Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I recently bought an Apple Watch Ultra (upgrade from Series 4) and I've really enjoyed using this Watch in all sorts of way. New to me is using the Watch to track my sleep. While my Series 4 could have done that, its much shorter battery life meant it was really not a great tool to do that, given that I also track multiple workout activities during the day.

Now, I'm wearing the Ultra for much longer periods than I have with my Series 4 and it occurred to me that one could develop contact dermatitis simply from wearing the watch for such long periods of time. Just curious if anyone has worried about that or experienced it.

I had thought that it would be great if Apple could develop a quick shortcut so that for sleep purposes, the Watch is indicated to go on the other hand that doesn't normally wear the Watch.
no not really
 
  • Like
Reactions: msackey
Depends on the watch band. That needs to be breathable. I could not wear the Solo Loops for that reason. Sport Loops or braided solo loop - no issue. I wear the watch 23 out 24 hrs due to sleep tracking. Only take it off to shower. I currently own the AWU with the trail loop. So far no issue.
Agree about the watch band. I wear my Series 4 for 12 to 14 hours a day, and I don’t have any problems even after 4 years of use, but I have a breathable watch band. I am not a heavy user of apps on the watch so I haven’t had problems with battery life either, but my use case is mostly just as something that tells me that someone called or texted or as a volume control for my Sony headphones. To actually reply or read long messages I use my phone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: msackey
I am not wearing the watch too tight… being a watch person, I think I know the distinction. The pain I feel is not a pressure pain, but rather a sort of electo-neural pain. I have awoken to my wrist actually twitching like when using a TENS Unit.

Honestly, I don’t feel this would be a relatable experience for you unless it has actually happened to you. I know I am not the only one this has happened to because I have seen it pop up in Apple discussions from time to time.

Yeah, I don't doubt your experience though I haven't experienced it myself. While perhaps most human bodies are quite similar, there are definitely some that are not within a typical range and are still within the realm of normal.
 
It might be an age thing on my part. I'm pushing 50 and so for our age group we all (obvious generalization) wore watches and many of us wore them 24/7. I know over last decade or two watches have become far less common. I can understand for someone who is 25 their watch experiences would undoubtedly be different. :D
I am too. I've worn a watch pretty much daily for decades now -- but I have never purposely slept with it on. I'm surprised anyone would, really!
 
Not niche? What percentage of the population has a reaction to all Apple Watch bands?

The second part of your post addresses economics. Apple is a for-profit organization. They make watches in order to make money. Just like cheetahs kill antelopes. Maybe there is an opportunity for not-for-profit watch bands. I’m really not sure.
skin conditions affect at least 30% of the population. what’s your definition of niche? for economists and statisticians, that’s statistically significant.

if apple can go out of their way to cater to lgbt needs, they can also make better bands. it’s about “courage”…
 
I never wear my watch at night. I used to wear it with the sport band that came with it, I started getting a rash right on my wrist. I got the braided solo loop, and it seems to have improved the situation, but I still get a rash from time to time. Takes about 2 weeks to clear, and I keep the watch away from it.
 
Anytime I have mine off at night for charging, my wife gives me the "That can't possibly be good for your wrist" as she sees the imprint left by it. I don't wear it that tightly. I just wear it most of the time.
 
skin conditions affect at least 30% of the population. what’s your definition of niche? for economists and statisticians, that’s statistically significant.

if apple can go out of their way to cater to lgbt needs, they can also make better bands. it’s about “courage”…

Sure, I have a skin condition too. It doesn't prevent me from wearing an Apple Watch though.

It's not that 30% of the population cannot wear an Apple Watch, that's not a fair representation at all.

There are people who may have reactions to the fluoroelastomer but can wear leather, for example. Should Apple not sell the fluoroelastomer bands because some people react to them? Or should those people consider leather or some other option? Obviously those people should consider leather or some other option.

There are options, that's my point. Sure there are some people who cannot wear an Apple Watch at all but that's nowhere near 30%.

Nothing to do with courage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Night Spring
I sometimes get one itchy welt under the watch sensor itself. I’m prone to contact dermatitis and I think a buildup of sweat causes it. So I wash off the sensor with a few drops of water and wipe it dry with microfiber, at least once a day or more often if necessary, and that usually takes care of it. And I can only wear breathable bands like sport loops, which I also wash in mild detergent regularly.
 
Sure, I have a skin condition too. It doesn't prevent me from wearing an Apple Watch though.

It's not that 30% of the population cannot wear an Apple Watch, that's not a fair representation at all.

There are people who may have reactions to the fluoroelastomer but can wear leather, for example. Should Apple not sell the fluoroelastomer bands because some people react to them? Or should those people consider leather or some other option? Obviously those people should consider leather or some other option.

There are options, that's my point. Sure there are some people who cannot wear an Apple Watch at all but that's nowhere near 30%.

Nothing to do with courage.
you’re conjuring arguments that no one is making, and missing the point entirely.
 
you’re conjuring arguments that no one is making, and missing the point entirely.

Let's see.


They know people with skin conditions are allergic to synthetics, it’s been medically well documented in dermatology. Their whole “hours of testing” narrative is so disingenuous.

even if they know, they don’t care and choose to ignore. That’s how apple do business nowadays. Same with pwm screen issue for people sensitive to LED flicker.

To be fair, they cannot cater to absolutely everybody. At some point you have to say "Yep, that's the lion's share of the market".

well the thing is these aren’t niche issues. the problem is apple, just like any other company, puts profits and marketing before function and design, but pretend to be very virtuous. granted they do better than other companies, they could do so much more.

just to stay on topic, regarding bands, their narrative about having done hours of testing is such bs. synthetics are the top contact allergen in dermatology. plastics are dirt cheap compared natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton. apple charges $50 for a plastic band that costs them less than 50¢ to make. a wool band would probably cost them under $5 to make. so profit margin dictates their decision and marketing angle.

Not niche? What percentage of the population has a reaction to all Apple Watch bands?

The second part of your post addresses economics. Apple is a for-profit organization. They make watches in order to make money. Just like cheetahs kill antelopes. Maybe there is an opportunity for not-for-profit watch bands. I’m really not sure.

skin conditions affect at least 30% of the population. what’s your definition of niche? for economists and statisticians, that’s statistically significant.

if apple can go out of their way to cater to lgbt needs, they can also make better bands. it’s about “courage”…

Sure, I have a skin condition too. It doesn't prevent me from wearing an Apple Watch though.

It's not that 30% of the population cannot wear an Apple Watch, that's not a fair representation at all.

There are people who may have reactions to the fluoroelastomer but can wear leather, for example. Should Apple not sell the fluoroelastomer bands because some people react to them? Or should those people consider leather or some other option? Obviously those people should consider leather or some other option.

There are options, that's my point. Sure there are some people who cannot wear an Apple Watch at all but that's nowhere near 30%.

Nothing to do with courage.


What arguments am I creating? What point am I missing?

You and I both have skin conditions. We both have options available from Apple that work for us. We both have options from third parties that work for us.

You claim, without any evidence of course, that Apple has not done hours of testing. Neither you nor I can prove that, but I think it's reasonable to say that yes, they have done hours of testing. Why would they lie about this?

I said that Apple cannot please absolutely everyone, I think that's a fair statement. You said that these are not niche issues and that 30% of the population has skin conditions. Fair comment and I agree, I'm in that group.

I then state that Apple provides options for people and that you don't have to use any particular band if you react to it.

Now I'm making stuff up and missing the point? What is your point exactly then? Your point is that Apple didn't ask you specifically how you'd like them to manufacture a bespoke watch band for you? I honestly don't think that is your point but I'm really not sure what it is.

Certainly I'm not interesting in arguing the point. My point is that:

1) Yes, people have skin conditions.
2) Apple offers several different types of straps.
3) There are third party straps also available.


Is there another watch on the market that has the first and third party band support of the Apple Watch? I'm doubtful. I wouldn't say absolutely not, but I'm quite skeptical. But I'm not a watch nerd (meant as a term of endearment, I like watches), so maybe I'm wrong. Certainly the diversity of bands for Apple watches is far wider than typical for watches.

But it's still not good enough for you, if I understand correctly. And/or, you're convinced that somehow Apple didn't test the bands for skin sensitivity, despite their claims that they did.

If the misunderstanding is on my part, my apologies.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blackNBUK
Let's see.

















What arguments am I creating? What point am I missing?

You and I both have skin conditions. We both have options available from Apple that work for us. We both have options from third parties that work for us.

You claim, without any evidence of course, that Apple has not done hours of testing. Neither you nor I can prove that, but I think it's reasonable to say that yes, they have done hours of testing. Why would they lie about this?

I said that Apple cannot please absolutely everyone, I think that's a fair statement. You said that these are not niche issues and that 30% of the population has skin conditions. Fair comment and I agree, I'm in that group.

I then state that Apple provides options for people and that you don't have to use any particular band if you react to it.

Now I'm making stuff up and missing the point? What is your point exactly then? Your point is that Apple didn't ask you specifically how you'd like them to manufacture a bespoke watch band for you? I honestly don't think that is your point but I'm really not sure what it is.

Certainly I'm not interesting in arguing the point. My point is that:

1) Yes, people have skin conditions.
2) Apple offers several different types of straps.
3) There are third party straps also available.


Is there another watch on the market that has the first and third party band support of the Apple Watch? I'm doubtful. I wouldn't say absolutely not, but I'm quite skeptical. But I'm not a watch nerd (meant as a term of endearment, I like watches), so maybe I'm wrong. Certainly the diversity of bands for Apple watches is far wider than typical for watches.

But it's still not good enough for you, if I understand correctly. And/or, you're convinced that somehow Apple didn't test the bands for skin sensitivity, despite their claims that they did.

If the misunderstanding is on my part, my apologies.
read your posts again. you’re claiming people here said things they never said and then being pedantic about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Farrellcollie
I do, a little. It's not a problem for me, there's just a low-level tingling sensation. But that's why I swap wrists often -- when one wrist gets tired of the tingling, I swap to the other.
Really? Mine physically twitches and will sometimes keep doing it for days after wearing it. I did recently get the Ultra after experiencing this with the Series 3 and 4. So far, so good. Just felt it in a minor way the other day but not as bad yet. I’ll bring it back if it keeps doing that.
 
I’m fine with as many posts as folks feel compelled to make about this issue, same with PWM for OLED screens etc., … it’s good to raise awareness and share resources and strategies for mitigation… meanwhile I am fortunate to be among the >95% of those who don’t have either problem.
 
Really? Mine physically twitches and will sometimes keep doing it for days after wearing it. I did recently get the Ultra after experiencing this with the Series 3 and 4. So far, so good. Just felt it in a minor way the other day but not as bad yet. I’ll bring it back if it keeps doing that.
The ultra, which I used with the ocean band, actually felt better in terms of the tingling problem than any of my previous Apple watches. I was able to wear it all day without feeling the need to switch wrists. I decided to return it because of other reasons, like I wish it was just a bit lighter and thinner, but whatever Apple did to make the ultra fit snug against my wrist despite its size, I hope they bring to the regular watches. Or maybe there's a difference in the material they used for the sensor? Whichever it is, no tingling with the ultra.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JoshNori
I got that from wearing the solo loop full time. I ended up switching to the braided solo loop and it went away. These days I tend to wear an Hermes leather band during the day, and a braided solo loop for sleeping. I occasionally wear the sport loop as well, which isn't so breathable, but it's never on my wrist for enough days in a row to get a skin condition again.
 
The ultra, which I used with the ocean band, actually felt better in terms of the tingling problem than any of my previous Apple watches. I was able to wear it all day without feeling the need to switch wrists. I decided to return it because of other reasons, like I wish it was just a bit lighter and thinner, but whatever Apple did to make the ultra fit snug against my wrist despite its size, I hope they bring to the regular watches. Or maybe there's a difference in the material they used for the sensor? Whichever it is, no tingling with the ultra.
That’s good to know. Thanks for sharing. Gives me hope. I still have mine. I ultimately just got rid of it because of that twitching and the fact that I wasn’t using it. It’s still largely a useless accessory that aggravates me more than augments my life. Someone asked me the time, and I still pulled out my phone with the watch on. The consensus between people is that it’s too expensive for them, but the larger screen is great for me, and I think it’s a compelling buy if you already dig the Series 8. Action Button totally useless though. Live in the desert and the Apple Store tried to sell me on the diving functionality…
 
Action Button totally useless though. Live in the desert and the Apple Store tried to sell me on the diving functionality…
I actually find that button very convenient. I do a daily 30 minute rapid walk through my community as my workout routine. I had set up a watch face with the activity complication, my regular watch face uses other complications that I want to have more readily available than the activity one. So that action button allows me to just press it to get to that function without swiping through faces to get to it or scroll through the app screen. Especially convenient if wearing gloves.

As for overall usefulness I knew when the first watch was announced how useful it would be for me. Walking my dog through the winter wearing a heavy jacket or parka with my phone buried in an interior pocket having something on my wrist to view any notification, text or phone call was and is extremely convenient. Also unless you are currently using the phone incoming calls can’t be dismissed, unless you use the side button to send it to voice mail, while with the watch you can just tap dismiss or ignore, no digging the phone out to see who is calling and deciding whether to take the call or skip it.

With the always on display I never think about taking my phone out to check the time. Of course I never did this even before an Apple Watch, I’ve worn watches all my life, never even considered using my phone to check the time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JoshNori
Some just have very sensitive skin. Only problem I have had is unknowing getting soap under my watch and it cause a slight itch. Washed it off under the faucet and moved on with life.
 
I actually find that button very convenient. I do a daily 30 minute rapid walk through my community as my workout routine. I had set up a watch face with the activity complication, my regular watch face uses other complications that I want to have more readily available than the activity one. So that action button allows me to just press it to get to that function without swiping through faces to get to it or scroll through the app screen. Especially convenient if wearing gloves.

As for overall usefulness I knew when the first watch was announced how useful it would be for me. Walking my dog through the winter wearing a heavy jacket or parka with my phone buried in an interior pocket having something on my wrist to view any notification, text or phone call was and is extremely convenient. Also unless you are currently using the phone incoming calls can’t be dismissed, unless you use the side button to send it to voice mail, while with the watch you can just tap dismiss or ignore, no digging the phone out to see who is calling and deciding whether to take the call or skip it.

With the always on display I never think about taking my phone out to check the time. Of course I never did this even before an Apple Watch, I’ve worn watches all my life, never even considered using my phone to check the time.
Thanks for sharing your use of the action button. I did consider that, but I always forget to mark the start of my exercise, which is usually just walking a few miles. I guess you have to already be in the routine of wanting a watch to appreciate the watch. I just found it annoying and duplicative to have my hand now blowing up along with my phone. That adds anxiety to my day. So back it goes.

The thing I really wanted was to have it work with Uber and Lyft, but both companies have abandoned the Watch app. I can’t really think of any use for it for me unless I didn’t have my phone on me, which never happens. I even have a mount on my bike for that. Guess I tried to solve a problem I didn’t have because I liked the look and the interface. Maybe I’ll give it a shot again another day. Glad you appreciate it and wish I could too!
 
I just found it annoying and duplicative to have my hand now blowing up along with my phone. That adds anxiety to my day. So back it goes.
This might not make a difference to your decision to send back the watch, but you can customize which notifications to send to the watch. You can set it to get no notification at all, or to just receive notifications only from select apps. Thought I'll point this out, just in case people didn't know that.
 
This might not make a difference to your decision to send back the watch, but you can customize which notifications to send to the watch. You can set it to get no notification at all, or to just receive notifications only from select apps. Thought I'll point this out, just in case people didn't know that.
Yeah. Thanks for mentioning it, but I realized that I was just objecting to the nature of the product as before. It’s a beautiful device. I just don’t want a smart watch is what it boils down to. It’s too close to my body. Not the type of relationship I want to have with technology. Back it went, difficult as it was.
 
I'd had every version of the Garmin Fenix line and wore them 24/7. Cleaned them everyday before I jumped in the shower and dried them thoroughly - never had an issue until I purchased a 6X Pro Solar in raw Ti. I could never go past 8hrs wear without that tingling feeling on my arm and a large red mark underneath the watch base only - the skin where the strap contacted was unaffected. I spoke to Garmin who happily swapped out the watch for a PVD coated Stainless Model. Despite what people think, Ti allergy can be a thing - even with medical grade Ti.

Prior to the Garmins, I wore mechanical watches 24/7, same cleaning regime and wore them also 24/7 without issue.

Recently, I've had a reaction to the AW S7 SS and the same with the AWU (albeit minor) - both directly under the watch base and not involving any skin where the strap touches. I have resolved the problem by:

1) Cleaning daily and drying thoroughly.
2) Spraying "sensitive, no-odour" anti-perspirant on my wrist prior to wearing the watch.
3) Swapping wrists whilst sleeping.
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.