Adult-sized pacifiers marketed as stress relievers and sleep aids are gaining traction in China, with some online shops reportedly selling over 2,000 units a month. Priced between 10 and 500 yuan (US$1.40–$70), these larger versions of baby soothers are said to help users quit smoking, ease anxiety, and even encourage better breathing.
Customers have praised the pacifiers for providing a sense of psychological comfort, particularly during work stress or smoking cessation. “It gives me a sense of safety from childhood,” said one user, while another claimed it helped them quit smoking without feeling fidgety.
However, medical experts are raising alarms. Dentist Tang Caomin from Chengdu warns that prolonged use—more than three hours daily—can lead to misaligned teeth, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. There’s also a risk of choking on parts of the device during sleep.
Psychologist Zhang Mo suggests the trend may reflect deeper emotional needs, cautioning that the solution lies not in regression to childhood comforts but in addressing underlying issues directly.
The topic has exploded on Chinese social media, racking up 60 million views and prompting mixed reactions—ranging from amusement to criticism. One user wrote, “This world has become so mad that adults are using pacifiers,” while another sarcastically called it a “stupid tax.”
