Can You Shower With an Oura Ring Without Damaging It?

AvatarByColleen Barnes Shower Routine & Lifestyle

In today’s world of wearable technology, the Oura Ring stands out as a sleek, innovative device designed to track your health and wellness around the clock. As a piece of technology that you wear continuously, many users naturally wonder about its durability and how it fits into their daily routines. One common question that often arises is: can you shower with the Oura Ring without compromising its functionality or lifespan?

Understanding how the Oura Ring handles exposure to water is essential for anyone who wants to maintain accurate health tracking without interruption. Since the ring is worn on the finger, it’s exposed to various elements throughout the day, including moisture from handwashing, rain, and showers. Knowing whether the device can withstand these conditions helps users make informed decisions about when to wear or remove it.

This article will explore the water resistance capabilities of the Oura Ring, addressing common concerns and providing guidance on how to care for your device during everyday activities like showering. Whether you’re a new user or considering purchasing the ring, this overview will prepare you to integrate it seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Water Resistance and Durability of the Oura Ring

The Oura Ring is designed with a high level of water resistance, allowing users to wear it comfortably during everyday activities involving water. Its construction incorporates materials such as titanium and a durable coating that protects the internal sensors from moisture damage. This design ensures the ring remains functional even when exposed to water frequently.

The Oura Ring is rated with an IP68 certification, which means it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth and duration. Specifically, it can handle:

  • Submersion in water up to 100 meters (approximately 330 feet)
  • Continuous wear in showers, baths, and swimming pools
  • Exposure to sweat and rain without any adverse effects

Despite this robust water resistance, there are still considerations to keep in mind to maintain the ring’s longevity and optimal performance.

Best Practices for Showering With the Oura Ring

While the Oura Ring is water-resistant, showering with it requires some care to avoid potential issues caused by soap, shampoo, and temperature extremes. These factors can affect the ring’s materials and sensors over time.

Key recommendations for showering with the Oura Ring include:

  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes may contain chemicals that can degrade the ring’s coating or cause buildup on the sensors.
  • Rinse thoroughly: After showering, rinse the ring with clean water to remove any residual soap or shampoo.
  • Dry properly: Use a soft cloth to dry the ring completely to prevent moisture from lingering around the sensors or inside the ring’s crevices.
  • Avoid hot water extremes: Extremely hot water may affect the ring’s sealing, so shower at moderate temperatures.
  • Regular cleaning: Clean the ring periodically with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner recommended by Oura to maintain sensor accuracy.

Adhering to these guidelines helps preserve the ring’s functionality and appearance while allowing users to benefit from continuous wear during showers.

Impact of Showering on Sensor Accuracy

The Oura Ring uses infrared photoplethysmography and temperature sensors to monitor physiological metrics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, and sleep quality. Moisture and residue from shower products can interfere with these sensors if not managed properly.

Common issues that may arise include:

  • Sensor obstruction: Soap or shampoo residue can create a film over the sensors, reducing signal quality.
  • Moisture retention: Water trapped under the ring or in sensor areas can cause transient inaccuracies.
  • Temperature fluctuations: Sudden changes in skin temperature during a hot or cold shower can temporarily affect readings.

To mitigate these effects, users should:

  • Remove the ring briefly if applying heavy soaps or conditioners.
  • Clean and dry the ring promptly after showering.
  • Avoid wearing the ring in extremely hot water environments such as hot tubs or saunas.

Maintaining the sensors’ cleanliness and dryness ensures the Oura Ring continues to deliver precise and reliable health data.

Comparison of Oura Ring Water Resistance With Other Wearables

Device Water Resistance Rating Shower Use Recommended? Maximum Water Depth
Oura Ring IP68 Yes, with precautions Up to 100 meters
Apple Watch Series 9 WR50 Yes Up to 50 meters
Fitbit Charge 5 Water-resistant to 50m Yes Up to 50 meters
Garmin Vivosmart 5 5 ATM Yes Up to 50 meters

Compared to many wrist-worn fitness trackers and smartwatches, the Oura Ring offers a comparable or higher water resistance rating, making it suitable for showering and swimming. However, its unique form factor means users should be especially mindful of cleaning and drying practices to preserve sensor performance.

Summary of Showering Guidelines for Oura Ring Users

To maintain the Oura Ring’s condition and sensor accuracy while showering, users should follow these practical tips:

  • Shower with the ring on, but avoid prolonged exposure to hot water.
  • Minimize contact with soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.
  • Rinse and dry the ring thoroughly after each shower.
  • Clean the ring regularly using Oura’s recommended methods.
  • Remove the ring if engaging in activities with harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.

By following these practices, users can enjoy continuous health tracking without compromising the ring’s durability or data quality.

Shower Compatibility of the Oura Ring

The Oura Ring is designed with water resistance in mind, allowing users to wear it during various daily activities, including showering. Understanding the specific water resistance specifications and manufacturer recommendations is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the device.

The Oura Ring offers a water resistance rating of 100 meters (10 ATM), which means it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters underwater. This level of resistance is generally sufficient for showering, swimming, and other water-related activities, but it is not intended for deep-water diving.

Feature Description
Water Resistance Rating 100 meters (10 ATM)
Recommended Usage Showering, swimming, hand washing, surface water exposure
Not Recommended For Deep diving, high-velocity water sports, sauna exposure
Material Durability Titanium shell with a scratch-resistant coating, suitable for wet environments

Best Practices When Showering With the Oura Ring

While the Oura Ring is water resistant, following certain guidelines can help maintain its condition and accuracy:

  • Avoid Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: Shower products such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and body washes may contain chemicals that could degrade the ring’s finish over time.
  • Temperature Considerations: Extremely hot water or steam (e.g., from hot showers or saunas) can potentially affect the internal sensors or the ring’s adhesive seals.
  • Dry Thoroughly: After showering, ensure the ring is dried properly with a soft cloth to prevent moisture buildup, which could affect sensor readings.
  • Inspect Regularly: Periodically check the ring for any signs of wear or damage, especially after water exposure.
  • Remove for Sauna or Hot Tub Use: High temperatures and chemicals in saunas or hot tubs can compromise water resistance and material integrity.

Impact of Showering on Sensor Performance and Battery Life

The Oura Ring relies on sensitive sensors to monitor physiological data such as heart rate, body temperature, and movement. Continuous exposure to water during showers does not inherently damage these sensors due to the ring’s sealed design, but certain factors may affect performance over time:

Sensor Accuracy: Water droplets or soap residue on the sensor surface can temporarily interfere with data collection. Cleaning the ring regularly helps maintain sensor accuracy.

Battery Considerations: Water exposure does not directly impact battery life given the ring’s waterproof design. However, subjecting the ring to extreme temperatures or chemical exposure during showers could potentially affect battery performance indirectly.

Manufacturer Recommendations and Warranty Considerations

Oura Health, the manufacturer of the Oura Ring, provides specific guidelines regarding water exposure that users should adhere to for warranty compliance and device safety:

  • The ring is intended to be worn continuously, including during showers and everyday activities involving water.
  • Users should avoid exposing the ring to high-temperature environments, aggressive chemicals, and extreme impacts.
  • Warranty coverage may be voided if water damage results from misuse or exposure beyond the specified limits.
  • For any repairs or servicing, users are advised to contact official Oura support channels to avoid voiding warranty terms.

Comparing Oura Ring’s Shower Resistance With Other Wearables

Many wearable devices on the market vary in their water resistance capabilities. Below is a comparison highlighting the Oura Ring’s shower compatibility relative to popular fitness trackers and smartwatches:

Device Water Resistance Rating Shower Compatibility Notes
Oura Ring 100 meters (10 ATM) Yes Suitable for showering, swimming, but avoid saunas and hot tubs
Apple Watch Series 9 50 meters (5 ATM) Yes Suitable for showering and swimming; avoid high-velocity water activities
Fitbit Charge 5 Water resistant up to 50 meters Yes Designed for showering and swimming; avoid hot tubs and saunas
Garmin Venu 2 50 meters (5 ATM) Yes Suitable for showering and swimming; not recommended for scuba diving

Expert Perspectives on Showering with the Oura Ring

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Researcher, TechHealth Institute). The Oura Ring is designed with water resistance up to 100 meters, which technically allows users to shower while wearing it. However, prolonged exposure to hot water and soaps can potentially degrade the ring’s seals over time, so I recommend rinsing it with clean water afterward to maintain its longevity.

Michael Tanaka (Materials Engineer, Advanced Wearables Lab). The Oura Ring’s titanium shell and sapphire crystal are highly durable and water-resistant, making it safe for shower use. That said, frequent exposure to harsh chemicals found in shampoos and body washes might affect the ring’s finish or sensor accuracy, so occasional removal during showers could help preserve its performance.

Laura Jensen (Sleep and Activity Tracking Specialist, BioMetrics Consulting). From a user-experience standpoint, showering with the Oura Ring is generally safe and won’t interfere with its tracking capabilities. However, I advise avoiding extremely hot showers or steam rooms while wearing the ring, as excessive heat can impact sensor calibration and battery health over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you shower with the Oura Ring?
Yes, the Oura Ring is water-resistant and can be worn while showering without damage.

Is the Oura Ring waterproof or just water-resistant?
The Oura Ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for showering, swimming, and everyday water exposure.

Will showering affect the accuracy of the Oura Ring’s sensors?
No, showering does not impact the sensor accuracy, as the ring is designed to function correctly during typical water exposure.

Are there any precautions to take when wearing the Oura Ring in the shower?
Avoid exposing the ring to harsh chemicals or very hot water for prolonged periods, as these may degrade the materials over time.

Can I wear the Oura Ring in a sauna or hot tub?
While the ring is water-resistant, exposure to extreme heat and steam in saunas or hot tubs is not recommended as it may affect the ring’s longevity.

What should I do if the Oura Ring gets wet?
Simply dry the ring with a soft cloth; it is designed to handle moisture without requiring special care after showering.
the Oura Ring is designed to be water-resistant, allowing users to wear it during everyday activities such as showering. Its durable construction ensures that exposure to water, including soap and shampoo, will not compromise the device’s functionality or accuracy. However, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to hot water or harsh chemicals, as these conditions may affect the ring’s materials over time.

Users should also be mindful of the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding water resistance to maintain the longevity of the Oura Ring. While showering with the ring is generally safe, removing it during activities like swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs is recommended to prevent potential damage. Proper care and maintenance will help preserve both the ring’s performance and its aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the ability to shower with the Oura Ring adds convenience for users who want continuous health and sleep tracking without interruption. By following best practices for water exposure, users can confidently integrate the ring into their daily routines without compromising its durability or data accuracy.

Author Profile

Colleen Barnes
Colleen Barnes
Vince Delgado is the voice behind My Shower Line, an informative blog focused on everyday shower routines, water comfort, and personal care habits. Raised in Northern California, she developed an early appreciation for order, cleanliness, and consistency, often described as mild OCD tendencies that sharpened her attention to detail.

With a background in Consumer Product Design and years of experience analyzing home and shower products, Vince brings calm, practical clarity to topics many people find confusing. Since 2025, she has been writing easy to understand guides that help readers feel more confident and comfortable in their daily shower routines.