- Mouth taping is a TikTok trend that promotes nasal breathing during sleep by taping your mouth shut.
- The reported benefits include reducing snoring and supposed aesthetic effects, but these are not scientifically proven.
- It is not recommended for those with nasal breathing issues or other conditions, as it can also cause lip irritation.
Mouth taping is a viral TikTok trend where users apply tape over their mouths before bed, aiming to enhance sleep quality.
The theory behind this practice is that by blocking mouth breathing, nasal breathing is encouraged, which could help stop snoring and improve sleep quality. Some also claim that mouth taping has aesthetic benefits, such as jawline definition and firmer cheeks, as well as preventing allergens and impurities, which are responsible for bad breath, from entering.
Alleged benefits, but no scientific backing
Although some who have tried mouth taping report improvements in sleep and breathing, there are currently no scientific studies confirming these results. Claims of aesthetic benefits and bad breath prevention are even less substantiated, mostly relying on personal anecdotes.
Risks: more harm than good?
If you have no difficulty breathing through your nose and don’t suffer from respiratory issues, you might be a suitable candidate to try mouth taping. However, this practice is not recommended if you tend to breathe through your mouth due to temporary nasal congestion, a cold, or a deviated septum. In such cases, restricting airways during sleep could worsen your condition, increasing the risk of sleep apnea or other respiratory problems.
Additionally, applying tape to a sensitive area like the lips can cause irritation, especially if non-certified or improper products are used.
Traditional methods are better
Despite its popularity on TikTok, mouth taping isn’t a suitable solution for everyone. If your goal is to improve sleep quality, it may be more effective to adopt proven habits, such as keeping regular sleep schedules, reducing the use of electronic devices before bed, and relaxing with a good book. These methods, supported by scientific evidence, can help you sleep better without risking your health.