different rate, so your personal healing time may vary. It’s crucial to be patient and not rush the healing process, as prematurely changing jewellery or neglecting aftercare can lead to complications and prolong the healing time. If you have any concerns or notice signs of infection or other complications during the healing process, consult with your piercer or a healthcare professional for guidance and appropriate care.

What are the risk factors when having an ear piercing?

Getting an ear piercing is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and reputable piercer who follows proper hygiene and safety protocols. However, like any body modification procedure, there are some potential risks and complications associated with ear piercings. These risks can vary depending on the type of piercing (e.g., earlobe, cartilage) and how well you care for the piercing during the healing process.

Here are some common risk factors and complications associated with ear piercings:

1. Infection: Infection is one of the most common risks associated with ear piercings. Bacteria can enter the piercing site, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Proper aftercare, including cleaning the piercing with saline solution and avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands, can help reduce the risk of infection.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the materials used in the earrings, such as nickel or other metals. This can lead to itching, redness, and swelling at the piercing site. Choosing hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold can help prevent allergic reactions.
3. Keloids and hypertrophic scarring: Some individuals are prone to developing raised or thickened scars (keloids or hypertrophic scars) at the site of the piercing. This is more common in cartilage piercings and can be difficult to treat.
4. Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common during the piercing process, but excessive or prolonged bleeding may indicate a problem. It’s important to apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding and seek professional advice if it persists.
5. Pain and discomfort: Ear piercings can be painful during and after the procedure. Pain and discomfort are typically temporary and should subside as the piercing heals.
6. Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising can occur, especially with cartilage piercings. Applying cold compresses and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed can help alleviate these symptoms.
7. Migration and rejection: In some cases, the body may perceive the piercing as a foreign object and attempt to push it out (rejection) or cause the piercing to move (migration). This can result in the jewelry becoming displaced or falling out.
8. Nerve damage: In rare cases, the piercing needle or jewelry may damage a nerve in the ear, leading to temporary or even permanent numbness or altered sensation in the area.

To minimize the risks associated with ear piercings, it’s crucial to choose a professional and reputable piercing studio, follow the aftercare instructions provided by the piercer, and practice good hygiene throughout the healing process. If you experience any signs of infection or other complications, consult with a healthcare professional or your piercer promptly to seek appropriate treatment.