Mouth taping

Mouth taping is the practice of sleeping with one's lips held shut by a strip of surgical tape, which prevents mouth breathing during sleep. This supposed life hack gained popularity through social media in the 2020s.^[1] Those who advise in favor of it attribute a variety of health benefits to it, although these claims have not been scientifically verified.^[1]

As of 2023, there is very limited research as to the health effects of mouth taping.^[1]

In principle, breathing though the nose as opposed to breathing through the mouth is beneficial.^[1] Nasal breathing humidifies and filters the inhaled air, allows fuller breaths and can help the body relax.^[1] The nitric oxide produced in the nasal sinuses while breathing nasally can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.^[2] Breathing through the mouth while sleeping, on the other hand, dries out the mouth, which can contribute to dental damage, bad breath, hoarseness and dry lips.^[1] However, there are a number of conditions that inhibit nasal breathing, such as a deviated septum, allergies, sinusitis or chronic nasal congestion. People with such conditions may find mouth taping impractical.^[1]

A few small studies have investigated whether mouth taping alleviates sleep apnea.^[3][4] They found that mouth taping reduced snoring, which may help the snorers' partners sleep better.^[1]