Can You Wear AirPods In A Tanning Bed?

Can You Wear AirPods In A Tanning Bed?

For many modern men, their appearance is crucial – from wearing the latest fashionable trends, rocking a stylish haircut, or ensuring their skin looks tip-top. However, it can be a huge challenge to keep your tan topped up all year round (especially if you live in the UK), unless you check in at the local salon. One question that regularly pops up is, “Can you wear your AirPods and relax in a tanning bed?” My latest article will help you discover why it’s not worth the risk.

Even though it may sound like an excellent plan of action – head to the tanning salon, book in for 10 minutes, cover yourself in lotion and lie on the tanning bed, listening to your favourite playlist to pass the time. Unfortunately, this is far from the case! You could seriously damage your AirPods, or worse, harm your ears. In the following points, I will break down the facts.

Key takeaways

• Avoid wearing AirPods: The heat from a tanning bed can cause the device to overheat and potentially cause damage.
• Protect Your Hearing: High heat and UV can irritate your ears and increase the risk of infection.
• Prevent Battery Damage: AirPods are not built for the high temperatures of a tanning bed.
• UV Light Deteriorates Plastic: Prolonged exposure can discolour and even weaken your AirPods.
• Use Safer Alternatives: Opt for a speaker outside the bed or utilise the built-in sound system instead.

What Is A Tanning Bed?

Tanning beds use artificial UV light to darken the skin; however, despite the visual benefits, they pose several risks.

According to dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatologytanning beds can be more harmful than the sun, increasing the risk of skin cancer, which includes melanoma (especially before the age of 35). Furthermore, they can also cause early wrinkles and eye damage, which is counterproductive when you are looking to improve your appearance.

Can You Use AirPods In A Tanning Bed?

It is imperative that you refrain from using AirPods in tanning beds, as they produce a temperature that exceeds their safe operating range (0º to 35ºC or 32º to 95ºF).

High heat can severely damage electronics and permanently shorten battery life. Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries inside the devices can swell, leak, or, in extreme cases, catch fire if they overheat.

The UV rays from tanning beds can also degrade the plastic casing of the AirPods over time, which can cause discolouration or even make them brittle. Additionally, sweat caused by tanning sessions can enter gaps in the device, potentially damaging the speakers or microphones. The moisture can also make them slippery, potentially causing them to fall out of your ears. Finally, heat damage is not covered by the Apple Warranty, so if something happens, you will not be covered.

For more in-depth information on each risk, refer to the next section.

What Are The Risks Of Using AirPods In Tanning Beds?

Overheating Damage

The heat produced by tanning beds (along with the UV radiation) can easily overheat AirPods, damaging the battery, causing it to lose capacity, swell or leak. Additionally, the internal electronic circuits may fail, leading to connection problems and a loss of sound. The high temperature can also warp the plastic casing and weaken the adhesives, which (over time) can cause the AirPods to stop working correctly or fail entirely.

UV Radiation Degradation

The strong UV (ultraviolet) light produced by a tanning bed can break down the plastic material (a process known as UV degradation). When exposed, plastic can change colour (turn yellow), crack or become weak and break.

It is important to note that AirPods are constructed from plastics such as polycarbonate and ABS, which do not handle UV light conditions well (especially without any protective coating). UV light causes a chemical reaction when combined with oxygen in the air, making the plastic very fragile and discoloured (AirPods are a bright white, so the damage is easily noticeable!).

Battery Performance Decline

AirPods and similar devices are designed to work within a moderate temperature range (peaking at 35 °C); however, tanning beds easily exceed that level, putting immense pressure on the audio devices. High heat can cause the batteries to drain much faster in the short term, while also permanently reducing their capacity over time.

Furthermore, prolonged exposure can damage the charging circuits and deform the plastic casing. It is advisable to keep them away from the beds and even store them in a cool, shaded location during your sunbed sessions.

Hearing Health Risks

It is not just your AirPods that are at risk when enjoying your favourite songs in a sunbed session; you can also potentially put the health of your ears in jeopardy. If the plastic begins to overheat, it can lead to ear discomfort, redness, itching, or even swelling. Prolonged use can also cause extensive ear pain and injury.

Increased Risk Of Ear Infections

During a sunbed visit, the heat causes the buildup of sweat. When the moisture gets trapped in the ear canal by the AirPods, it creates a warm environment where bacteria can grow and thrive.

Additionally, UV rays can cause irritation on sensitive skin around the ears, which can potentially lead to skin reactions. Lastly, the long-term use of AirPods may also reduce airflow to the ear canal, which in turn can increase the likelihood of infections.

What Is The Safest Way To Enjoy Music While Tanning?

• Waterproof Speaker: Invest in a waterproof Bluetooth speaker and then place it outside the tanning bed to avoid damage and ensure safety.
• Room Sound System: Play music through a sound system in the room instead of wearing headphones, which can trap heat or become uncomfortable.

Can You Use AirPods In A Sauna?

Saunas are one step away from a tanning bed; therefore, AirPods are still at risk from the extreme heat and heavy moisture. It may sound like an excellent idea to use even just one AirPod in a sauna (so you can still be aware of your surroundings with the other ear). The concept of listening to relaxing music while you enjoy some ‘me time’ sounds like a fantastic experience! Unfortunately, Apple products are not designed to handle extreme conditions.

AirPods are built to withstand a small amount of sweat and water from workouts (with a water resistance rating of IPX4 or IPX5, depending on the model), but they are not suitable for the sauna environment.

If you are a fan of boosting your tan all year round (despite the health risks), no matter what else you do, it is essential that you leave your AirPods at home in order to protect your device and ear health.

Thanks for reading my latest tech-based article. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.