Many are turning to the practice of mouth tape as a quick and easy method to enhance their sleeping patterns, but can this flimsy method bring the advantages it promises? The act of applying a piece of tape over your mouth prior to going to bed will encourage breathing through the nose as you sleep. It is typically used to help reduce the sound of your snore and to prevent bad breath, and to promote better sleep.
But, research on the use of mouth taps is a bit sporadic; therefore, the majority of its claimed benefits are anecdotal. We’ll look at the process of mouth tapping as well as what the scientific evidence has said so far, the best way to use it in a safe manner, and what alternatives are available.
What Is Mouth Taping and How Does It Work?
Mouth tape is the act of putting a piece of transparent tape on the lips before bedtime to help encourage nasal breathing at night. The concept is straightforward, that by keeping the mouth shut and allowing the body is pushed to breathe through the nose. This is believed to promote better sleep and lessen the risk of issues with breathing.
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related to breathing through the mouth, related to mouth breathing, such as snoring or dry mouth.
Nasal breathing is generally thought to be superior to breathing through your mouth because it helps filter allergens, improve the humidity of air, and help ensure an optimal oxygen exchange.
For those who breathe through their mouths at night, a tape may serve as an easy reminder to encourage healthy breathing habits in the event that there aren’t any underlying medical conditions such as sleep apnea, nasal obstruction, or even sleep apnea.
Do mouth tapes help?
The aim of mouth tapping is to minimize the negative effects of the side effects and redirect breathing via your nasal passages. However, the studies that have been conducted to date aren’t conclusive, and the jury is still undecided about whether or not it’s beneficial to use mouth taps.
One study of a small size showed that 30 patients were less likely to snore after using mouth taping. Another study of 36 patients suffering from asthma found no evidence of improvement in their condition following the use of mouth tape. In a study in 2022, it was discovered that 10 patients continued to attempt breath-inspiring despite the fact that their mouths were taped. This is a condition called mouth puffing.
Many individuals looking for natural sleep aids have turned to mouth tape as an aid to facilitate nasal breathing at night, leading to better oxygen intake and hopefully leading to deeper, uninterrupted restful slumber. When used consistently and safely along with sleep masks, mouth taping may reduce snoring, increase oxygen intake, and potentially result in deeper restful restful slumber for those struggling with light sleeping patterns or nighttime awakenings. Sleep experts believe such tools may prove helpful as long-term tools.
