Do adult pacifiers really help relieve stress and improve sleep?

A product once associated only with babies is finding unexpected popularity among adults.

What started as a weird trend in China is now helping adults worldwide to manage stress, improve sleep, and even curb smoking habits.

Marketed to reduce stress and improve sleep, oversized silicone and rubber pacifiers are now widely available on online marketplaces and attracting thousands of buyers.

E-commerce platforms such as Taobao and JD.com have seen a surge in listings for these silicone and rubber products, designed specifically for adult use. They are larger than standard pacifiers, with clear nipples and colourful shields, and sell for anywhere between 10 yuan (about $1.40) to 500 yuan (roughly $70).

Some retailers report selling more than 2,000 units a month.

Promotional materials claim these pacifiers help users relax, sleep better, manage anxiety, quit smoking, and even practice better breathing techniques. One buyer praised the comfort and softness, another credited it with easing cigarette cravings, while a third said it provided a sense of childhood security during stressful workdays.

The trend has also caught attention on social media, with Chinese platforms reportedly seeing tens of millions of views on related topics. Videos on TikTok and other apps show adults in countries like the US and South Korea using pacifiers in traffic, at work, or before bed for similar reasons, stress relief, better sleep, or comfort.

Mental health experts link the practice to “regression,” a coping mechanism where adults revert to behaviours from childhood to feel safe. Psychologist Zhang Mo in Chengdu explained that while the pacifier can bring temporary relief, it may keep people from addressing deeper emotional issues.

Medical professionals are raising alarms too. Dentist Tang Caomin warns that using pacifiers for extended periods, more than three hours daily, can shift teeth alignment, reduce jaw flexibility, and cause discomfort while eating.

He also flagged risks of choking if parts become loose, especially during sleep, and mentioned potential for oral infections and breathing difficulties.

Experts stress that while these pacifiers might offer quick comfort, they cannot replace long-term strategies for mental or physical health. Relying on them could mask underlying stress or anxiety, leading to bigger problems later.

The sight of adults using pacifiers has sparked debate. Some social media users dismiss it as odd or unnecessary, while others argue it’s a harmless way to cope in an increasingly stressful world.

Doctors and psychologists outside China echo the same concerns, pointing out that these products are at best a temporary fix. Structured approaches — such as therapy, exercise, or mindfulness — remain more effective for lasting stress relief.

The growing popularity of adult pacifiers, however, highlights one clear trend: societies facing high stress levels are increasingly looking for quick and easy ways to manage anxiety, even if it means turning to objects once reserved for infants.