Rapidly Trending Topics, Insights, and Analysis: Mouth Tape

Searches for “mouth tape” have increased by 265% over the last two years. Mouth tape is an adhesive strip placed on the lips while sleeping. These strips are designed to minimize mouth breathing, reduce snoring, and improve sleep quality.

Mouth tape is a medical-grade tape designed to promote nasal breathing during sleep, often used by people who suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, or other breathing-related sleep disorders, to improve breathing quality and reduce symptoms, while also promoting better sleep quality and overall health and wellness.

Notably, unlike traditional tape, mouth tape doesn’t pull or peel off skin when removed.

Mouth tape has also become popular on social media. The hashtag #mouthtape has over 93 million views on TikTok.

What’s Next

Mouth tape is part of the SleepTok meta trend.

TikTok has become home to a massive online community dedicated to improving sleep quality.

Videos about sleep hacks have more than 545 million views on the platform.

Whereas the hashtag #sleeptips has over 463 million views to date.

And approximately 30% of American TikTok users say they’ve used a sleeping hack they discovered on TikTok.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Question: What is mouth tape?

Answer: Mouth tape is an adhesive strip that people wear over their mouth to gently hold the lips together during sleep. This may help regulate airflow through the nose and prevent or reduce snoring, sleep apnea, dry mouth, bad breath and other issues associated with mouth breathing.

Question: Why would someone use mouth tape?

Answer: Mouth tape is used to promote nasal breathing during sleep and discourage mouth breathing. Nasal breathing has several potential benefits, including:

• Improved oxygen uptake: Breathing through the nose allows for the filtration, humidification, and warming of the air, optimizing the oxygen uptake by the body.
• Reduced snoring: Nasal breathing helps maintain an open airway, reducing the likelihood of snoring during sleep.
• Enhanced sleep quality: Nasal breathing promotes a deeper and more restful sleep, as it encourages proper oxygen exchange and maintains optimal carbon dioxide levels.
• Prevention of dry mouth: Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, which can contribute to dental health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Using mouth tape can help prevent dry mouth by encouraging nasal breathing.

Question: How does mouth tape work?

Answer: Mouth tape gently holds the lips together during sleep, and there is a possibility that it can help regulate airflow through the nose. Mouth taping may dissuade people from breathing through their mouths while sleeping, which can help prevent snoring and improve oral hygiene.

Question: What are the benefits of mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: Mouth tape for sleep may have various benefits, such as:

• Lowering blood pressure by stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the nose.
• Filtering allergens and pathogens by using the nasal hairs and mucous membranes.
• Regulating the temperature and humidity of the air you breathe, which may prevent irritation and inflammation of the throat and lungs.
• Decreasing anxiety and stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and healing.
• Improving oral hygiene by preventing dry mouth, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease caused by mouth breathing.
• Humidifying the air you breathe and moisturizing your throat.
• Improved sleep quality: By promoting nasal breathing, mouth tape can enhance the quality of sleep and leave you feeling more refreshed in the morning.
• Reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms: Mouth tape helps to keep the airway open, reducing the likelihood of snoring.
• Increased focus and alertness: Proper nasal breathing has been linked to improved cognitive function and mental clarity.
• Enhanced oxygen intake: Breathing through the nose allows for better oxygen uptake, leading to improved overall health and well-being.

Question: What are the risks of mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: Mouth tape for sleep may pose some risks, such as:

• Restricting airflow if you have obstructed nasal passages or undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea. This may cause nighttime awakenings or, in extreme cases, asphyxiation.
• Causing irritation or allergic reaction to the adhesive on your skin or lips. This may result in a rash, itching, swelling or pain.
• Creating discomfort or anxiety if you are not used to breathing through your nose or wearing an adhesive over your mouth at night.
• Feeling discomfort or claustrophobic wearing an adhesive over your mouth at night.
• Attempting to breathe through your mouth despite the tape, which may result in mouth puffing.
• Not addressing the underlying cause of mouth breathing, such as allergies, sinus infections, deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Question: Who should not use mouth tape?

Answer: Mouth tape should not be used by people who have any of the following conditions:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea

Question: What types of mouth tape are available?

Answer: You should use a skin-safe tape that is breathable, hypoallergenic and easy to remove. There are different types of mouth tape available, such as:

• Breathable patches: These are porous oral patches that allow some air to pass through in case of nasal obstruction or emergency. They may also reduce snoring and sleep apnea by creating a positive airway pressure in the mouth.
• Micropore tape: This is a surgical tape that is hypoallergenic, gentle and easy to remove. It may also allow some air to pass through in case of nasal obstruction or emergency.
• Somnifix strips: These are specially designed strips that have a central vent to allow some air to pass through in case of nasal obstruction or emergency. They also have a gentle adhesive that does not leave residue on the skin or lips.
• Lip strips: These are narrow strips that cover only the lips and leave some space between them. They may be more comfortable and less restrictive than breathable patches.
• Micropore surgical tape: This is a medical-grade paper tape that is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. It can be cut to any size and shape to fit your mouth. It may be cheaper and more versatile than other types of mouth tape.
• Somnifix strips.
• 3M Nexcare sensitive skin tape.
• Full coverage tape that covers the entire mouth and seals it shut.
• Partial coverage tape that leaves a small gap for emergency mouth breathing.
• Porous oral patches that allow some air to pass through the mouth.
• Shaped tape that fits around the lips and does not touch the skin.

You should avoid using duct tape, masking tape or any other tape that is not designed for skin contact.

Question: Can I use any type of tape for mouth taping?

Answer: No, you should only use special medical-grade tape that is designed specifically for mouth taping. This type of tape is safe for use in the mouth and will not cause any irritation or discomfort.

Question: What are some alternatives to mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: If you are not comfortable with mouth taping or if you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe, you may consider some alternatives, such as:

• Wearing a chin strap to keep your mouth closed: This is a device that wraps around your head and chin to keep your mouth closed while you sleep. It may also reduce snoring and sleep apnea by preventing air leakage from the mouth.
• CPAP machine: This is a device that delivers continuous positive airway pressure through a mask that covers your nose or mouth. It may also reduce snoring and sleep apnea by keeping your airway open while you sleep.
• Oral appliance: This is a device that fits inside your mouth to adjust your jaw position or tongue posture. It may also reduce snoring and sleep apnea by preventing your tongue from blocking your airway while you sleep.
• Using a nasal dilator, saline spray or neti pot to clear your nasal passages: These are devices that widen the nasal passages and improve nasal breathing. They may help with snoring, congestion or allergies.
• Nasal strips: These are adhesive strips that are placed on the outside of the nose to help open up the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through the nose.
• Saline spray or neti pot that clear out the nasal congestion.
• Practicing breathing exercises or myofunctional therapy to train your tongue and facial muscles to breathe through your nose.
• Consulting a doctor or a dentist to diagnose and treat any underlying causes of mouth breathing, such as allergies, sinus infections, deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or sleep apnea.
• Positional therapy: Adjusting sleep positions, such as sleeping on your side instead of your back, can help encourage nasal breathing and reduce mouth breathing.
• Humidifier or vaporizer that add moisture to the air.
• Allergy medication or nasal steroid spray that reduce inflammation and swelling in the nose.

It is important to find the approach that works best for your individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.

Question: How to use mouth tape safely?

Answer: If you want to try mouth tape, you should consult your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you. You should also follow these steps:

• Choose a skin-safe tape that is easy to remove and does not cause irritation.
• Test the tape on your arm or hand before applying it to your mouth.
• Start with a small piece of tape or a partial coverage tape to get used to it.
• Make sure you can breathe comfortably through your nose before going to sleep.
• Remove the tape gently in the morning and check for any signs of rash or soreness.

Question: How do I properly apply mouth tape?

Answer: To apply mouth tape properly, follow these steps:

1. Ensure cleanliness: Wash your face and mouth area thoroughly before applying the tape to remove any oils, lotions, or dirt that may affect the tape’s adhesion.
2. Cut an appropriate length: Cut a piece of mouth tape that is long enough to cover your mouth comfortably from one corner to the other, with a slight overlap on the sides.
3. Positioning: With your mouth closed, position the tape horizontally, aligning it just below the lower lip. Ensure that the tape adheres well to the skin on both sides of your mouth.
4. Adjust for comfort: If the tape feels too tight or restricts your movement, you can make a small vertical cut in the middle of the tape to allow for some flexibility while maintaining coverage.
5. Test and adapt: It may take some time to get used to mouth taping. Experiment with different tape types, sizes, or adjustments to find what works best for you. If you experience any discomfort or difficulty breathing, remove the tape immediately.

Question: How do I start mouth taping?

Answer: Before you start mouth taping, you should consult a doctor to make sure it is safe and suitable for you. You should also test the tape on your arm or hand to check for any allergic reaction. If you are ready to try mouth taping, you can follow these steps:

• Brush your teeth and floss as usual.
• Cut a small piece of tape (about 2 inches long) and fold one end to create a tab for easy removal.
• Place the tape horizontally over your lips, making sure it is not too tight or too loose.
• Breathe normally through your nose and relax.
• If you feel any discomfort or need to cough, sneeze or vomit, remove the tape immediately.
• In the morning, gently peel off the tape from one corner and discard it.

Question: How do I use mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: To use mouth tape for sleep, you should follow these steps:

1. Choose a type of mouth tape that suits your needs and preferences.
2. Clean and dry your lips and surrounding skin before applying the tape.
3. Apply the tape over your lips, making sure it adheres well and does not cover your nostrils.
4. Breathe through your nose and relax before going to sleep.
5. Remove the tape gently in the morning by peeling it off from one corner or using warm water to loosen it.

Question: How do I know if I need mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: You may need mouth tape for sleep if you have any of these signs or symptoms:

• You snore loudly or frequently while sleeping.
• You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you have it.
• You wake up with a dry mouth, bad breath, sore throat or headache.
• You have dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease or enamel erosion.
• You have nasal problems such as congestion, allergies or sinus infections.
• You have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety or stress.

Question: How do I know if mouth tape is working for me?

Answer: You may know if mouth tape is working for you if you notice any of these changes or improvements:

• You snore less or not at all while sleeping.
• You have fewer or no episodes of sleep apnea or hypopnea while sleeping.
• You wake up with a moist mouth, fresh breath, clear throat and no headache.
• You have better oral hygiene and fewer dental problems.
• You have better nasal function and fewer respiratory infections.
• You have better sleep quality and quantity, and feel more rested and energized during the day.

Question: How long does it take to see the results of mouth tape for sleep?

Answer: The results of mouth tape for sleep may vary depending on your individual condition, severity and response. Some people may see immediate results, while others may need weeks or months to notice any difference. It may also depend on how consistently and correctly you use the mouth tape, and whether you combine it with other treatments or lifestyle changes.

Question: Is mouth tape safe for everyone?

Answer: Mouth tape is not safe for everyone. You should not use mouth tape if you have any of these conditions or situations:

• You have severe or untreated sleep apnea that requires medical attention.
• You have severe or chronic nasal obstruction that prevents you from breathing through your nose.
• You have a history of asthma, COPD, heart disease or other respiratory or cardiovascular disorders that affect your breathing.
• You have a history of allergic reaction or sensitivity to adhesives or tapes.
• You have a history of claustrophobia, panic attacks or anxiety disorders that affect your breathing.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years old or have a medical condition that requires supervision.
• Nasal congestion: If you have severe nasal congestion or any condition that affects your ability to breathe through your nose, using mouth tape may not be appropriate. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about nasal breathing.
• Allergies or skin sensitivities: Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to the adhesive material used in mouth tape. If you experience any skin irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and seek alternative solutions.
• Individual comfort: Not everyone finds mouth taping comfortable or suitable for their sleep habits. It is a personal preference, and individuals should assess their own comfort and adaptability to the practice.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new sleep-related practices, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or concerns.

Question: Can I still breathe through my nose while using mouth tape?

Answer: Yes, you can still breathe through your nose while using mouth tape. In fact, this is one of the main benefits of using mouth tape.

Question: Can I use mouth tape if I have braces or dentures?

Answer: Yes, you can still use mouth tape if you have braces or dentures. However, you should be careful not to apply too much pressure to your teeth or gums when applying the tape. You can use mouth tape if you have braces or dentures. However, you should make sure that the tape does not interfere with your orthodontic appliances or damage your teeth. You should also clean your braces or dentures before and after using mouth tape.

Question: How can I improve my nasal breathing without mouth tape?

Answer: You can improve your nasal breathing without mouth tape by following these tips:

• Practice nasal breathing exercises during the day, such as humming, diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods that may irritate your throat or nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier, saline spray or neti pot to moisten and clear your nasal passages.
• Treat any underlying causes of nasal congestion, such as allergies, sinus infections or deviated septum.
• Elevate your head with pillows or a wedge while sleeping to reduce snoring and improve airflow.

Question: What are the best brands of mouth tape?

Answer: There are many different brands of mouth tape available. Some of the most popular brands include Breathe Right, SnoreRx, and ZQuiet. When choosing a mouth tape, it is important to consider the size, adhesiveness, and material of the tape. It is also important to read reviews to see what other users have said about the product.

Question: Where can I buy medical-grade mouth tape?

Answer: You can buy medical-grade mouth tape online or at your local pharmacy. Make sure that you choose a reputable brand that is designed specifically for use in the mouth. You can buy mouth tape for sleep from various online or offline sources, such as:

• Amazon: This is a popular online marketplace that offers a wide range of mouth tape products from different brands and prices. You can read customer reviews and ratings to compare and choose the best option for you.
• SomniFix: This is a company that specializes in mouth tape for sleep. They offer breathable patches that are hypoallergenic, comfortable and easy to use. They also provide free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Chomper Labs: This is a company that focuses on oral health and wellness. They offer lip strips that are made of natural ingredients, biodegradable and vegan-friendly. They also provide free shipping and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Question: Can I use mouth tape if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer: There is no evidence that mouth taping is harmful for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, you should consult your doctor before trying any new technique that may affect your breathing or sleep. You should also be aware of any changes in your nasal congestion or hormonal levels that may affect your ability to breathe through your nose.

Question: Can children or elderly individuals use mouth tape?

Answer: The use of mouth tape in children or elderly individuals should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Factors such as individual health conditions, breathing patterns, and ability to adapt to the practice need to be considered.

For children, it is important to consult with a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist before considering mouth taping. Elderly individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should also seek medical advice before using mouth tape.

Question: Can I use mouth tape for children?

Answer: Mouth taping is not recommended for children under 12 years old, as they may not be able to remove the tape in case of an emergency. Children who breathe through their mouths may have underlying issues that need medical attention, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, sinus infections or sleep apnea. You should consult a pediatrician or a dentist to diagnose and treat the cause of your child’s mouth breathing.

Question: Can mouth tape be used for sleep apnea or snoring?

Answer: Mouth taping alone is not considered a treatment for sleep apnea or snoring. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.

However, for some individuals who snore or have mild sleep apnea due to mouth breathing, mouth taping may help encourage nasal breathing and potentially reduce snoring. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment options for sleep apnea or chronic snoring.

Question: Can mouth tape help with snoring?

Answer: Yes, mouth tape can help with snoring. By encouraging nasal breathing, it can help to reduce the vibrations in the throat that cause snoring. However, it’s important to note that mouth taping is not a cure for snoring, and if snoring is a persistent issue, it may be a sign of a more serious condition like sleep apnea, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Question: Can mouth tape improve sleep quality?

Answer: Yes, mouth tape can improve sleep quality. Nasal breathing is linked to deeper, more restful sleep, so by encouraging nasal breathing, mouth tape can help to improve the quality of sleep.

Question: Can mouth tape help with dry mouth?

Answer: Yes, mouth tape can help with dry mouth, particularly if it’s caused by mouth breathing during sleep. By keeping the mouth closed and encouraging nasal breathing, mouth tape can help to reduce dryness and improve oral health.

Mouth tape may help with dry mouth by encouraging nasal breathing, which helps to maintain moisture levels in the mouth. When we breathe through our mouths during sleep, the airflow can cause dryness, leading to discomfort and potential oral health issues.

By sealing the mouth with tape, mouth breathing is discouraged, allowing the natural moisture balance to be maintained and potentially reducing the likelihood of dry mouth symptoms. However, it’s important to address any underlying causes of dry mouth and seek appropriate treatment if the condition persists.

Question: Can mouth tape cause skin irritation?

Answer: While it’s possible for any adhesive product to cause skin irritation, most mouth tapes are designed to be gentle on the skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, it’s recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Question: Can mouth tape be used during physical activities or exercise?

Answer: Mouth tape is generally not recommended during physical activities or exercise. During strenuous activities, the body often requires increased airflow, and breathing through the mouth can be more efficient for meeting oxygen demands.

In situations where nose breathing is challenging due to nasal congestion or exercise intensity, it is best to prioritize adequate breathing and opt for nasal strips or other alternatives to promote nasal breathing outside of exercise or physical activities.

Question: How can I ensure a comfortable sleep while using mouth tape?

Answer: To ensure a comfortable sleep while using mouth tape, consider the following tips:

1. Experiment with different tapes: Different mouth tapes vary in terms of adhesion, material, and thickness. Try different brands or types of tape to find the one that feels most comfortable on your skin.
2. Adjust the tape placement: If the tape feels too tight or restricts your movement, you can make a small vertical cut in the middle of the tape to allow for some flexibility while still maintaining coverage.
3. Hydrate before bedtime: Ensure that you are well-hydrated before going to sleep, as this can help reduce the risk of dry mouth symptoms.
4. Practice good sleep hygiene: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment, and follow other healthy sleep practices to optimize your overall sleep quality.

Remember, if you experience any discomfort, difficulty breathing, or skin irritation while using mouth tape, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.