Mouth Taping for Sleep: Trendy but Risky?

Mouth Taping for Sleep: Trendy but Risky?

In recent months, a strange sleep trend has gone viral on social media: mouth taping. People are posting videos of themselves sleeping with their mouths taped shut, claiming it helps them sleep better, stop snoring, and breathe through the nose.But is this trend actually safe?

What Is Mouth Taping?

Mouth taping is when someone places a piece of tape over their lips before going to bed. The goal is to force the body to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth during sleep.

Some people say it helps them wake up feeling more refreshed. Others claim it improves focus and energy levels the next day.

What Do Experts Say?

Doctors and sleep experts are warning that this trend may be dangerous, especially for people with breathing problems.

If your nose is blocked due to allergies, a cold, or a deviated septum, taping your mouth can make it hard to breathe properly. This could be risky during sleep.

A new review of 10 studies published in the journal PLOS One found that there is little scientific evidence that mouth taping improves sleep. In fact, a few studies showed it could even make breathing problems worse.

Are There Any Risks?

Yes. Some of the risks include:

• Difficulty breathing if your nose is blocked

• Skin irritation from the tape

• Possible worsening of sleep apnea

• Risk of choking or feeling like you can’t breathe during sleep

Are There Safer Options?

If you want to improve your breathing at night, experts suggest trying safer methods:

• Use nasal sprays or strips to open up the nose

• Sleep on your side instead of your back

• Treat any allergy or sinus problems

• Visit a doctor if you think you have sleep apnea

Final Thoughts

Mouth taping might look trendy on TikTok, but it’s not safe for everyone. Before trying it, it’s best to talk to a doctor—especially if you have trouble breathing through your nose.

Better sleep starts with better health, not with a roll of tape.