Do You Shower or Bathe With Your Sense?

[WehuttyWanker]

I realize you can supposedly use the Sense for swimming, but I've noticed in the manual, that they say not to shower with it on for some reason. Is this just that soaps or shampoos could affect it?

[Larzeus]

I think it’s more of a temperature issue. I used to own a Ionic and I took a hot shower with it on. When I got out it kept buzzing non stop while getting hot with a black screen. I think the temperature was too much for the device. I assume that’s why they say no showers to prevent temperature issues. Now I just remove it before I shower.

[DaughterofMaat]

I have worn my Sense in the shower, and I wore my Versa 2 in the shower constantly. I did avoid showering with the Sense initially, but I need a watch in the shower otherwise I'll be late to work. I have not had any issues yet. But I'm also careful to avoid getting soap directly on the device as much as possible (some is inevitable). 

If chlorine water won't affect it, I don't think a little soap will be too harmful. But I also purchased the extended warranty (although it may not cover shower damage LOL). My Versa 2 never had an issue. But it also doesn't have a speaker. So it's a risk....

[Larzeus]

This may sound weird but I wear two watches. My left has my 1980s digital Casio and my right has the sense. When I shower I remove my sense and keep the Casio on to look at the time. Lol I use the sense for my health and the Casio for my love of the 80s.

[DaughterofMaat]

LOL I'm not a huge fan of the 80s, but wearing an alternative watch might be a good idea. I know I have a couple around here but I'm sure they'll need batteries (crazy analog watches, can't even charge 'em! LOL)

[marksurry]

If I'm in the shower, my Sense is charging.  I'd imagine soap and shampoo would not play nicely with the device and/or sensors.

[SteveH]

I notice that Fitbit has recently updated its help file on this, which now says:

"Even though it may be ok to shower with our water-resistant devices, not doing so reduces the potential for exposure to soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, which can cause long-term damage to your device and may cause skin irritation"

https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1598.htm

[wookietim]

It's probably more because of the band than the electronics - wearing a band that is somewhat tight to a wrist while it is wet can lead to irritation of the skin and lead to itchiness and rashes. It's best to just take it off while showering or after a strenuous workout in order to avoid that. While swimming, people can want to track laps and such and there's no way to avoid wetness in that respect but afterwards I'd say take it off to let it dry.

[Lansuper]

It needs to be off my wrist some time to load, so why not during my daily shower after the workout? This way I also don’t have to worry about soap residu between band and wrist. Also the daily reading is consistent for the watch is off the same time and activity every day.

[AlvaroFitbit]

Hi everyone!

Happy to hear that you are enjoying your new Fitbit Sense and that you feel comfortable wearing it while on the shower. As @SteveH kindly mentioned, a factor could be the build up of soap, shampoo or conditioner. It is always a good idea that you clean your device following our Wear and Care tips and also let the skin around your wrist to breath for some time.

Happy stepping and stay safe!

[DaveS3]

no .. why risk damaging or gumming up my nice new expensive watch? not worth it. and as with others, I take advantage of that time to charge the watch sometimes.

[phnichols]

I would not ever recommend showering while wearing your device. The heat, humidity, and water pressure can all damage the water resistance. This is true of virtually all wearables like this, regardless of what the manufacturer will claim. There’s just no good reason to wear your watch in the shower. 

[Psyclopps]

I took my Charge 3 in the hot tub once after a swim. The HR feature stopped working and had to get it replaced. So I agree, probably a temperature issue. Many of these devices are rated for only a certain time frame in water too. 

[Heist]

Yeah temperature ruins them. I had 2 ionic and used to work in a kitchen with a Woodfire. The watch heated up so mich the adhesive holding the screen in melted and the face popped off. Another time I wore an ionic and it got covered in oven and grill cleaner and the screen fried. I now always take me sense of before shower or hot water. They also have temperature sensors that can't have a good time when exposed to extreme temps.

[SunsetRunner]

@WehuttyWanker  yesterday I swam in the pool with it on my wrist 1 hour and then had shower with it still on. I took it off just to dry my wrist and the watch itself and after 10 minutes I put in on again. No issues. It kinda struggles to find the correct HR while swimming. The watch slips off the wrist many times but it's ok.

[tottiano729]

Yes. How did we manage to survive before have rechargeable watches. Lol.  I was just asking my wife if I can shower with the sense as well. 

[Clove5858]

Don’t shower with mine. I use it as an opportunity to give the wrist a break and/or charge if necessary.  I also clean the back ports, glass screen, strap, and protector. When necessary. 

[Fitterfitter]

Youre missing all that post exercise data though.

[lablover55]

Yes, I shower and swim with the sense on.  No issues with it.

[Rich_Laue]

It is not just the temperature but also the force of the shower or the currents in the hot tub. Both of which can easily exceed the 73 pounds per square inch rating.