Do you know mouth taping benefits and drawbacks: Here's what you should know

Mouth taping is a technique where a small piece of medical tape, usually a specially designed tape for this purpose, is applied over the mouth before going to bed. The tape helps keep the mouth closed during sleep, which can encourage nasal breathing and prevent mouth breathing.

This technique is used to improve breathing during sleep and reduces likelihood of snoring or sleep apnea. However, it's important to note that this technique should only be used with the guidance of a healthcare professional and is not recommended for everyone, particularly those with medical conditions.

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Benefits of mouth taping

Using mouth taping during sleep (Photo via Gregory Pappas/Unsplash)

Here are some of the suggested mouth taping benefits:

Improved breathing

It can encourage nasal breathing, which can help improve quality of sleep by increasing oxygen level and reducing risk of snoring and sleep apnea.

Reduced dry mouth

Mouth breathing during sleep can lead to dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and increase risk of tooth decay. By encouraging nasal breathing, mouth taping can help reduce likelihood of dry mouth.

Improved sleep quality

Mouth taping can help reduce disruptions during sleep, like snoring or waking up due to dry mouth. That can lead to improved sleep quality and a more restful night's sleep.

Increased energy

Better sleep quality can lead to increased energy levels during the day, which can help improve productivity and overall well-being.

It's important to note that it's not recommended for everyone. If you have any underlying health conditions, like asthma or COPD, or if you're a very heavy snorer, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying this technique.

Additionally, it's important to use a breathable tape specifically designed for this purpose and to ensure that the tape does not cause any discomfort or irritation.

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Drawbacks of mouth taping

Why should you use mouth taping? (Photo via Nik Shuliahin/Unsplash)

While mouth taping can have potential benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered. These include:

Discomfort

Some people may find it uncomfortable or experience irritation from the tape on their skin. Thaf can potentially become an obstacle in feeling asleep or remaining asleep through the entire night.

Anxiety

For some people, the idea of having their mouth taped shut can cause anxiety or feelings of claustrophobia. That could potentially play a role in making it difficult to sleep.

Safety concerns

It may not be safe for everyone, particularly for individuals with certain medical conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. That's because it may make it difficult to breathe through the mouth if necessary, potentially leading to respiratory distress.

Ineffectiveness

Mouth taping may not be effective for everyone, particularly for individuals with severe snoring or sleep apnea. It could, in fact, lead to making the problem worse.

Unintended consequences

The practice may lead to unintended consequences, like accidentally removing the tape during sleep, which can lead to dry mouth or mouth breathing. It may also interfere with communication during an emergency situation.

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Eventually, the decision to use mouth taping should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, taking into consideration individual needs and medical history.

Other techniques, like positional therapy or use of continuous positive airway pressure machine, may be more appropriate for some individuals.