Taping your mouth to sleep?? It may sound odd– but yes! In recent years, mouth taping has exploded on social media. But what is the craze all about? While some may claim it may be a gimmick, our customers are seeing life changing benefits.
If you suffer from snoring, dry mouth, morning grogginess, sleep apnea, or other sleep-related breathing issues, you may be familiar with a simple yet effective solution: mouth tape. This product has gained popularity recently as a natural, non-invasive way to improve sleep quality. In this comprehensive guide, we’d love to explore everything you need to know about mouth tape for sleeping and how it can change your life overnight… literally!
Introduction
Mouth tape is a simple adhesive strip that is applied over the mouth before going to bed. Its purpose is to prevent mouth breathing during sleep, which can lead to snoring, dry mouth, tooth decay, lack of oxygen absorption, and many other issues. While taping your mouth may seem like an oddball concept at first, it has been used for centuries in various cultures as a way to promote better breathing and overall health.
George Catlin famously depicted indigenous Indian tribes pursing the lips of their newborns to encourage proper nasal breathing during sleep. These indian tribes displayed perfectly sculpted facial/jaw structures as well as perfectly straight teeth!
How Mouth Tape Works
To understand how mouth tape works, it's important to know how humans are intended to breathe during sleep. When we breathe through our mouths, we bypass the natural filtration system of our nose and throat. In addition, the tissues in our nasal airway become loose (no pressure coming from the nose), which results in that notorious snoring noise. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation in the airways. Additionally, mouth breathing can cause snoring, which disrupts sleep quality for both the snorer and their partner.
Mouth tape works by encouraging nasal breathing during sleep. By sealing the lips shut, it forces air to flow through the nose, where it is filtered and humidified before entering the lungs. This can lead to better oxygenation, decreased inflammation, and improved sleep quality.
Types of Mouth Tape
There are several types of mouth tape available on the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the most common:
- Duct Tape: – Kidding! Do not try this at home. People make jokes about being able to use duct tape. We tried it for fun and it was the furthest thing from fun. Don’t use duct tape!
- Surgical tape: This is the most basic type of mouth tape, made from a hypoallergenic adhesive. It is affordable and widely available, but may not be strong enough for heavy mouth breathers. This adhesive is known to be slightly painful to take off the next morning. If you are looking for a cost-effective option to test the idea, feel free to give this a try!
- Sports tape: This type of kinesiology tape is designed for athletes who need to keep their mouths closed during physical activity. It is definitely more durable than surgical tape but is often too strong for most users. We do NOT recommend this type of tape unless you enjoy potentially ripping your skin/hair off the next morning. This tape is designed to get stronger the longer it stays on your body, so often you will wake up feeling like you have a brick over your lips!
- Specialized mouth tape: Some companies (like us) have developed specialized mouth tape products that are designed specifically for use during sleep. These tapes are often made from a gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive that won't irritate the skin and have additional features like moisture-wicking and skin repairing fabric. We make our tape without parabens, PFAS, and latex! We offer a clear silicone based option (best for gentle, sensitive skin) and a clear non-silicone based option (best for heavier mouth breathers).
How to Apply Mouth Tape
Applying mouth tape is a simple process, but it may take some time getting used to. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Wash your face and hands before applying the tape.
- Use a strip of tape that is long enough to cover your lips. It is your preference for shape and size! Just ensure your lips are sealed so you can't mouth breathe during the night. We offer nightly strips designed to fit your lips perfectly while allowing for air to pass through the mouth if needed.
- Apply the tape to your lips, making sure it is centered and not too tight.
- Press down firmly on the edges of the tape to ensure a secure seal.
- Practice breathing through your nose before going to sleep.
Still Uncomfortable With The Idea?
If the idea of taping your mouth at night makes you feel nervous, we highly recommend trying the tape during the day! One of our best friends uses mouth tape to study during the day. She finds it really helpful to practice mindful breathing and it improves her concentration and focus. Training your nasal breathing is the ultimate goal with mouth tape! So find what works for you.
It's important to note that some people may experience discomfort or skin irritation when using mouth tape. If this occurs, try switching to a different type of tape or consulting with a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about mouth tape for sleeping:
Q: Is it safe to use mouth tape?
A: Yes, mouth tape is generally considered safe for most people. However, if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new sleep aids.
Q: Will using mouth tape stop me from snoring?
A: For many people, yes! Mouth taping has been shown to significantly reduce snoring in some individuals. However, it may not work for everyone, especially if there are underlying medical issues causing the snoring.
Q: Can I still breathe through my nose with mouth tape on?
A: Yes! Mouth tape is designed to encourage nasal breathing, not block it entirely. You should still be able to breathe comfortably through your nose while using mouth tape.
Q: How do I know if I'm using the right type of mouth tape?
A: Experimentation is key! Try out different types of tape until you find one that works well for you. Some people may prefer a stronger adhesive, while others may need something more gentle.
Q: Can I use mouth tape if I have sleep apnea?
A: It depends on the severity of your sleep apnea and the advice of your healthcare professional. While mouth taping can be helpful for some people with mild sleep apnea, it may not be enough for those with more severe cases.
Conclusion
Mouth tape is a simple yet effective way to improve sleep quality and reduce snoring. By promoting nasal breathing during sleep, it can lead to better oxygenation, decreased inflammation, and more deep sleep overall. If you're interested in trying out mouth tape for yourself, be sure to follow our tips on choosing and applying the right type of tape.
Sweet dreams to all,
Brenden Tuttle
Co-Founder of Sleep Habits
