In the realm of wearable technology, the Oura Ring, despite its diminutive size, has carved a niche, promising a life where your activity, sleep, and recovery are tracked in a smart and subtle way. With specs and features that are not only attractive but also comfortable on the finger, it lasts for several days between charges, touching upon the critical aspects of the wearable niche.
However, as we dig further, keeping the promise of waterproof smart rings in mind, it’s imperative to explore how it works around water and whether it is 100% perfect in keeping the force of water at bay.
Is Oura Ring Waterproof?
Embarking on the journey with the Oura Ring, especially the latest Oura Ring 3, it’s pivotal to note that while it is not truly waterproof, it is highly water-resistant, safe up to depths of 100m, and packs a myriad of sensors into a tiny form factor. The 10ATM water resistance rating allows wearers to delve up to 330 feet underwater, even permitting recreational diving and snorkeling. However, the device is not recommended for scuba diving or being submerged for over 12 hours. 
The Oura Ring Gen 3, with its simple and lighter design than the first and second generations, allows you to enter the swimming pool or take a shower without needing to remove it from your finger.
But, it’s crucial to remember that even with a water resistance rating that allows you to swim to the deepest end, like in Deep Dive Dubai, it is NOT waterproof but water-resistant, and exposure to water for an extended period might not be advisable.
How Long Can Oura Ring Stay in Water?
Navigating through the waters with the Oura Ring, which is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, it’s essential to understand that while it can stay in water, its titanium build and durable design do not make it waterproof.
The material features an airtight oxide layer that prevents oxidation and thereby protects the Oura Ring from corrosion and rust.
Titanium does not corrode, but the water-resistant bar wears down with exposure to water. Thus, it shouldn’t become a habit to keep the ring submerged for more than 12 hours.
After using the device in the shower or swimming pool, it’s prudent to dry it off to maintain its resistance to water and ensure it doesn’t wear out faster.
The brand has been clear and upfront about not wearing the Oura Ring during high-velocity water activities or scuba diving, even though the design of the ring might suggest suitability for underwater sports.
Oura Ring and Swim Tracking:
The Oura Gen 3 smart ring, a renowned fitness tracker, has been a game-changer since its inception. This water-resistant marvel is not just about sleep tracking, recovery, and activity tracking; it has improved over time. While it monitors various activities, it doesn’t specifically track swim activities like swim distance or swim strokes.
So, if you’re diving into the business of swimming, you might want to check out an Oura Gen 3 review to see how the smart ring performs in various scenarios.
The Oura Ring, while not entirely waterproof, is designed to be water-resistant. This means it can handle splashes, showers, and even some swim activities. However, it’s essential to note that it’s not designed to monitor swim distance or swim strokes.
Since its inception, the business focus of Oura has been on sleep tracking, recovery, and activity tracking. Over time, they’ve improved these features, as evident in the Oura Gen 3 review. So, while the smart ring performs exceptionally in many areas, swim tracking isn’t its forte.
Can you shower with the Oura Ring?:
Yes, you can! The Oura Ring is water-resistant up to 100m, making it safe for showers. But, while it can handle water, products like soap and shampoos might affect sensor accuracy. If the ring gets soapy, it’s recommended to rinse it with mild dish soap and warm water.
After showering, ensure both the ring and your finger are thoroughly dried. This prevents trapping moisture, which could lead to irritation. So, while you can enjoy your showers with the Oura Ring on, a little caution ensures its longevity and accuracy.
When it comes to showering with the Oura Ring, there’s good news. The ring is water-resistant up to 100m, which means it’s safe for showers. However, while it can withstand showers, it’s essential to be cautious with products like soap, shampoos, and hand sanitizer.
To maintain sensor accuracy, it’s recommended to rinse off any products from the ring. If you decide to clean the ring, use mild dish soap and warm water. And always remember to dry both the ring and your finger thoroughly to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to irritation.
3 Things to Avoid in the Shower While Wearing the Oura Ring:
1. Soap:
Soap, while great for cleaning clothes, dishes, and the human body, isn’t friendly to the Oura smart ring. Its adhesive nature can interfere with the ring’s sensors, leading to malfunction.
If you’re taking a shower or doing dishes, it’s wise to wrap the ring in plastic paper to prevent contact with soapy water. Alternatively, you can remove it from your finger during such activities.
Soap is essential for cleaning dishes, clothes, and our bodies. However, when it comes to wearable devices like the Oura smart ring, soap can be a problem. Its adhesive properties can interfere with the ring’s sensors, causing them to malfunction.
So, if you’re planning on doing dishes or taking a shower, consider wrapping your ring in plastic paper to prevent contact with soapy water. Or, to be on the safer side, simply remove it from your finger.
2. Shampoos and Conditioners:
Shampoos and conditioners can be harmful to the Oura Ring. They can interfere with its sensors, leading to inaccurate health and fitness metrics.
In the worst-case scenario, these products can damage the sensors, rendering the smart ring useless. If you’re using shampoos or conditioners, it’s best to leave the ring on a table and wear it again afterward.
While shampoos and conditioners are great for our hair, they’re not so great for the Oura Ring. These products can interfere with the ring’s sensors, leading to inaccurate health and fitness readings.
In extreme cases, they can even damage the sensors, making the smart ring useless. So, if you’re planning to use these products, it’s a good idea to leave your ring on a table and put it back on once you’re done.
3. Shaving Cream:
Before applying shaving creams, it’s advisable to remove the Oura Ring from your finger. These creams contain soap elements and can leave behind thick layers of scum.
This residue can block the ring’s sensors, leading to inaccurate results. So, for an accurate performance from your smart ring, steer clear of shaving creams while wearing it.
Shaving creams, while essential for a smooth shave, aren’t compatible with the Oura Ring. These creams have a soap element, and their thick consistency can leave layers of scum on the ring.
This can block the sensors and lead to inaccurate readings. So, if you’re about to shave, it’s best to remove the ring from your finger first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you swim with Oura Ring?
Swimming with the Oura Ring in both salt water and pools is perfectly acceptable. The device is designed to track your heart rate as you glide through the water with each stroke.
However, it’s essential to note that while the Oura Ring is not entirely waterproof, it is highly water-resistant. Activities like scuba diving or exposing the ring to high-velocity water are not recommended. Extended submersion can result in water infiltrating the ring’s sensor package, potentially damaging the device.
While the Oura Ring is designed to be worn during various activities, it’s crucial to be aware of its limitations. Scuba diving and prolonged exposure to water can compromise the ring’s integrity.
The device’s sensor package is particularly vulnerable to water infiltration during high-velocity water activities or extended submersion, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Can you wear Oura Ring in the sauna?
After a grueling workout, if you’re considering a visit to the locker room spa, you can confidently wear your Oura Ring in saunas, hot tubs, ice baths, and even cryotherapy tanks. However, it’s essential to be cautious about extreme temperatures.
The Oura Ring’s hardware can withstand temperatures between 32°F and 95°F. Exposing the device to temperatures outside this range, especially for extended periods, can result in battery damage and performance degradation.
For instance, while an average hot tub has a standard temperature of 37.78°C and infrared saunas operate between 38°C to 65°C, the Gen 3 Oura smart ring can safely endure up to 53.89°C.
Venturing into the sauna with your Oura Ring is generally safe. The device is designed to handle the heat typically found in saunas, hot tubs, and similar environments.
However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, either below 32°F or above 95°F, can adversely affect the ring’s battery life and overall performance.
Can you wear the Oura Ring surfing?
In the past, Oura has even partnered with the World Surf League. This collaboration highlights the ring’s versatility and its suitability for various activities, including surfing.
Can the Oura Ring track swimming?
While the Oura Ring is adept at monitoring various activities, it’s essential to note that it isn’t specifically designed as a swimming fitness tracker. Although it can track your heart rate during a swim, it doesn’t provide detailed metrics related to your swimming workout.
Can you wear your Oura Ring at night?
The Oura Ring is not just a fitness tracker; it’s also a fantastic sleep tracker. Wearing it at night allows users to gain insights into their sleep patterns, helping them optimize their rest and recovery.
Can I Wash My Hands With the Oura Ring?
Yes, you can wash your hands while wearing the Oura Ring. The device is water-resistant, meaning it can handle splashes from hand soap or dish soap.
However, as an alternative to washing, using hand sanitizers poses no threat to the smart ring. It’s always a good practice to rinse and dry the ring after exposure to soaps or detergents to maintain its good condition.
Can Oura Ring Get Wet?
The Oura Ring can indeed get wet. However, it’s advised not to keep the ring submerged for more than 12 hours. Activities involving high water velocity, like scuba diving, should be avoided. After exposure to detergents, soaps, or shampoos, it’s best to rinse the ring and dry it to ensure it remains in good condition.
Can You Wear Oura Ring in Salt Water?
Wearing the Oura Ring in salty water, such as the ocean, is permissible. However, it’s essential to avoid staying underwater for longer than the recommended time to ensure the device’s longevity.
How water proof is the ring 3?
The Ring 3 is not entirely waterproof, but it boasts a water-resistant IP54 rating. This means it can withstand water splashing from any direction and is also resistant to dust. While many people have shared stories of their rings enduring activities like bathing and swimming, it’s crucial to understand its limitations.
The Ring 3 can be submerged up to 100m, but it’s not designed to handle high-pressure water, heavy rain, or snow without a protective cover. After any water exposure, it’s recommended to dry the ring to prevent water damage.