Doctors caution against mouth-taping for sleep, despite social-media trend
Medical experts warn the practice offers little proven benefit and could pose risks; safer options exist for sleep-related issues.
A growing social-media trend has seen some people tape their mouths shut at night in the belief it will improve sleep and reduce snoring, but medical experts say there is no solid science to support the practice and warn of potential risks.
Mouth taping involves sealing the lips with tape for the duration of sleep. Proponents argue it promotes nasal breathing, which is thought to be healthier because the nose filters dust and allergens before they reach the lungs. Still, doctors say nasal breathing alone is not a guaranteed fix for sleep problems.
Evidence from studies on mouth taping is limited. Most small studies have found little or no clear benefit, and researchers caution against drawing strong conclusions from such data. Clinicians urge patients not to rely on mouth-taping as a sleep solution.
Potential risks include the possibility of worsening sleep-disordered breathing or even a dangerous inability to remove the seal quickly. Dry mouth and throat irritation are also concerns, and mouth-breathing at night is linked to increased snoring and oral health issues.
Experts point to safer alternatives. Prescription oral appliances designed to open the airway and continuous positive airway pressure devices are among the commonly recommended options for people with sleep-disordered breathing.
Lifestyle factors can also affect breathing at night. Smoking cessation and weight loss can improve sleep for some people, alongside evaluation for sleep apnea.
If a person is repeatedly mouth-breathing at night, clinicians say the best course is to determine why. A sleep test, which can sometimes be performed at home, helps identify whether obstructive sleep apnea or another condition is involved.
In a discussion of sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Brian Chen of the Cleveland Clinic notes that even modest sleep disruption can affect daily life, underscoring why a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are important.
Emory University sleep specialist Dr. David Schulman adds that there are effective alternatives to mouth-taping, and people who know something is amiss should pursue testing and therapy rather than DIY fixes.