Khaberni - Some people resort to taping their mouths with tape while sleeping in an attempt to improve the quality of their sleep and reduce snoring, but doctors warn against this practice.
This practice is widespread on social media platforms, such as "TikTok," and is often promoted by content creators working on behalf of companies that sell related products.
The scientific truth confirms that breathing through the nose is indeed better for health, as the nose acts as a natural filter that purifies and moisturizes the air before it reaches the lungs. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, causes dry mouth and sore throat, and contributes to increased snoring. However, this does not mean that taping the mouth is the solution.
Dr. Kimberly Hutchinson, a sleep medicine specialist, notes that the studies supporting the use of mouth tape are very limited, and the purported benefits are minimal, while the potential risks are real. Among these risks are the exacerbation of sleep apnea problems, and even the risk of choking in some cases.
When breathing through the mouth at night, a person may wake up with dry mouth and sore throat, which can lead to bad breath and oral health issues. Mouth breathing is also associated with increased snoring.
Even with a preference for nasal breathing, taping the mouth is not the optimal solution. There are no strong evidences that it improves sleep, and the existing studies are too small to allow for confirmed conclusions.
Instead of resorting to these illusory solutions, doctors recommend looking for the real roots of the problem. Mouth breathing during sleep may be an indicator of underlying health issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Dr. David Shulman suggests safe and scientifically proven solutions, like medical mouthguards that expand the airways, or positive air pressure devices. Quitting smoking or losing weight can also help in solving this problem that affects the quality of sleep.
