Are you interested in mouth taping as a sleeping aid? This popular method is said to improve sleep by encouraging nasal breathing. The question remains, does it actually work?
The below publications delve into the effects of mouth taping on your body as you sleep, as well as any potential advantages or disadvantages.
According to the Sleep Foundation, “Mouth taping is an increasingly popular home treatment used to encourage nose breathing during sleep. People who tape their mouths closed at night may do so to address issues ranging from snoring to bad breath.”
The above website also states that by applying porous tape to the top and lower lips, mouth taping makes it difficult for a person to open their mouth.
WebMD claims that there are anecdotal side effects reported by some people who may have used mouth taping as a solution which include, fear of having their mouth taped closed, and difficulty breathing through their nose.
Mouth taping should not be used if you have an ear, sinus, or cold infection, consumed alcohol or administered sedatives, or respiratory issues with the nose, such as nasal polyps, the above health source also adds.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Taping your mouth shut impairs your ability to breathe in full, deep breaths. Plus, you could also experience skin irritation, an allergic reaction or rash from using the wrong kind of tape.”
The clinic mentioned above further suggests seeing a healthcare professional to learn safer alternative therapies if you’re worried about improving your snoring, poor breath, sleep apnea, or any other breathing or sleep-related issues.
