If your guilty pleasure (like mine) is to scroll through TikTok videos from time to time, chances are you’ve run into mouth-taping.
At first, I wasn’t even sure what am I looking at.
Looking further into it, made me even more confused.
The question that immediately popped up in my head is – is it dangerous, followed by “why”, “why”, and “why”.
So I did some research so you don’t have to!
Wait… What, and… Why?
Mouth taping is a practice where adhesive tape is placed over your lips while you sleep, aiming to encourage nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing.
While it has gained popularity through social media and health trends, it is not a medically proven treatment, and there is limited scientific evidence supporting its benefits.
Mouth taping is promoted for various reasons, including reducing snoring, improving sleep apnea symptoms, and addressing issues like bad breath and dry mouth.
That’s actually how I found out about it, as most of the creators (mostly women) filmed their partners snoring and then showing the difference after applying tape over their mouths.
But what’s behind it, scientifically?
Well, the obvious main benefit of mouth taping is that it forces you to breathe through your nose.
Nasal breathing has several advantages over mouth breathing, such as controlling the air temperature, filtering allergens, and keeping your mouth and throat moist.
Additionally, nasal breathing is linked to better oral health, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved cognitive function, while mouth breathing has been associated with dry mouth, bad breath, snoring, and even sleep apnea.
Is There Any Evidence It Works?
Well, not really…
Some small studies suggest that mouth taping may reduce snoring in individuals with mild sleep apnea, especially if they have positional sleep apnea, which occurs when they sleep on their back.
However, other studies show that mouth taping does not prevent mouth puffing (when air escapes through the mouth during sleep) in people with severe sleep apnea.
Aditionally, there is no conclusive evidence supporting the idea that mouth taping helps with asthma, ADHD, or other health conditions linked to mouth breathing, although forums are full of testimonies…
And the Most Important Question – Is it Dangerous?
While mouth taping might seem like a simple solution, it is not without risks.
It can cause anxiety, skin irritation, and discomfort, especially if the tape is difficult to remove or if a person has facial hair.
Additionally, individuals with nasal breathing problems, severe health conditions, or certain medications should avoid mouth taping.
It is essential to consult a doctor before attempting mouth taping, particularly for individuals with conditions like sleep apnea, asthma, or allergies.
If you’re considering mouth taping, it’s crucial to use medical-grade, breathable tape designed for skin.
Common adhesive tape, like duct tape, should never be used as it can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
A trial period during the day or for a short nap can help determine if mouth taping is tolerable.
It is also helpful to moisturize the skin around your lips to reduce irritation.
For those interested in reducing snoring or improving nasal breathing, alternatives like sleeping on your side, using nasal strips, or treating underlying conditions like allergies or asthma may be more effective and safer options.
If that doesn’t work, well, call your doctor, and if you get a green light – go for it.
Consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended before trying mouth taping or other unproven methods.