The Oura Ring has taken the world by storm as one of the most innovative health and fitness trackers available. It’s compact, sleek, and packed with powerful sensors that track sleep, activity, heart rate variability, and body temperature. As one of the most discreet wearables on the market, the Oura Ring allows users to seamlessly monitor their health without the bulkiness of traditional smartwatches or fitness trackers.
However, like any wearable device, the Oura Ring’s durability is a common concern. One question that often arises is: “Can the Oura Ring get wet?” Whether it’s washing your hands, showering, or dealing with rain, users want to know if the Oura Ring can withstand moisture without affecting its performance.
In this blog post, we will answer this question in detail. We’ll explore the Oura Ring’s water resistance capabilities, the factors that affect its durability in wet conditions, and how to take care of your ring to ensure it stays in top condition.
What is the Oura Ring?
Before addressing the question of water exposure, let’s first understand what the Oura Ring is and what it does. The Oura Ring is a wearable health tracker designed to monitor various aspects of your physical and mental well-being. Unlike bulky smartwatches or fitness bands, the Oura Ring is designed to fit snugly on your finger, providing a discreet and stylish option for tracking health data.
Key features of the Oura Ring include:
- Sleep tracking: The Oura Ring tracks different stages of sleep (light, deep, and REM) and provides insights to help improve sleep quality.
- Activity tracking: It measures your daily steps, movement, and the calories you burn.
- Heart rate variability (HRV): The Oura Ring tracks your HRV, providing valuable insights into stress, recovery, and overall well-being.
- Body temperature: It tracks slight deviations in your body temperature, helping detect early signs of illness or stress.
The Oura Ring is equipped with advanced sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, infrared light sensors, and temperature sensors, to capture all of this data. Given its small and sleek design, users often wonder how the Oura Ring holds up to exposure to water, especially since it’s worn all day and night.
Can the Oura Ring Get Wet?
Yes, the Oura Ring is water-resistant, but it is important to understand that it is not waterproof. The Oura Ring can handle some exposure to water, but prolonged exposure or submersion can damage the device. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of water resistance and how it applies to the Oura Ring.
1. Oura Ring’s Water Resistance Rating
The Oura Ring comes with an IP68 water resistance rating. The “IP” stands for Ingress Protection, which is a measure of how well a device is protected from dust and water. The “6” means that the Oura Ring is dust-tight, meaning no dust can enter the device. The “8” rating means that the ring is protected against submersion in water up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) for up to 30 minutes.
This means that the Oura Ring is safe to wear in everyday situations like washing your hands, getting caught in the rain, or even swimming for short durations. However, it is important to understand the limitations of this water resistance rating and avoid exposing the ring to extreme conditions.
2. What Does IP68 Rating Mean for Water Exposure?
The IP68 rating ensures that the Oura Ring is highly resistant to water, but not entirely immune to damage. While the Oura Ring can withstand brief exposure to water, it is not designed for prolonged submersion. For example:
- Washing your hands: It is perfectly safe to wear the Oura Ring while washing your hands. The device can withstand the exposure to water from normal handwashing without issue.
- Getting caught in the rain: The Oura Ring can handle water from light rain or drizzle, so there’s no need to worry if you accidentally get wet during a light shower.
- Showering: While the Oura Ring can withstand water exposure, it’s not recommended to wear it in the shower for extended periods. Hot water, steam, and soap can potentially degrade the materials or leave residue on the device.
- Swimming: The Oura Ring can handle some water exposure, but it is not recommended for swimming, particularly in saltwater or chlorinated water. Prolonged submersion or exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the sensors and affect the device’s functionality.
Why the Oura Ring is Not Fully Waterproof
Although the Oura Ring is highly water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof for a few key reasons:
1. Material Limitations
The Oura Ring is made from titanium (or ceramic, depending on the model), both of which are strong and durable materials. While these materials can withstand normal water exposure, they are not fully impervious to prolonged immersion in water, especially if exposed to hot water, high-pressure water, or chemicals like chlorine and salt.
2. Sensors and Electronics
The internal components of the Oura Ring, including its sensors and circuit board, are sensitive to prolonged water exposure. While the ring’s waterproof seals protect it from everyday splashes and brief submersion, constant or excessive exposure could eventually lead to malfunction or corrosion of the internal components.
3. Temperature Sensitivity
Water temperature also plays a role in the Oura Ring’s water resistance. Hot water can affect the adhesives and seals used to protect the device’s sensors. It’s best to avoid wearing the Oura Ring in hot tubs, saunas, or exposing it to extreme temperature changes that could damage its components.
How to Care for Your Oura Ring in Wet Conditions
To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your Oura Ring, here are a few care tips when it comes to water exposure:
1. Rinse After Water Exposure
If you wear your Oura Ring while washing your hands or if it gets wet in the rain, it’s a good idea to rinse it with fresh water afterward. This helps remove any soap, lotion, or residue that may accumulate on the device. Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel to dry the ring thoroughly.
2. Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure
While the Oura Ring can handle brief exposure to water, it’s important to avoid wearing it for extended periods in water. For example, don’t wear it in the shower or while swimming. Prolonged submersion, especially in saltwater or chlorinated pools, can affect the ring’s performance and wear down its seals.
3. Dry the Ring Properly
After any water exposure, make sure to dry your Oura Ring thoroughly. Leaving it damp for long periods could cause the internal components to degrade over time. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dry the ring.
4. Store Your Ring in a Dry Place
When not in use, store your Oura Ring in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, or exposing it to extreme temperature fluctuations. Storing the ring in a protective case can help prevent damage from accidental moisture exposure.
What to Do if Your Oura Ring Gets Wet for Too Long
If your Oura Ring is exposed to water for an extended period, or if you accidentally wear it in the shower or pool, here are steps you can take:
- Dry It Immediately: Remove the ring from water exposure as soon as possible and gently dry it with a soft cloth.
- Check for Malfunctions: If the ring appears to be malfunctioning after being exposed to water, such as not syncing properly or not charging, try resetting the device. If issues persist, contact Oura customer support for assistance.
- Allow It to Air Dry: If the ring was submerged for an extended period, place it in a dry area and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid using any heat sources like hairdryers, as extreme heat can damage the device.
- Contact Oura Support: If your ring continues to experience issues after being exposed to water, contact Oura support for advice. They may be able to offer a replacement if the ring is still under warranty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Oura Ring is water-resistant, meaning it can handle brief exposure to water such as washing your hands or getting caught in the rain. However, it is not waterproof, and it’s essential to avoid prolonged exposure to water, especially in hot or chemically-treated environments like showers, pools, or hot tubs.
By taking care of your Oura Ring, rinsing it after exposure to water, and avoiding extended submersion, you can ensure that it continues to function properly for years to come. The Oura Ring is a powerful tool for tracking your health, but treating it with care when it comes to water exposure will help maintain its performance and durability.
Meta Description: Wondering if the Oura Ring can get wet? Learn about the Oura Ring’s water resistance, how to care for it in wet conditions, and the best practices for maintaining your device in top condition.