Stress is everywhere—and some people are finding comfort in an unexpected place: adult pacifiers.
In China, more and more adults are using pacifiers made for grown-ups to relax, sleep better, or even quit smoking. These aren’t baby toys. Adult pacifiers have larger nipples and shields, and some sell for as much as $70. One store says it sells over 2,000 every month.
Psychologists say the trend comes from something called regression. This is when a person under stress goes back to a habit or behavior from childhood that once made them feel safe. For some, that means holding onto a favorite stuffed animal. For others, it’s sucking on a pacifier.
Fans of adult pacifiers say they help with:
- Stress and anxiety relief during the day
- Quitting smoking by keeping the mouth busy
- Better sleep, especially for people with mild sleep apnea
But experts warn there are risks. Dentists in China say using a pacifier for more than three hours a day can cause your teeth to shift, lead to jaw pain, and make it harder to open your mouth. Over time, it could change your bite. And psychologists point out that while pacifiers may make you feel better in the moment, they don’t fix the real problems causing stress.
Now, the trend is spreading beyond China. On TikTok, American adults are posting videos of themselves using adult pacifiers at work, in traffic, or at bedtime.
Whether you think it’s silly, soothing, or strange, the adult pacifier trend shows how far people will go to find relief from everyday stress. Just remember: the best stress-relief habit is one that helps you feel better—without creating new problems for your health.
