Mouth taping uses specific tape products to keep the mouth closed during sleep.
But is it safe?
Some sleep experts warn about the risks.
masamasa3 / Getty Images
masamasa3 / Getty Images
How Does Mouth Taping for Sleep Work?
However, this has not been proven.
Mouth taping can be dangerous, and healthcare providers do not recommend this practice.
Risks of mouth taping during sleep include:
What Does the Science Say About Mouth Taping?
Research about mouth tapingfor sleep is minimal.
Does Mouth Taping Help With Snoring?
There is conflicting information about the effectiveness of mouth taping forsnoring.
Mouth taping can interfere with breathing and may be dangerous.Snoring can signal difficulty breathing.
Can You Suffocate From Mouth Taping?
Mouth taping can cause difficulty breathing and the feeling ofsuffocating.
It can also increase sleep apnea symptoms.
In severe cases, obstructive sleep apnea can causedeathwhen airways are blocked.
What Kind of Mouth Tape Do You Use for Sleep?
There are tape products specifically intended for sleep.
While it may seem safe, and proponents can be convincing, it can be dangerous.
Alternatives to Mouth Taping
There are many alternatives to mouth taping during sleep.
Side Sleeping
The bestsleep positiondepends on the person, their health concerns, and their needs.
Do not use nasal strips in place of of medical care, especially if your breathing is compromised.
Anyone experiencing allergies, asthma, or difficulty breathing should consult a healthcare provider for treatment options.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
One of the claimed benefits of mouth taping is relief from bad breath.
Good sleep at night can help you feel more rested during the day.
Summary
Proponents of mouth taping for sleep claim that it decreases snoring and improves sleep.
However, scientific research on the topic is limited.
Additionally, it can be dangerous, increasing the risk of breathing difficulty and other adverse effects during sleep.
Healthcare providers recommend other treatment and management options to improve sleep and daytime restfulness.
Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying any unsubstantiated health trends.
Baylor College of Medicine.Taping your way to a better night sleep?
Experts say don’t do it.
Harvard Medical School.Can mouth taping help my snoring?
Banner Health.Why you should never tape your mouth closed when you sleep.
Sleep Foundation.Can you die from sleep apnea?
2022;18(2):477-483. doi:10.5664/jcsm.9624
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergens and allergic asthma.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Halitosis (bad breath).
Sleep Foundation.Mastering sleep hygiene: your path to quality sleep.
Sleep Foundation.Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): An overview.
