Why are teens, athletes, influencers, and CEOs putting tape across their mouths to sleep? It’s not a cosmetic glow-up, a pop culture fad, or a political statement; people are taping their mouths to improve sleep and overall health. But as with anything new, the unknowns can create a situation where people try it without really knowing how or why.
In this gallery, you’ll learn what mouth taping really can do; tips for you and your patients for appropriately using mouth tape; and what it should not be used for, or won't help. (Note: Anyone thinking of trying mouth taping for sleep should consult their doctor to rule out underlying or untreated conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea.)
*Images of mouth tape courtesy of SomniFixMore content by sleep expert Teresa Power DeNike:
Mouth taping for sleep: A TikTok trend with merit
Fitness tips that can help your sleep, from a sleep expert
Sleep divorce? How a sleep apnea appliance can save your marriage
References
- Nunez K. What are the advantages of nose breathing vs. mouth breathing? Healthline. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/nose-breathing
- Coleman JW. Nitric oxide in immunity and inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol. 2001;1(8):1397-1406. doi:10.1016/s1567-5769(01)00086-8
- Russo M, Santarelli D, O’Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe (Sheff). 2017;13(4):298–309. doi:10.1183/20734735.009817
- Summer J. Mouth taping for sleep. Sleep Foundation. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring/mouth-taping-for-sleep#:~:text=What%20Kind%20of%20Tape%20to,irritation%20or%20an%20allergic%20reaction
- Lee Y, Lu C, Cheng W, Li H. The impact of mouth-taping in mouth-breathers with mild obstructive sleep apnea: a preliminary study. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(9):1755. doi:10.3390/healthcare10091755
- Morning headaches? Sleep apnea could be the cause. University Hospitals. Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/03/morning-headaches-sleep-apnea-could-be-the-cause
