A new and unexpected wellness trend is sweeping much of Asia and the West: pacifiers for adults. Though they resemble those placed in babies’ mouths, these ones are larger, more expensive, and designed to relieve stress, promote improved sleep, and even quit smoking. Sales have surged in the last few weeks in China, South Korea, and the United States. Some of China’s online retailers indicate that they’re selling more than 2,000 units a month, the South China Morning Post reported on August 3. Prices on websites such as Taobao vary from roughly 10 yuan (US 1.80) to 500 yuan, depending on design and material.
Adult Pacifiers Trend In US, China And More
Consumers in Singapore, though, will not readily find them; native e-commerce websites like Mothercare SG and FairPrice only seem to offer baby pacifiers, usually priced at 10 dollars or higher.
Product enthusiasts have been quick to post their testimonials. Most online comments are positive about the construction and comfort, with some noting that the pacifiers assisted them in dealing with withdrawal symptoms from nicotine or offered a calming diversion in times of stress. TikTok users even posted videos testifying that the pacifiers alleviated anxiety, enhanced sleep, and even assisted in coping with ADHD-like restlessness and lack of focus.
But not everyone agrees. Dentists caution that long-term use of an adult pacifier, more than several hours a day, may lead to jaw stiffness, pain while chewing, and incremental tooth movement. Dr. Tang Caomin, a dental expert in Chengdu, also pointed out a choking hazard if pieces of the device break off while sleeping.
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Psychologists raised another issue: the emotional costs. Experts opined that the trend could indicate unresolved psychological demands. She went on further to describe that these items could provide comfort, with their stressors head-on instead of resorting to childlike mechanisms.
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