Adult Pacifiers: China's Stress Relief Trend Sparks Health Concerns
In a bizarre trend that has gained significant attention, adult pacifiers have become a surprise hit among stressed-out adults in China, with monthly sales exceeding a thousand units. These silicone pacifiers, once exclusively for infants, are now being marketed on e-commerce platforms as "stress-relief and sleep-aid" tools, with prices ranging from 10 to 500 yuan. Some stores have even reported sales of over 2,000 units per month.
30 July 2025
However, oral health experts have sounded the alarm about the potential health risks associated with using adult pacifiers, despite their touted benefits for anxiety relief, smoking cessation, and sleep improvement. Psychological experts also warn that relying on such self-numbing mechanisms can be detrimental to true emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of confronting and solving real-life problems.
The phenomenon has sparked lively discussions on social media, with some netizens humorously remarking on the "infantilization" of adult survival, comparing it to needing caffeine during the day and pacifiers at night. Others have expressed concern about potential dental issues from prolonged use.
Some individuals have shared their personal experiences of using adult pacifiers for stress relief, likening it to a sense of security from infancy. However, others have expressed hesitation or abandonment of the idea after observing public use or considering the potential social implications.
Experts warn that the trend may be a reflection of the immense pressure contemporary adults face, prompting a call for more effective coping mechanisms beyond temporary solutions. On social media, users have expressed a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and concern, with some questioning the reality and prevalence of adult pacifier use.
One user commented, "I was just about to buy an adult pacifier, but then I saw someone drinking milk tea with it, and I quietly gave up..." Another user expressed empathy, linking the trend to the immense pressure faced by contemporary adults, saying, "Moderate relaxation and stress relief are fine, but long-term use is not. On the other hand, how much pressure do contemporary adults face...?"
While there is an acknowledgment of the trend, the social media sentiment leans towards a cautious and questioning perspective, with a strong emphasis on expert warnings about health implications and an underlying concern for the mental well-being of adults in modern society.
The high sales figures indicate a significant demand, possibly reflecting increased stress levels among adults, while expert warnings underscore the importance of professional guidance for genuine emotional well-being. As the trend continues to gain attention, it remains to be seen whether adult pacifiers will become a staple of modern adult life or a fleeting fad.
