Dispelling Common Myths and Misconceptions About Mouth Taping

There is a viral trend going on about taping your mouth so that it remains closed before going to sleep in order to encourage nose breathing and prevent snoring. However, how safe is this method of mouth taping and what are the common myths and misconceptions about mouth taping; all this will be discussed in this article.

Dispelling Common Myths of Mouth Taping and Giving You Facts

Myth# 1: Mouth Taping Reduces the Intake of Oxygen

Fact:  If one uses porous medical tape made for using on the skin, then there is no problem as it allows air to follow normally through the nose. There are some studies, which show that there is improvement in the oxygenation with nasal breathing.

Myth #2: Mouth Taping Can Cause Choking or Suffocation

Fact: The nasal airway remains completely open so risk of suffocation is nil. In case if someone is feeling panicky, then just removing the tape helps in alleviating any feeling or discomfort or panic.

Myth #3: One Needs To Breathe Through the Mouth When Sleeping

Fact: The complete oxygen demands can be met comfortably when breathing through the nose. It is not important to breathe through mouth at night nor is it considered healthy.

Myth #4: Mouth Taping Can Cause Sleep Apnea

Fact: Breathing through mouth in fact causes worsening of sleep apnea and mouth taping encourages nasal breathing, which helps with the sleep apnea. Studies have shown that mouth taping helps in reducing the apneic episodes where there is mild sleep apnea ⁽¹⁾.

Myth #5: Mouth Taping Should Be Used Only Be Those Who Suffer From Sleep Apnea or Snoring Problems

Fact: Mouth taping does help in relieving the symptoms of mild sleep apnea and helps with snoring; however, anyone can use it who is looking to improve their sleep quality by encouraging nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is associated with relaxation, better oxygenation, and better sleep quality ⁽²⁾. 

Myth #6: Mouth Taping Causes Discomfort and Skin Irritation

Fact: The tape used for mouth taping should be a porous medical grade tape made especially for use on the skin. Always use a hypoallergenic tape to avoid irritation on sensitive skin. It is also recommended to patch test a small portion of the skin with the tape and keep it overnight to see if there are any skin sensitivities or allergies.

Myth #7: Mouth Taping is a Temporary Solution and has no Permanent Benefit

Fact: The root cause of mouth breathing is not solved with mouth taping; however, it helps in training the body to breathe via nose during sleep. Using it consistently leads to long-term improvements in sleep quality and eventually a decreased dependency on mouth taping.

Myth #8: Mouth Taping Is a Gimmick

Fact: Mouth taping is the latest fad and can be perceived by some as gimmicky; but there is growing research which supports the use of mouth taping to promote natural nasal breathing, enhancing oxygenation and decreasing sleep problems such as snoring ⁽¹⁾.

How to Safely Use Mouth Taping

After dispelling the common myths now let’s talk about how to mouth tape safely.

Use the Correct Tape: Strong adhesive tapes, such as duct tapes are big no-no and should not be used for the purpose of mouth taping ⁽³⁾. Always use breathable, porous medical tapes available in the pharmacy or get your physician to prescribe one. Always avoid latex if you have allergies.

Look out for Skin Irritation: Always check for irritation, redness or rashes around the lips which can signal an allergy to the tape and discontinue its use when this occurs. It is better to patch test a small area of the skin before sleeping to see if it causes any allergic reaction.

Keep your Lips Moisturized: Make sure to apply lip balm in the day time to prevent chapped lips, which can occur from using a mouth tape. Do not use petroleum-based products on the lips before using a mouth tape as it can weaken the tape adhesion.

Remove the Mouth Tape Carefully: Always gently peel the mouth tape off when you get up in the morning. Avoid ripping it off forcefully, as this can cause damage to the skin.

Be Patient and Give It Some Time: It can take many weeks for people to get used to mouth taping. Be disciplined and patient when it comes to taping your mouth before sleeping to avail its full benefits.

Who Should Not Use Mouth Taping?

Mouth taping is not recommended in some situations such as:

• In case of severe sleep apnea, it is contraindicated to use mouth taping along with CPAP.
• If someone suffers from extreme anxiety or claustrophobia, then it is best to avoid mouth taping.
• If you have consumed a lot of alcohol or taken sedatives, then mouth taping should be avoided.
• In case of breathing impairment or respiratory illness, mouth taping should be avoided.
• If you suffer from any heart or lung problems, then stay away from mouth taping.
• If you suffer from extremely sensitive skin, which is susceptible to irritation from adhesives, then better avoid using a mouth tape.
• Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding mouth tape and do not use if you feel any discomfort or side effects.

Tips for Safe and Successful Mouth Taping

• Always use good quality porous medical grade tape strips, which are made for using on human skin for mouth taping so there is air flow and you do not feel suffocated.
• Always use mouth tape on freshly washed and dry skin.
• Apply the tape and gently press it; however, do not use too force or pressure.
• You can start out with mouth taping during day naps first to get used to it and to see how it goes for you.
• Do not give up easily. Give it a fair chance and try to use it consistently for two to three weeks till you get adjusted to it 

Conclusion

Mouth taping is definitely something new which you will be doing and hence it needs a suitable adjustment period and should be used with some precautions. So far there are only few studies supporting the benefits of mouth tape. However, when mouth tape is used in a proper way and for the right reasons, it helps in improving breathing and sleep. As time passes, it will get comfortable and normal and gradually you will get used to it.

The important thing is to bear in mind in which situations it is not recommended. You can consult your doctor to find out if you are a suitable candidate for mouth taping to avoid situations where it is not recommended to use mouth tape. Always follow the tips mentioned for good experience with mouth taping and to avail its full benefits.

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Also Read:

• Mouth Taping For Treating Snoring & Dry Mouth